Ritmo Sereno is a pretty well known name in the Japanese custom scene, and its latest output is this fantastic rendition of the Moto Guzzi Ambassador. This bike is actually a follow-up to another special Guzzi racer they had put out a couple of years ago, but this new one is definitely more racer-looking than its predecessor, having lost basically all of its frills. And it does look the part.

The most dramatic change affected the rear section, which has been completely re-designed in order to make it as light as possible. The original sub-frame and mudguard are gone, replaced by an AMP Design frame with a saddle courtesy of Razzle-Dazzle. The tank was lifted from a Guzzi bike and then cut to make it sleeker.

The front fairing and lights have been replaced by a number plate which also makes for the protection of the digital instrumentation, while two cone-shaped black mufflers have appeared at the sides of the rear wheel. Its captivating paint-job has been applied by specialist Crown Stupid (yeah, you read that right). All the companies that contributed to this outstanding machine have also ’signed’ its tail, adding up to the exclusivity of this bike. Excellent job.

via | BikeExif

Designer Luca Bar introduces a captivating concept bike that envisages an hypothetical Moto Guzzi sportbike, a model that many fans of the Italian brand around the globe have been dreaming about for years. Mr. Luca has come up with a graphic concept that uses a modern and athletic frame hosting a typical ‘Guzzi’ V-Twin engine, and the result is pretty cool indeed.

The design of the chassis and the rear section are clearly inspired by the Aprilia RSV4, while at the front we have a Hossak-type suspension in place of a ‘regular’ fork that - in the worlds of the designer himself - “allows for a shorter wheel-base to the benefit of the bike’s overall handling, which is Guzzi’s usual weakest link.” The single-sided swingarm is a nice and classy touch, as are the carbon fiber fairings, also quite reminiscent of the RSV4.

The fact this Guzzi concept is so heavily influenced by Aprilia’s flagship actually makes perfect sense as both brands are controlled by the Piaggio Group: if the idea of a Moto Guzzi sportsbike is ever to be considered, having it growing out of the same project that generated the RSV4 would save the Piaggio guys a lot of money, but in reality the chances to see such a project taking off are quite slim, possibly not-existent at all. With Aprilia steadily established as the sport/racing brand of th group, the role of the Moto Guzzi brand within the group is still quite blurred and unclear. However, dreaming doesn’t cost a thing, does it?

via | Luca Bar

During the usual Dealer Meeting that took place in Montecarlo a few days ago - also attended by Aprilia’s WSB rider Max Biaggi - the Piaggio Group introduced two brand new models of its subsidiaries Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. It was not an official presentation as the press was not allowed in and both models are expected to hit the showrooms in the not-so-near future - which also explains the lack of info and specs - but nonetheless it was the first time that both these models were spotted around in their definitive form: meet the Aprilia Caponord 1200 and the Moto Guzzi California 1400.

The Caponord 1200 is not too different from the one we had spotted about a year ago. The chassis looks is similar to the one of the Dorsoduro model, if not exactly the same. Same goes for the engine - which should be a 130 hp twin - while the suspension is probably tweaked to make it more suitable for off-road use. 19″ rims and a front end that adopts the design language introduced by the RSV4 and then adopted by the whole Aprilia’s range complete the profile of the bike, for now. As for now there’s no word as for when the Caponord will eventually hit the market, but will be waiting for more info about this model.

As for the Moto Guzzi California 1400, the images of this model were collected by renowned Italian magazine Motociclismo, which got them from a dealer that was at the event. The model is equipped by a 1,400 cc engine that should deliver more power and torque of the current version. We also notice an oil-radiator, which would make us belief that the cooling system will be an oil-mixed-air one. The new Guzzi should be officially unveiled next fall, and more accurate info about it are expected to surface way before that: we will keep you posted.

pics | VisorDown

The Piaggio Group showcases many models from all of its brands at the 2011 EICMA. We already introduced Piaggio X10, Aprilia SRV 850 and Vespa Quarantasei, now let’s have a quick look through the other most significant ones.

Moto Guzzi V7 now available in three models: the V7 (a classic motorcycle), the V7 Special (for upmarket tourism and speed enthusiasts) and the V7 Racer (the highly advanced racing version), all based on the fully re-engineered 90° V-twin engine. The new Moto Guzzi Nevada, powered by the new 750 two-cylinder, retains the characteristic custom design but features a less laid-back riding position for greater control.

Piaggio presents the Beverly SportTouring, a sporty version of the successful Beverly with a completely new 33 hp 350 cc engine, a 150/70 rear tyre and a new look, and is also first scooter in the world with ABS/ASR. Then there is the revamped Fly, which has undergone a full restyling and will go on sale worldwide. Initially available in a 50 cc, 4-stroke, 4V version, it will later be joined by 125 and 150 cc models as well. Click the “Continue Reading” link below to find out about Aprilia and Derbi.

View the full Piaggio Group line-up at the 2011 EICMA photo gallery

Aprilia’s most shining star at the 2011 EICMA is the SRV 850 maxi-scooter, but also quite interesting is the SR Motard, a Supermoto-inspired sporty scooter powered by either a 2-stroke 50cc or a robust 4-stroke 125cc. We bet it will become a best seller among young riders.

Derbi introduces the Variant Sport, a new sporty high wheel scooter delivering impressive performance and reliability at an affordable cost. It will come with 14” wheels and will be available with two engines: a 2-stroke 50cc and a 4-stroke 125cc.

We have never seen a customized Moto Guzzi Stelvio before, but Mr. Filippo Barbacane and the other people at Officine Rossopuro went a little further than that, transfroming the massive adventure tourer from the Italian manufacturer into this aggressive supermoto bike, renamed ‘Motard One‘. If we didn’t know, we surely wouldn’t have guessed it.

The Motard One is powered by the famous ‘Big Bore’, a 90° V-twin engine with two valves per cylinder whose displacement was brought up to 1420cc by Italian factory Millepercento. The engine now weights only 62kg, produces 140 hp and uses a new radiator and a new exhaust system hand-made by Officine Rossopuro’s main man Filippo Barbacane himself.

The bike braking system was upgraded using selected Brembo’s components, the fork is a brilliant 50mm Marzocchi, rims comes from Marchesini and on the rear it boasts Extreme Tech racing suspension. The whole rear end has been heavily modified and now featrues a small tail with beautiful hand-made finishing. Although it is hard to detect Stelvio’s somatic traits in the Motard One, we are sure that if such a model would be featured in Moto Guzzi’s official catalogue, many people would seriously consider buying one.

via | BikeExif.com

View the full Officine Rossopuro’s Motard One photo gallery

During the recent GMG 2011 (Giornate Mondiali Guzzi - Guzzi World Days 2011), Moto Guzzi unveiled the new California 90 model. The bike is a special limited edition California and is meant to honor Moto Guzzi’s 90th anniversary as well as the 40th anniversary of the world’s best known Italian custom bike. Born in 1971, the very first V7 California was designed around V7 Special’s technical base. The main difference between these 2 bikes was California’s bigger saddle, that was as comfortable as an armchair and allowed the rider to enjoy the view while being sheltered from the wind, thanks to that large windscreen that was part of California’s standard equipment as well as the big side bags.

This was the recipe that made this bike a success both in Europe and overseas, where it was first adopted by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department) and then made service bike of choice by many other American States. Back in its homeland, it also became the official motorcycle for the Corazzieri corps, the honor guard of the President of the Italian Republic. Moto Guzzi California has been subjected to several upgrades in his 40 years long history, but always managed to stay loyal to its original concept. It went from 750 to 850cc with the T model (in 1973) and introduced the famous ‘linked braking system’ with the following model, called T3 (in 1975).

In 1981 the California made its debut in the 1000cc class with a new 948cc engine - featuring distinctive ’square’ cylinder heads - which was developed out of the California I engine. The current 1100cc displacement was firstly adopted in 1994 with the launch of the California 1100i model. Since then, this version of the bike has undergone a number of restylings which allowed it to be kept into production up to this day, making it Moto Guzzi’s most successful California model to date out of all the 50000 units that have been built throughout the years at the Mandello del Lario factory.

Manufactured with the usual workmanship, the new Moto Guzzi California 90 introduces an original two-tone paint scheme called ‘Anniversario’ which combines metallic California Orange and Diamond White: the former dominates the lower part of the bike while the latter is more prominent on the upper side, meaning top of the tank, front mudguard and panniers lids, which are also finely decorated with black inserts. A distinguishing element of this new color scheme is definitely the Guzzi logo placed on the tank, which reproduces the same font style used by Moto Guzzi in the early 30s, when the mighty Omobono Tenni was the ruler of motorcycle racing. Other highlights are the handmade leather saddle and a numbered identification plate on the steering yoke, right in front of the rider’s eyes, which certifies the authenticity of this limited edition California 1100.

The ‘Anniversario’ graphics emphasize its spoked wheels, steel mudguards and supplementary fog lights, all of which have been borrowed from the Vintage model just like the stainless steel supported windscreen, the traditional ox-horn handlebar, the velvet-lined hard panniers and the chromium-plated rear luggage rack.

The California 90 is powered by the latest version of the big block series V-twin engine, an evolution of 1994 version which is well known for its mighty torque and proverbial reliability. Its 1064cc capacity comes from 92mm bore/80mm stroke aluminum alloy cylinders coupled with graphite low wear pistons. Boasting a Weber-Marelli fuel-injection system and 40mm throttle bodies, this engine can supply huge power even at low revs thanks to the fact it can reach its maximum torque value at 5000 rpm. And it can push it even further, up to 6400 rpm, when it delivers its full power of about 74hp.

In the same fashion, Moto Guzzi California 90 chassis’ design has a lot in common with the Vintage version. The frame is a neat detachable duplex cradle which, combined with the 29° rake, guarantees stability and accuracy when changing direction. Riding comfort is ensured by high quality suspension, boasting a 45mm Marzocchi fork on the front (140mm of wheel travel) and a dual shock swingarm with adjustable spring preload on the rear (104mm wheel travel).

As for braking, the California 90 exploits the best material available on the market: the front uses double 320mm stainless steel floating disc with precious 4 piston calipers made by Brembo, the rear has a 282mm disc with 2 piston calipers also made by Brembo, which provide the renowned ‘linked braking system’ that is so typical of Moto Guzzi’s motorcycles. California 90’s spoked wheels are also quite peculiar, with an 18″ on the front and a 17″ on the back fitting high shoulder tyres, a combination that gifts this bike with excellent handling and great riding accuracy.

Moto Guzzi California 90 specifications:

Engine: Air cooled 90° V-Twin 4 stroke
Displacement: 1064cc
Maximum power: 54kW at 6400 rpm
Maximum torque: 94 Nm at 5000 rpm
Exhaust system: stainless steel, 2 tubes connected to 1 expansion room
that is connected to 2 steel mufflers; 3-way catalyzer with Lambda sensor
Gearbox: 5 speed, constant mesh gears with in-built cush drive
Final distribution: shaft drive, ratio 8/33 = 1 : 4.125
Front suspension: 45mm Marzocchi hydraulic telescopic fork, adjustable separately
Rear suspension: swing arm with 2 hydraulic shock absorbers, extension adjustable
Front brake: double stainless steel floating disc, 320mm diameter, Brembo 4 piston calipers
Rear brake: stainless steel disc, 282mm diameter, Brembo 2 piston calipers.
Moto Guzzi integral braking system
Tyres: 110/90 VB 18″ (front) - 140/70 VB 17″ (rear)
Lenght: 2380mm
Width: 815mm
Height: 1150mm
Seat height: 780mm
Dry weight: 251kg
Fuel tank capacity: 19 liters (4 liters reserve)

View the full Moto Guzzi California 90 gallery

Luc1, the designer that some people might remember for the extravagant design of the Honda RC50 2011, has just sent us a new drawing. This is Moto Guzzi MGS02 Corsa, a concept born from… well, let’s leave it to Luc1 himself:

“The other day I was reading an article about Moto Guzzi 90th anniversary, and it made me realize that there still are many people around who are just crazy about the bikes from the Mandello del Lario-based manufacturer. Unfortunately, modern companies (not just motorcycle ones) have left the passion aside a little bit… I think that fans would do anything to see “Guaro” (Guareschi) riding a MGS again.

Besides, in today’s sportbikes market, there is also a lack of products that might not be as extreme as modern supersport bikes are, but could offer the highest level of ride quality nonetheless (i.e. SS Ducati, BMW HP2 Sport, VTR 1000, TRX 850, etc..). The MGS 02 is a half naked sportbike with pointy upper fairing and self-supporting carbon tail (always black). Extremely low weight and good engine torque would make it the perfect beast for riding on mountains, and it could do well on slow tracks too…”

This Brand Reversion project by Graham Smith is playing with our mind as we try to register the brand name we know in another’s logo. So we get Ducati and Benelli mixing it red and Moto Guzzi getting all that American cruiser style implanted in the Harley Davidson logo. Other brands are used, but we’re more interested in the motorcycle ones and if anyone wants to play around, send your suggestions in. We’re thinking swapping the Honda logo for Buell, or Yamaha with Suzuki.

Source | Motoblog.it

Ahead of the third stage of the 2011 Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour that takes place at the Olympic stadium in Rome on Friday 24th, Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams teased the opening yesterday by jumping off a 2.70 mt high ramp with the legendary powder blue and white Italian police Guzzi.

More photos over at redbull.it

There’s nothing like taking an Italian national icon in the motoring world to get Italians - especially the riding or driving ones - in a tizz. The latest comes with a debate over the merits of modern Moto Guzzi sportsbike design, and the prices that accompany it. This Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport 4V Corsa is generally considered a damn good ride, but with dated looks, and it costs 12,620 euros.

That apparently makes it a price close to a BMW R1200 R for example, and that makes competing for the Guzzi tough. The Sport 1200 4V comes in a new bicolour tint, alongside the classic silver or black livery. It has a V-Twin engine with 105 hp and 105 Nm of torque. The price is obviously specific to the local Italian market, but have your say about it in the comments.

If you’re going to hold your annual dealers meeting like Piaggio did the other day in Montecarlo(Leon Camier and Max Biaggi took off from testing at Portimao to attend) you should make sure that your guests aren’t taking sneak pics with their phones, because you can be sure that they’ll post the photos on the web as soon as they can.

So thanks to someone on an Italian Guzzi forum we can show the spy shots of Guzzi’s ‘modernized’ California cruiser that according to rumors should be getting a new 3 valve engine and the V7 Scrambler, that still has that vintage look, but seems a little more sportier.

As the dealers have already gotten a preview, we expect that Piaggi/Guzzi will soon be releasing specs and prices.

Source | motoblog.it

Filippo Barbacane could be considered the modern embodiment of the Moto Guzzi philosophy, and his Rossopuro brand is well known among fans of Guzzi and afficionados of the aftermarket and tuning segments. It seems that the majority of the Barbacane creations are made for the sake of art in a motorcycle world, and this TTre is another example of the Barbacane design.

The original bike used to arrived at this finished product was an SP 1000 and it has been dressed in an elegant vintage style to create a not-so-extreme café racer. About four months were required to build it, and it is full of small, refined details. Overall, we get a sober bike, with a shiny look for the engine which seems like it just came off the production line. The 45 mm handlebars are adjustable, and the cone-shaped exhaust is from Megaton.

The front fork measures 45 mm and is from Marzocchi, while the rear suspension is made from two Asatek springs. The tubeless wheels measure 17-inches and the brakes are from the Brembo Serie Oro range with twin, 320 mm discs. The small saddle is completely handmade, as is the rear mudguard. After the jump you’ll find the technical specs of this TTre by Rossopure and Filippo Barbacane.

TTre Rossopuro by Filippo Barbacane

Technical Specs: TTre

MODEL : Moto Guzzi
NAME : TTre
BUILDER: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
CITY AND NATION : Pescara Italia
YEAR :2010
BUILD TIME: four and-a-half months

ENGINE :

MODEL: Moto Guzzi SP 1000
DISPLACEMENT:1000
COOLING: Air
EXAUST SYSTEM: Officine RossoPuro
TERMINAL: Megaton

CHASSIS :

FRAME: Stock
FRONT FORK: Marzocchi 45mm
REAR SUSPENSION: Asateck
FRONT WHEELS: Tubeless 17”x3,50 120/70/17
REAR WHEELS: Tubeless 17”X4,25 150/55/17

BRAKES :

FRONT BRAKE ROTORS: 320 mm Brembo
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER: Brembo double piston
REAR BRAKE ROTORS: 280mm Brembo
REAR BRAKE CALIPER: Brembo
BRAKE LINES: Inox

ACCESSORIES and SPECIAL PARTS :

TANK: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
FRONT FENDER: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
REAR FENDER: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
HANDLEBAR: Tarozzi adjustable by 45mm
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER: Brembo
FOOT CONTROLS: Officine Rossopuro
SEAT: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
INSTRUMENTS: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro
LICENCE PLATE: Filippo Barbacane – Officine RossoPuro

MOULDING and FINISHES:
BODY PAINT: Officine RossoPuro and Melideo coachbuilders
GRAPHICS: Filippo Barbacane

Source | Motoblog.it