Miguel Galluzzi in the historical Moto Guzzi motorcycle wind tunnel in Mandello del Lario. Moto Guzzi created the first ever motorcycle wind tunnel in 1950 which enabled racers to mimic real-life riding conditions and optimize their seating and body position at varying racing speeds – an unprecedented advantage for racing and production motorcycles.
Do the two California 1400 Touring and Custom models best represent Moto Guzzi tradition or its future?
The California 1400 is a balancing point between tradition and the future. The design was intended to be reminiscent of the traditional California design, with the sleek lines of the fuel tank, the curved handlebar, the chromium passenger grab handle on the Touring, and the long mudguards. At the same time the new 1400 is more modern, more comfortable, more hospitable, richer and more sumptuous than the previous model. The style was born, I believe in a balanced way, based on tradition which we did not want to forget on one hand, and on the other it brings innovation and an advanced spirit that a modern day Moto Guzzi must have if it aims for the top. The center of the bike strongly recalls tradition as the lines of the tank and saddle converges there, forming that imaginary "cross" which is so typical of previous models. On the other hand, there is no lack of a certain innovative style, provided by the wide rear tire and the front headlight assembly. In fact, the characteristics of the lights are ultra-modern, the front light has full LED illumination like those on high end and elite cars. It is really as if it wants to illuminate the road that opens up before Moto Guzzi, in a new light, brighter and clearer.
What was the primary goal in designing the California 1400?
Exploiting the lines of its engine. It is the only one of its kind in the world and it deserves to be left as visible as possible. The engine, which is such a signature of Moto Guzzi, became a true aspect of design. Its brand new lines represent the character and power that this 90° V twin is capable of doing. This explains why we decided to trim back the tank side fairings, in order for them to not cover the cylinder heads. Its most attractive view is from behind, the two cylinders can be seen emerging, better yet, exploding from the fuel tank. This is a clear representation of the bike's character, an ultra-modern cruiser, splendid to ride at low speeds, but also ready for a bold and fun ride at a moment's notice.
What sets it apart from the competition?
First and foremost the brand on the tank. It is 100% Moto Guzzi, all built by hand in the Mandello del Lario plant. On a dynamic level, it stands out for its features of handling and riding pleasure, which is unique in its category. On a design level, it catches the eye with its powerful engine which bulges from under the fuel tank, as well as its refined details and the style of some of its solutions such as the light assemblies and the instrument panel. The California 1400 is one of the few bikes that manage to convey the impression of craftsmanship and truly exceptional attention to detail.
What is the aspect that a Moto Guzzi will always have?
Personality, style and character of a 'made in Italy' bike. The new California is the only custom that rides like a normal bike, with a high potential for fun in turns, in addition to comfort and protection from the winds at the highest levels. It is an example of an excellent combination of design and function.
It has been just over a week since the Moto Guzzi California 1400, the luxurious new revolution in the motorcycle industry, was unveiled at EICMA in Milano, Italy. It is the new masterpiece of the Moto Guzzi lineup, carrying on the tradition of innovation, high design and craftsmanship that are the hallmarks of the Moto Guzzi brand.
It reminded us here at Moto Guzzi USA that this might have been what it felt like to be around when Carcano and Co. introduced the 500 8V Otto Cilindri and the 90° V-twin engine that was to become the very symbol of Moto Guzzi itself … incredible pressure, eager anticipation and downright sweaty palms because you were unveiling a product for the first time without fully knowing what the public response would be.
But it is also that history, the looking back to all of the innovations that Guzzi has achieved, that must have been a source of inspiration for the California 1400 engineers and design team, pushing them to make this incredible machine while staying true to the historical roots of Guzzi.
With that in mind, we wanted to share with you a wonderful interview conducted in 2002 with former Moto Guzzi chief engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano, when he was 93 years of age. In the article, written by Luca Angerame and Aldo Locatelli, you will find quite a lot of material on the production V-twin engines from Carcano’s viewpoint and also that he had the curiosity and the engineering mind to calculate the likely horsepower and developments in MotoGP racing. It’s a fascinating read and we are pleased to share it with you.
Read the interview here.
Miguel Galluzzi, Director of Piaggio’s Advanced Design Center, talks about how the design of today’s Moto Guzzis creates a one-of-a-kind rider experience and gives us some hints about the future of Guzzi design.
1. Ultimately, when riders take their Moto Guzzi for a ride, what is that you want them to feel?
First, the completely unique feel of our 90° V-twin engine and then something that most riders today seem to have lost – to enjoy the ride!
2. What was your design inspiration for the V7 Racer and V7 Classic?
The inspiration for the V7 family was to capture all of the above sensations, but especially Guzzi's Italian Sport riding tradition, which separates the brand from all the others. To me the motorcycle is all about the details. We really enjoy working with the little details. For example, the bolt that affixes the shock absorber on the V7 used to be a very flat washer with an Alan bolt. Now, we have a piece of aluminum that takes an entirely different approach. That might seem superficial, but when you see the whole, the details make the motorcycle. The bolt is almost more important than the paint.
3. How is Guzzi poised for the future?
It’s not going to be retro, it’s not going to be vintage - it’s going to be something that is Guzzi all the way.
You see, we need very basic things to really enjoy a ride on a motorcycle. We know there is this craziness about café racers right now, but you don’t need to get too fancy.
Guzzi has to keep a certain tradition, one that is built on the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle, which as I mentioned earlier has been lost in today’s world. On the other hand, we are working on the future of Guzzi. There will be a new engine, a new level of performance.
The motorcycle technology department is working closely with the championship winning racing department of our Aprilia superbikes, which is one of the best in the world. All of these new energies are getting together to create a new Guzzi and a new engine that will be the future of Guzzi for the next 10 years. You can see some hints about our future direction in the California 1400, which we announced earlier this year.
About the Author
A third generation motorcyclist, Miguel Angel Galluzzi is the Director of Piaggio’s Advanced Design Center. His creations have paved the way for a new generation of motorcycle designs with their elegant, simple lines and uncompromising engineering standards.
Moto Guzzi has always demonstrated its ability to go the distance. So if a motorcycle is going to remain roadworthy for decades, and its designers know that, then it’s incumbent upon them to ensure that it doesn't fall out of fashion.
That’s why Moto Guzzi style is as faithful as its mechanical acclaim. And the perception of its very heart - its engine - speaks to the true soul of the machine and ownership experience.
After more than 90 years of sculptural expression, the transverse, V-twin engine is now the focal point and most discriminating detail of Mandello’s styling statement. Other Moto Guzzi engines that have preceded today’s, like the original bacon-slicer single, are the stuff of legend and the staying power of such imagery has transcended the mere compilation of mechanical elements. Bottom line, Moto Guzzi engines have evolved into critically-acclaimed design cues.
No other motorcycle offers the intrinsic beauty and aesthetic balance of the current transverse-mounted, V-twin. And when combined with shaft drive, the visual appeal of the Moto Guzzi powertrain communicates a sensory effectiveness that’s unfettered by such ungainly aversions as the exposed and oily chain, or the beastly, black drive belt.
It’s no wonder that Moto Guzzi has never been afraid to flaunt its unique and illustrious engines, instead of burying them beneath plastic shrouds and fairings. And why not? After more than 90 years of making magnificent motorcycles, there’s an awful lot to be proud of, starting with the engine.
Have you taken a look lately?
Steven Rossi was bitten by the Moto Guzzi bug almost 35 years ago when he stumbled across a G5 parked on Montague Street in Brooklyn, New York. The vivid memory remains with him to this day, demonstrating his personal passion for the brand.
Miguel Galluzzi, Piaggio Advanced Design Director, shares his thoughts about iconic Italian motorcycle design and the unique elements that make a Guzzi, well...a Guzzi.
What is it about a Moto Guzzi that makes it such an original?
One of the oldest brands in the world, Guzzi is a combination of unique Italian performance and passion. That's a combination that in today’s motorcycle world is not found very easily.
What special role does Moto Guzzi play in motorcycle culture?
Because of its history, the Guzzi name comes up in almost every conversation about motorcycle lineage. In Italy, in particular, the name Moto Guzzi recalls very familiar moments and emotions: fathers, uncles, friends, all at one moment or another in life have owned a Guzzi. What is more amazing is that most Guzzi owners, regardless of what country they are in, have owned or own more than one.
What is your favorite moment in Moto Guzzi history?
To me, the V8 500 Grand Prix motorcycle of 1955, the Otto Cilindri, remains the best example of Italian engineering at work. That particular model is impossible to duplicate today. From the dimension of the tubing used in the frame construction to the assembly of the fairing, every detail was thought out completely, making the V8 Guzzi out of this world!
About the Author
A third generation motorcyclist, Miguel Angel Galluzzi is the Director of Piaggio’s Advanced Design Center. His creations have paved the way for a new generation of motorcycle designs with their elegant, simple lines and uncompromising engineering standards.
