Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Travlr on November 10, 2025, 02:56:20 PM

Title: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Travlr on November 10, 2025, 02:56:20 PM
I’m thinking of adding a vintage small block Guzzi to the garage.  I’m trying to remember which models were imported to the USA.
Here is what I remember.  Perhaps others here can add any models I’ve forgotton.

750CC: Nevada and Breva and Lario.

650CC: SP

I doubt I want to go to a 500.  What models am I missing?

Mike
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Dirk_S on November 10, 2025, 03:00:37 PM
Clarification: The Lario (4-valve) was a 650cc. The 750cc 4-valve was the TargaV75 (Targa was the 750cc 2-valve) (thanks, faffi), but neither of those 750s was sold in the States per Dave Richardson.
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: rocker59 on November 10, 2025, 03:06:47 PM
Don't forget the glorious V65 Florida !!!    :bike-037:   :cheesy:
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: pehayes on November 10, 2025, 03:14:20 PM
There was also an earlier 650C model.  Tried to look like a mini-Eldorado with teardrop tank and big windscreen.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on November 10, 2025, 03:48:27 PM
For the US market:
650: V65C, V65SP, V65TT, V65 Lario
750: none until 2004 when the Breva 750 arrived, followed by the Nevada, Classic, etc.

Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: faffi on November 10, 2025, 03:49:49 PM
Clarification: The Lario (4-valve) was a 650cc. The 750cc 4-valve was the Targa, but I’m not sure how many of those were sold in the States.

In Europe, the 4-valve 750 was a butt ugly standard more akin to the T5 in looks, while the Targa 750 had the standard 2-valve engine combined with the Lario look. Performance Bikes tested the Targa and wrote something like "The tester tried to find anything good to say about it, then it broke down".
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Dirk_S on November 10, 2025, 04:05:10 PM
In Europe, the 4-valve 750 was a butt ugly standard more akin to the T5 in looks, while the Targa 750 had the standard 2-valve engine combined with the Lario look. Performance Bikes tested the Targa and wrote something like "The tester tried to find anything good to say about it, then it broke down".

Ah, that’s right, thanks. I keep forgetting there was the Targa and separately the V75. Dave Richardson mentions that neither were imported here.
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Turin on November 10, 2025, 07:20:44 PM
Mike,

I may know where a really neat smallblock is hiding.
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Travlr on November 10, 2025, 08:00:06 PM
Mike,

I may know where a really neat smallblock is hiding.

You have my interest Turin.

Mike
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Travlr on November 10, 2025, 08:01:13 PM
650: V65C, V65SP, V65TT, V65 Lario
750: none until 2004 when the Breva 750 arrived, followed by the Nevada, Classic, etc.

Were all 4 V65's imported?

Mike
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on November 10, 2025, 08:45:41 PM
Were all 4 V65's imported?

Mike

Yes.
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: turboguzzi on November 11, 2025, 11:52:18 AM
Whatever you choose, stay away from the 8 valvers..... even if its for free :)

in the rare case you find one thats still alive
Title: Re: Vintage small block Guzzi's
Post by: faffi on November 11, 2025, 02:18:19 PM
Quite a few have fitted 2-valve 750 engines to their Larios as a replacement for the original engine, but that only make sense if you desire a Lario that is also reliable.