New entry level Guzzi model?

[jrt]

I have my doubts, but I'm not above rumor-mongering.

https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/moto-guzzi-retro-roadster-spy-shots/

[JJ]

Looks like an Aprilia, "YES"...but a V-twin Moto Guzzi..."NO"   

[aproud1]

That just doesn't add up. Maybe it's part of a new entry level brand. Moprilia? Apruzzi?

[acogoff]

    Prototype extra shock on front fork is maybe just an engineering work around for more dampening??

[Moparnut72]

It looks like some sort of an experiment with all kinds of parts pulled from everywhere. Kind of like when I was having a /2 painted while needing my basic transportation. I worked in a bike shop so I had access to lots of parts. It had a Honda tank, motocross front fender, Harley style side mounted tail light and license plate plus more. It was a real abomination but it got me around.
kk

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

    Prototype extra shock on front fork is maybe just an engineering work around for more dampening??

Extra shock? The blue thing is a suspension travel sensor used during the prototype stages to see how well the suspension is working.

[acogoff]

     Oh Ok, Charlie now I see there is one on the rear also.

[AJ Huff]

I've been expecting a non v-twin Moto Guzzinsince the debut of Aprilia's Shiver. I'm surprised it still hasn't happened yet.

-AJ

[Dirk_S]

I’d have no qualms if Guzzi added another engine style—as the saying has gone for the past 40 years or so now, “if that German brand can do it, why can’t the Italian Eagle?”

Maybe they’re going to use this opportunity to “go back to their roots” before the V-twin. Or wait—didn’t they have a badged parallel twin in the 60s or 70s?

So long as the V-twin exists prominently in some way, and preferably air- or air/oil-cooled (just like ze Germans!), I’m happy enough.

All that said, maybe it’ll be a “modern classic” styled Aprilia rocking a V85 tank. Don’t forget that Guzzi bikes have shared a number of parts with Aprilia models for years now.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Maybe they’re going to use this opportunity to “go back to their roots” before the V-twin. Or wait—didn’t they have a badged parallel twin in the 60s or 70s?

Truly "back to their roots" would be a horizontal single. The parallel twins (and inline fours) during the late '70s and early '80s were all rebadged Benellis.

[jrt]

Can you imagine the liability issues with a modern bacon slicer?  LOL.  I'd totally buy one.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Can you imagine the liability issues with a modern bacon slicer?  LOL.  I'd totally buy one.

The Nuovo Falcone still had an external flywheel, but under a cover. The same could be done again. The aftermarket could sell "flywheel gazers". 

[jrt]

The Nuovo Falcone still had an external flywheel, but under a cover. The same could be done again. The aftermarket could sell "flywheel gazers". 

The Nuevo's just...don't do it for me.  I do like the idea of flywheel gazers.  That's hilarious.

[Guffman]

Dont manufacturers usually hide new test vehicles under random under parts so you can't tell what they actually look like? My guess is that this is a new Aprilia and they slapped some Guzzi parts on it for the public roads. In saying that I would love an entry level Guzzi single but it would probably need to be built in Asia (Piaggio factory in Indonesia?) to be price compeitive. Would love to see something competitive with the new Ducati single as well so probably something oversquare 700cc+ plus some smaller displacement models for the Asian market

[rocker59]

"With multiple Moto Guzzi styling elements" ???

I don't see it...

Looks like an Aprilia naked, to me.

[kingoffleece]

Exactly what I was thinking........... ...........

[Turin]

Piaggio also owns Derbi and Gilera. Maybe others too? Slap one of those badges on there.

[acguzzi]

aprilia have already released parallel twins "half of the V4" it makes sense that it would be a variant of that

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Piaggio also owns Derbi and Gilera. Maybe others too? Slap one of those badges on there.

Laverda too. "The New Laverda 500 Alpino". 

[Bulldog9]

"With multiple Moto Guzzi styling elements" ???

I don't see it...

Looks like an Aprilia naked, to me.

That's what I think too. Wouldn't be their first with a traditional (ehem - PROPER) headlight.

[s1120]

I really dont see it. OK, the tank side looks a tiny bit like a guzzi..  but as was said, I think its just random parts from the rack tossed on to a new frame/engine concept for aprilia. FAR more likely that they would have a more entry level model like that, then MG would. It doesnt really tick any of the Guzzi boxes.

[Huzo]

The crankcase shape looks like a TNT 1130 Benelli.

[SIR REAL ED]

I really dont see it. OK, the tank side looks a tiny bit like a guzzi..  but as was said, I think its just random parts from the rack tossed on to a new frame/engine concept for aprilia. FAR more likely that they would have a more entry level model like that, then MG would. It doesnt really tick any of the Guzzi boxes.

Well said.  Marketing that bike as a Moto Guzzi seems pointless.

Moto Guzzi, like Harley and BMW have a engine type brand that is almost a religious cult.  Deviating from that engine type doesn't convince their core customer base.  The idea of an "entry level" Moto Guzzi is a strange idea.  Especially when one can see the same engine in models marketed with other Manufacturers names owned by the Mother company.

I can understand Harley or BMW trying to fill gaps in their product lineups, but for Piaggio to do the same?

Maybe the name brand Moto Guzzi is understood differently in Europe than in the US.

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.

[Frenchfrog]

That understanding is totally generational ...to the average 30 somethings they will look at this and just possibly think that it's a guzzi that they can afford or are willing to buy.Then if all goes well and they become hooked then their next bike might be a guzzi too ...only the hard core enthusiasts will look at that and rant.

[Dirk_S]

That understanding is totally generational ...to the average 30 somethings they will look at this and just possibly think that it's a guzzi that they can afford or are willing to buy.Then if all goes well and they become hooked then their next bike might be a guzzi too ...only the hard core enthusiasts will look at that and rant.

And just think—the NEW generation of curmudgeons will all be small block owners.

…big block blood boils.

[Moparnut72]

When BMW brought out the brick they said that was the future direction of the company, opposed engines were on the way out. Then the screaming started. Well we know the rest. 
kk

[SIR REAL ED]

That understanding is totally generational ...to the average 30 somethings they will look at this and just possibly think that it's a guzzi that they can afford or are willing to buy.Then if all goes well and they become hooked then their next bike might be a guzzi too ...only the hard core enthusiasts will look at that and rant.

You may be right.  A lot of people out there have no technical knowledge what soever.  Some don't know the difference between air cooling and water cooling, carburetors or fuel injectors, chain drive, belt drive or shaft drive, etc.  They might not know that the same bike can be sold under several different Manufacturer labels.  Hard to believe that these people will be brand loyal as they get older, but I may be wrong.

I think the buyers who were brand loyal probably went almost extinct shortly after the internet became a great place to buy stuff!  I think that most of the buyers who had/have a fanatical, cult like sense of brand loyalty, were born before 1960.  We can remember the stepping stone lineups (60's, 80's, 100's, 125's, 175's,250's, 350's, 500's, 650's, etc.) that, at least the big four Japanese manufacturers offered year after year.

It will be fun to watch.

Of course, look at the Husky701/KTM690 clones.  They probably increase revenue for both companies.  It will be fun to watch.

[LowRyter]

Given Guzzi's GP past, it would be cool if the second GP team was branded Guzzi (like Gas Gas) and we had a version of that RSV/Tuono 1000-1100 V4 on the floor room. 

Even a limited edition GP model replica or something. 

[Frulk]

A Guzzi (at least to me) has two definable traits*. It’s V motor and being made in Italy. This bike has neither. The V motor is gone and it’s made in India.

* I could say it used to be 3… Being air cooled. Suppose I could make the jump to water in the block but not a wholly Indian sourced Guzzi. That chasm is too far for me to leap.

[Frenchfrog]

Guzzi was much more than a V twin though Frulk.As to the place of manufacture that has shifted to branding since many may years ago. Indian badged Vincents and Enfields, jAP and Villiers engines used by multitudes of different chassis manufacturers since motorcyling was a teenager....nothing new has happened recently really apart from the technology seriously advancing.