Time line question ..... Aprilia or Piaggio responsible for CARC?

[ohiorider]

I've wondered how long the CARC lineup (BNS12) were in the oven before their introduction.  I would assume that Aprilia may have been responsible for the design, prior to Piaggio taking the reins.  Anyone here know the development history of the CARC bikes?

[PJPR01]

Funny this topic should come up...I was wondering if it's a coincidence or a deliberate choice of words...

Is there any possibility that the CARC was named in honor of Giulio Carcano...one of the early Guzzi designers?

[PJPR01]

:)   

[jreagan]

Here's the US Patent filed by "Moto Guzzi Spa" in 2002. 

http://www.google.com/patents/US6932178

It references an earlier patent from Horst Leitner from 1980.

http://www.google.com/patents/US4336859

[rocker59]

Here's the US Patent filed by "Moto Guzzi Spa" in 2002. 

http://www.google.com/patents/US6932178
 

And the Griso was first shown in Milan in 2003, if I recall correctly.  But it might've been 2002.

Note the interesting engine mock-up in the prototype concept bike that was initially shown: