The Moto Guzzi factory could be working on a smaller-capacity bike for markets with learner bike laws such as Australia.
The hint of a learner bike comes from Moto Guzzi Australia manager Ezio Forcella at the Sydney launch of the new California Eldorado and Audace cruisers last week.
Moto Guzzi is imported into Australia by the John Sample Group which also distributes Aprilia motorcycles and scooters.
“The only model missing from the Aprilia and Moto Guzzi line-up in Australia is a LAMS bike, but I’m hopeful,” says Ezio.
“We’re discussing options with the factory and they are looking at what they can produce.
“It’s not just our issue (learner bikes); there are other markets to consider.
“I’ve heard a lot of things about a lot of projects and it’s a matter of which project gets produced.
“But there will be some new things at ECMA which is their hometown show and where they always unveil new models.
“There are a few projects on the board and they’re assessing which ones we go with.”
The Aprilia and Moto Guzzi model range includes scooters, sports bikes, naked bikes, retros, cruisers and big-bore adventurers.
“I don’t think that the range is lacking anything other than a learner,” Ezio says.
If Moto Guzzi does go ahead with a learner model, it could be simply a sleeved and/or throttle or ECU-limited V7. Ducati did the same thing just for Australia with the 659 Monster.
Moto Guzzi has produced a number of interesting 500cc bikes over the years including the Grand Prix V8 and the V50 Monza.
The Moto Guzzi V7 and cruisers are currently their biggest sellers in Australia.
“The V7 is doing well with the current Hipsters movement,” he says. “A lot of horsepower doesn’t mean a lot of fun. It’s about handling, feeling and character. The V7 makes you feel alive when you are on the speed limit.”
He says it also attracts a lot of women to the brand.
“The V7 is a lot more nimble motorcycle that is easy to ride and not intimidating,” he says.
“It used to be that a 500cc bike was a big bike and people used to tour on them, so a 750cc bike is still very capable. You can still cruise anywhere you want on a 750.”
He says the Piaggio ownership of April and Moto Guzzi has done a lot for the brands.
“It’s been good for advancing technology, reliability and spare parts,” he says. “We have less than 1% issues and they are all fixed quickly.
“My vision is that we have better communication with our customers.”