The history of Moto Guzzi motorcycles begins with the conception of a dream in 1921, when the Italian manufacturer was founded to break away from a world increasingly dominated by the automobile. I remember the first time I saw a Moto Guzzi — its bold, retro presence and timeless styling instantly caught my eye. There’s something deeply magnetic about the essence of this brand, something that speaks of freedom, individualism, and the open road.
What makes it stand out isn’t just the style but the high-quality craftsmanship that has consistently characterized its builds over time. This article outlines how a true iconic legend came to life, delivering not just transportation but an affordable sense of movement wrapped in unmistakably Italian flair. The Moto Guzzi name today still holds strong, echoing decades of innovation and artistic engineering that define what a motorcycle can be when built with passion, precision, and heritage.
Origin Story
The story of Moto Guzzi starts in Genoa, Italy, on March 15, 1921, when a bold new company was officially constituted under the name Società Anonima Moto Guzzi. Inside the office of a local notary, Paolo Cassanello, the original mission statement laid out a clear purpose: the fabrication and sale of motorcycles, along with other activities pertinent or correlated to the metalworking, mechanical, and engineering industries.
The start-up was formed by three visionary partners: Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, Carlo Guzzi, and Giorgio Parodi. Together, they engineered a new type of motorcycle that would later become known as the first Moto Guzzi, the legendary Normale. The name wasn’t flashy, but it marked the beginning of something remarkable. Even in its earliest form, the Moto Guzzi stood apart in design and performance—proof that the roots of innovation were already strong in the brand’s DNA.
By the 1920s, and later in the 30s and 50s, Moto Guzzi began to build its reputation through racing. As an upstart among other manufacturers in Italy, the company made a mark by winning countless races and taking home major championships. Over the days and decades that followed, they developed new models of motorcycles for both street and off-road riding, offering options that could travel comfortably on long trips across state lines and even through other countries.
A Journey Through History
The early partners behind Moto Guzzi set out on a clear mission—to build high-quality motorcycles that stood apart in both performance and design. But the road wasn’t smooth. They faced overwhelming challenges, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the tragic death of their comrade and friend, Giovanni Ravelli, during a test flight. What always moved me about this story is how they persevered through it all, never losing sight of their dream.
Even today, the company proudly carries forward a spread-winged eagle motif, chosen in memory of Giovanni Ravelli, as a tribute to his spirit and the brand’s unshakable resilience.
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History
Since 1921, the company behind Moto Guzzi has shown incredible courage and innovation in the face of constant challenges. What impresses me most is how each chapter in its story marks a meaningful milestone, showing how triumph was never accidental—it was earned through persistence and vision. Over time, Moto Guzzi transformed from a bold idea into a legendary brand, still thriving to this date.
Key Milestones
A Legend Born of Friendship
In 1921, the company known as Società Anonima Moto Guzzi was founded through the vision of a ship owner, Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, along with his son Giorgio Parodi, their friend Carlo Guzzi, and the memory of Giovanni Ravelli. What’s always inspired me about this story is that it wasn’t just a business move—it was a bond born from shared purpose. Guzzi and Ravelli were aviators who had served together in the Italian Air Corps during wartime, where their mechanical skills and courage laid the foundation for what would become a legendary motorcycle brand.
A Friend's Memory
The heart of Moto Guzzi carries the story of a friend and comrade, Giovanni Ravelli, who died in an aviation accident on 11 August 1919. He was the third key figure alongside Emanuele and Carlo, and his passing deeply shaped the memory of what the founders wanted the brand to represent. As a rider, I’ve always admired how that grief turned into purpose—how they honored him with the symbol of an eagle spreading its wings, which still graces the Moto Guzzi badge today.
From the Airfield to the Road
1921: The company marked its first major success with a motorcycle called the 8 HP Normale, which set the stage for the future. By 1928, they introduced the best-selling model, the Guzzi G.T., named “Norge” in honor of a polar circumnavigation expedition.
1939: Moto Guzzi continued to grow with the release of the successful model, the Airone 250. It quickly became one of Italy’s most popular medium-capacity motorcycles, holding its place for over 15 years. Alongside road bikes, Moto Guzzi earned a name in motorsports too, with its first victory in 1921 at the Targa Florio race.
This win marked the beginning of a succession of victories, leading to 14 world GP championships and 11 Tourist Trophies before the brand’s withdrawal from racing in 1957. As someone who follows racing history, I can tell you these wins weren’t just numbers—they were part of building an iconic legacy through powerful models that could dominate on both streets and tracks.
Passion and Innovation
After the Second World War: Moto Guzzi experienced a boom in production, releasing new models that captured the spirit of post-war Europe. One standout was the Guzzino 65, affectionately known as the “Cardellino”, which became Europe’s best-selling motorcycle for over a decade. Later came the Galletto in 1950 and the Lodola 175 in 1956, both of which solidified Guzzi’s role as a major player in motorcycle manufacturing.
1950: The company pushed the boundaries of engineering with its deep expertise in aerodynamics, constructing a wind tunnel in Mandello del Lario. It became the first in the world to achieve this kind of technological achievement in motorcycle development.
1960s: During the 1960s, Moto Guzzi made its mark on the global stage with powerful 90° V-twin engines that drove several iconic models like the V7, V7 Special, and V7 Sport. The largest iteration of this engine found its way into the Moto Guzzi California, often regarded as the ultimate version of a touring motorcycle.
1970s and 1980s: In the 1970s and 1980s, Moto Guzzi continued innovating with performance-driven models such as the Sport 1100, Daytona, Centauro, and Le Mans. Their strong sports heritage carried into the 1990s with newer releases like the California, Nevada, and V11 Sport series.
A New Chapter
2004: A significant turn came when the company joined the Piaggio Group, bringing new leadership under chairman and managing director Roberto Colaninno. From an industry perspective, this was a smart move—Piaggio’s resources and global network gave Moto Guzzi the strength to refresh its identity without losing its legacy.
2005: In a clear move to modernize its lineup, Moto Guzzi launched the Breva 1100, a naked bike that introduced a new, original engine design. That September, the Griso 1100 followed, impressing with its unique style that stood out among other bikes on the market. I still remember seeing the Griso for the first time—its aggressive silhouette was unlike anything else on the road.
World Guzzi Days-Fourth Edition: During the fourth edition of World Guzzi Days, or Giornate Mondiali Guzzi (GMG), thousands of Guzzisti gathered in Mandello del Lario. Riders from more than 20 countries joined in, showing just how deep the brand’s loyal following runs. Today, there are over 70 websites dedicated to Moto Guzzi and more than 25,000 members worldwide, which to me, proves that this isn’t just a motorcycle brand—it’s a global family.
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The Legend Lives On
- 2006: In March, at the iconic Daytona circuit, Gianfranco Guareschi won both heats of the Battle of Twins, proudly riding for Moto Guzzi. That same year, the brand launched the 1200 Sport, a sophisticated naked bike powered by a 1200cc V-twin engine, carrying forward the brand’s deep sporting tradition. Later that year, Guzzi introduced the Norge 1200, designed for comfort and protection from the elements and packed with generous standard equipment. I still remember reading about the epic convoy of journalists who rode the bike 4,429 km to Cape North, retracing the footsteps of the 1928 GT 500 by Giuseppe Guzzi—an inspiring blend of history and endurance.
- 2007: The Mandello-based brand pushed innovation further with a 4-valve engine powering the Griso 8V and introduced the Bellagio, featuring an oversquare 940cc engine. It was a bold year, capped off by the unveiling of the Stelvio, a rugged street enduro with an exciting name. Also that year, Moto Guzzi’s calendar gained pop culture shine when actor Ewan McGregor was spotted riding a unique white California Vintage he had purchased while filming scenes for his adventure TV show, Long Way Down. As a fan of both motorcycles and that show, seeing a Guzzi in that context was thrilling.
- 2009: It was a big year for Guzzi in the public sector—they secured contracts with the Berlin Police and Italian Presidential Guard Corps, delivering 35 Norge GTs and 20 California Vintage bikes. That same year saw the debut of the V7 Cafè and Stelvio NTX, both equipped with the newly developed Quattrovalvole engine with upgraded cams. In Milan, at the 67th International Motorcycle Show, Moto Guzzi unveiled bold prototypes—the V12 Strada, V12 X, and V12LM—created by Pierre Terblanche and Miguel Galluzzi. These concepts earned a Motorcycle Design Association Award and sparked a major restructuring project at the Mandello del Lario plant.
- 2010: At EICMA Milan in 2010, Moto Guzzi made a strong statement with a new line of large-capacity four-valve-per-cylinder 1200cc bikes. The year’s highlights included the Nevada Anniversario, V7 Racer, and a refreshed Stelvio NTX—all models created to celebrate twenty years since the launch of the first sports custom Nevada. I remember the buzz in the motorcycle community at the time—it felt like Guzzi was on a creative streak.
- 2011: This year marked Moto Guzzi’s 90th anniversary, celebrated with the return of GMG, its beloved global gathering. The spotlight shone on the unveiling of a new version of the California, powered by a bold 90-degree V-twin engine—a modern tribute to a classic legend.
- 2012: Even before its official presentation at the EICMA motor show in Milan, the Moto Guzzi California 1400 had already gained a reputation as one of the most glamorous, powerful, and exquisite bikes on the market. The cruiser featured a brand new engine, a fully revamped design, and top-tier gear that redefined the modern touring experience.”
- 2017: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of its first model, Moto Guzzi launched the V7 III—a revamped, internationally renowned, and deeply beloved motorcycle. True to its roots, it preserved the original content and design, offering Stone, Special, and Racer versions, each with its unique personality. This wasn’t just a relaunch—it was a love letter to generations of riders like myself who’ve admired the V7 legacy for decades.
100 Years of Italian Passion
In 2021, Moto Guzzi proudly celebrated a full century of motorcycle manufacturing at its historic factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, marking its place as the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous operation. Since 1921, riders from around the world have connected with the Italian marque for its engineering capabilities, timeless design, and unmatched quality and performance. What started as a bold creation has become a lasting symbol of loyalty and passion—one that continues to inspire millions of fans today.
Noteworthy Statistics
Moto Guzzi began its reign as Italy’s leading brand in the mid-20th century with legendary bikes like the Guzzino 65, which became Europe’s best-selling motorcycle for over a decade.
In recent years, while other brands have dominated the market, Moto Guzzi remains a beloved name in the industry.
With around 300 employees, Moto Guzzi produces over 10,000 bikes per year, showing its strong ongoing presence in the global motorcycle scene.
Like most motorcycle manufacturers, the company continues to expand its customer base and find new ways to attract fans to the brand.
One such example is the Moto Guzzi V85TT, a highly anticipated model released in 2019. According to The Times, over 70 percent of trade-ins for the purchase of the V85TT came from other brands—a clear sign of its wide appeal.
Models by Type
If you’re considering buying a Moto Guzzi motorcycle, there’s a wide range of choices available. This legendary Italian brand offers a selection of models and trims that are suitable for everyone, from weekend cruisers to experienced motorcyclists. Let’s take a closer look at some of the model types you’ll find in Moto Guzzi’s latest lineup.
Cruiser: For riders who crave power, performance, and the feel of the open road, Moto Guzzi cruisers offer a thrilling ride. These motorcycles are built with smooth handling, comfortable seating position, and high-quality engineering. Popular models include the MGX 2, V7 III Stornello, V9 Bobber, and V9 Roamer—each crafted to bring comfort and muscle together in perfect balance.
Touring: Long rides feel effortless with Moto Guzzi touring models. Known for their unparalleled quality and comfort, these bikes are designed for serious long-distance riding. The Audace 1400 and California 1400 stand out in this category, both delivering impressive road presence and smooth performance even after hours on the saddle.
Adventure: The Moto Guzzi Adventure line, featuring the V85TT and Stelvio models, is built for riders ready to explore. These bikes are made for long-distance riding with long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, and the ability to take on challenging terrain. If you’re planning a rugged journey, this is the segment for you.
Naked: The Naked Motorcycle line focuses on agility and control. Perfect for city streets or backroads, they are lightweight, easy to handle, and boast aggressive styling with powerful performance. Models like the Griso 1200, Bellagio 940, V7 Stone, V7 Classic, and V7 Special offer an exciting blend of style and speed—ideal for a fast cruise down the open road.
Classics: If you’re drawn to timeless design, the Classics are where tradition meets charm. The V7 III and V9 form the Vintage line, known for classic styling, elegant color options, and that iconic Moto Guzzi look. Each bike features the signature transversal 90-degree V-twin engine, ensuring a low center of gravity that significantly improves handling on the road while preserving authentic heritage.
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FAQs
When was Moto Guzzi founded?
Moto Guzzi, the legendary Italian motorcycle manufacturer, was founded in 1921 by three visionary founding partners—Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, Carlo Guzzi, and Giorgio Parodi. With over 100 years of unmatched experience, the brand has become a true icon in the motorcycling world. In 2004, Moto Guzzi was purchased by Piaggio & C. SpA, the powerhouse behind several top Italian brands, which still owns it to this date.
What is the most popular Moto Guzzi?
One of the most popular models in the Moto Guzzi lineup is the V7 Stone, a true modern classic with retro charm that’s earned its place in today’s market. Known for its timeless styling and the brand’s trademark Guzzi V-twin engine, it’s a bike that feels equally at home cruising through town or eating up long distances on the open road. As someone who’s ridden plenty of machines, I can say the V7 blends comfort, style, and reliability in a way few others do. On the other hand, the V85TT model has quickly gained popularity since its launch, with a fresh design that appeals to a whole new generation of riders.
Are all Moto Guzzi's made in Italy?
Every Moto Guzzi motorcycle is still handcrafted in the original factory in Mendello del Lario, the same place where the company produced its first motorcycle in 1921.
