Piaggio gobbles up Moto Guzzi

I hope this bodes well for Guzzi's future. I don't know why, but I've got a soft spot for Moto Guzzi. And with bikes like the Griso and the gorgeous V7 Classic, they deserve some good luck.

Posted: 24/09/2008 at 20:12

Me to

Posted: 24/09/2008 at 20:54

Pity about the factory having to close though.

It's a good move for Piaggio as it'll save them a considerable amount of money in the long term - though I can imagine it'll be quite expensive if they do lay a lot of people off up front - and starts to make them a real competitor to the other large brands.

With an expanding model range, and plenty of money behind them to develop ever more, I can see Guzzi going from strength to strength if they manage to keep the brand character in the future. (And I don't mean they should all be slow V twin cruisers either).

Posted: 24/09/2008 at 21:02

Am I the enthusiastic for Moto Guzzi? Well...maybe, I bought new Cali beginning of July and it is my 4th MG.

What I expect? Piaggio will carry on the same spirit and feelings which we have experienced while years; No "plastic bulk bike", brotherhood with all Guzzists, individualism - may be -,  long traditions.

I understand the demands of markets, profit, owners demands etc. But I do not understand if all heritages will be destroyed. No!

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 08:46

I don't think they'll ever be without a transverse v-twin in their range. I just hope they don't stop developing it. Or consign it to cruiser-only applications.

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 16:19

All I know is that it is a long way from Norway to Mandello, but it is even longer to Pisa. Thank God the factory stays in Italy. Imagine Moto Guzzi produced in China or Korea. But, who knows? All for profit

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 18:11

Hi Anne S

It's customary for new posters to buy a virtual round. Cheers, I'll have a large vodka.

Why not start a new thread in General, and introduce yourself.

Welcome.

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 18:18

NOOOOOooooo Don't close the Mandello factory!!! Moto Guzzi is Mandello and mandello is Moto Guzzi. You can't have one without the other.

I know things have to progress etc etc but part of the character of Moto Guzzi motorcycles is that their creations are tested in the twisty alpine roads bordering Lake Como and the factory.

How else have they been able to produce such fine handling machines over the years? I'd hate to see bland bikes with the eagle on the tank...or the usual homogenous Aprillia-like bikes but with our beloved badge.

This is a very sad moment for lovers of Moto Guzzi.

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 22:13

We Italians go on strike when they close our plants.  May lose, may not, it happened again, and the plant is still there.  Madello is where MG should be.

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 22:35

I kept thinking that one of these days I'd finally make it to the old factory at Mandello, that there was still plenty of time. Definately wipes away some of the romance of the brand, but likely a good decision for long-term health and welfare of the company.

Alan, a round of Vodka on me, but make mine Polish potato vodka, the best! -- Richard

Posted: 25/09/2008 at 23:12

 I visited the museum last desember and i am glad i did.

Had a fantastic stay at Mandello and i sincerly hope they dont move it.

I have a V7Special and a V65 TT and are very pleased with them.

regards steinar

Posted: 26/09/2008 at 07:35

backus wrote (see)

Alan, a round of Vodka on me, but make mine Polish potato vodka, the best! -- Richard

My Polish mate told me bison grass vodka was the best, so I went to Krakow and bought some Zubrowka. Made me fall over

Posted: 27/09/2008 at 06:08