Moto Guzzi ditches its iconic V-twin for new A2-friendly The Trip 500
Moto Guzzi has revealed The Trip 500, an A2-friendly parallel-twin roadster that breaks with the marque's long-standing V-twin tradition.
Moto Guzzi has revealed The Trip 500, a new A2-friendly roadster that marks a significant departure for the Italian manufacturer, becoming the first model in a new generation of bikes powered by a parallel-twin engine rather than the transverse V-twin layout for which the brand is known.
The new model, which will debut at EICMA in Milan, is designed to appeal to newer riders and those looking for a relatively lightweight, accessible roadster. It weighs 180kg in running order, has a seat height of 790mm and uses a modern parallel-twin engine producing almost 48hp, putting it within the limits of an A2 motorcycle licence.
The Trip is a notable departure from the engine configuration that has defined Moto Guzzi for decades. While the company has experimented with different engine layouts throughout its history, its transverse V-twin has become one of the most recognisable features of its motorcycles, making the move to a parallel-twin a significant moment for the Mandello del Lario manufacturer.
Moto Guzzi The Trip 500: engine and chassis
At the heart of The Trip is a parallel-twin engine producing almost 48hp, with Moto Guzzi highlighting its accessible power delivery and everyday usability rather than outright performance. The engine is paired with ride-by-wire throttle control and three riding modes, called Road, Sport and Rain, allowing the rider to adjust its response to suit different conditions.
The company has not yet provided a full technical specification for the engine, including its exact capacity, torque output or internal configuration, so those details remain unconfirmed.
Moto Guzzi says the bike has been designed to be easy to ride in urban environments while retaining enough character for longer journeys.
Its 15-litre metal fuel tank, natural riding position and 790mm seat height are intended to make it accessible without stripping away the styling cues associated with the brand.
New design for a new generation
The Trip introduces a new design language for Moto Guzzi, with pared-back styling, clean surfaces and a prominent black-finished twin-cylinder engine.
The front end features a full LED headlight incorporating the brand's eagle motif, while a circular 3.6-inch TFT display provides the main instrumentation and smartphone connectivity.
Backlit switchgear is also fitted, while integrated navigation and a quickshifter will be available as accessories. The bike will be offered in three standard colour schemes, Black Metropolis, Green Grove and Red Beat, alongside an Opening special edition to mark the launch.
Moto Guzzi says The Trip is intended to combine modern technology with a straightforward riding experience, rather than adding equipment for its own sake.
A different direction for Moto Guzzi
The Trip represents a change in direction for a manufacturer whose identity has long been closely associated with its transverse V-twin engines. The new parallel-twin roadster also gives Moto Guzzi a model aimed squarely at the A2 licence category, opening the door to riders who might otherwise find the brand's existing range less accessible.
Full pricing, detailed engine specifications and UK availability have yet to be confirmed. The bike will be unveiled at EICMA in November, when more information is expected to emerge.
Find the latest motorcycle news on Visordown
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
