The Moto Guzzi Story - Hardcover

Falloon, Ian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1787111326 ISBN 13: 9781787111325

Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd, 2018

Synopsis

The Moto Guzzi Story is a story of survival. As one of Italy’s oldest, and most legendary marques, Moto Guzzi had seen the height of success during the 1930s, and then the 1950s when they dominated 250 and 350cc Grand Prix racing. Their withdrawal from racing coincided with a period of stagnation until the company was sold to De Tomaso in 1973. During the 1970s the V7 Sport and Le Mans were at the forefront of the new superbike era, and later, with Dr John Wittner’s help, embraced contemporary technology with the 1000cc Daytona.

If one aspect characterises Moto Guzzi it is continuity. The great 500cc Falcone single ran from 1950 until 1976, and the V7, originally seeing the light of day in 1967, continued well into the 2010s. This continuity breeds loyalty, and Guzzi owners are a fiercely proud breed. Guzzis are not like other motorcycles, even Italian ones, and to qualify as a Guzzi owner requires a dedication and individuality that will be rewarded in a long term relationship.

Other titles by Ian Falloon include Moto Guzzi Sport Bible, Moto Guzzi Big-Twins Essential Buyers Guide, the Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story and The Ducati Story. He also has his own collection of motorbikes, including a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.

About this title

About the Author

Ian Falloon is one of the world’s foremost motorcycle historians. In his career as an author, he has penned more than forty-five books on motorcycles. His titles include The Ducati Story (6 editions), Ducati 750 Bible, The Art of Ducati, Ducati 900 Bible, The Moto Guzzi Story, The Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, BMW Story, The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, and Triumph Bonneville 60 Years. He has a small collection of classic sporting motorcycles, including a 1974 Ducati 750 Super Sport, which he has owned since 1976. Ian has contributed to many motorcycle magazines around the world, including Motorcycle Classics, Classic Bike, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, Cycle World, and Motorcyclist. As an acknowledged expert, he has also authenticated motorcycles for collectors in the United States, England, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Argentina. Ian was born in New Zealand, but currently lives in Australia.

Review

This latest edition brings us bang up to date with the inclusion of the V85 concept seen in Milan in 2017. This is not a model-by-model exposition of the marque but is presented in the form of chapters representing either an era or an iconic model from the Mandello factory. Thus, the author covers the early days, racing success, the V7 and derivatives, while the Le mans and the Dr John machines get a chapter each. There is a wealth of information here for anyone interested in Moto Guzzi. The financial state of the company as it went from owner to owner and the story of the V8 racer are especially interesting. I was surprised by how many historical nuggets were to be found and there are plenty of pictures. This would make a grand gift for anyone who has recently acquired a Guzzi. Ot treat yourself. - Gambalunga.

About this edition

• Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1787111326
• ISBN 13: 9781787111325
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 264