Bikesrepublic

Italy

French motorcycle manufacturer Peugeot Motocycles is gearing up for significant growth in the Italian market, bolstered by a promising collaboration with the iconic British brand BSA.

  • This strategic partnership comes as Peugeot Motocycles enjoys newfound stability under the ownership of German firm Mutares.
  • Peugeot Motocycles, known for its retro-style and mid-capacity scooters, has recently expanded its Italian sales network with the addition of 43 new dealers, bringing the total to 144. This substantial increase in the sales network reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening its foothold in Italy.

The highlight of this expansion is Peugeot’s role as the exclusive distributor of the highly anticipated BSA Gold Star within the Italian market. This collaboration is a relatively new development, involving a series of ownership changes within Peugeot Motocycles.

Since the beginning of 2023, Peugeot Motocycles has been firmly under the ownership of the German company Mutares. Notably, Mahindra & Mahindra, the former owner of Peugeot, remains a key shareholder in the company and holds a significant stake in BSA as well. Leveraging this unique connection, Mahindra & Mahindra aims to capitalize on Peugeot’s enhanced distribution network to promote the new BSA Gold Star in Italy.

The BSA Gold Star, a retro-inspired machine, is equipped with a powerful 652cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine. With a respectable power output of 46hp @ 6,000rpm and 55Nm @ 4,000rpm, it promises a thrilling riding experience for enthusiasts.

In addition to this exciting partnership, Peugeot Motocycles is set to introduce the PM-01, a 125 cc naked bike aimed at the premium entry-level market in Italy.

The PM-01 features a distinctive front light cluster design inspired by Peugeot cars, adding a touch of elegance to the motorcycle. Furthermore, Peugeot plans to diversify its product portfolio in the first quarter of 2024 with the release of the PM-03, a 300cc motorcycle.

While Peugeot has chosen not to participate in EICMA 2023 in Milan, redirecting its trade fair investments toward Eastern markets, the company remains committed to innovation.

Peugeot Motocycles is actively expanding its electric vehicle range and is set to introduce the e-Streetzone scooter, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable mobility solutions. The company is also investing in the development of battery-powered motorcycles, signaling its commitment to the future of electric mobility.

KTM has confirmed its participation in the upcoming 2023 EICMA. The company is all set to unveil a range of new and updated motorcycle at the world biggest two-wheel exhibition. 

From November 7th to 12th, 2023, at the Rho-Pero Fair in Milan, the renowned Team Orange will showcase its latest models, including the Duke, Adventure, EXC, SX, Sports Tourer and SuperSport. 

After a two year absence, KTM will once again take center stage, allowing all motorsport enthusiasts in general, to join in the celebration of the brand’s recent victories and successes in prestigious competitions like MotoGP™, the Dakar Rally, and the MXGP.

Tommaso Telaro, the Managing Director of KTM Sportmotorcycle Italia, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our return to EICMA in this highly significant year for us. Being present at one of the most important international industry events is crucial. Although our strategies have differed in the recent past, we felt it was essential to make an additional effort to participate this year. Through our presence, we aim to send a strong message to the market, industry insiders, and the enthusiastic general public.”

Giacomo Casartelli, the Executive Director of EICMA, shared his enthusiasm for KTM’s participation, stating, “We have eagerly awaited the presence of KTM, and this announcement is indeed significant news. As organizers, we are delighted to welcome such a prominent group as one of our exhibitors for the 2023 edition. 

“It demonstrates how EICMA continues to serve as an essential platform for communication and market expansion in the ever-evolving world of two-wheelers. We are confident that this news will be received with great enthusiasm by both the brand’s fans and the general public attending EICMA.” he said. 

With KTM’s confirmed presence, visitors can look forward to a thrilling display of cutting-edge motorcycles and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere at EICMA. 

Italy’s two-wheeled market has reported a significant upswing in Q1 2023, with March alone recording impressive sales figures for both scooters and motorcycles. 

  • Italian motorcycle market recorded a surge in sales for the month of March 2023. 
  • BMW R 1250 GS, Honda Africa Twin and Benelli TRK 502 continue to dominate the market. 

According to the National Association of Cycle Motorcycle Accessories (Confindustria ANCMA), the country’s two-wheeled market posted a 26.7-percent spike in March, translating to growth of 27.6 percent in Q1 2023.

In March, scooter sales amounted to 17,777 units sold, representing a 31.5-percent increase, while motorcycles recorded 18,221 new registrations, reflecting a 25.8-percent boost. The surge in sales has been welcomed by dealers, who are looking to build on the growth gained at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

The Confindustria ANCMA has also broken down the top-selling motorbikes in Italy for March 2023. Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 adventure bike made it into the top ten list with 283 units sold, followed by Honda’s NC750X with 303 units moved.

Meanwhile, Yamaha’s Tracer 7, Moto Guzzi’s V7, and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 round out the top ten, with Honda’s new CB750 Hornet cracking the top five with 401 units sold.

The top three places go to the Honda Africa Twin, BMW R 1250 GS, and Benelli TRK 502, respectively, with Italian consumers registering 674 Africa Twins, 621 R 1250 GSs, and 600 TRK 502s throughout March 2023.

Fantic and Motori Minarelli have officially begun production on the Issimo City electric scooter at the Calderara di Reno factory.

  • The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor.
  • Fantic and Motori Minarelli have begun production of the Issimo City electric scooter in the Calderara di Reno factory.

The production launch was celebrated with the presence of important local officials, including Emilia-Romagna Region Economic Development Councilor Vincenzo Colla, Bologna mayor Marco Panieri.

The Issimo City electric scooter is the result of Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli from Yamaha in January 2021. The acquisition allowed the Bologna-based firm to lay the groundwork for its transition to electric mobility models. Now, more than three years later, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are reaping the fruits of their labour.

The Issimo City electric scooter line includes the L1 and L3 variants, both powered by a Dell’Orto 3-kilowatt motor. The L1 model has a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour (28 miles per hour), while the L3 model can reach up to 65 km/h (40 mph). The standard 2.2-kilowatt-hour battery yields 72 kilometers (44.8 miles), and the 4.4 kWh option extends the range to 140 km (87 miles).

According to Motori Minarelli General Manager Vittorino Filippas, Fantic and Motori Minarelli are not caught unprepared for the opportunity presented by the increasing demand for sustainable mobility.

He said, “People’s sensitivity towards more sustainable mobility will further accelerate the demand for light mobility. Fantic Motor and Motori Minarelli do not want to be caught unprepared for the opportunity this challenge presents us with. Indeed, as early as 2023, 50% of vehicle production will be entirely electric.”

The Calderara di Reno factory can manufacture up to 100 units per day, which means that Issimo City production is capped at 20,000 units in the first year alone. The Emilia-Romagna Region has shown its support for Fantic’s electrical project, which relaunched the historic Bolognese brand Motori Minarelli.

This support has helped Fantic become one of the beneficiaries of regional law 14 on attractiveness, which focuses on sustainable innovation and creating new employment opportunities.

Last year proved to be a strong period for the global motorcycle industry. 

  • 6,543 units Benelli TRK 502 sold in Italy, outsell the BMW R 1250 GS (4,062). 
  • Tenere 700 is third best-selling bike in Italy with 2,762 units registered. 

In Malaysia, more than 700,000 units of motorcycles sales were recorded in 2022, which is the biggest number ever registered despite the country was still in the process of recovering from Covid. 

Italy also recorded significant sales throughout 2022, with 291,661 bikes sold. 

Meanwhile, the Benelli TRK 502 emerged as the most popular full-size motorcycle for 2022 in Italy, with 6,645 units sold. More importantly, the Chinese-made motorcycle also outsold BMW’s R 1250 GS.

As a result, the 500cc parallel-twin ADV bike becomes the most popular motorcycle in Italy for the third consecutive year. 

Interestingly, no motorcycles could exceed the 6,000 figure other than the TRK 502 in the last five years. 

Below is the number of units sold for the best-selling motorcycles in Italy in the last five years:

Ducati officially marked a big step towards a sustainable feature with the opening of a new eco-friendly facility in Bologna. 

  • Ducati latest facility includes an underground rainwater storage. 
  • Equipped with photovoltaic system that provides clean energy. 

The new facility, called the Finitura e Delibera Estetica (Finishing and Aesthetic Resolution) will host the final phase of Ducati’s production cycle which include verifying the quality of each bikes produced. 

The 13,000 square-foot building features photovoltaic system and a rainwater recovery system which contributes to making the build nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building). 

However, the photovoltaic system played a bigger role in achieving nZEB status as it helps to produced more than 200 MWh of clean energy pear. 

“This year has been truly splendid for Ducati, and the inauguration of the new Finitura e Delibera Estetica manufacturing represents yet another moment of pride. 

“This building embodies an investment that brings value to the company but also to the territory in which Ducati operates. 

“The new space will house a strategic phase of production where we focus on the attention to detail and beauty of our motorcycles so that they are perfect when they arrive to our passionate Ducatisti,” said Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati. 

Interestingly, the facility took less than eight months to complete with the construction work only began April this year. 

Other notable features also includes an underground rainwater storage tank that guarantees the recovery of 90 per cent of the rainwater. 

Chear Global, the official distributor of Italjet Dragster scooter in Malaysia has announced the recommended retail price for the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200. 

  • The Italjet Dragster 125 dan Dragster 200 is the most premium and exclusive scooter ever built.
  • The Italian built scooter features unique bodywork and components.

The high-spec and premium Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 is available for RM29,500 and RM34,800 respectively. 

That said, the Italjet Dragster is the most expensive scooter in its respective segment.

As previously reported, the Dragster 125 and Dragster 200 share similar bodywork and design language; the primary difference is the engine displacement.

The Dragster 200 features a 181cc single-cylinder DOHC engine, while the 125 trim gets a 124cc single, Euro5 compliant powertrain.

Power output is claimed to be 17.2hp @ 8,000rpm and 15.5Nm @ 7,750rpm for the Dragster 200, while the Dragster 125 makes 9.2hpp and 10.5Nm.

Meanwhile, power is delivered to the rear 13-inch wheel via an automatic gearbox with belt drive.

The Italjet Dragster is suspended by a unique independent steering system (ISS) at the front that separates the steering and suspension components. The new feature allows better manoeuvrability for city riding.

Coming in standard on the Dragster twin is two-channel ABS, Brembo hydraulic callipers mated to a single 200mm disc at the front and 190mm disc at the rear.

Other notable features on the Dragster include bright LED headlights (80,000 lumens to be exact), a 9L fuel tank, a USB port and 140kg kerb weight.

Few brands enjoy a brand loyalty as fierce and thorough as Ducati does. And no where is that loyalty more evident than the bi-annual World Ducati Week held in Misano, Italy.

First held in 1998 as a way of getting closer to its fan base, Ducati has been organising the WDW, as it’s affectionately known, every year since. Unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic put an end to that run.

But what a comeback it has been. According to Ducati, the 2022 and eleventh-edition of WDW welcomed over 80,000 attendees from 84 different countries.

The Misano World Circuit “Marco Simoncelli” was also open for guests to ride or drive on and a total of 5,805 laps were recorded by cars and motorcycles. The cars were mostly Audis and Lamborghinis, understandably so since Ducati is part of the Audi Group, as is Lamborghini.

The WDW is a true gathering of Ducati enthusiasts and 235 official Ducati clubs from around the world attended the event, a mega testament to the love and passion Ducati enjoys from its fan base.

The great thing about this unique relationship is that Ducati loves to give back to its fans as well. As part of the WDW, the iconic Lenovo Race of Champions is also organised as a sub-event.

The 2022 Lenovo Race of Champions is where official Ducati riders (the highest number ever) from MotoGP, Superbike and Supersport Championship Series will compete against each other on equal bikes. This year’s starting grid included 21 champions such as Pecco Bagnaia, Jack Miller, Michele Pirro, Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini and even Danilo Petrucci.

The Race of Champions is an exhibition race meant to get the fans closer to their racing idols, but you can’t tell a pure-bred racer that he is just putting on a show. And as such, the eight laps of the Race of Champions offered some heart stopping action.

The only difference here is that every rider is on a road going Panigale V4S and a Panigale V2 which can be bought at any Ducati store anywhere in the world. The only modification done is that the tyres have been swapped for full slick race tyres and the standard exhaust swapped for a full Akrapovic titanium exhaust while certain parts from the Ducati Performance Parts catalogue were sprinkled on for good measure.

MotoGP rider Pecco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo factory team won the Panigale V4S category while the Panigale V2 category was won by Italian rider Federico Caricasulo.

The best part of the Lenovo Race of Champions is that the bikes that were raced by the champions are available for sale to select customers almost immediately after the race.

Astonishingly, all bikes that were raced during the exhibition race were sold in just a few hours. The first to be snapped up in mere minutes was Jack Miller’s number 43 bike followed by the number 63 bike of Pecco Bagnaia and the number five of Johann Zarco. Each bike was characterised by the riders racing livery with the triple clamp bearing a lasered logo of the rider’s name.

But the World Ducati Week is not only about motorcycles and races, it’s also about celebrating Ducati and everything it has to offer.

For those who love a little bit of off-roading, there was a specially laid out course where attendees could try out the latest Ducati dual-purpose machine – the Desert X!

There was even a mountain bike course since Ducati also offers e-mountain bikes now. This was open to anyone who wanted to try out the latest Ducati e-bikes.

During every edition of the WDW, thousands of Ducati fans gather together to collectively ride the Misano World Circuit. There were so many motorcycles gathered together on track this year that it took a full 33 minutes for them all to snake out of the circuit.

From the circuit, the thousands of bikes then rode on parade to the coastal town of Riccione for the Scrambler Beach Party. And at the head of the ‘big red snake’ was Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati who rode together with MotoGP and superbike riders as well as Ducati management, leading the way for the thousands of Ducatisti.

The Scrambler Beach Party is another must attend event held in conjunction with the World Ducati Weed. Held exclusively in Riccione, this year’s party was headlined by legendary Italian DJ Benny Benassi.

The World Ducati Week ended with a mega barbecue party held on the pit straight of the Misano circuit. The barbecue was headed by three-star Michelin chef Enoteca Pinchiorri who was assisted by the top management of Ducati in one of the largest barbecue party this writer has ever seen. The day ended with the Ducati race riders meeting their fans, an incredible firework display and a DJ set from Meduza.

The World Ducati Week is a must attend event for every self-respecting biker. It is not only an event for Ducati owners or fans, but it has a culture of inclusivity that celebrates the spirit of riding. Among the thousands of Ducatis there were BMWs, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Aprilias and other brands. They parked among the Ducatis and made merry with Ducatisti. This is the spirit of Ducati, the inclusivity for everyone who loves motorcycles.

Triumph Motorcycles has enjoyed success outside of the UK for 2022, with the British company has broken its record for the most bikes registered in one year in Italy.

  • Triumph sold a record-breaking 6,088 units between June 2021 and July 2022.
  • The Triumph Trident 660 emerged as the most popular motorcycle in Italy.

For the first time in the company’s history, Triumph sold over 6,000 units between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022, breaking the previous record of 5,749 bikes sold back in 2008.

Moreover, Triumph marks an increase of over 50% compared to the company’s 2019 sales.

On another note, it also signals the company’s recovery in the Italian market after the 2008 financial crisis while proving effective in dealing with the Covid-19 situation.

Also, Triumph’s made a considerable leap since the firm expanded its dealer network in the region. The company has added ten new dealers over the last two years, while 17 new showrooms have been opened.

According to reports, the Trident 660 took the top spot with 18% of the share, followed by Tiger 900 (17%).

Benelli is making great strides in 2022, with over 8,522 new motorcycles registered in Italy.

  • Benelli sold more than 8,000 units in the first six months of 2022.
  • The TRK 502 is the brand’s most famous motorcycle, with more than 4,000 units registered in Italy in 2022.

According to the company, the sales projection marks a six per cent increase compared to last year’s period.

For a company that Chinese-based QJ Motors own, the numbers certainly seem that Italian riders are satisfied with the brand.

Thanks to the trust, Benelli became the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy for the first six months of 2022.

Moreover, for a brand that has to compete with big players like Ducati and Aprilia, becoming the best-selling motorcycle brand in Italy is a historical moment.

While some might question the authenticity of Benelli as an Italian brand, the reality is that plenty of companies are financed by other firms that is based elsewhere.

Considering Benelli is making great strides in terms of sales in Italy; clearly Italians are in love with the brand.

Interestingly, the TRK 502 has played a pivotal role in Benelli’s 2022 success so far. Out of the total, Benelli sold 4,436 units of the TRK 502 in the first six months of 2022.

“Today, we are facing a historic result. An extraordinary milestone, achieved thanks to the incredible commitment, passion and determination of all those who are part of this company,” said Benelli Italia sales manager Gianni Monini.

Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Voge has introduced the 2022 Valico 300 Rally variant in Italy.

  • the 300 Rally now joins the base strim in Italy.
  • features 292cc single-cylinder engine that puts out 28.6hp and 25Nm. 

The Rally variant will now join the based model launched just one month ago in the country.

Powered by the same engine as the standard trim, the Valico 300 Rally features a 292cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine that pumps a respectable 28.6hp @ 9,000rpm and 25Nm @ 6,500rpm.

The drivetrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with the engine fed from an 11L fuel tank. In addition, Voge claimed that the Rally could reach around 300 kilometres with a full tank of gas.

Like the base model, the Valico 300 Rally is fitted with high-strength steel tubes, an upside-down front fork with 205mm of travel, and an adjustable preload mono-shock at the rear.

Braking is done with a single axial-mounted calliper with a 265mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear and regulated by a dual-channel ABS. The ABS can also be deactivated. 

Considering the Rally is a motorcycle built for gnarly road conditions, the Valico 300 Rally features all the necessary aspects to make it off-road capable, including a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, 1,430mm wheelbase and seat height of 905mm. Weighs just 150kg (dry), the Rally is suitable for not only experienced riders but also beginners.

Other notable features include:

  • digital LCD instrument cluster
  • USB port
  • handleguards
  • halogen headlamps with LED taillights

According to Voge, the Valico 300 Rally is available in Italy for a recommended selling price of EUR4,440 (RM20.4k). 

 

A small Italian town issued their own “Ducati” banknotes.

It is distributed to residents who are in need.

The notes enable the folks to shop in local businesses.

A small Italian town with only 550 residents called Castellino del Biferno minted their own “Ducati” banknotes during the current Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Italy was the nation hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic after China, before surges in other countries. The government has since placed the entire nation under lockdown to stem the spread of the disease.

Obviously, the lockdown has also hit the town which is situated in southern Italy. The town’s mayor, Enrico Fratangelo explained the decision to save the local economy. There are only four businesses open now.

The central government had previously disbursed a € 5,500 grant to distribute food vouchers to the townsfolk. The town council added some of its savings and came up with the Ducati banknotes. The notes were then distributed to some 200 families with various needs.

The local residents can then spend the money at local businesses. Shops will send the notes to the local council every fortnight and be reimbursed. The mayor believes the notes will also impart a sense of belonging.

One “Ducati” is worth € 1, “Five Ducati” are equivalent to € 5, and so forth. The mayor says doing so avoids confusion especially among senior citizens.

 

Source: euronews

  • The Moto Guzzi Tuscany Experience is a unique ride put together for owners and dealers to properly experience the values of the brand. 
  • A number of Malaysians joined the ride to explore the Italian countryside on various Guzzis. 
  • Taking place over four days at the historic town of Siena, the ride covered a few hundred kilometers with plenty of stops for great food along the way. 
  • Participants not only get to experience riding in a foreign country with breathtaking views, but also get to experience different Moto Guzzi models. 
Video highlights from the ride.

“You have come to the right place to ride motorcycles. Southern Italy is too influenced by mediterranean culture, and Northern Italy is influenced by the Germans and the Swiss. Central Italy is still uniquely Italian, everything from the culture to the landscape,” said the cab driver at the Siena train station, en route to Hotel Montaperti, located about 20 minutes out of town.

Siena is an old medieval Italian town which can trace its history back for centuries, up until 900BC actually. Typical of old Italian towns with a storied past, Siena boasts old brick buildings, a central square, a tall clock tower and of course a huge intricately designed Catholic Church.

I had just arrived after a grueling 25 hour journey from KL. Though tiring, I had an entire day to recuperate for the ride ahead. Jet lagged, I decide to call it a day at about 7pm Italian time (1am back in Malaysia), but not before scrutinizing the beautiful Guzzis that dominated the hotel carpark.

Lined up neatly, there was every single modern Moto Guzzi you could think of, including the gargantuan MGX-21, the all-dominating Audace, the entire range of the V7 III as well as the V9. I knew happy days lay ahead, but first, I needed to lay my head down. Oh and there were a few Aprilias too, for the marshals to chase down anyone who strays away from the group.

Moto Guzzi has been enjoying a resurgence in Malaysia. The Italian bike maker is one of the oldest in the world, was the first to have a wind tunnel at its factory, was at one point the best selling motorcycle in the world, and is also the first bike maker to use a transversely mounted V-engine, a feature still seen today in all Moto Guzzi motorcycles.

So as the sun rose the next day, warming up the farm lands and gently lifting the fog from the night before to reveal the beautiful Tuscanian country side. I walked among the Guzzis, deciding on my stead for the day.

On my left was the MGX-21 Flying Fortress, a behemoth of a bike with plenty of carbon-fibre that didn’t do much to lighten the bike. I thought it looked cool, but despite being a fan of baggers, it just didn’t appeal to me all that much but I did end up riding it later. On the right were the range of V7s and V9s, which I thought I’d reserve for another day since I had four full days of riding ahead.

And so came the Audace, a bike that had just been launched in Malaysia and I had heard good things about from the many dealers who were also present at the ride. And so I settled on a Audace in Guzzi’s Matte Impetuoso Red. Placing my helmet on it confirmed it as mine for the day, a gentleman’s agreement everyone understood.

The first day was more of a “familiarization” ride for everyone – since the ride brought together riders from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and from other parts of the world, day one was a chance to get used to riding on the wrong side of the road, and to acclimatise to the chilly end-of-summer weather. And so we rode about 150km’s on the first day, but it was spectacular no less, we rode along the “Crete Senesi” region, across rolling green hills, through ancient villages, and a stop at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, which was founded in the year 1313.

Officially called the ‘Moto Guzzi Tuscany Experience’, the ride takes place at different places around Europe at different times of the year. After Tuscany, the organising team headed to Sardinia for a similar ride there but for a different group of owners and distributors. The Moto Guzzi Experience of Tuscany was just one chapter of three separate rides, each designed to give owners the ultimate Moto Guzzi experience, with some of the most stunning landscapes a biker can experience.

Day 2 involved riding about 240km with a stop at the Piaggio Museum for lunch while admiring new and old models from Vespa and Aprilia but very little of Moto Guzzi, which was understandable since the brand is based in Mandello del Lario, which is closer to Milan.

I selfishly stuck to the Audace for a little while longer, it was perfect for the narrow country roads, obviously designed and built for leisurely cruising but with a wild side to it too. It is powered by a 1380cc V-twin engine that puts out 96hp and 121Nm of torque. Fast and comfortable, the Audace was probably the favourite of the lot as everyone seemed to not want to give it up for the next person, yours truly included.

After exploring the countryside, we stopped at the walled town of Volterra, another ancient town that has been continuously inhabited since at least 8th century BC. After some gelato and racking up the step counter, we swapped bikes for the ride back to the hotel. This time I jumped on the V9 Bobber.

I own a Harley-Davidson Sportster 48, and in my opinion, it is the most genuine Bobber in the market despite other brands having their own interpretation of it. The thick 90 section front tyre may give the 48 a clumsy feel up front, but there is just something about big fat tyres that add visual drama. The V9 Bobber however was a revelation of sorts, despite not having the visual appeal of the 48 or even the Triumph Bobber.

It too has a 90 section tyre up front but you sit upright with your feet resting on the mid-placed foot pegs. The sitting position is comfortable and borderline sporty even, which makes this Bobber surprisingly enthusiastic in the twisties. But naturally, handling is let down with that burly front tyre.

The V9 Bobber has the same 853cc V-twin engine as the Roamer with the same 55hp and 62Nm output. Though not terribly quick, the Bobber can be quite fun to ride, and quite comfortable despite the thinly padded seat. In terms of technical features, the V9 Bobber does not offer much, suspension set up consists of telescopic hydraulic forks up front and dual shock absorbers clutching a lightweight alloy swingarm with adjustable preload. The braking system is made up of a 320mm single disk up front with a Brembo four-piston caliper and a 260mm disc with twin piston caliper for the rear. ABS is offered as standard.

The one part where my 48 really sucks at is fuel range because of that tiny 8-litre peanut tank. I get range anxiety every time I ride long distance on the 48 so end up refuelling more often than I need to, and that is also partly why I am thinking of selling it for something more usable. And that is a problem the V9 Bobber does not have with its 15-litre fuel tank. It goes further and has the capability to carve a smile on anyone’s face.

Day 3 – 200km ride. The MGX-21 Flying Fortress is all about visual drama. It turns heads wherever it goes, and fans of sports bikes will appreciate the generous use of carbon-fibre almost everywhere you can think off (check out that carbon-fibre front wheel, below). And yet, despite being loaded with one of the lightest element in the world, the MGX-21 still somehow manages to weigh in at a stonking 336kg! That is seriously heavy, and trust me on this one, the Flying Fortress was not easy to ride, especially at low speed through traffic.

I found the bike to be clumsy, and because of its weight, it wasn’t a lot of fun in corners. It was fine in a straight line, comfortable and relaxing to ride, but not so at low speed. The bike is unlikely to make it to Malaysia, but as far as dramatic presence is concerned, the MGX-21 Flying Fortress looks like something out of a marvel comic.

I hopped on to the Moto Guzzi California next, for the ride to the wine producing town of Montelpulciano.

Like the rest of the towns we visited, Montelpulciano too has been around for millennia, and is surrounded by breathtaking landscape. The town was built on a limestone ridge 2000ft above ground, so you can imagine the views. Despite that, the town is better known for the wine it produces, specifically its ‘Vino Nobile’, which is considered to be the finest Italian wine.

The California is powered by the same 1380cc engine as the MGX-21, and also produces 96hp and 121Nm of torque. It too weighs in at 326kg, but unlike the MGX, the California does not have an inch of carbon-fibre anywhere. It is more of a laid back cruiser with a tall windscreen up front and huge foot boards. Handling was similar to the MGX, but somehow the California was more comfortable, perhaps it was the seat, or that my expectation was lower for a bike that did not come dripping in carbon fibre. Either way, I had a splendid time with the California, letting it soak up everything the road threw at us, gently squeezing the throttle without kicking down a gear, taking in views. It was perfect.

I rode the new V7 III Rough on the final day, which was a 100km ride to the town of Siena. The Rough can be interpreted as Guzzi’s attempt at creating a Scrambler of sorts, complete with knobby tyres, a purpose built handle bar and slim aluminium fenders reminiscent of scramblers of old. Some even see the Rough as a response to Ducati and Triumph, but unlike the models from the competition, the Rough is not a standalone model.

Like all V7 III’s, the base bike is always the same with the same 744cc V-twin engine powering all bikes, the same frame, the same wheel size, the same forks, every technical bit about the bike is the same for all V7 III models. And so the Rough is no different, it is the visual parts that differentiate one bike from another.

The Rough rides similarly to all other V7 models, though the knobby tyres require a little extra attention in and out of corners. But on the cobblestone roads around town, the tyres were perfect, giving the bike a level of confidence unlike any other V7 model, and this is with the traction control turned off. And that is the point here for the Moto Guzzi V7 range of bikes, each V7 III may have the same underpinnings, but ride the lot and the difference is clear as day.

After parking the bike at the cathedral at the centre of town, I ventured off with the rest of the Malaysian team to explore the inner workings of Siena. And that’s when I heard someone say:

“Hey man, nice t-shirt, do you ride a Guzzi?” came a voice from behind with a southern twang typical of southern US states, the type you usually hear in old John Wayne movies. I didn’t even get a chance to turn around when this guy sporting a cowboy hat and a thick ‘stache came up next to me. “Yes I do, we all do,” I said to him, gesturing towards the rest of the riders there, who after four days had become more of a family.

“I am from Texas and I ride a Moto Guzzi, we are rare but people who ride a Guzzi are a special bunch. They know their motorcycles, they simply do not like to be mainstream,” he quickly surmised. I laughed in agreement and after a few quick words and a handshake, he disappeared in the crowd of tourists.

And that got me thinking, there are lots of Moto Guzzi fans out there who appreciate the finer workings of a Guzzi, such as the 90-degree V-twin engine, or the ingenuity of its engineering, or perhaps they love the history of the brand. Either way, the love and passion for the brand is spread far and wide, and it was fantastic to spend a few days talking and learning from like minded people, some a lot older than me with decades more experience with Guzzis.

Back in KL and on my very own Moto Guzzi V7 III Anniversario, I found myself appreciating the bike a lot more than I did previously. Having met the people from the company who build these bikes and those that love the brand, there was a certain sense of pride riding a Moto Guzzi in Malaysia. It may not be the most advanced of motorcycles or the fastest, but it is a Moto Guzzi and everything about a Guzzi has come from nearly 100 years of pain staking engineering and board room meetings to keep the brand alive. And I appreciate that and the fact that it is still proudly built in Italy.

For more information about the Moto Guzzi Experience or to sign up for the 2019 ride, visit www.motoguzzi.com or theclan.motoguzzi.com or you can drop an email to motoguzzi@motoguzziexperience.com.

 

  • Moto Guzzi Malaysia akhirnya telah memperkenalkan motosikal terkini mereka iaitu Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 2017 bersempena dengan acara tahunan antarabangsa yang akan kunjung tiba, Moto Guzzi Open House di Mandello Del Lario, Itali.
  • Motosikal V9 Bobber terbaru ini dijana oleh enjinV-berkembar melintang 90-darjah, 850cc yang patuh Euro4 yang menghasilkan 55hp dan 62Nm tork.Ianya dinilai pada harga RM74,900 (asas beserta GST).
  • Bersempena dengan Moto Guzzi Open House di Itali, Moto Guzzi Malaysia juga akan menganjurkan satu perjalanan penunggangan istimewa bagi mereka yang berminat untuk menghadiri Moto Guzzi Open House tahun ini yang terletak di Mandello Del Lario, ibu pejabat Moto Guzzi.

(more…)

Moto Guzzi Malaysia has finally unveiled their latest 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber in conjunction with the upcoming annual international Moto Guzzi Open House at Mandello Del Lario, Italy.

The new V9 Bobber is powered by a same 850cc Euro4-compliant transverse 90-degree V-twin engine that produces 55hp and 62Nm of torque. It’s priced at RM74,900 (basic price with GST).

In conjunction with the Moto Guzzi Open House in Italy, Moto Guzzi Malaysia will also organise a special riding trip for those interested in attending this year’s Moto Guzzi Open House located Mandello Del Lario, the home of Moto Guzzi.

Following Moto Guzzi’s launch of the new Malaysian distributor just a few days ago, Moto Guzzi Malaysia has finally confirmed that they are bringing in the new and exciting 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber. The launch of the latest addition to the V9 family has been made in conjunction with Moto Guzzi’s annual Open House in Italy at the home of Moto Guzzi at Mandello Del Lario since its inception back in 1921. (more…)

Two special custom Scrambler Ducati creations steal the spotlight at annual Motor Bike Expo in Verona, Italy.

(more…)

Here’s our pick of bikes and bike trends that ruled last week’s EICMA 2016 show.

(more…)

Leading French helmet marque Shark shows its 2017 product line up at EICMA 2016.

(more…)

Husqvarna @ EICMA 2016: KTM-owned Husqvarna debuts final road-going versions of 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen.

(more…)

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube Channel