Bike of the Month for November 1999

Moto Guzzi V11 Sport

Do you recall the V7 Sport of the mid-'70's? It was the most beautiful Moto Guzzi ever built. The first one had a red frame and a green body. They are still impressive today. Moto Guzzi knows that, too. So they decided it was time to bring it back. With the next generation V-twin on hold until more funding can be secured, this is a wise decision. They took the ancient but well-sorted two-valve V-Twin, crammed another gear into the now 6-speed transmission, and wrapped a gorgeious bike around it. How refreshing. It's the return of the non-pretentious Italian cafe-racer. It begs for canyons, rivers and mountains to carve through. Surprisingly, it can commute, too. I bet with repositioned ergonomics, it would make a great sport-tourer, too. Just don't take it to the Museum of Modern Art. They just might try to put it on display.

Late News: Aprilia has purchased Moto Guzzi. The long-term health of Moto-Guzzi is assured, and Aprilia now has a name with some heritage to it. Most importantly to the Italian enthusiasts, Moto-Guzzi remains in Italian hands. Everyone wins.