#motoguzzi

When Indian unveiled the Scout at Sturgis last month, it sent ripples through the motorcycle world. How would it compare with other cruisers in its class? What exactly were the other cruisers in its class? Obviously, Indian is hoping to improve its bona fides by taking on that other American brand’s most ubiquitous V-Twin in its displacement class, but what others? So, the lists began.

One of these three motorcycles is commemorative, the other retrospective, and the third, uniquely orthodox relative to the company’s ethos. Probably not hard to ascertain which bike is being referenced. They seem equally comparable yet disparate in the same moment.

Yesterday,  Moto Guzzi announced a September on sale date for the 2015 Griso 1200 8V SE and the 2015 V7 Stone. Hot on the heels of  our recent test of the Griso (and just days before the publication of a shootout including the roadster), Moto Guzzi updates the Griso’s tough guy image. Additionally, Moto Guzzi’s best selling model, the V7 Stone (which just so happened to win the  HepCat TooCool Millennial Shootout just two weeks ago), also receives some updates for the new model year. In case you might be wondering how we feel about having bikes we just tested become obsolete before the paint is dry on the stories’ pixels: We’re stoked! Now, we have to test these motorcycles again.

Originally launched in 2004, Moto Guzzi’s Griso isn’t new to the scene. The bike’s styling is so uncategorizable and timeless, it looks contemporary whether parked next to a BMW R nineT or KTM Super Duke R. Beauty’s in the eye of the beholder, and whether you love it or leave it, you certainly can’t say it looks dated.

The mid-70 degree air swirled past the cop-style windshield and gently around the riders while grips pulsed pleasantly under leather gloves. With the heat of the inland valleys behind and the promise of cool, slightly humid air along the beach, the Moto Guzzi’s chrome reflected a brilliant blue sky and wispy clouds that movies and television would have us believe make up every day along America’s southwestern coastline.

Moto Guzzi motorcycles have been called many things. Bland is not one of them. From quirky to lovable, unique to downright strange, it’s unlikely you’ll forget riding a Moto Guzzi. For this week’s Church of MO feature, we go back to 1997 and Guzzi’s 75th anniversary. After three-quarters of a century, a celebration is in order and a special motorcycle is a must.