This week we continue our Piaggio Brands history series, with the spotlight on Moto Guzzi, who celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2021!  Moto Guzzi was founded on March 5th 1921 by Carlo Guzzi, Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, and his son Giorgio on Corso Aurelio Saffi in Genoa.  Carlo and Giorgio were both former pilots in the Italian Air Force, and while serving periodically discussed their goals for a future partnership in the motorcycle industry after their time in service.  


Upon its creation, Moto Guzzi adopted the winged eagle to incorporate into its logo, which has become synonymous with Moto Guzzi’s identity.  The eagle was included in the logo in memory of Giovanni Ravelli, a former pilot who was friends with Carlo and Giorgio, and passed away in 1919.  Moto Guzzi launched the first motorbike, the GP 500, in 1921, and had 300 staffers onsite in Mandello who built 1200 units.  By 1934, Moto Guzzi had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Italy, firmly solidifying itself as a mainstay in the industry.  The run of success they were on was paused during World War II.  During this time nearly all of Moto Guzzi’s production was given over to military manufacturing, and their drive for innovation was channeled into developing 3 models specifically for the Italian Army.  


After World War II, Moto Guzzi began their successful pursuit in the racing world. They introduced numerous innovative models such as the lightweight Motoleggera and the famous Mandello Twin, to name a few. What truly cemented Moto Guzzi’s fate for the racing motorcycle hall of fame was their 350 GP model, that went on a run of consecutive world titles until its retirement in 1957.  During that run, the company built an impressive list of achievements with 3329 official race wins, 14 world titles, and 11 Isle Of Man Tourist Trophies!  


A massive contributor to this success was the founder’s constant pursuit for improvement and innovation.  Carlo Guzzi’s push for the development of a wind tunnel paid dividends.  His brother then went on to create what became the first wind tunnel in all of Europe, and the first motorcycle wind tunnel in the world!  The impacts of this wind tunnel stretched beyond the automotive world.  It even was used to test the elements for clothing worn by an Italian bobsleigh team that went on to take home the gold medal at the Olympics.  While not in use today, that wind tunnel represents the bold risk-taking and inventive spirit at Moto Guzzi.


As the years went on, Moto Guzzi continued to grow internationally and introduce new models, such as the V7 Sport and 750 S.  1977 brought the creation of the Moto Guzzi museum, which is located in Mandello del Lario, Lake Como.  The company name changed to Guzzi Benelli Moto in 1988, but changed back to Moto Guzzi in 1996, after changes in ownership. In 2000 Moto Guzzi was acquired by Aprilia, and it wasn’t until 2004 that Moto Guzzi joined the Piaggio Group.  This opportunity allowed major manufacturers to come together, an overall benefit to all involved.  Since then, Moto Guzzi has carried on as a leader in the motorcycle manufacturing industry, introducing new families in their lineup, developing highly efficient engines, and staying true to the principles strongly held by Carlo Guzzi, and his fellow co-founders.  


Visit Rahal Piaggio Indianapolis to see for yourself what makes Moto Guzzi’s motorcycles truly special


Rahal Piaggio Indianapolis

Phone: (317) 929-2145

Address: 9830 N Michigan Rd, Carmel, IN 46032

Hours: 

  • Sunday: Closed

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM


To learn more about Moto Guzzi’s story, follow this link.