JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Fans of Moto Guzzi – the Igtalian brand of hand-made motorcycles with their signature transverse-mounted V2 engines – will soon be back in South Africa.
Italian Motorcycle Importers (IMI), official distributor of Moto Guzzi in South Africa, will launch seven distinct versions of the legendary Moto Guzzi V7 ”naked” bike and a premium version of the shaft-drive V85 Enduro in South Africa with prices starting at R163 000.
THE V85 TT
THE V85 TT was launched globally in March 2019 and, the bikemaker says, comes with a new platform and engine for Moto Guzzi. It was designed to a focus on driveability and durability with a dry weight of 208kg and is the only bike in its category with shaft drive.
Adding to driveability, the V85 has a 23-litre tank for at least 400km between visits to the pumps.
Nestled in its new frame is a 90-degree V-twin engine displacing 853cc and capable of 60kW. As a bonus it’s mounted higher in the frame for a ground clearance of 210mm. Wheel travel, front and rear, is a generous 170mm.
Ian Huntly, CEO of IMI, told The Corner in a media release: ”Moto Guzzi, with the global launch of the V85, has welcomed back a long-time fan – Hollywood actor Ewan McGreggor – as its brand ambassador. He’s known for his adventurous spirit so we were excited to see him on the V85.”
The Moto Guzzi V85 Enduro Premium costs R209 000 and is sold with a three-year or 60 000 km service plan and a 24-month mechanical warranty.
THE V7
THE LEGEND of the Moto Guzzi V7 started in 1967 when the first was launched in Italy with a transverse V2 engine. The bike proved so popular that the full production run was sold out soon after launch, further fuelling the bike’s legendary status.
Huntly said: “The V7 has everything we love about Moto Guzzi: hand-assembled and fitted with the company’s thumping V2 engine that sits transversely in the frame and has endless customisation options.”
The new range of the V7 is only the third completely new model range since the first model (back in 1967!) which still has a two-valve per cylinder set-up and unique exhaust system that generates the unique Guzzi rumble.”
READ MORE Moto Guzzi features on Carman’s Corner
While customisation options are legion, Moto Guzzi says, the brand has created a number of factory custom models, among them the V7 Stone with its large singular display, alloy wheel rims and dark matte look and the V7 Special which has old-school saddle-stitching on the seat, spoked wheels, and twin circular instrument displays.
SIX MODELS – EACH DISTINCTIVE
Huntly again: “We will officially launch the V7 Stone Rosso, the V7 Stone with LED package, the V7 Rough, the V7 Milano, the V7 Carbon and the V7 Racer. Each has a very distinctive design that will stand out in a crowd and offer buyers various canvases for further customisation.”
The range of V7 models is:
Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone ABS E4 Rosso – R163 000
Moto Guzzi V7 Stone LED – R171 000
Moto Guzzi V7 Rough – R167 500
Moto Guzzi V7 Milano – R182 500
Moto Guzzi V7 III Carbon – R187 000
Moto Guzzi V7 III Racer – R199 000
Every Moto Guzzi will be delivered with a three-year or 60 000km service plan and a 24-month mechanical warranty.
- For more information, go to italianmi.co.za.
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