Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1920. The company now specializes in 90° V twin engines.
The company has produced over fifty models since its inception. The most popular model, in the 1980s, was Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Four versions of the Le Mans (or LEMONS as they were colloquially known) were produced, designated I, II, III and IV. The I, II and III are 850cc and the IV is 1000cc. The first two models had rounded barrels while the latter two had squared barrels. All models have shaft drive and make use of Del Orto carburetors (36mm). The bikes were highly regarded for their styling and their performance. The torque of the engine and the frames rigidity meant the model was competitive at a time when Japanese manufacturers were taking over the European motorcycle market.
Although many regard Guzzis as unreliable, it has been observed that a well maintained Guzzi engine is highly reliable. The service interval of the older models is 3000 km and if this schedule this is achieved the engine, partly due to its simplicity, will last.
The company was taken over in 1972 by Alessandro De Tomaso, owner of Benelli motorcycles and formed part of De Tomaso Group. The actual owner is Aprilia that in August 2004 has been bought by Piaggio.
