Miguel Galluzzi and Pierre Terblanche capture the essence of Moto Guzzi and
inject it into motorcycles to drool over, designed with one thing in mind: pure
riding pleasure.
Miguel Galluzzi e Pierre Terblanche - two of the most brilliant motorcycle
designers of all time - teamed up to present us with their styling exercises
centred around the very essence of the Moto Guzzi brand - its legendary in-line
twin-cylinder engine.
The V12 prototypes have been developed around the 1,200 cc 4-valve 90-degree
V-twin from Mandello, so much so that they were even named after it.
This is Moto Guzzi's tribute to the one engine that turned the "Italian
eagle" brand into a myth of motorcycling and to its unique character. It is a
statement of Moto Guzzi's commitment to keep developing and improving its
flagship engine for the years to come.
Pierre Terblanche's prototypes stand out for the minimalist design of the
aluminium casting frame embracing that true masterpiece of mechanics. The frame
compact dimensions make for a simple, neat layout. Tank, saddle and tail are
integrated into a monocoque structure, an unconventional example of the fine art
of design combining technology, style and practicality. The overall impression
is one of striking neatness, a sight unseen in the motorcycle industry: there is
not a single cable left in sight, not a single off-key detail to be found. Such
uncluttered appearance and compact size would simply be unthinkable without the
sleek layout of the Guzzi twin-cylinder engine. Quite a paradox, if one
considers the exuberant personality of this engine.
The V12 models are true to the Moto Guzzi tradition and its commitment to
innovation that goes back nearly 9 decades.
Moto Guzzi is back to the quintessential Italian bike (so much so that all
labels and indications are in Italian), a statement of style combined with
technology. Rather than on performance for performance's sake, the focus is on
showcasing the mechanics, on essential design, on the pleasure of owning a
unique motorcycle and - of course - on riding fun, thanks to its eager engine
and amazing chassis.
The prototypes feature innovative details and solutions, like the concept
bikes they are. Noteworthy are the cutting-edge rear suspension of the V12
LeMans, the LCD "rear-view mirrors", the LED light units, the "suspended"
passenger footpegs and the heat sinks.
Moto Guzzi V12 LM, V12 Strada and V12 X are three extraordinary Italian
motorcycles. In the words of Miguel Galluzzi, Manager of the Piaggio Group
styling centre:
"There is an impalpable, yet very real force in the history of Moto Guzzi. It
lies in the ideas and in the unrelenting research work that led Moto Guzzi to
build its tradition on innovation. Mentioning all the accomplishments of Moto
Guzzi and their significance in the history of the Italian motorcycling industry
would seem like indulging in some kind of vain celebration. Throughout its
history, Moto Guzzi has put forward a unique concept of motorcycle. Everything
started with an idea, and new ideas have always been the lifeblood of the
"Italian eagle".