Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress

The MGX-21 is based on the California 1400 platform, sharing the same 1380cc 90-degree V-Twin producing a claimed 88.5 lb-ft. of torque. While the original California 1400 represented a classic style, the MGX-21 adopts a more futuristic look.

The Flying Fortress stays fairly true to the original concept, but with saddlebags rather than the wasp-like tail bodywork on the prototype that only hinted at potential storage space. The fairing is heavily sculpted, almost as if Moto Guzzi wanted to redefine the term “batwing fairing.”

One of the defining features of Moto Guzzi’s bagger is the extensive use of carbon fiber, from the saddlebags to the tank panels, front fender, case covers and front wheel covers. The wheel covers are chosen because Moto Guzzi states they “increase stability and ease of handling due to the passage of air from one side of the hub to the other while the bike is in motion.”

The rangeof electronic rider aids help the MGX-21 stand out. As with the California 1400, the MGX-21 comes with three levels of traction control that can be turned off altogether, three riding modes, two-channel ABS, cruise control and a ride-by-wire system as standard equipment. Its lighting system is comprised of LEDs. The MGX-21 has a monochrome dot matrix display and an entertainment system that includes a stereo, intercom system and Bluetooth connectivity.

Gulluzi, head of the Piaggio Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, CA, said the following about the MGX-21:

“How do we imagine crossing an entire continent on a Moto Guzzi? This is the first question we asked ourselves and the immediate response was, on board a California 1400, a classic that has just been renewed. But we wanted to push beyond our thoughts and dreams, to take a leap into the future. We dared imagine a different way of travelling, cooler, as the Americans would say. And we imagined that Moto Guzzi would design and build its own bagger. How could that be? How could a project like this be steeped in Italian design? This is how our thinking and inspiration turned to the masters and masterpieces of Italian design. I mean Bertone and his extraordinary Alfa Romeo BATs of the 1950s, when these crazy Italians interpreted the American taste for extreme shapes such as fins and translated the wildest dreams into precious metal, masterfully combining Italian creativity with American pragmatism. And of course we thought about infinite spaces, with straight roads heading to distant horizons, to speed records snatched on the expanses of salt lakes, to travelling aimlessly and freely. In this way a indistinct image started to take on a definite shape, and thus the MGX-21 Flying Fortress was born.”

Features
Moto Guzzi's technological flag
The Flying Fortress raises Moto Guzzi's technological flag. The new Italian bagger is distinguished by its high level contents some of which are unique and patented, helping to maximise riding pleasure and comfort, and of course safety. Behind the cowl a sophisticated instrument panel has a monochrome dot matrix display and real entertainment system. The latter includes a stereo and the intercom system. The Bluetooth module ensures full interaction with external devices such as a smartphone, which can be used as a music player or to manage the Moto Guzzi (MG-MP) multimedia platform, an exceptional source of information for the journey. The standard equipment is complemented by a sophisticated electronic engine management system, which includes the Ride-by-Wire multimap, in addition to two-channel ABS, traction control set to three different levels of operation (and excludable) and cruise control. The new Moto Guzzi also stands out for meticulous and obsessive attention to detail. The spectacular optical units use LED technology, while the electrical controls on the handlebars are made of metal. While respecting the solid century-old tradition, the MGX-21 reaches out to the future, employing materials typically used in the most advanced sports motorcycles. Indeed, many parts are made in high quality carbon, such as the front mudguard, the tank panels, the motorcycle case covers, the engine push rod and the front wheel covers.

State of the art technology for maximum riding pleasure
The adoption of the 21" front wheel brought with it a major evolution of the frame to ensure high levels of comfort and riding pleasure. Moto Guzzi worked hard to define the new steering geometry and ensure balance and ease of riding. In so doing it thus combined the comfort and load capacity of a custom with the dynamism and performance of a cruiser, two qualities that are difficult to reconcile. The new tubular structure of the closed double cradle frame adopts the ingenious elastokinematic engine mounting system developed by Moto Guzzi to eliminate vibrations transmitted to the rider when moving. However, when stationary the bike still retains the throb of the Moto Guzzi big block's two powerful 104 mm diameter pistons, which can excite even the most streetwise motorcyclist, intensifying the vibrancy of this model. The largest V-twin ever produced in Europe, which can deliver more than 120 Nm of torque with ease and precision from very low revs, has earned EU4 certification and a new exhaust unit with very long horizontal terminals. All this verve is controlled by a benchmark brake system for the category, worthy of a sports motorcycle, comprising a trio of large diameter discs and four-piston front callipers and radial connection.