I went on a visit to the Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario, right on lake Como when I was over in Italy. A brilliant time warp place, they have been in the same buildings since 1921. About 5 years ago the marque was sold and the new owners want to move to a more modern factory in another part of Italy. Of course the town of Mandello are not happy about this and who can blame them.
Part of Guzzis appeal is the old time feel of their bikes and this place is a very large part of that. When I was there all the workers staged an impromtu strike and gathered outside the main gates, puffing on cigarettes, shouting stuff and generally just hanging around.
Part of Guzzi's appeal is the old time feel of their bikes. This place is a very large part of that. When I was there all the workers staged an impromptu strike and gathered outside the main gates, puffing on cigarettes, shouting stuff and generally just hanging around.
I got to see one of my favourite bikes and the stuff of legends, the V8 race bike.
What an amazing machine and if Italy hadn't pulled out of motorcycle racing, just as they had ironed out most of the bikes kinks, it would've wiped the floor with everyone.
This rather blurry picture is one of its tiny magnesium Dell'Orto carbs, super light and a beautifully made piece of kit.
Cheers bruv!
2 comments:
Really cool post!
That gold colored #1 plated Guzzi is so good.
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