Moto Guzzi Museum by Phil Aynsley

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Carlo Guzzi memorial in the main square of Mandello del Lario. Photographed in Mandello del Lario, Italy. 2013 by Phil Aynsley

The very first Moto Guzzi was the Guzzi-Parodi or "G.P" named after Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi and was completed in 1920. The horizontal 500cc motor featured an OHC, 4 valve head; twin spark plugs and an impressive (for the time) lubrication system. Despite a low compression ratio of 3.5:1 the bike produced 12hp and was capable of 100kph.

The first production model was the Normale, which was produced from 1921-24. While similar to the "G.P." it had a simplified 2 valve head (side valve inlet & overhead exhaust). 8hp at 3,200rpm. 130kg. Top speed 85kph.

The museum consists of a series of long rooms. 

Corsa C4V. The bike on which Guido Mentasti won the Championship of Europe in 1924. The C4V saw the return to a 4 valve head and proved to be very successful. 22hp at 5,500rpm. 130kg. Top speed 140kph.

The 500cc Gran Turismo was only made in small numbers (78 from 1928-30) and after a publicity ride to the Arctic Circle it was nicknamed the "Norge" (Norway). The main feature of the GT was the introduction of a sprung frame. 13hp. 150kg. Top speed 100kph.

The only surviving example of the 500cc Tre Cilindri of 1932. Derived from the 1930 500cc 4 cylinder race bike, the Tre Cilindri was highly advance touring bike for the time but the high price and average performance meant it wasn't a commercial success and it was discontinued after one year. 25hp at 5,500rpm. 160kg. Top speed 130kph. Photographed in Mandello del Lario, Italy. 2013.