It looks like Moto Guzzi is getting ready to shake things up. While its sibling Aprilia has won over a completely new crowd with the RS457 and Tuono 457, both derived from the RS660. Now, by the end of this year, that exact parallel-twin from Noale will form the foundation for a new Moto Guzzi—a move that marks nothing less than a total revolution for the brand.
A Shared Platform and a Historical Shift
Because Moto Guzzi and Aprilia are both owned by the Piaggio Group, they share a development department, making technology transfers quick and easy. This collaboration means Moto Guzzi will sell a parallel-twin to ordinary customers for the very first time. While the Italian manufacturer actually built inline engines back in the 1930s, those were strictly reserved for motorsport models and never made it to everyday buyers. Nearly a century later, a production model is finally getting the world’s most common engine layout.
Recent spy shots of heavily camouflaged pre-production test mules show that the brand from Lake Como isn’t just lazily slapping its badge on Aprilia’s homework. Instead, they are tailoring the bike to their own customers’ tastes. The result is a classically styled roadster that barely betrays its sporty Noale family ties. Externally, the engine looks almost identical to the original Aprilia design, save for a modified alternator cover.
Classic Looks with a Laid-Back Attitude
The exhaust note is set to change, however, most likely due to a redesigned exhaust system. Internal engine modifications are also highly probable, as hinted at by a larger, repositioned radiator. Guzzi will almost certainly give this bike distinct power and torque delivery characteristics compared to its Aprilia sibling. Whether there will be any changes to peak power or total engine displacement remains to be seen.
One thing that does seem certain is that this Guzzi will weigh more than the Tuono 457. While the Aprilia uses lightweight aluminium extensively for its frame and chassis, Moto Guzzi is sticking with sturdy steel. The aluminium bridge frame seen on the Tuono and RS457 has been swapped out for a classic tubular steel frame. The rear swingarm is also a newly developed steel component. To top it off, an external rear shock absorber further sets the Guzzi’s chassis apart from its sporty, high-performance sister.
Where Aprilia targets a sportier crowd, the Guzzi brand is clearly aiming for riders who prefer a more relaxed, laid-back experience. The designers in Mandello have kept a beefy, muscular fuel tank shape, even though there won’t be any cylinder heads poking out of the sides. From the spy shots, you can already tell the seat is generously proportioned and thickly padded for comfort. Up front, the instrumentation features a classic round shape, but it’s executed as a modern TFT display. The round headlight is also camouflaged but clearly integrates Moto Guzzi’s signature LED daytime running light shaped like the famous eagle.
We can expect the official premiere to take place this November at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The actual name of the bike is still a closely guarded secret, but Moto Guzzi’s long history is packed with great inspiration. We will be sure to keep a close eye on this one as it develops.
