Moto Guzzi Le Mans and California: Books - History

Moto Guzzi Le Mans (1976-1989)

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Moto Guzzi Le Mans motorcycles from the years 1976-1989. Describes the Moto Guzzi 1000 Magni, Le Mans Mks. I, II, III and V850s and 1000s, CX100.

• The 30 articles, taken from contemporary British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

▶  More information on the Brooklands Portfolio books

Moto Guzzi California - Die Touring-Legende aus Italien

Dieses Motorrad verbindet italienische Eleganz mit amerikanischer Lässigkeit: Moto Guzzi California. Seit einem halben Jahrhundert erfreuen sich Motorrad-Fans aus aller Welt am Sound des markanten, quer eingebauten V2-Zylinders. Das Retro-Motorrad steht für ein Lebensgefühl, das irgendwo zwischen Easy Rider und der Sonne Kaliforniens angesiedelt ist.

Dabei begann die Erfolgsgeschichte der Moto Guzzi California ganz anders: Italienische Behörden sind der erste Abnehmer. Mit Modifikationen wird die California ab 1968 auch als Dienstmotorrad im Los Angeles Police Department eingesetzt.
Doch was sich im harten Dienstalltag bewährt, kann auch für den Wochenend-Biker mit Freiheitsdrang nicht ganz ungeeignet sein. Die zivilen Ausführungen des Motorrads werden schnell zum Renner bei Tourenfahrern.

Die beiden Motorrad-Journalisten Dirk Mangartz und Stephan H. Schneider erzählen erstmals die ganze Geschichte der "Cali" - vom ersten Prototyp der V7 Police Special über die Moto Guzzi Custombikes bis hin zur futuristischen MGX-21. Damit präsentiert ihr Buch nicht nur die Evolution dieser einzigartigen Modellreihe, sondern auch die Geschichte des ältesten europäischen Motorradwerks.

Moto Guzzi California

The Moto Guzzi California is a motorcycle that has left a significant mark on the brand's history. Its undeniable dynamic qualities became even more apparent starting from the T3 model.
The California has a long history, beginning in 1971 and still continuing today with models featured in the Guzzi lineup.

This book delves into its history, starting with the designers who brought it to life and continuing with an analysis of the many versions produced over the years.

Text in Italian.

Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850-1000

Introduced in the mid-Seventies as an evolution of the V7 Sport, the 850 Le Mans is one of the most renowned Moto Guzzis of all time. The development of the model was closely bound up with the concluding chapters of the firm's works racing team. The features conceived for endurance races were in fact incorporated in a model presented as a "race-ready" production bike.

The immediate success with the public, who appreciated the performance of the V-twin engine, consecrated the 850 Le Mans as the finest Italian sports bike of the period. It enjoyed a relatively long career that was to conclude with the controversial 1000 cc version, as enjoyable for its engine as it was disappointing in its chassis.
A flat end to a career that took nothing away from the overall prestige of the model, still today considered to be a legend by the enthusiasts of Italian sports bikes around the world. This is because the Le Mans is a rare combination of performance, versatility and mechanical robustness, with most of the examples built between 1976 and 1993 are still on the road today after having covered grand tourer mileages.

Text in Italian.