Moto Guzzi was founded in 1921, and is the oldest continuously-operating motorcycle manufacturer in Europe. In those 93 years, the company has made only two basic engines, except for a few smaller bikes right after WW2 and its racing machines. Since 1967, that would be its iconic V-twin shaft-drive bikes. But from 1921 through 1976, Moto Guzzi made a 500cc single, the Falcone, that became legendary for its performance, quality and durability, as well as its “bacon slicer” exposed flywheel. The Italians have a knack for making mechanical fests for the eyes comparable to their women or cuisine. Let’s take a closer look, but no drooling, please.
click image for maximum pornographic effect
The great joy of bikes is even if one doesn’t ride them, they offer so much for the eyes. Let’s face it, their exposed enginalia is just not something readily available in cars. And bikes like this Moto Guzzi are almost obscene; everything is just out there, nothing hidden behind a cover or skirt. And we haven’t even gotten to the flywheel side yet.
image:motorcyclesclassics.com
If it looks a bit old-fashioned, well, that 1951 version is a very direct descendent of the first Moto Guzzi ever, this one built in 1921. And form the beginning, its bikes quickly gained a rep for their mechanical excellence and fine performance, thanks to their light weight.
The early Falcone’s used an F-head, with overhead inlet valve and a side-valve for the exhaust. But later ones had a classic hemi head, operated by bevel-gear driven overhead vams, in these lovely compartments.
The rear suspension is rather unusual and advanced, with a swing arm whose springs are mostly hidden in the its very front, working against the frame, not unlike most modern bikes.
The shock absorber is a friction unit, quickly adjustable (on the go?) with this big handle. The fishtail exhaust is typical for this vintage.
Lets work our way around, past the little tool box, I assume.
There’s that exposed flywheel; make sure your shoelaces are tied well…
I should point out that the front fork and wheel are not original, being from a Norton. But it seems to be a happy marriage.
Shot at Bob Macherione’s Sports Car Shop
Eye candy for sure, how do they sound?
Very cool that flywheel is quite safe compared to some open primary pre unit things Ive been on, Shaft driven valve gear Paul, Hispano did that way back in time was Moto Guzzi another that built on that idea?
I had an idea that front brake looked familiar
I’m pretty sure that I can’t be the only one who sees the resemblance between this and the 250/350 Harley/Aeromacchi. Must be an italian thing.
Norton made a flat single Manx,a copy of the racing Moto Guzzi in the 50s but I’m sure it was never raced
The great joy of bikes is even if one doesn’t ride them, they offer so much for the eyes. Let’s face it, their exposed enginalia is just not something readily available in cars.
So true, and it helps that motorcycles (especially older ones) often use fairly unconventional engine layouts that you’ll never/very rarely see in an automobile. I love the way aircooled single-cylinders, flat twins and V-twins look. I’ve only ever seen a few Moto Guzzi V-twins but they’re enormous and imposing up close, totally badass. This thing is just completely over the top and I never knew it existed. The tiiiiiiiny little twincam valve covers are incredible!
Sorry, I was unable to abide by the “no drooling” request. Stunning!
Of course, there’s the dark side to Moto Guzzi. Not counting the current ownership (which seems to be healthy), the marque has driven every company that’s ever owned it into bankruptcy. After having gone into it itself, first
This is the classic “constantly terminal but never dies” motorcycle company.