Moto Guzzi Le Mans and California: Books - History

Moto Guzzi Le Mans (1976-1989) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book featuring 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 period articles, brought together from leading British and American motorcycle magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and engineering.
• Also driving impressions, original road tests, comparison tests, technical data, etc.

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The Moto Guzzi Sport & Le Mans Bible: V7 Sport, 750s & S3, 850 Le Mans, 850 Le Mans II & III, 1000 Le Mans IV & V

This book explores the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport and Le Mans sporting motorcycles of the 1970s and 1980s. These classic machines were among the first superbikes to combine Italian style, good handling, and strong performance.

After difficult years in the 1960s, engineer Lino Tonti created the V7 Sport Telaio Rosso in 1971. Its success led Moto Guzzi to return to a strong focus on sporting motorcycles. When Alessandro de Tomaso later took control of the company, the future of the V-twin models seemed uncertain, until the launch of the 850 Le Mans in 1975. Like the V7 Sport, it set new standards and remained in production throughout the 1980s.
The Le Mans series evolved through several versions, ending with the Le Mans V in 1988, which combined traditional character with modern features.

Covering the years 1971-1993, the book includes all V7 Sport and Le Mans models, year-by-year development, full production data, and 160 photographs. It is written by motorcycle expert Ian Falloon, owner of a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.

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Moto Guzzi California - Die Touring-Legende aus Italien

This motorcycle combines Italian elegance with American casualness: Moto Guzzi California. For half a century, motorcycle fans from all over the world have enjoyed the sound of the distinctive, transversely mounted V2 cylinder. The retro motorcycle represents a lifestyle that is somewhere between Easy Rider and the Californian sun.

The success story of the Moto Guzzi California began quite differently: Italian authorities were the first buyers. With modifications, the California was also used as a service motorcycle in the Los Angeles Police Department from 1968.
But what has proven itself in the tough everyday work routine may also be suitable for the weekend biker with a thirst for freedom. The civilian versions of the motorcycle quickly became a hit with touring riders.

The two motorcycle journalists Dirk Mangartz and Stephan H. Schneider tell the whole story of the "Cali" for the first time - from the first prototype of the V7 Police Special to the Moto Guzzi custom bikes and the futuristic MGX-21. Their book not only presents the evolution of this unique model series, but also the history of the oldest European motorcycle factory.

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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.

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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.

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