Moto Guzzi Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Moto Guzzi Models of the 1920s

Normale 1921-1924

Sport 1923-1928

GT & GT Militare 1928-1930

GT 2VT 499cc 1927 - 1934 (*NL)

4V SS 1928-1933

Sport 14 1929-1930

250 SS 1928-1933


Moto Guzzi C2V 500 OHV 1924

This machine had a horizontal unit construction engine with three-speed gearbox and an external flywheel. The C2V (corsa due valvole) replaced the "Sport" in 1923 and almost immediately gained laurels, taking in its first year the Circuito del Lario, and the Giro d'Italia with Guido Mentasti aboard.


Moto Guzzi C4V 500cc 1924

Overhead Cam 4 Valve Bronze Head

First built in 1924 the "Quattro Valvole" was the first Grand Prix machine produced by Guzzi and it marked a return to the original designers engine layout. It was one of the fastest "half litre" bikes in the world, winning many major honours including the first European championship. Two of these machines were imported into Australia in the 1920s by Boro & Franki, Fiat agents in Newcastle, 130 miles north of Sydney.

Discussed here: Moto Guzzi Speedway Machines


Moto Guzzi TT250 1926

Bevel-drive OHC 2 valve 246.8cc

Designed by Carlo Guzzi to compete in the Isle of Man TT, the OHC 250 was tested by Motociclismo in May of that year.

Based on the C4V, the engine was modified with a square bore/stroke ratio (68x68mm) and a much narrower valve angle. This resulted in a considerable power increase, giving it a higher hp per litre than any other motorcycle ever produced.

At the TT, Pietro Ghersi took the TT250 to second place behind the Cotton of Paddy Johnston, setting the fastest lap in the process. Ghersi was disqualified for a minor infringement of the rules when he changed the sparkplug and fitted the wrong brand.

1926 saw Moto Guzzi take forty-two competition wins.


1928 Norge

Moto Guzzi Norge

N.B. NL source: Moto Guzzi Database