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The Most Popular Moto Guzzi Motorcycles Every Rider Should Know
Moto Guzzi is one of those iconic Italian brands whose motorcycles carry style, character, and a storied heritage. With longitudinal V-twins, shaft drives, and striking design, Moto Guzzi machines are unmistakable. Whether you’re into classic café racers, retro roadsters, or modern sport-tourers, these are the Moto Guzzi models every rider should know.
🏍 Moto Guzzi V7 Series (V7 III Stone, V7 Stone / Classic / Special)
The V7 family is among Guzzi’s best-selling and most recognizable. These bikes blend classic styling with modern touches. Lightweight enough to feel nimble, yet solid and muscular, they’ve become a go-to for riders who want heritage, ease of riding, and that distinctive Guzzi presence. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi V85 TT
For those who want adventure with style, the V85 TT does the job. It’s a “classic enduro” with rugged looks, decent off-road capability, and Moto Guzzi’s characterful 853cc, air-cooled V-twin. It stands out in the adventure motorcycle segment with its retro personality. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello
One of Guzzi’s more modern creations, the V100 Mandello is a sport-touring motorcycle with new technology. It’s the first Moto Guzzi with a liquid-cooled V-twin, adaptive aerodynamics (flaps that open/close based on speed), and other premium features. If you want something recent that shows where Guzzi is headed, this is it. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber
The V9 Bobber captures that stripped-down, custom bobber vibe while keeping things manageable. With its clean lines, low seat height, relaxed ergonomics, and that classic Guzzi engine sound, it’s a bike many riders choose for style and street comfort. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi California / California 1400
The California has been a cornerstone in Guzzi’s lineup for decades—a big cruiser/touring machine made for riders who want comfort and presence. The 1400cc version adds serious displacement, making it more than just a tourer—it’s a powerful, long-hauling Guzzi with heritage. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi Le Mans (850, 1000, and later versions)
A classic in every sense, the Le Mans series embodies Guzzi’s sporty heritage: café racer charisma, sharp handling for its time, and timeless style. The 850 Le Mans Mk1 (and its later Mark II, III etc.) are coveted among collectors, while newer Le Mans models or variants continue to carry its legacy. 
🏍 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100 / Griso Series
The Griso blends power, style, and attitude. With its naked-roadster format, muscular frame, and unique look, it’s not for everyone—but for riders who want something bold, it’s beloved. Early Griso 1100 models showed what Guzzi could do when stepping outside classic styling and into something more aggressive. 
🏍 Timeless Classics: V7 Sport, Norge GT 500, Normale
• V7 Sport (early 1970s): Introduced lighter frame, sportier ergonomics, and performance that pushed Guzzi into café racer territory. 
• Norge GT 500: Early touring model that also proved reliability in long trips and was part of Guzzi’s early feat of riding to the Arctic Circle. 
• Normale 500 (1920s): Moto Guzzi’s first production motorcycle—simple, historic, a foundation of what was to come. 
⚙️ What Makes These Guzzis Special
• Longitudinal V-Twins with Shaft Drive: That layout gives distinctive look, torque feel, and low maintenance in terms of driveline.
• Heritage + Style: Many models focus on character and design, not just specs—things like classic lines, retro cues, and riding feel matter.
• Rideability: Even the more exotic or powerful Guzzi models tend to have a torque curve and ergonomics that are usable for many riders.
• Blend of Old and New: Guzzi hasn’t been stuck in the past—they’re bringing innovations (like liquid cooling in the V100 Mandello) while still honoring their heritage.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re attracted to classic café culture, spirited road touring, or vintage-styled adventure, Moto Guzzi offers machines that stand out. Knowing the V7, V85 TT, V100 Mandello, V9 Bobber, California, Le Mans, and Griso gives you a solid understanding of Guzzi’s identity—one that mixes soul, torque, and Italian craftsmanship.