Unless you are very old indeed, there is one particular Italian motorcycle marque which has been in existence longer than you.
For this year marks a century of production of the iconic make that is Moto Guzzi.
Amazingly, all of the magnificent machines to carry that famous moniker have come out of the same plant on the shores of Lake Como in the town of Mandello del Lario, in Lombardy.
The Societa Anonima Moto Guzzi was established on March 15, 192, with the goal of “manufacturing and selling motorcycles and any other activity connected to the metal mechanical industry”.
At the plant, the firm created the first ever win tunnel to be used for testing motorcycles.
It was there in 1955 that designer Giulio Cesare Carcano created the 177mph Otto Cilindri and, between 1935 and 1957, the prototypes which won 15 world speed titles and 11 Tourist Trophies.
In the 60s, after the Stornello and Dingo light bikes, Moto Guzzi created the 700cc 90-degree V-twi with Cardan shaft final drive.
This became the symbol of the brand through models including the V7 Special, V7 Sport, California and Le Mans.
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That engine has been constantly refined and evolved ever since and still features in the V7 and V9 range, and the V85 TT.
To celebrate the anniversary, Moto Guzzi has released limited-edition Centenario versions of the V7 and V85 TT.
Theses feature colour schemes and aesthetics which pay homage to the 1955 eight-cylinder 500 Bialbero with satin-finished tank, green fairing, a leather seat and a gold 100 year Moto Guzzi eagle badge.
The model I am testing here is the 2021 V7 Special.
The V7 has been around in various guises since 1967 when it was powered by a 700cc version of that iconic air-cooled 90-degree pushrod V-twin.
This model uses a much-modified version of that same engine, but for this year it is now and 850cc.
It’s a great-looking bike, with proper retro styling and which oozes quality and class.
On board, its relaxed and comfortable and the twin, round analogue clocks immediately catch the eye.
This bike represents back-to-basics riding and there’s minimal electronic gadgetry - ABS and two-level traction control.
It’s a lovely easy bike to ride.
The engine is a beauty, the gearbox is smooth and the handling, with low-down weight and light spoked wheels, is excellent.
This is no sports bike, although there is plenty of power and torque from that 850.
Rather, the V7 Special is all about style, class - and 100 glorious years of very special motorcycles.
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