Classic Italian Motorcycles

Join Motorcycle Classics at the 4th Annual Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic, June 7-9, 2013, at Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, Wis. Nicknamed “America’s National Park of Speed,” Road America has legendary status in the American racing scene, the four-mile road circuit drawing world-class racing since it was built in 1955.

All-new 2014 Moto Guzzi California 1400 models will arrive in U.S. dealerships the week of April 15th.

Best bets on tomorrow’s classics: 1992-1995 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000.

Demodromic valve actuation came to the street in 1967 with the Ducati 350 Mark 3 Desmo.

Looking at the differences between 180-degree triples and 120-degree triples.

Restored three times, this 1977 Laverda 3CL is back on the road thanks to the work of Scott Potter.

A 1962 Parilla 250 Gran Sport on display with other classic motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Alan Cathcart tells the story of a lovely race-bred Gilera Saturno. 

A field of 18 rare and significant Ducatis will appear at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance on March 10, 2013, led by the seminal “Cucciolo” that, in 1946, began Ducati’s rise to the pinnacle of motorcycle excellence and success.

Moto Guzzi’s best-selling model ever, the California, is back for 2013 as the new Moto Guzzi California 1400. 

The Moto Guzzi T3 California was Guzzi’s best-selling model ever. 

A 1956 Maserati 160/T4 Lusso on display with other classic motorcycles at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Forty years later, Ducati fans gather for the Imola 200 to celebrate the race and the track that sealed Ducati’s future. 

Canadian Jim Bush built his own MV Agusta using Magni bodywork and Triumph forks.

The MV Agusta 850SS was the last of the bright red “fire engines” from Italy’s famed Meccanica Verghera Agusta. 

Elegant, with a spectacular visual impact, the lines of the 1400 California convey unmistakeable Moto Guzzi class and tradition combined with never-before-seen size and technology.

A 1975 Aermacchi Chimera 175 on display with other classic Italian motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Ducati built more than 7,000 MHRs, making it the most numerous of all the bevel-drive twin models.

New engine, revamped design, and new components: a new chapter in the V7 legend is written.

Laverda owner David Davies links up with friend and motorcycle journalist David Minton for a 500-mile run to Scotland, Davies on his Laverda RGS and Minton on his Laverda 3CL. Their mission? To sample some fine 16-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from Bladnoch Distillery.

John Surtees' 1956 MV Agusta race bike on display with other classic motorcycles at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Congratulations to Clint Hoops, the winner of the Motorcycle Classics/RetroTours Redneck Giro Sweepstakes! We received thousands of entries for a chance at winning a spot in RetroTours' exclusive Redneck Giro and a complete set of leather riding gear from River Road Motorcycle Gear, and Clint was our lucky winner!

The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is the new old school standard, providing a no-frill motorcycling experience.

Good-looking and fun to ride, the new Moto Guzzi V7 Racer adds another flavor to the café crowd.

MV Agusta. It’s a name deeply rooted in motorcycling history, conjuring up visions of epic, fire-engine-red motorcycles hurtling down race tracks across Europe, the most brilliant riders of the day – Surtees, Hailwood, Agostini – bravely pushing them to the limits of their capacity. Over a 14-year period, enthusiast Gary Kohs put together a collection of 71 of the most significant and magnificant MVs ever made. On Aug. 16-18, 2012, at Mecum’s Monterey Auction, you could buy them all. At once.

MV Agusta remakes Giacomo Agostini’s MV Agusta 500-3 Evoluzione — for a price.

A 1963 Aermacchi motorcycle, a lightweight motorcycle produced by Aermacchi and Harley-Davidson, on display with other classic motorcycles at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.

The Ducati 175 F3, the bike with the funny front brake, inspired a man who inspired us all.

Moto Guzzi fan George Dockray builds a better Moto Guzzi V700.

Mick Walker, author of more than 130 motorcycle books, passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer.

Wanna buy an MV Agusta? How about 71 at once? Mecum Auctions has lined up what must be the single largest collection of MV Agustas in the world, and all 71 bikes – dating from 1946 to 2007 – are to be sold as a single lot at Mecum’s Monterey Auction August 16-18, 2012.

Steve Panofsky jumped at a second chance to own a 1969 Ducati 450 Jupiter Scrambler, the bike of his youth, and he’s never going to let this one go.

Matt Haffenden puts a 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T back together after 10 years apart.

One man’s transformation of a Ducati 900GTS parts bike into a sweet flat tracker dubbed the Ducati XR900.

Piaggio plans for continued growth with new prototypes, production models and a new advanced design center in California

A 1982 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa.

A 1957 F.B. Mondial TV175 at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Parting Shots: Ian Gowanloch’s hoard of Ducati parts

Tomorrow’s Classics: 1986-1988 Ducati Paso 750.

Of all the Ducati SS variants, the last-of-the-line 1982 Ducati 900SS model may have been the best.

1965 Ducati 160 Monza Jr. on display at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Ala.

Parting Shots - Evel Knievel tribute: Stunt rider Louis “Rocket” Re makes his jumps on a 1970 American Eagle Laverda 750

American vintage motorcycle racers invade Europe’s Spa Classic.

The Benelli Sei 900 got its start as the Benelli Sei 750 ("Sei" is Italian for “six”), which was first unveiled in the fall of 1972 and was the first production 6-cylinder motorcycle in the world.

Larry Hubbard's 2001 Ghezzi-Brian took home the trophy for Best Moto Guzzi in the Motorcycle Classics Vintage Motorcycle Show at the 2011 Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds, Ala.

Motorcycle luminary Alan Cathcart commends the Moto Guzzi motorcycles on display in the Motorcycle Classics Vintage Motorcycle Show at the 2011 Barber Vintage Festival in Leeds, Ala.

Antonio Ricciardi's 1951 Moto Guzzi Gambalunga was an award-winning crowd pleaser as an entry in the Motorcycle Classics Vintage Motorcycle Show at the 2011 Barber Vintage Festival.

The Laverda motorcycle went through various changes, but was always well-built and reliable as one can see from its 1974 lineup.

The well-built 1974 Laverda 750 SFC was solely meant for racing until 1968.

The 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino is one of a series of “Gentleman’s Racers” produced to satisfy privateers who wanted to compete effectively in circuit races and other endurance events that were immensely popular in Italy.

Ian Falloon’s new book The Book of the Classic MV Agusta Fours will impress owners and fans of collectible motorcycles with vivid period and contemporary photos of classic MV Agusta Fours history. 

Join Motorcycle Classics and Moto Guzzi for a special celebration of Moto Guzzi’s 90th Anniversary at the 7th Annual Barber Vintage Festival. In addition to our regular bike show, there will be a special Guzzi class, with all winners chosen by a panel of celebrity judges including Barber’s own Brian Slark! Even if you don’t want to compete for a trophy, if you ride a Moto Guzzi you’re invited to park it at our tent – space permitting – mingle with the Guzzi faithful and check out the latest from Moto Guzzi, including, we hope, the new V7 Racer.

Weird but wonderful, the angular Ducati 860 GT is perhaps the last affordable classic Ducati.

The 1957 Parilla 175 Sport and 1962 Parilla 250 Grand Sport offered two takes on a unique singles theme.

Robert Westercamp's 1962 Ducati Diana Cafe Racer and 1971 Ducati 350 Silver Shotgun.

Rod Schmidt's 1934 Moto Guzzi GT-17 on display at the 2011 Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Wisconsinite Jim Fitzgerald’s relationship with his Ducati 1973 Ducati 750 Sport was sparked by his youth.

Dr. Harry Wong discusses the experience of owning and riding a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado.

Fritz Doernberger discusses owning and riding his Ducati Silver Shotgun.

The 1949 Gilera Saturno Sport is 500cc of proper man’s motorcycle, and it is hard work to handle it and ride it to the full, in that it seems suspiciously quick.

Barry Porter discusses owning and riding his Benelli Sei 750.

Rare when new and even rarer today, the Moto Morini 3-1/2 Sport remains what it always was; a rider’s machine.

George Dockray's aircraft-inspired custom Moto Guzzi café racer.

It’s not often that a race bike gets me second guessing my meager riding skills and questioning if I am man enough to get on it from 30 ft away across the paddock. That was my exact thought process however as owner Stan Friduss pulled away the remote starter and the heavily breathed on 1000cc engine of the 1976 Moto Guzzi Lemans Superbike exploded to life. Every head within earshot turned towards the pit. I approached cautiously as the biked settled into a spitting idle as if it was pissed off for being woken up, courtesy of the gaping DelOrto smoothbore carbs. This was my first introduction to my dance partner for the weekend, and the fortuitous relationship to come.

James Alaimo recaps his classic motorcycle restoration projects from 2010. 

Alan Cathcart road tests the Ducati Regolarità 125 - one classic motorcycle that Ducati wishes you never saw.

When I saw my first Laverda RGS some 25 years ago, I thought it was one of the most exotic motorcycles I’d ever laid eyes on. Its arrest-me-red paint screamed “Look at me!” and its unique bodywork fit like a fine Italian suit.

Mike Clay’s words in his 1988 book Café Racers explain eloquently and concisely the reason why beautiful classic Italian motorcycles like the glimmering Moto Guzzi T3 Special in front of me exist at all.

The staff at Motorcycle Classics samples Moto Guzzi's latest retro motorcycle - the 2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic - and it leaves them impressed.

Rene Waters' love of café racer bikes led him to purchase a beat up 1978 Ducati 900GTS and turn it into a beautiful custom Ducati motorcycle.

Guy Webster's circa-1954 Ceccato 72cc Twin-Cam Italian racer is the sole survivor of five made making it one of the rarest classic Italian motorcycles.

In spite of the name on the gas tank, the Ducati Indiana was not, in fact, built by Ducati, but by Cagiva.

If someone told you they were introducing a 10hp, 125cc 2-stroke twin-cylinder machine like the 1952 Rumi Sport 125, would you be even remotely impressed? Probably not.

The 1973 Benelli Tornado 650S is a very compact but robust looking classic Italian motorcycle — sort of like a Honda Benly that’s been pumping iron and abusing steroids.

Mirages, Montjuic and Magic at inaugural Laverda Owners' Club rally in Ojai, Calif.

Thirty-one years ago, Mike “The Bike” Hailwood stunned the motorcycling world when he emerged from 11 years of self-imposed retirement to win the Formula One TT at the Isle of Man on a specially prepared 883cc Ducati V-twin. A week later he rode to victory at Mallory Park, firmly cementing his reputation as one of the greatest riders of all time. Thanks to Alan Cathcart, we have the inside story on the Ducati that carried Hailwood to victory and the man who put it all together, Steve Wynne.  

Rick Manning’s eye-catching 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.

Moto Guzzi has decided to go whole-heartedly down the retro motorcycle route, and the Moto Guzzi V7 Café Classic is the latest Guzzi to be given the treatment.

Parilla owners get unleashed at Sandia Motor Speedway

Alan Cathcart road tests the very rare Morbidelli V8 motorcycle.

Even with over 7,000 made, a Ducati MHR in good condition commands a high price.

Alan Cathcart rides history on wheels, Mike Hailwood's Ducati 900TT1 racer

In our 6-cylinder motorcycle shootout, three riders from different backgrounds take a quick ride on the Benelli Sei 900, Honda CBX 1000 and Kawasaki KZ1300 and give us their feedback.

The Moto Guzzi Eldorado was the biggest weapon in a snout-to-snout battle with Harley-Davidson

Big blasts from the small Ducati Silver Shotgun

Touring Moto Guzzi's fabled factory museum

There are those who might consider that some motorcycles are over exposed, and that some of the parts on display would be better hidden. Take the Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport, for example. Is it perhaps a little too naked, maybe wearing too much of its heart on its sleeve?

Every successful bike maker has a standout model, the ne plus ultra, the one where everything comes together perfectly, producing a classic bike that exemplifies the brand. For Laverda, it was the Laverda Jota 1000.

Alan Cathcart road tests the Ducati Apollo - a failed Italian attempt at a Harley-style cruiser for the American market.

Based on the very first Guzzi V-twin, the 1967 V7, the 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado helped continue the traction Moto Guzzi had gained in the U.S. with the 703cc V7 and later 757cc Ambassador.

This picture was taken in the fall of 1969. The bike is a 1966 Ducati Monza 250, and it was my first “real” motorcycle.

"Old Blue," Cook Neilson and Phil Schilling’s 1977 Daytona-winning Ducati 700 SS, is reborn.

Good news comes from Moto Guzzi, which has announced plans to make the new V7 Classic available to U.S. buyers.

The inspiration for the Laverda 750 SF dates back to 1964, when Massimo Laverda toured the U.S. for a firsthand impression of the burgeoning market here.

I’d wager many of us daydream about building a special custom motorcycle of some kind, combining bits and pieces of favorite bikes into something uniquely our own. Something like Delfour’s combination of a Norton and a Laverda that he calls a "Norton Ala’Verda."

 Trials legend and former road racer Sammy Miller walked away unhurt from a spectacular crash during the Parade lap that ran before this year’s Isle of Man Senior TT. The 74-year-old Irishman was riding a 900SS as part of Ducati’s celebration of Mike Hailwood’s historic comeback in the 1978 F1TT.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Bombing down the dramatic roads that twist and turn along the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy on an air-cooled 2008 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic, the time-honored designation “V7” emblazoned on its side panel, I can almost imagine it’s 1966 all over again, not 2008.

The Moto Guzzi V50 Monza was supposed to be Moto Guzzi’s shot at mass marketing to the motorcycle enthusiast.

 Comparing the 1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans with the 1980 Ducati 900 SS.

If it’s July, it must be time for the Woodstock of classic bike shows, the American Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) annual Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 25-27. 

Motorcycle touring North Carolina Route 181 on a 1978 Ducati Darmah.
 

Alan Chalke shares his 1959 Ducati 200SS, a maroon beauty called "The Jelly Mold" because of its oddly shaped fuel tank.

Just listening to Shane Chalke’s 1983 861 Magni MV Agusta warming up as he blips the throttle sends the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end.

The Cagiva Alazzurra may be the most affordable Ducati motorcycle on the market today.

Ducati goes old school for a better future with the Sport Classic GT1000.

From the early 1950s to the late 1960s, MV Agusta won every race that was worth winning.

Call it the little V-twin that could. Call it expensive for its day, and maybe even unusual. You’d be right on all accounts.

The six-cylinder Benelli Sei 750 was the Italian answer to the Japanese onslaught.

The Bike that set Ducati's Course

The Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert was an even more touring-oriented version of the popular Moto Guzzi 850 T3 California.

The plan was simple: build a prototype, prove it in endurance racing, and use the lessons learned to produce a new range of bikes. What resulted was the Laverda V6.

Only Italy could produce a motorcycle so brutish (yet beautiful) as the Laverda 1000 3C Triple.

Alan Cathcart test rides a 1957 MV Agusta 500 Quattro, one of only two known surviving examples.