Moto Guzzi 1400 bagger spied

This is the world’s first sighting of the new production ready Moto Guzzi 1400 California-based bagger which was spotted undergoing final testing before an anticipated launch at the Milan motorcycle show in November.

The production-specification bike appears to be almost completely finished and is the fully-working version of the MGX-21 concept bike revealed at the 2014 Milan motorcycle show.

This new 1400 Bagger is primarily aimed at netting US bagger sales as they dwarf those of the rest of the world and it’s an important bike for Moto Guzzi to get right.

The most striking part of the design is the fact this bike appears to have brought to production the solid carbon fibre wheels seen on the MGX-21 concept bike. While the carbon wheel is used at the front of this prototype bike, the rear is still sporting a wire spoked wheel. It’s possible both will be available.

Also spotted recently is another V7 variant which has what looks like a new version of the V7 engine, cast alloy wheels and narrower tyres than others already spotted testing.

These new bikes are just one of a series of new bikes spotted testing around the Italian factory in recent weeks with a pair of new V7 variants spotted too. There is some talk of the V7 engine in all of the new models being increased in capacity to make it a more powerful 850cc variant but there is no official word on that right now.

Also spotted recently was a 750cc or 850cc Audace which is a high-end motorcycle offering a more aggressive take on the 1400cc California underpinnings. The Audace will widen the potential customer base massively. While the large Audace costs over £15,000, we would expect this smaller-capacity variant to cost around £8000.

The styling overhaul is fairly dramatic, thanks to the balloon front tyre, cast alloy wheels, black painted parts and a reshaped fuel tank, seat unit and exhausts.

The bike was spotted outside the Moto Guzzi factory in Northern Italy in what looks like almost completely finished form, suggesting it will be launched at the Milan motorcycle show this November.

 

Pictures: BMH Images