Moto Guzzi Eldorado and Ewan McGregor

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Forty-eight years of history This is the calling card of the by now legendary Moto Guzzi 90° V Twin designed by engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano. From its first appearance on the V7, this legendary powerplant has been modified into countless versions and on a vast range of motorcycles. It was in the third evolution of the 90° V Twin that Moto Guzzi breathed life into the Eldorado. The year was 1972. Less than two years earlier, on the wave of a surprising supply of 750cc V7 bikes to the LAPD (the Los Angeles Police Department), the first Guzzi California was born and, on the same base, the luxurious Ambassador. In the constant displacement increase, Carcano's twin cylinder had already been taken from 700 to 757 cc and, with a third increase in size, the 850 cc version was born.


Moto Guzzi California 850, United States, 1972

With this engine the Eldorado was made as a replacement for the Ambassador with an even more complete, refined and luxurious model, but also one that would be able to provide a powerful and satisfying ride.
The goal was clearly achieved: “if Roman gods had ridden motorcycles, the Moto Guzzi Eldorado would have been chosen by Bacchus.” In the late '60s this was how the American Cycle World magazine concluded their test of the luxurious Italian bike, the latest evolution of the 90° V-twin with cardan final drive just introduced in the States. The metaphor effectively highlighted the intoxication experienced on a modern, powerful, luxurious and fast bike, painstakingly studied down to the smallest details and extremely satisfying to ride.


Moto Guzzi Eldorado 2015

More than forty years later this extraordinary experience is repeated in the shape and substance of the new Eldorado. By looking at the Eldorado 1400 one can see clearly how this Moto Guzzi has preserved the personality of its ancestor, drawing it from the past to the future along the path of technological evolution and stylistic continuity.
It's a bike that, even when it is parked, evokes the travelling spirit, the hundreds of kilometres travelled with that perfect feeling between rider and mount, as the fundamental component of the Moto Guzzi soul. A bike with a powerful identity with a fiercely proud Italian heritage which comes onto the scene as a global traveller, at home in any latitude, able to bring to mind spaces which, from coast to coast, cross over faraway continents.

This is how designer Miguel Galluzzi, who is in charge of the Piaggio Group PADC (Piaggio Advanced Design Center) at Pasadena, introduces it: “At 94 years of glorious Moto Guzzi history, a new wind of passion has pushed us to explore new horizons for this prestigious brand, not to mention the most important milestones. Great respect for tradition combined with a search for the best possible technology and the purest Italian design leads us today in the creation of the best Moto Guzzi bikes ever built. Searching for new horizons should be understood not only in terms of technique, but also as new riding experiences. All of this is blended in the soul of the new Moto Guzzi Eldorado: a bike designed to evoke riding excitement, the joy of ownership and admiration down to the smallest details like no other bike can do.”

The flashback effect comes out in the details: the spoked wheels, the oversized saddle, the rear mudguard with the gem-shaped taillight and the bullhorn handlebar. Even the fuel tank is full of appeal: the two-tone paint is accentuated by a teardrop motif characterised by a mirror-finish chrome treatment. A twin white coachline (Eldorado is available in Nero Classico and Rosso Pregiato) protected by another layer of clearcoat adds an even more prestigious touch to the tank and emphasises its lines. The front and rear mudguards and side panels are also highlighted by a dual white coachline under another protective layer of clearcoat, which ends in a point evocative of the tip of apaintbrush. The Moto Guzzi Eldorado logo takes its stylistic inspiration from the unforgettable Eldorado 850 badge. Also, the passenger saddle is mounted on a chromed luggage rack with built-in grab-handle: when needed, the passenger saddle can be easily removed to make plenty of room for luggage.

Eldorado's spoked wheels, both sixteen inches, mount classic whitewall tyres (130/90 on the front and 180/65 on the rear), which draw attention to the new wraparound mudguards. The wheel rims themselves are in unpainted polished aluminium, with an inner rim width of 3.5" (front) and 5.5" (rear): true works of art that manage to combine the most classic style with the modern technology of tubeless tyres. The front end has a particularly “clean” design which enhances the powerful front end, whereas the rear, on the other hand, is the most distinctive stylistic element on this ultra elegant Moto Guzzi. Its smooth and decisive shape integrates with the new full cover shock absorbers, the gem-shaped rear light cluster and the classic rounded turn indicators.

The Eldorado is easily distinguishable by its original complex surface headlight with polyelliptical light equipped with LED daylight running light (DRL). Speaking of digital technologies, the instrumentation is particularly satisfying, contained in a 150 mm diameter circular panel with the analogue rev counter scale finding its place along the external circumference and a multifunction full-matrix suspended display at the centre, all packaged neatly, like a luxury watch, in a bright chromium housing. You don't climb onto the Eldorado - you settle comfortably into the saddle. Situated at just 740 mm from the ground, the new seat, generous floorboards and comfortable chromium plated cowhorn tapered handlebars simply cry out for you to sit down, press the start button and let the tarmac roll past under your wheels.

If the road ahead is an endless Interstate Highway you can activate cruise control by pressing the button on the right-hand electric block and sail along as you listen to the throbbing 90° V-twin filtered by the big block's elastic-kinematic mounting system, knowing that if you need or desire it, the cardan final drive will be ready to unleash up to 120 Nm onto the tarmac at 2,750 rpm. Technically unchanged, the twin cylinder confirms its monumental architecture enhanced by the valve covers painted black with Moto Guzzi laser printed on them and the tight and smoothed cooling fins crafted with a facing technique, the same popular and precious method used to make the passenger footrest brackets.
The engine is an absolute benchmark in its category for engine capacity-performance-consumption ratio thanks to excellent thermodynamic performance combined with advanced Ride-by-wire multimap electronic management. This technology allows the rider to choose one of three engine management maps: Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia. And that's not all: the dynamic performance of the vehicle is also kept under control by its latest generation traction control (MGCT) which can be adjusted on three actuation levels in order to increase active safety without impacting performance and riding pleasure. The Eldorado's chassis was developed with the goal of increasing precision and ease of riding: the stiffness of the frame, the choice of tyres, the trail and the suspension calibration are all perfectly harmonised to increase the Eldorado's ride to levels which are unheard of on bikes with similar characteristics.

Moto Guzzi Audace and Ewan McGregor

THE “DARK” BIKE THAT SCRAPES THE ASPHALT

Today Audace is the brazen interpreter of the Moto Guzzi rebel spirit, a brand with a unique personality that often goes against the flow. The history of the Larian eagle is riddled with unique choices: the transversal V 90, a skill for innovation, records in the sports field, the renowned 8 cylinder engine. Moto Guzzi has never been shy about showing its unique character. 90 years on it is still the same. Ostentatious, muscular and fierce, the Moto Guzzi Audace can be picked out immediately by its front end, made stylistically lighter by the circular headlight unit and the carbon mudguard mounted on a fork without any telescope covering. Audace has no chromium plating: every mechanical detail, each small exposed metallic part is dark as night, an ideal condition for fully enjoying a bike in solitude with the striking beauty of this new Moto Guzzi 1400cc. Audace is the perfect representation of the second soul of the Moto Guzzi brand - urban dark. A dark soul already introduced on the Moto Guzzi V7 II Stone and reconfirmed with the elements of the Dark Rider personalisation that Guzzi designed for the “750” from Mandello.

Miguel Galluzzi, the designer in charge of the PADC (Piaggio Group Advanced Design Center) in Pasadena California, introduces the new Audace like this: “The first steps of the new Moto Guzzi path were taken from the 90 year anniversary celebration for this great brand, founded in 1921 and unique in the world for the motorcycling values that it embodies. Moto Guzzi's desire to grow is perfectly summed up in the strong and uncompromising character of the new Audace. I believe that this bike, today, speaks louder than any words about the more modern soul and future of the brand from Mandello. All you have to do is look at it and ride it and all your questions are answered. Sitting astride this imposing bike, starting the powerful V twin and riding down the road is all you need to understand what Moto Guzzi represents today. The new Audace is a perfect interpretation of the most genuine Moto Guzzi spirit.”

On the lines of the Audace light comes through only in the stark contrast with the colour of the lateral strip that shows several brand new details. Like the undersump lug that gives the side view a gritty look, the metallic radiator grille and the short, megaphone exhaust with die-cast aluminium support flange that, despite the outlaw look, is high-tech to contain polluting emissions. In fact, thanks to the use of a secondary air system and a specific catalytic converter, the Audace is the first Euro 4 approved Moto Guzzi. The side panel covers are light, as well as the passenger footpeg bracket. The platform footboards are gone here - we are no longer on a cruiser - as is the rocker gear shift control in order to make room for sportier footpegs mounted farther back and the classic gear shifter pedal.

Particular attention was given to the more sporty saddle, covered in eco-leather with exposed red stitching, lowered in terms of the seating position and installation ready for the foldaway passenger seat (that can be removed when necessary). The design of the drag handlebar, thanks to the forward position of the footpegs and the different seating level, creates a longer and more dominating riding position. Another particularly elegant feature is the burnished valve covers, the fully adjustable rear shock absorbers with separate gas bottle, the alloy wheels personalised with the Moto Guzzi logo and the decidedly minimal mirrors. Powerful and aggressive, the Audace looks as if it is crouched down on its haunches like a large feline ready to unleash its explosive power to scratch the asphalt, leaving the mark of its oversize 200/60 rear tyre.

The generosity of the 1400 cc "Made in Mandello" 90° V-twin is a quality which is well known by now and on the Audace, thanks to the exhaust system with redesigned fluid dynamics, is even more lively at high revs, up to a torque of 121 Nm at 3,000 rpm. As a result, thanks in part to an advantageous weight/power ratio, the Audace jumps off the line with unexpected vigour. The Audace will certainly be the Moto Guzzi most used with the “Veloce” engine map and the one where the MGTC traction control system will need to intervene most often. Whereas its large twin cylinder engine is the absolute benchmark in its category for engine capacity-performance-consumption ratio thanks to excellent thermodynamic performance, the advanced Ride-by-wire multimap electronic management allows the rider to choose from one of three engine maps: Turismo, Veloce and Pioggia. The new Moto Guzzi Audace is available in two different colour schemes: Nero (Black) Travolgente and Rosso (Red) Impetuoso.

NEW APRILIA TUONO V4 100 RR


NEW APRILIA TUONO V4 1100 FACTORY


Aprilia Tuono V4 2015 – Official Video

Tuono V4 1100 is the latest and most spectacular evolution of a sport naked dynasty, born in 2002 out of Aprilia's intuition to strip down and fit a handlebar on their flagship superbike (which at the time was the V-twin RSV mille), thereby combining all the advantages of a chassis par excellence with the fun of sitting up and dynamic riding. The patriarch of the new “supernaked” category was called the Tuono 1000 R, the first ultra high performance naked. Aprilia Tuono has therefore always been a high handlebar superbike, unbeatable on the track and loads of fun on the road. It was out of this tradition that a completely new Tuono was born in 2011, a direct emanation from the unbeatable Aprilia RSV4 introduced in 2009 and World SBK dominator. It was an epic change: Tuono V4 R immediately made a place for itself as the highest performance, most technological and sophisticated naked sport bike ever manufactured, the most adrenaline pumping, fierce and effective naked ever seen, an excellence for the most purist of thrill seeking enthusiasts thanks to the V4 engine capable of 167 HP and the exceptional APRC electronic controls package, still unrivalled in terms of effectiveness and technology. But the evolution did not stop here. In 2013 an even more refined and powerful version was introduced: Tuono V4 R ABS which offered the new features which had already been successfully introduced on the second generation RSV4, such as the higher performance engine (170 HP), the revamped and recalibrated APRC system and a Race ABS system capable of withstanding even the extreme stress of the track. The know-how acquired in years of victorious competition at top levels and the experience of the Tuono history now allow Aprilia to exceed limits which had previously seemed insurmountable: introducing the new Tuono V4 1100, an exclusive thrill generator and fun in its purest state.

2015 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR Test‬‬‬

New 175 HP engine with a powerful maximum torque of 121 Nm, revamped chassis setup to achieve better agility, fine tuned APRC, new look, the possibility of connecting your smartphone to the vehicle through the V4-MP platform and two distinctly outfitted versions (Factory and RR) that have the same, strictly Aprilia character in common.


TWO VERSIONS, THE SAME SPIRIT


Tuono V4 becomes a family of motorbikes made up of two distinctly outfitted models. Tuono V4 1100 RR represents an exceptional thrill machine and it is the true heir to the previous Aprilia V4 naked, acclaimed by critics as the most effective and fastest bike in its segment. In addition to this model there is now a version with exclusive standard equipment: Tuono V4 1100 Factory, dedicated to an extremely demanding public, this bike is equipped with components which are largely derived directly from the new Aprilia RSV4 RF superbike.

The new Aprilia naked range, heir to a family of motorbikes which has been voted over time as one of the most fun, adrenaline pumping and efficient bikes ever, thus achieves absolute performance levels and sophistication, but now these bikes are also more comfortable, safe and fun to ride on the road. In addition to receiving many of the important upgrades which were just introduced on the new RSV4, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory also add a new look thanks to the more protective top fairing and the better aerodynamic penetration coefficient. The relative headlight unit changes as well, a whole 1.5 kg lighter, fitted with a LED technology position light and a more modern shape which better integrates with the overall design of the bike without betraying the typical language of the Aprilia V4 characterised by three headlights.

Tuono V4 1100 Factory stands out for its new rail fairing, derived from the RSV4's, a true benchmark in sport motorbike design. The saddle is now more comfortable, even compared to its fairing-clad sister, thanks to the new foam creation procedure. You can still naturally ride two-up by mounting the dedicated saddle portion. Thanks to the 15 mm lower seating position and the new style handlebar, the on board ergonomics of both Tuono V4 1100 versions change, becoming more comfortable and increasing the feeling of complete control for the rider.

WORLD CHAMPION CHASSIS
Simply incomparable, now more than ever. There is no other naked bike as sporty and effective as the Tuono V4 1100; its close derivation from the seven-time world SBK champion comes through clearly in its double rail frame made from pressed and cast brushed aluminium elements, a structure that boasts balanced torsional rigidity and flexibility values that are incomparable; set in this exceptional frame is the new 65° V4 engine in all of its purity and uniqueness, just like the precious stone in a ring. In order to make the Tuono V4 1100 more agile on the road, without losing its legendary fierceness on the track, the headstock angle was changed from 25.1° to 24.7° and the fork advancement went from 30 mm to 35 mm for a trail that went from 107.4 mm to 99.7 mm. These sleeker chassis dimensions combine with the 4 mm longer aluminium swingarm, the various suspension setups and the consequent adjustment of the electronic controls, including the wheelie control feature, to obtain a rock solid chassis at high speeds but more agile in direction changes.

Tuono V4 1100 RR is equipped with a high quality suspension: the 43 mm upside down Sachs fork has separate "one by one" hydraulic compression and rebound adjustments besides having the settings of the spring preload on both stanchions. The Sachs damper with built-in piggy back allows hydraulic adjustments in compression and rebound not to mention spring preload adjustments. The new standard calibration on both units is functional to the increased performance of the V4 engine and the revamped chassis dimensions and it also takes into consideration use of the bike on the road without any prejudice to the possibility of personalisation in order to obtain maximum accuracy and precision in true racing style riding. The more refined Factory version of the Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 comes with par excellence standard equipment unique in its category, borrowed from the king of superbike, the Aprilia RSV4 RF. The suspension section is made up of a trio of Öhlins elements (fork, rear shock absorber and steering damper) characterised by ultra fine tuning possibilities and a base setup that has been calibrated to give the rider maximum performance feedback in sport riding. The braking system on the new Tuono V4 1100 range has a pair of refined Brembo monobloc M432 callipers on the front which mounts pads with the best possible friction coefficient that grip lightweight aluminium flanged discs (for Tuono V4 1100 Factory). The wheel rims are the same for both models: their lightweight quality contributes to a maximum reduction of the gyroscopic effect, all to the advantage of great handling. Tuono V4 1100 Factory is shod with the more sporty Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa, with a wider 200/55 on the rear, in any case approved for street use and available for the Tuono V4 RR as well.

THE TOP OF THE LINE IN ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
The Tuono V4 1100 range has received all the upgrades to the already exceptional APRC system that was first seen on the RSV4 RR and RSV4 RF. As everyone knows, APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) is the patented control systems package derived directly from the winning technology in the world Superbike championship, the most complete and refined of any on the market, which provides tyre circumference self-calibration features and wheelie control. The third generation of APRC, standard equipment on the new Tuono V4 1100 units, fully integrates with the fine full Ride-by-Wire multimap electronic management of the revamped V4 engine. As always, the Tuono V4 benefits from specifically developed calibration, but it has been evolved even further in order to provide maximum thrills on the road and maximum performance on the track.
The Tuono V4 1100 RR and Tuono V4 1100 Factory APRC includes:

• ATC: Aprilia Traction Control, adjustable on the fly (without having to release the throttle) to 8 settings thanks to a practical joystick on the left side of the semi-handlebar, now has even more fine tuned and higher performance operating logic. The allowed percentage of skidding also differs depending on the speed in a turn: The behaviour of the system is even more uniform and guarantees a high level of support in turns at high speed without penalising traction coming out of slow turns;
• AWC: Aprilia Wheelie Control, with 3 selectable settings, has been recalibrated to be even more sporty in map 1, whilst still guaranteeing a slight lift in quick acceleration and subsequent smoother descent of the front wheel to the tarmac;
• ALC: Aprilia Launch Control, for use on the track only, with 3 settings;
• AQS: Aprilia Quick Shift, a system for extremely fast gear changes without shutting the throttle and using the clutch.

In addition to the third generation APRC, the Tuono V4 1100 range is fitted with the highly advanced Race ABS system, developed in collaboration with Bosch to guarantee maximum safety on the road, without sacrificing any performance on the track. The 9MP system, weighing a mere 2 kg, adopts an intervention strategy called RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) that limits rear wheel lift (stoppies) when braking sharply; In addition it can be disengaged and easily adjusted on 3 settings by accessing the instrument cluster control menu.

• Level 1: it is dedicated to the track but is still always type approved for road use. It acts on both wheels and guarantees maximum possible performance even when braking sharply at any speed. This setting takes nothing away from the pleasure and performance of “pushing the envelope”. With this strategy the RLM is deactivated.
• Livello 2: : it is dedicated to sporty riding on roads, it acts on both wheels and is combined with the tip over system RLM whose intervention is progressive based on vehicle speed.
• Livello 3: dedicated to riding on surfaces with poor grip, it acts on both wheels and is combined with the advanced RLM (rear wheel lift mitigation) system.

Each of these three Race ABS maps can be combined with any of the three engine maps (Track, Sport, Race), in order to allow riders with different experience and skill levels to find the best possible combination for their style.

HIGHER PERFORMANCE FROM THE V4
The primary goal of the changes made to the already extraordinary Aprilia Tuono V4 engine was to increase torque, especially at medium-low revs in order to increase effectiveness and riding pleasure on the road. To achieve this goal the engine capacity was increased to a full 1077 cc thanks to the new cylinder bore which was taken from 78 to 81 mm. This increase in displacement also resulted in higher top performance: the power peak went from 170 to 175 HP and places the Tuono V4 1100 range at the top of its segment (almost 20 HP more than before are already available at 8,000 rpm). This makes the new sport naked from Noale excel as a complete weapon for thrills and effectiveness with superlative torque values that dominate on the road and uncompromising top performance to dominate on the track.

The Tuono V4 1100 is the only naked powered by a 65° V4 engine with unique characteristics. The narrow V architecture has made it possible to make an engine that is extremely compact lengthways which helps to centralise weights and to have a compact chassis. As in previous models, the monobloc crankcase with integrated aluminium cylinder liners ensures maximum rigidity and consistent performance. The upper half of the engine case is now made with a new shell fusion and has been lightened and reinforced; it also now has an optimised ventilation system in order to reduce power loss due to air pressure inside the engine crankcase. Also, the crankshaft now has connecting rod pins reduced to 36 mm in diameter with a weight increase of 0.45 Kg, the pistons are new and the Pankl connecting rods are lighter by a total of 400 grams.
The other technical particulars which made this engine so popular have remained unchanged, such as the removable gearbox and the innovative timing system kinematics: the chain only moves the intake camshaft that returns motion to the exhaust camshaft by means of a single gear. This solution allows for extremely compact heads especially in the area beneath the frame spars, much narrower than would otherwise be possible. A countershaft dampens vibrations even more than in a 90° V engine.
Full Ride by Wire technology eliminates any direct connection between the throttle grip and the throttle valves, which are entirely controlled by a latest generation Marelli control unit that also controls the ignition and the four injectors. Each bank is fuelled by two throttle bodies managed by a dedicated servo unit. The new and powerful engine ECU now provides easier management of the three maps, each one of which corresponds to a different engine power output and now also to a dedicated engine brake management map. The two classic engine management logics Track and Sport are now joined by the new Race map, the most extreme and suited for professional use of the bike on the track with engine braking control reduced to a minimum in order to support more abrupt braking. All three maps are easier to manage and less aggressive than the previous version, allowing a better relationship between the opening of the throttle and the torque sent to the wheels. This is a solution that provides further advantages, such as reducing rear tyre wear and better management of the significant power that the new Aprilia V4 is capable of developing.

VERSIONS AND COLOURS
The new Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 range includes two models distinguished by different technical equipment and different colour schemes: Tuono V4 1100 RR is available in two attractive colour schemes, Portimao grey and Donington blue, whereas the Tuono V4 1100 Factory Superpole graphic has that decidedly non-conformist spirit so typical of the Aprilia stylistic tradition that demands bright and very distinctive colours.

The innovative multimedia platform makes its début on the new Moto Guzzi Eldorado and Audace at the service of Moto Guzzi riders. MG-MP, available as optional equipment, is the innovative multimedia system which allows you to connect the bike to your smartphone and consequently to the web. With this application, downloadable free from App Store and Google Play, your smartphone (iPhone or Android) becomes an actual sophisticated on board multifunctional computer and the link between the vehicle and the Internet. The wireless connection allows you to simultaneously see important information about the vehicle on your smartphone screen so you will always have your trip parameters under control.



The touch screen on your smartphone lets you view five parameters at a time, selected by the rider from a vast menu including speedometer and tachometer, engine power and torque, instant and average fuel consumption, average speed and battery voltage, longitudinal acceleration and extended trip computer. The “Eco Ride” helps to limit fuel consumption and to maintain an eco-compatible riding style, providing a summary assessment of the results achieved during the trip. You can also store your trip data and review it later on your computer or directly on the app so you can analyse your route along with the vehicle performance parameters. When the fuel reserve light comes on MG-MP indicates the location of the closest petrol stations; the system also helps you easily find the vehicle when you are parked in an unfamiliar area, automatically saving the position where it was last switched off. MG-MP includes the “Grip Warning” feature which replicates the traction control indications for maximum visibility and provides information on your riding style in real time with relation to the road surface.



A dedicated warning light alerts the rider in the event of poor grip. With the synergistic use of gyroscopes and vehicle signals, your iPhone/iPod becomes a sophisticated roll angle indicator on turns thanks to a proprietary algorithms developed specifically for the new Moto Guzzi. You can set the thresholds for roll angle, running speed and rpms so that when they are exceeded the relative warning lights will come on or flash on the virtual dashboard.

A VAST RANGE OF DEDICATED ACCESSORIES TO MG ELDORADO

Moto Guzzi has always been synonymous with strong personality, attention to detail, innovation and unmistakeable style. All of the accessories for Guzzi bikes are created with the same characteristics in order to provide owners of Eagle Brand motorcycles the opportunity to make their bikes unique and personal without altering the DNA, but rather enhancing it in the trend of an inimitable tradition. For Eldorado the mission is to enrich the aesthetic experience and the "heritage character of the bike, nevertheless without losing sight of functionality and "lounge" comfort on two wheels. A range of more than 50 items tells this story, made up of carefully crafted details, comfort and simple and pure beauty.

"JOURNEY" ALUMINIUM MIRRORS. Made from billet aluminium, these bring even more elegance to the Eldorado. This pair of mirrors embodies the maximum in manufacturing technology expressed in some special machining done on three axes. Already approved for use in all countries. "JOURNEY" ALUMINIUM HAND GRIPS. Made from billet aluminium, they enhance your bikes handlebar, giving it a personalised and elegant look. They are installation-ready for "Round" hand grip ends. "ROUND" ALUMINIUM HAND GRIP ENDS. The "Round" hand grip ends, made from billet aluminium, match the "Journey", hand grips, perfectly completing the style and aesthetics of your bike. "SHOW OFF" ALUMINIUM CLUTCH AND BRAKE LEVER. Made from billet aluminium, thanks to their feel and adjustments, these levers increase riding comfort, enhancing the look of the bike. "JOURNEY" ALUMINIUM REAR BRAKE LEVER KIT. Cover made in billet aluminium. Combined with the brake pedal cover, this kit personalises and enhances the rear brake control. "JOURNEY" ALUMINIUM REAR BRAKE PEDAL KIT. Pedal cover made in billet aluminium with machining that guarantees maximum grip. Combined with the rear brake lever cover, this kit significantly enhances the look of the brake control. "JOURNEY" ALUMINIUM GEAR SHIFT LEVER KIT. Cover made in billet aluminium for the gearbox control. FORK STANCHION COVERS. The chromium finish fork stanchions match the other aluminium elements on the vehicle in order to enhance the side areas. BRAKE AND CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER COVER KIT. Special brake and clutch master cylinder covers made from billet aluminium with polished scratch-resistant finish. REAR BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR COVER. This is made from billet aluminium with polished finish. It completely covers the brake fuel reservoir body without interfering with its operation. It is also characterised by its extreme ease of installation. FRONT MUDGUARD BADGE. Made in laser-cut stainless steel and hand polished. Mounting it on the mudguard is guaranteed by the special stainless steel brackets. It elegantly completes the bike's classic look. ALUMINIUM FORK CAP COVERS. Made from billet aluminium and easy to install, these covers are stably secured to the screws that close the fork stanchions with a small steel screw. FRONT BRAKE DISC COVER KIT. Made from laser-cut and mirror polished stainless steel, thanks to particularly precise machining these are easy to install on the front wheel discs with billet aluminium fastening bushings. They give your bike a cruiser look.

MACHINED HEAD COVERS – GREY. Elegant painted cylinder head covers with special faced machining. These are a special element to personalise the vehicle. CYLINDER HEAT SHIELDS KIT. Each heat shield is made from mirror polished stainless steel with ABS inserts that improve the design and protect from the heat generated by the cylinder to provide a safer and more comfortable ride. FRONT ENGINE GUARD. Made in chromium piping and designed by the Moto Guzzi Style Centre, these follow the lines of the bike. They provide specific protection for the engine and the rider's legs. CHROMIUM PLATED TANK SIDE COVERS. The tank side covers personalise the style of your bike, making it a true “custom”. BLACK CHROMIUM PLATED TOURING HANDLEBAR. The black chromium plated handlebar lets you maintain optimum riding position to control your bike. It should be oiled periodically to protect the chromium and keep it shiny. HEADS GUARD KIT. Special lateral cylinder guards made in billet aluminium with a mirror polished finish. They match the style and design of the bike perfectly. The come complete with mirror polished stainless steel mounts. RIDER FOOTPEGS. Reclinable rider footpegs in mirror polished billet aluminium, they maintain the same riding ergonomics as the factory parts but they provide a lighter and personalised design in line with the style of the bike. FOLDING PASSENGER FOOTPEGS. Made from billet aluminium with mirror polish. They can be horizontally adjusted to four different positions with a spring mechanism which facilitates optimum positioning. SUPPLEMENTARY LIGHTS KIT. The supplementary lights provide better visibility for night riding and they match the look of the vehicle perfectly thanks to their chromium finish. SWINGARM WASHERS. Special washers made in billet aluminium to personalise the style of your Eldorado. APPROVED EXHAUST KIT. Approved Akrapovic Slip-on exhaust These have a style similar to the factory exhaust but with a dedicated finish and specific bottom. EXHAUST BOTTOM KIT. Chromium plated bottoms for application on the factory exhaust. They extend the profile of the silencers.

SPORT WINDSHIELD. Reduced size windshield. Made in impact-resistant and scratch-resistant material. DOT Approved. It mounts easily thanks to the lowered supports (available for purchase separately). MEDIUM WINDSHIELD. Medium size impact-resistant and scratch-resistant windshield. Also DOT Approved. LOWERED WINDSHIELD MOUNTING KIT. Heavy-duty, reduced size mounting kit equipped with specific brackets to mount the windshield. STANDARD WINDSHIELD MOUNTING KIT. Heavy-duty, standard size mounting kit equipped with specific brackets to mount the windshield. WINDSHIELD. Windshield made in impact-resistant and scratch-resistant material, DOT approved. LARGE WINDSHIELD. Large size windshield made from impact-resistant and scratch-resistant material. DOT Approved. WINDSHIELD AIR DEFLECTORS. Deflectors to be applied in the area under the windshield in order to increase riding protection and comfort. GPS MOUNT KIT. Polished stainless steel mount for installation of a satellite navigation system. HEATED HAND GRIPS. For those who love to go on long trips in any season. Easy to install thanks to the installation-ready set up of the bike. HANDLEBAR BAG. Elegant and functional handlebar bag made in Cordura and natural leather that frames the Moto Guzzi brand, handy for carrying small items. Its functionality is guaranteed by easy installation and removal from the vehicle handlebar. LEATHER TANK BAG. Expandable leather bag with practical pockets and a carry handle, fits onto tank cover with quick release clips and an adjustable fastener. Includes rain cover. STRAP FOR LEATHER TANK BAG. Made from leather, it follows the profile of the fuel tank and allows you to mount the dedicated bag. PAIR OF LEATHER SIDE PANNIERS. Pair of black leather side panniers with a classic cut, 23 l capacity each. They are fastened to subframes with a lock that prevents them from being removed. They contain an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. A waterproof cover protects them from the rain. SIDE BRACKETS KIT FOR PANNIERS. Mounting kit for leather side panniers. ELDORADO "EAGLE" MOTORCYCLE COVER. Made to measure cover for indoor use to protect your bike from gathering dust when parked in the garage. It is made from an elastic fabric with a special graphic. ELDORADO "EAGLE" MOTORCYCLE COVER WITH TOP BOX. Made to measure cover for indoor use to protect your bike from gathering dust when parked in the garage. It is made from an elastic fabric with a special graphic. Version for vehicle fitted with rear top box. ELECTRONIC ANTITHEFT KIT. Latest generation self powered alarm system with wireless remote control Its features include: engine lock, built-in motion sensor, high level of protection.

THE MG AUDACE ACCESSORIES RANGE

The original range of accessories for the Audace was designed to meet the needs of style sensitive bikers who want to reinforce the decisive and powerful image of their bikes, giving them an even more muscle look (for example with the black anodised hand grips that are installation-ready for black «corsa» ends, short shank black mirrors, CNC billet aluminium sleek and lightweight brake and clutch levers) or a more sporty look (with carbon look kit for tank side covers, fuel cap cover and injectors cover, matt red cylinder heads cover kit and completely aluminium footpegs). The range also includes components dedicated to increasing comfort, such as the mirror-polished stainless steel cylinders heat shield kit.

AUDACE EAGLE MOTORCYCLE COVER. Made to measure cover for indoor use to protect your bike from gathering dust when parked in the garage. It is made specifically for the Audace in an elastic fabric with a special graphic. "DARK" SHORT SHANK MIRRORS KIT. Made in anodized black billet aluminium. This pair of short shank mirrors embodies the maximum in manufacturing technology expressed in some special machining done on three axes. They are approved for use in all countries. "DARK" HAND GRIPS KIT. Made from black anodised billet aluminium, they enhance your bikes handlebar, giving it a personalised and elegant look and they are installation-ready for “Corsa" ends. BLACK "CORSA" HAND GRIP ENDS. The "Corsa" hand grip ends, made from black anodised billet aluminium, match the "Dark", hand grips, perfectly completing the style and aesthetics of your bike. "DARK" BLACK FRONT BRAKE LEVER. Made from black anodised billet aluminium, the dark front brake lever, thanks to its feel and adjustments, increases riding comfort, enhancing the look of the bike. "DARK" BLACK CLUTCH LEVER. Made from black anodised billet aluminium, the dark clutch lever, thanks to its feel and adjustments, increases riding comfort and characterises the aesthetics of the Audace. ALUMINIUM RIDER AND PASSENGER FOOTPEGS. High quality billet aluminium covers that replace the factory rubber parts. The facing creates a specific design and guarantees maximum grip in any riding conditions. ALUMINIUM HEAD BUSHINGS SET. Set of four billet aluminium aesthetic spacers which replace the fastening screws on the cylinder head covers. Polished stainless steel screws are included. ENGINE CRANKCASE HOLE COVERS – BLACK. Made from laser-cut and black anodised aluminium, these cover the engine crankcase machining holes. The number "1400" is laser inscribed. CARBON LOOK TANK SIDE COVERS. The tank side covers lined with a special carbon look film personalise the style of your bike, making it a true “custom”. CARBON LOOK FUEL CAP COVER. The special fuel cap cover is also lined with a carbon look film for extreme personalisation of every part.

PAIR OF CARBON LOOK INJECTOR COVERS. These covers designed for the injectors have a carbon look film lining. CYLINDER HEAD COVERS - MATT RED. Elegant painted cylinder head covers with special machined facing represent a special personalising element for the Audace. ELECTRONIC ANTITHEFT KIT. Compact, latest generation self powered alarm system with wireless remote control Its features include: engine lock, built-in motion sensor, high level of protection. CYLINDER HEAT SHIELDS KIT. Each heat shield is made in mirror polished stainless steel with ABS inserts that improve the design. They protect from the heat generated by the cylinder in order to give you a more comfortable ride. CHROMIUM PLATED TANK SIDE COVERS. The chromium plated fuel tank side covers further personalise the style of your bike. HEADS GUARD KIT. Special lateral cylinder guards made in billet aluminium with a mirror polished finish. They match the style and design of the new Audace perfectly. The come complete with mirror polished stainless steel mounts. LICENSE PLATE BRACKET KIT AND USA LICENSE PLATE BRACKET KIT. Elegant approved license plate bracket made in stainless steel with polished finish. SWINGARM WASHERS. Special washers made in billet aluminium. REAR BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR COVER. Made in billet aluminium with polished finish, this personalises the look of your bike. It completely covers the brake fuel reservoir body, obviously not interfering with its operation. Easy to install.

Aprilia has designed and developed a wide range of accessories so you can personalise your Tuono V4 1100. These are select high quality items that you can use to increase the performance of your new Aprilia, make it more attractive or more comfortable.

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Oversized top fairing: made in smoked polycarbonate, this item was designed to obtain better aerodynamic penetration on the track. Slip-on racing exhaust: made by Akrapovic, this item is available with a carbon housing. Complete racing exhaust: this is an exhaust system complete with headers made by Akrapovic. This item is available with a carbon muffler. Öhlins TTX shock absorbers: the TTX line is the most prestigious of the products offered by Öhlins (top and bottom attachments are in billet aluminium). They allow full and fine adjustment in all shock absorbing functions. They can be fitted with linear sensors to install telemetry. Öhlins steering damper: the fine adjustment of this item's hydraulics provides a front end that is always solid even during the most violent acceleration. Components in carbon: side fairings, mudguards and heel guards. Made in matte finished carbon fibre. They guarantee a sporty look and lower overall weight. License plate bracket cover: made of laser cut steel, this is applied after removing the license plate bracket when using the bike on the track. Frame guards: made of billet nylon, these are useful to prevent damage to the frame in the event of a sliding crash. Racing rider footpegs: completely machined from billet aluminium and adjustable to 9 different positions, these pegs allow micrometric calibration of the gear shift and brake controls. They are installation ready to lodge the rear brake light switch and the inverted gear lever. Inverted racing gear lever: this is a mechanical element that inverts the gear shifting mode in order to improve performance on the track. Forged rims: made from aluminium with a forging process, these provide maximum resistance at a light weight, essential for increasing handling. Tank bag: available in two sizes, this bag is made of technical fabric with carbon-look inserts. They are tested and approved to resist oil, fuel, UV rays and not to compromise stability even at high speeds. Adjustable license plate bracket: made in laser cut steel. Includes the LED licence plate light. LED turn indicators: The LED turn indicators guarantee a brighter light and lower consumption. Stand pins, made from billet aluminium, these pins are needed for you to use the paddock stand. Motorcycle cover: made of breathable Lycra, this cover was designed to protect your bike from dust.
V4-MP kit: this is the installation kit for the multimedia platform dedicated to the Aprilia V4 models made up of a Bluetooth control unit and all the wiring needed for installation.

TELEMETRY ARRIVES WITH V4-MP

In the rich accessories catalogue dedicated to the Aprilia V4 1100 you can now find a highly advanced version of the Multimedia Platform which transforms your smartphone into a semi-professional tool with exceptional information capacity. Everyone knows that the Multimedia Platform is the innovative multimedia platform offered exclusively by the Piaggio Group which allows you to connect your vehicle to your smartphone and consequently to the web. With this exceptional application your smartphone becomes an actual sophisticated on board multifunctional computer and the link between the vehicle and the Internet. This is a window to the future, which lays the foundation for a new way of looking at communication on two wheels. Thanks to further development of this fascinating system that Aprilia has fine tuned, communication between vehicle and smartphone becomes active: from his or her mobile phone the rider can change the settings on the Tuono V4, plus get tips in real time on how to improve track performance in complete safety.

Some of the more prominent features of V4-MP are:

• Active electronic setup: this is as close as you can get to the “corner-by-corner” electronic management used in racing. Using the GPS feature of your smartphone, the system recognises the position of the bike at any given time on the track and automatically changes the electronic adjustments (traction control and anti-wheelie) based on rider selected settings, corner by corner. This allows you to increase safety and effectiveness on the track, adjusting the control parameters at every point on the circuit and without distractions.
• Adaptive race assistant: this feature provides tips in real time to safely achieve your best lap on the track with your Tuono V4. The application compares in real time the rider’s best lap with his/her current performance and assists by immediately indicating the need to brake or the possibility of opening up the throttle, to gradually achieve better lap times.
• Advanced telemetry dashboard: this is a “virtual” dashboard that lets you use your smartphone's display to see, not only all the information on the standard instrument cluster, but also numerous other parameters acquired by the bike's telemetry such as, for example: instant power distributed to the driveshaft; instant torque distributed to the driveshaft; percentage of power available; rear wheel thrust; rear wheel slippage; longitudinal and lateral acceleration (G-G diagram); lean angle.

A tour across the United States, seven stages, two protagonists: the new Moto Guzzi Eldorado and Audace, plus a preview of the MGX-21 concept, an audacious and fascinating project that opens up a new approach to touring.



This is the “Moto Guzzi National Tour” with the Moto Guzzi USA truck travelling from 5-28 May, with stops in Seattle, WA, Moto International; Sacramento, CA, Elk Grove; Newport Beach, CA, Newport Italian; Austin, TX, AF1 Racing; Pensacola, FL, Adventure Motorsports; Matthews, NC, Matthews Fun Machines, and ending in Brooklyn, NY, at Moto Guzzi Brooklyn.

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American fans of the Italian motorcycle brand founded in 1921 met up at the dealer stores to take a close-up look at the new Moto Guzzi bikes, try them out for size and exchange views. At each stop, new customers crowded to the dealers to investigate the new Moto Guzzi entries. Some lucky visitors even had the chance to share a pizza and an espresso coffee with designer Miguel Galluzzi, who heads the Piaggio Group’s Piaggio Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California. Galluzzi is the name behind the bikes brought out by Moto Guzzi over the last few years, with their unmistakeable Italian Style: from the sumptuous California 1400, Custom and Touring, to the updated V7 II range, from the return of the Eldorado to the debut of the Audace. Successful models that have sent the Eagle brand soaring to even greater heights on both sides of the Atlantic.

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Italy the Extraordinary Commonplace You’ve been dreaming about it all year, and now your motorbike holiday – alone, with a passenger riding pillion or with a group of friends – will soon be coming true. So this is the time for a few preparations, with safety top of the list. To enjoy your holiday to the full and avoid problems, you need to take your machine in for a thorough check-up (go to an authorised dealer, where you can ask for original spares) and check your equipment, beginning with your crash helmet, which must of course be type approved and fit for purpose. Then, choose your outfit: for the summer months, a technical fabric is preferable to leather; next, gloves, back protector, elbow and knee pads. These are the basics, the most important; after that, keep luggage to a minimum, choose carefully (for comfort and protection against sudden changes in temperature) and stay as light as possible: the bike must always be well balanced, so you should think about weight distribution before you start.
What to do if problems crop up? Riders of Piaggio Group vehicles have the support of an extensive network of official dealers and authorised mechanics (just click on your smartphone to find the nearest specialist). Knowing this makes for greater peace of mind as you prepare to leave. The bike chosen for this virtual “Italy Grand Tour” is the new Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, perfect for any road. And its huge range of accessories – for bike and rider – offers everything you could possibly want.



ROUTES: NORTHERN ITALY, FROM WEST TO EAST
You might want to start from Piedmont, with its vineyards and historic towns, hillside roads, excellent wines and gastronomic specialities. Don’t miss the regional capital, Turin, whose attractions include the newly refurbished Egyptian Museum (second in the world only to the Cairo museum in Egypt); the Automobile Museum, the Cinema Museum (located in the Mole Antonelliana). This year, too, Turin is exhibiting the Holy Shroud.

Torino is Happy
The journey continues at a leisurely pace, on motorways and provincial roads, from Piedmont to Lombardy with its plains and lakes (where Mandello del Lario in the province of Lecco, the home of Moto Guzzi with the factory and museum, is not to be missed). While you’re in Milan, the Universal Expo is open until October, attracting millions of visitors (although you’re best advised to take public transport – train and metro – to get there). Then on to the Veneto region, where the towns of Noale and Scorzè, in the province of Padua, are home to Aprilia, one of the industry’s most successful brands with 54 world racing championship titles, whose bikes are technological gems on two wheels. You’ll want to stop in Venice (which offers parking lots for motorbikes outside the city) and switch from the saddle to a vaporetto or gondola for a look round the calli.

Meraviglie di Venezia
Then you have to decide whether to proceed north to the Trentino, with its wonderful mountain scenery and hairpin bends, or head south along the coast.

ALONG THE COAST, FROM EAST TO SOUTH
Riding along the Adriatic Coast on a motorbike is pure pleasure: the coast roads offer a never-ending succession of colours and scents. Destination: the region of Apulia, with its stunning beaches and wonderful traditional dishes. Arriving at the extremity of the Italian heel, in Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic meet, is a guaranteed thrill.

Salento - Santa Maria di Leuca
Here, you will decide whether to stop and relax for a few days, or carry on towards Calabria, where the Sila and Aspromonte areas provide an abundance of roads for bikers. Be careful, the temperatures can be quite low, even in the summer.

THE ISLANDS: SICILY AND SARDINIA
The ferry from Villa San Giovanni (in the province of Reggio Calabria) takes you over the straits to Messina and Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island and the last outpost of Europe, a paradise for bikers. Among the island’s historic cities and local festivals, the capital, Palermo, a mixture of history and culture, old and modern, is not to be missed.

Spot Sicilia
From Palermo, you can take a ferry to Cagliari, in Sardinia. After taking your fill of the spectacular scenery of the coast roads, change atmosphere and venture into the interior with its valleys, woods and mountains, where time seems to have stopped.



Waiting for you in the central-eastern area of Ogliastra are canyons and prairies that might make you think you were in Arizona or Mexico. Director Sergio Leone chose the area to shoot many of his westerns. Head for Olbia to take a ferry across to Civitavecchia on the mainland, in the province of Lazio.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
The road from Civitavecchia to Rome, with its changing landscapes and refreshing gastronomic stopping places is a great itinerary for bikers. You may want to include a couple of days in the capital (where this year the Jubilee is attracting particularly large numbers of tourists), or go straight through and head for the Castelli Romani.

Omaggio a Roma
From Lazio, it’s a short ride to the green views of Umbria, and then on, of course, to Tuscany, to see Florence and explore the entire region, a biker’s paradise.

Play Your Tuscany - Pisa
In Pontedera, in the province of Pisa, the headquarters of the Piaggio Group, the Piaggio Museum houses impressive collections of historic vehicles, including the Vespa – the world’s most famous scooter – the Ape and rare Gilera models. And finally, take the road northwards along the coast in Tuscany and Liguria, across the Apennines and back to your starting point, the noble city of Turin, whose impressive “metaphysical” squares inspired Giorgio De Chirico.

HANDY TIPS
A good way to plan your itinerary is to decide how many hours on average you want to spend on the road every day, and then decide where to stop for the night (but check to see whether just a few miles farther on, there isn’t a little known but delightful spot). So, a pre-planned itinerary is helpful (to avoid tiring yourself and to make the most of everything the Belpaese has to offer the two-wheeler traveller), but be flexible and give yourself the chance to enjoy the little surprises that add spice to every trip. Beware of tourist’s bulimia, trying to see everything there is to see: it’s best to choose the most suitable routes and stopovers for a motorcycle tour, giving preference to places off the beaten track (and save your trips to Italy's art cities, which can be easily reached with other means, for a different time of year). The country has such a rich variety of attractions for all tastes (mountains, hills, beaches, history, nature, art and architecture, culture, wine and food) that there’s no chance of boredom. Enjoyment is guaranteed.

"Piazze d'Italia" - 30'' - Made In Italy

When you see this clip – the official video for the new Aprilia RSV4 RF, filmed at the Misano circuit – all you want to do is go out and visit a dealer, to see and touch the latest technological gem from Aprilia for yourself.



The video testimonial – rider Alvaro Bautista who is racing in the MotoGP 2015 championship with the colours of the Aprilia Gresini Racing Team – packs a punch in conveying a sense of passion and adrenalin, the thrill of the race-track. And he should know!

Aprilia RSV4 2015 – Official Video After watching this great video, go back and take a look at the features on the new RSV4 published in this issue and also in the previous one of the magazine (Wide 02/2015).
Here is the weblink.