Moto Guzzi Big Twins

Moto Guzzi Big Twins

THE CW LIBRARY

IT IS SOMETIMES SAID THAT MOTO GUZZI V-TWINS EXIST in a niche halfway between Harleys and BMWs—more sophisticated than the former, and more charismatic than the latter. Author Greg Field has already tackled Harley history in two excellent books, Harley-Davidson Panheads and Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads, and has now turned his full focus on Moto Guzzi. Can BMWs be next? Maybe not; Field appears to be a hard-core Guzziphile, and photos of his own bikes are scattered throughout the book.

As with both Harley titles, Moto Guzzi Big Twins weaves together a fascinating combination of history, model-bymodel technical changes and personal anecdotes from racers, engineers, motorcycle cops, dealers and importers into a highly entertaining narrative.

Beginning with the 1963 design contest for a new military/police motorcycle that eventually resulted in the 1967 V700, the book takes us through all four generations of big Guzzis, right up to the current spineframe Twins developed by racer/ designer Dr. John Wittncr.

This is one of those rare books that is )acked with hard-won information, yet is lively and eminently readable from cover to cover; nicely illustrated with current photos of restored models, as well as period brochures, magazine ads and racing photos. A must-read for traditional Guzzisti and those just taking a first or second look at the marque. -Peter Egan

Moto Guzzi Big Twins, Greg Field, 128 pages, $20; Classic Motorbooks, 729 Prospect Ave., Osceola, Wl 54020; 800/826-6600