Conceptual Guzzis

CONCEPTUAL GUZZIS

PIAGGIO GROUP'S DEALER convention in Monte Carlo mainly introduced a new generation of light vans and trucks, but a section of the event "for Piaggio eyes only" revealed two concept models to raise the flagging spirits of Guzzi dealers everywhere: the V7 Scrambler and a new California 1400.

The V7 Scrambler uses the "small-block" 750cc V-Twin, exhaling through an elaborate set of high pipes with Arrow megaphone mufflers. Taller suspension, rubber fork gaiters and semiknobby tires give it the classic '60s look, even if the gas tank and sidecovers are lifted directly from the V7 Classic.

The California 1400 is an all-new classic design, less "custom" than the last California. Tenneco/ Marzocchi supplies a special 50mm fork that makes the

front end look reassuringly massive. The engine is based on an enlarged edition of the "big-block" eight-valve Guzzi 90-degree V-Twin, with the bore enlarged to the limits of the block, from 95mm to 104mm. We might expect great torque and power not exceeding 110 hp, since this edition shouldn't rev higher than 6500 rpm for reliability. —Bruno dePrato