Guzzi theme at Bikers Classics

Added on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 by Carole Nash Editor | No Comments

There is no motorcycle quite like a Moto Guzzi, it is the `marmite’ of biking; big, quirky V-twins, with a genuinely offbeat charm. Guzzi owners and fans have the chance this summer to celebrate their love of the marque at a special Bikers Classics event held at the historic Spa track in Belgium.

On the 11th, 12th and 13th of June, a Moto Guzzi rumble will take over Spa-Francorchamps. The machines themselves will be in the spotlight of course. From restored classics, through rare racing machines to the modern range from the Italian marque.

For the occasion, Moto Guzzi has organised a trip from the Mandello factory to the track of Spa-Francorchamps. The route will naturally travel over the Alps and Guzzisti will ride via the small, scenic roads. Riders of all brands are invited to join the Guzzi convoy from Italy.

For many, the highlight of the three day festival will be seeing the V8 Guzzi on track – and hearing it. Making its race debut in 1955, engineer Giulio Carcano built a compact eight cylinder V-engine, liquid cooled and equipped with eight 20mm Dell’Orto carburettors. It seems tame now, but back then an engine developing 75bhp at 12,000 rpm was highly unusual, and capable of around 160mph. The sheer power and speed of the V8 destroyed tyres, clutch and hammered suspension, but British racer Bill Lomas succeeded in finishing 3rd at the Belgian 500cc GP aboard this awesome sounding V8. It was so fast, with its `dustbin’ enclosed bodywork that the FIM banned the multi-cylinder Guzzi and made six cylinders the maximum for any racing machine from 1957 onwards.

The complete programme for Bikers Classics 2010 Guzzi celebration includes exclusively reserved Guzzi parking, a BBQ, Sunday track parade and the chance to road test the latest 2010 Moto Guzzi range. There are various classic race bike parades, with bikes from the 60s-80s in action, a celebration of GP sidecars, plus a 4 hour endurance race forming part of the event.

More at; www.bikersclassics.be

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