I enjoy this time of year because we get to see new models presented at the Milan show.  Here are a few Italian motorcycles that caught my eye.

Benelli 750 Due - It is a 2-cylinder based off of their 3-cylinder models.




Moto Guzzi Griso SE


Moto Guzzi Stelvio TT


Moto Guzzi V7 Classic Cafe

Benelli offering...meh.

Griso SE, not bad, would have been better without the swamp cooler parts.

Stelvio TT, a little too BMW-ish, comes up short on italian flair.

Classic Cafe, decent retro look, but that paint color leaves me cold.

Benelli headlight makes me want to go chop wood...

Like the Cafe, but agree on the color - actually, all the Guzzi colors are kinda blah.

Quote from: DCXCV on November 11, 2008, 03:47:23 PM
Benelli headlight makes me want to go chop wood...

Like the Cafe, but agree on the color - actually, all the Guzzi colors are kinda blah.

I'm not a Guzzi expert, but I pretty sure the color on the new Cafe bike is supposed to represent the color of the orginal V7 Sport which was an iconic bike for Moto Guzzi that came out about 1973. 

Hmmm.. that makes sense.

Perhaps the color in the pic isn't really very accurate.
Maybe I'll see one in person sometime.

Kinda dig the Benelli.
Wonder if it will come in a color other then ugly.

Benelli side by side 2 cylinder??? not cool....thanks for exposing that sweet box frame in the front ...oh, and the pillion seat could only look more uncomfortable if they put spikes along the spine!

Actually walked into a Guzzi dealership wanting to see what they looked like in person...they are italian right....
salesman walks over to show me the "sporty" models as I glanced at specs.  Damn, that tractor engine is heavy! Its tippin' 500lbs dry....100+ more than a monster.  Immediate turn off, they just look to wide and slow in person for my taste. 

The GS copy looks pretty neat.....they are trying.

I think the cafe style bike hits the mark.  They have the retro look down and the history to back it up.

Good luck Goosie....if you run far enough, flap harder, and honk louder you will eventually get off the ground!

Quote from: Speeddog on November 10, 2008, 09:31:48 PM
Benelli offering...meh.

Griso SE, not bad, would have been better without the swamp cooler parts.

Stelvio TT, a little too BMW-ish, comes up short on italian flair.

Classic Cafe, decent retro look, but that paint color leaves me cold.

+1 on all except the ugly paint.   

Quote from: Travman on November 11, 2008, 06:49:55 PM
I'm not a Guzzi expert, but I pretty sure the color on the new Cafe bike is supposed to represent the color of the orginal V7 Sport which was an iconic bike for Moto Guzzi that came out about 1973. 

'73 Lime = 
'09 Moldy Bread = 

Here's a pic from the bike at the show:



That color looks much more like the vintage color, and not at all like the color in the OP.

Reserving judgement on like or dislike until I see it in person.

Another picture from the show.

wow that Bennelli is something else.  my least favorite engine configuration with abysmal aesthetics.  great work boys way to carry on the tradition of ugly bikes. 

Quote from: aaronb on November 12, 2008, 05:33:31 PM
wow that Bennelli is something else.  my least favorite engine configuration with abysmal aesthetics.  great work boys way to carry on the tradition of ugly bikes. 

I agree that the Bennelli Due is not an attractive motorcycle, but what is wrong with a horizontal twin.  Most of the greatest bikes from the 60's & 70's were upright twins or singles.

Quote from: aaronb on November 12, 2008, 05:33:31 PM
wow that Bennelli is something else.  my least favorite engine configuration with abysmal aesthetics.  great work boys way to carry on the tradition of ugly bikes. 

My first thought was

"well, at least they are on par with Ducati with the 696"

I kinda dig that Griso.  Spec wise, not the most impressive bike, because it does look to be really heavy.  But I like the look.  The cafe classic is just that a simple recreation of a classic bike.  If you're into the vintage bikes then it's a nice throw back.  I think it looks pretty good myself.