Moto Guzzi Open House 2017, not even the rain beat the passion for the home of L'Aquila

Moto Guzzi is a very important piece of two-wheel history, far beyond what you might think, but above all it is a universally known brand, even outside the borders of Italy. This is demonstrated by participation in the annual Open Houses, which bring together enthusiasts from all over Europe and beyond. For three days everything in Mandello (LC) revolves around the house of L'Aquila, even more than in the rest of the year. The 2017 edition saw only two partially negative notes: the weather which was not the best, especially yesterday on the final day, in addition to the presence of anti-terrorism measures, with the routes to get to the factory and museum entrances revised and appropriately monitored.

For the rest it was a celebration around a symbol of the two wheels, a company that today produces around 9.000 motorbikes a year (it was around 3.500 before joining the Piaggio Group in 2004), all of which come from the same production chain assembly, which we were able to visit, in which from 100 to 150 people work depending on the moment and needs. It is an Italian product, if not 100%, then almost. Consider that many of the historic suppliers developed around Mandello and even today a good portion are from Lombardy, not just Italian. Moto Guzzi is also the only company in the Group to produce everything in one place, including engines, which are assembled in another building, but always within the historic headquarters. Just think that Mandello has also changed its name since 1921, from Mandello Tonzanico to the current Mandello del Lario.

Inside the factory, however, passages and changes followed one another, such as the creation of the wind tunnel in 1950, the first in the world by a motorcycle manufacturer and from which myths emerged, such as the Otto Cilindri which achieved so many records and successes to conquer.

In this edition of the Moto Guzzi Open House, the creations that took part in the TV show Lord of The Bikes were on display within the walls of what was once the experimental department, whose vents to allow the exhaust gases to flow out are now closed.

Fifty years of the V7 myth

What is certainly the most important aspect of this edition, however, is the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the V7 legend, reported on the t-shirts, but above all with initiatives dedicated to it. Among the many, the one dedicated to V7 owners (from 1967 to today), who were able to collect the certificate celebrating fifty years of V7, personalized with their own image. The V7 celebratory postcards were also in great demand, with the special philatelic postmark, specially created thanks to the collaboration with Poste Italiane.

A party, but also a visit to a special place

Entering through the main entrance, recently redone and which gives a new image to a venue that is preparing to celebrate its hundredth anniversary in 2021, you enter a world full of "cult" aspects and places, not only for the most Moto Guzzi enthusiasts.

You can't help but take a tour of the Moto Guzzi museum, which houses 150 of the most famous and important motorcycles of production. There are models that have marked history, such as the legendary Otto Cilindri, but also prototypes that have remained as such, such as a 1960 scooter, or motorcycles with three cylinders and much more.

Also very interesting is the visit to the vehicle assembly and engine production areas, where all the models in the current Moto Guzzi range are made. A line dedicated to transmissions has also recently been created, marking the growth in the numbers of motorbikes sold, which leads to a necessary expansion also in production spaces.

An exhibition of the Moto Guzzi range was also set up in the vehicle assembly area, from the inevitable V7 III to the V9, including California and MGX-21. Last but not least in terms of interest and success was the Shop Area, which was much larger this year.

On the occasion of the Open House the prices are also halved compared to those normally applied, together with the presence of t-shirts and articles dedicated to the event, this is the key element of the success of this area. A few meters away is the Proraso station, which has set up an authentic "Barber Shop", offering bikers a first-rate shaving service free of charge.

You eat and drive outdoors

In the outdoor area there are two main attractions. The first is linked to Truck Foodit's, perfect for a quick snack, accompanied by the rock music of Virgin Radio, with Ringo hosting the entertainment moments.

The second is even more motorcycling, because as many as 50 bikes were available for test rides, including the V9 Bobber Open House, a special edition dedicated to the event. Exceptional guest and tour leader Gianfranco Guareschi, the rider who in 2006 and 2007 took the Moto Guzzi MGS-01 to victory in the prestigious Battle of the Twins on the Daytona circuit and recent winner of the 4 Hours Endurance Vintage of Imola in the saddle at a Le Mans.

There was also a space dedicated to the Moto Guzzis of the police force, historic partners since the last post-war period, right under a place not open to the public, which we had the honor of being able to visit and "use": the canteen, the the same one that in almost 100 years of history has hosted many people who have made this brand so special, writing important pages in the history of two wheels.

Important numbers, despite the weather

The sense of belonging for Moto Guzzi is a very important value, as demonstrated by the 18 thousand members of the official The Clan community, a number reached just this weekend.

The record of the Open House, with 25 thousand participants for the last edition, on the occasion of the 95th birthday, was definitely respected with dignity by the 15 thousand who braved the adverse weather this year, arriving from all over Europe, often riding their Moto Guzzis, current or past.