Valenti Racing, Italian pride of two wheels [INTERVIEW]

On the occasion of the EICMA held last November in Milan, we had the opportunity to ask some questions to Enzo Valenti, founder of the Valenti Racing, a company founded in 1973 and official distributor of the Suzuki off-road range in Italy based in Lissone (MB). We go to their stand located next to the Suzuki one and easily recognizable not only for the eye-catching yellow color but also for the many off-road vehicles on display for the visitors, who seem to really appreciate the quality of the Valenti motorbikes given the turnout.

For over 40 years you have been spreading the passion for two wheels in Italy and beyond. What is the philosophy of the Valenti Racing group?

«It all comes from my passion for two wheels which over time turned into a real job. I have always liked taking on new challenges and, as in the case of Suzuki, selling cross bikes especially with a sporty verve.»

How does it feel to be a bearer of Made in Italy?

«It's always a good feeling because even in the past we have had experiences with foreign traders who appreciated the quality of our products, even today I see how the Italian brand is very attractive even though there is the obstacle of price because foreign competition is sometimes ruthless and it leaves us no escape. But our buyers know how much Italian manufacturing is worth, which has no equal in this, and the facts prove it.»

In 1989 the Valenti company decided to become a seller of a single brand, Suzuki, and in 1997 it became the official distributor for Italy of its off-road vehicles. Why this choice?

«For me, Suzuki has always been a brand that has exercised a strange attraction on me. It's no coincidence that my first used racing bike in 1976 was a Suzuki! At the time, Japanese motorbikes were not very present in Italy, little known and I was one of the few who owned one, I liked it a lot and for two years I raced first with a 125 cc. and then with a 250 cc. the following year. From there I began to sell motorbikes on my own, gaining experience in the field until in 1989 Suzuki presented itself with a new range that was up to the needs of Italian two-wheeled "off-roaders", thus attracting my attention and leading me to take a strong interest in obtain official status as a reseller. Around 1995 we signed a first "running-in" agreement and after two years the agreement was signed that still binds Valenti Racing to Suzuki today, a nice partnership.»

Do you also have a dedicated store for Valenti accessories?

"Certainly. We sell everything that may be necessary: ​​clothing, original Suzuki accessories and special parts manufactured by us such as mufflers, fork plates, footrest pedals which serve not to improve an already excellent product in itself but rather to provide the customer with a series of customizations capable of making the medium that possesses unique. We also have a department that takes care of performance modifications if you want to achieve greater performance on the track.»

In 2010 you presented your first 50 cc, a model aimed at a young audience. What perspective did you take, knowing that at 13-14 years old most young people approach motorbikes for the first time?

«As a good motorbike enthusiast, I have always wanted to create something of my own and consequently I decided to make a motorbike that stands out from the rest of the competition, that has something innovative. And so our "fifty" was born, which features high quality parts that none of its rivals have. It was a big investment for me and I think it was worth it precisely because of the quality of the product that was released, which I would define as top-notch.»

Not only great commitment in series production but also on the competition front, with several titles under its belt. What does this mean for Valenti Racing?

«We have been officially racing for four years in a row now. We started in 2011 when the 50 cc. it hadn't been released yet and in four seasons we won two European championships and five Italian championships. Unfortunately, my age no longer allows me to race, but seeing the off-road cars whizzing around the track with my name on them is equivalent to being up there, it's a great satisfaction. This is the world and on Sundays I always like to be on the track, in short, I can't live without races!"

In 2013 you organized a challenge reserved for riders with Suzuki – Valenti motorcycles. Do you think it's important to focus on young people?

«Definitely, also because my competitors with the 50 cc. they have built motorcycles that are not necessarily intended for racing, it depends on what type of use you want to make of them. I started from the idea of ​​making a racing bike that could also be good for a boy to have fun on the weekends and go to school during the week. The work carried out goes against the trend of what is normally done but has had a good effect.»

Which models did you bring to this edition of EICMA?

«We brought the Suzuki 250 cc range. and 450 cc. from Enduro and the 50 cc. in the Race version, which is the pinnacle of our production. Then there is the Factory version dedicated to the world of competitions: enhanced engine and revised chassis in the rims. What does not vary for any model is the chassis which is reliable and successful on the track. We then brought the Motard model and the basic Enduro, the Naked and the Scrambler.»

Have market needs changed in recent years?

«To say that the user who longs to own a “fifty” from the age of 14 has changed, there is no longer that pool willing to do everything to be able to drive one, ready to make sacrifices. Perhaps now we are more focused on technology and prefer to spend our earnings on computers and smartphones, furthermore once upon a time to get around you had to make do with the bicycle or scooter obtained after much effort, but today parents take their children directly in the car. »

How have the bikes you sell evolved?

«Motorcycles have evolved and perfected themselves because for a few years now they have had mono-shock absorbers, disc brakes, upside down forks, liquid cooling. A real "revolution" therefore there has no longer been an exception except in large displacements there has been a return to the turbo, in the world of motocross however we have seen the introduction of the air fork where there are no longer springs, the direct consequence of a refinement of something pre-existing anyway.»

What does EICMA represent for two-wheel enthusiasts and for you exhibitors?

«True enthusiasts always come to see the fair because they observe carefully, they touch the various models with an expert hand but they already know many specifications since the 2015 models have already been presented in September. This is an opportunity for them to compare, but they already know everything. Here we have focused a lot on the 50 cc. because we would like to bring back the passion to "our" kids and to educate them on what it means to own a motorbike and use it on a daily basis.»

What goals do you set for the future?

«Our collaboration with Suzuki is always constant and attentive to new technologies and user needs. We at Valenti Racing hope for the company to return to 125 cc. but we still have no certainties so we will still have another year on stand-by. The clear intention is to be able to boast a 125 cc in our range. and if there is an opportunity we will create one ourselves. I like the 125cc. 2T because it is an added value and can give emotions, therefore it cannot be missing from our company.»

For more info: https://www.valentiracing.eu/

Andrea Villa