Moto Guzzi Unveils Two Motorcycles
7 July 1998
Trident Rowan Group, Inc. Subsidiary, Moto Guzzi, Unveils Two "Next Generation" Motorcycles
NEW YORK--July 7, 1998--Extraordinary demonstration of the new Quota
1100 ES model and the completely redesigned version
of the California Cruiser
Trident Rowan Group, Inc. announced today that its principal subsidiary, Moto Guzzi, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high performance motorcycles, introduced the California Special and the Quota 1100 ES. These new additions were presented to an international gathering of over 100 leading journalists during a series of test-drives and demonstrations hosted July 1st-3rd by Moto Guzzi at the Villa Odescalchi in Alzate Brianza (Como), Italy.
Moto Guzzi's newest offering, the Quota 1100 ES, is an amalgam of traditional know-how and added value through innovation. Geared to the rider with versatile needs, the Quota thrives both on the road and off, combining the high performance of a competition-class racing machine with the modern comfort and style of a "park at the office" pleasure bike. The Quota will be available for purchase in the U.S. in late November-early December, 1998.
The California Special is an entirely revamped version of the California EV that was released in June, 1997. This model's new "Eurocustom" is Moto Guzzi's interpretation of the American cruiser concept in European guise. The California Special is more customized than its predecessor, bearing a new look and a more laid-back riding position, and will be available for purchase in the U.S. by December, 1998.
The California EV (known in the U.S. as the V11 EV) was rated "#1 Ameri-cruiser of 1998" by Cycle World Magazine (May15, 1998). In a comparative test, the California triumphed over twelve competitors and was praised for its balanced performance and handling. The judges raved, "On back roads, the Guzzi has an easy grace, and is capable of a pace that has most other cruisers throwing off sparks like the Fourth of July."
According to Dr. John Wittner, a leading industry consultant, "Moto Guzzi has historically played a leading role in the motorcycle industry. These two new products, in addition to the recent recognition from the experts at Cycle World magazine, emphasize Moto Guzzi's current return to prominence."
Two of Moto Guzzi's motorcycles, the 1924 C4V and the 1974 Le Mans 1 are on display in the current exhibit, "The Art of the Motorcycle," at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The 1924 C4V, one of Moto Guzzi's earliest models, represents a major milestone in motorcycle history, as it was the first Italian bike to win the European Championship in 1924 (Pilot: Mentasti). The exhibit, which opened on June 25th, will run through September.
Mark Hauser, CEO of Trident Rowan Group, Inc., Moto Guzzi's parent company, commented, "With the introduction of the Quota 1100ES and the California Special, and their innovative style and design features, Moto Guzzi continues to set the standard for high performance motorcycles. We expect that both will contribute greatly in our efforts to raise the brand's global profile, particularly in the U.S."
The Moto Guzzi legend began in 1921 when Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi founded the company following their service in the Italian Air Force. During their first year of production, a Guzzi won the prized Targa Florio race. Within a short period of time, the success of Moto Guzzi's motorcycles firmly established itself in Italy's racing tradition. Moto Guzzi is currently owned by Trident Rowan Group, Inc., an international holding company based in the U.S.
