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Griso 1100 'Techno Custom' Motorcycle Debut in the U.S. Market

The Griso 1100's Bold Styling and Aggressive Performance Evokes Passion from Existing Enthusiasts and Excitement from a New Generation of Moto Guzzi Fans

NEW YORK, May 2 -- Moto Guzzi USA, manufacturer of the legendary "Italian Eagle" Moto Guzzi(R) motorcycle and a pioneer of two-wheel vehicles, has announced the debut of the Griso 1100 in the U.S. market. A unique and distinctive machine, the new Griso 1100's modern engineering and design delivers high performance and style that places it in a class all its own.

Completely redesigned for feel and performance, Moto Guzzi's renowned Italian racing heritage is clearly visible in the Griso's slim and streamlined frame, engine, fuel tank, and closely packed fins. Built from extraordinary components, the Griso's power delivery is smooth and aggressive, with emissions and consumption reduced to a minimum.

"For the last 85 years, motorcycle enthusiasts have looked to Moto Guzzi for outstanding European motorcycle design and technical engineering," said Paolo Timoni, CEO and President of Moto Guzzi USA. "The Griso is a distinctive machine, a masterpiece of design and a source of absolute riding pleasure"

A new category of motorcycle that Europeans call "Techno Custom," the Griso 1100's long and low power cruiser profile delivers a unique riding experience as stable as a power cruiser, as agile as a lightweight naked, and as powerful as a muscle bike.

With twin cylinders and electronic injection, the fuel-efficient and eco- friendly Moto Guzzi V-Twin engine (Euro3 and CARB-compliant), has been completely redesigned for the Griso 1100. The new 1100 cc power unit incorporates innovative technical advances which ensure smooth power delivery as well as low noise and maintenance levels. Its twin spark ignition and fuel injectors combine to deliver perfect combustion and consistent high performance.

The impressive exhaust system, with its twin header pipes, stainless steel triple chamber silencer and aluminum end plate also contributes to the unique character of the engine.

Even Guzzi's classic shaft drive has been totally redesigned for superior comfort and ridability. The new patented CA.R.C. Compact Reactive Drive Shaft system for the Griso 1100 integrates the drive shaft inside the aluminum alloy swing arm to guarantee smoothness and precision. The system delivers precise and jerk-free power, and eliminates the anti-shaft effect associated with conventional shaft drives.

The surefooted Griso also boasts a high performance braking system. At the front are two 320 mm floating discs and two powerful calipers with four opposing pistons, while the back end is stopped by a single 282 mm disc with a floating caliper and 2 parallel pistons. Grip is guaranteed by high performance tires, 120/70 ZR17" at the front and 180/55 ZR17" at the rear, both fitted on hollow three-spoke, aluminum alloy wheels.

The Griso 1100 will begin to appear in authorized Moto Guzzi dealers throughout the months of May and June, at an MSRP of $13,490.

The Griso is available in Corsa red, the color of the legendary Moto Guzzi racing bikes, and classic Guzzi black.

  Additional Optional Features:
   * Fairing kit
   * Panniers
   * Tank bag

In 2006, Moto Guzzi celebrates its 85 year anniversary and the company's finely crafted machines reflect the sensibilities and timeless beauty of its Lake Como, Italy birthplace. Today, Moto Guzzi's exceptional track record makes it one of the longest continuously produced motorcycle brands in the world.

In 2004, Moto Guzzi became a part of the Piaggio Group, one of the world's leading names in motorcycle and scooter production. The Griso 1100 is part of Moto Guzzi's "Italian Eagle" relaunch in the U.S. under the strong new management of the Piaggio Group Americas. The Piaggio Group will provide additional support through its commitment to Moto Guzzi's ongoing excellence in design, manufacturing and marketing. Piaggio Group also manufactures vehicles such as Vespa, Aprilia, and Piaggio. For more information on the Moto Guzzi Griso and its availability, please visit http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/.

About Moto Guzzi North America

Moto Guzzi, one of Europe's oldest continuous manufacturers of motorcycles, was founded in 1921 on the shores of Lake Como in the village of Mandello del Lario, Italy, where the motorcycles are still manufactured today. Since 2001, the distinctive Moto Guzzi product line has been under the umbrella of Aprilia World Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aprilia S.p.A. In 2004, Aprilia was acquired by Italy's Piaggio Group, then the world's fourth largest, two-wheel transportation company. Today the Group, which includes the Vespa scooter line, engineers, manufactures and markets more than 610,000 vehicles each year in over 50 countries. For information about Moto Guzzi, visit www.motoguzzi-us.com.

About The Piaggio Group:

Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera (Pisa, Italy), the Piaggio Group is one of the world's top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With over 6,000 employees in 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2-wheeler market. Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Scarabeo brands. The Piaggio Group is controlled by Immsi S.p.A., an industrial and services holding listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, and is headed by Chairman Roberto Colaninno and Chief Executive Officer Rocco Sabelli.

Across its more than 120-year history, the company has been active in almost every area of transport including: naval fittings; the construction of locomotives and rolling stock; engines for the aeronautics sector; seaplanes; and civil and military aircraft. Since the introduction of the Vespa scooter in 1946, Piaggio has led the way in meeting the growing demand for personal mobility. A universally recognized symbol of Italian style, Vespa is an outstanding success story with more than 16 million scooters produced to date.