The V7 introduced Moto Guzzi to a completely new clientele. With car-like reliability and shaft drive, it proved the ideal machine for long distance touring. Eventually, the V7 evolved into larger capacity sporting and cruising models. This book provides a guide to all the models, their attributes, and their pitfalls. Detailed descriptions, along with photos showing the key areas to check and foibles to be aware of, help to show what to look for when examining a potential purchase. With a ...

The definitive story of one of the most iconic Italian motorcycle marques. Bimota was founded in 1973 by three friends: Valerio Bianchi, Giuseppe Morri, and Massimo Tamburini. The company specialises in producing high-performance motorcycles, incorporating exotic materials and cutting-edge technologies. Bimota quickly gained a reputation for producing limited edition, hand-built motorcycles that were prized for their exceptional quality and design. Throughout its history, Bimota has collab...

Here is a book packed with good advice on how to find and maintain a Ducati Desmodue twin. From running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation - this book shows you exactly what to look for when examining a potential Ducati Desmodue purchase. Along with a detailed description of all the individual models, there is a comprehensive condition checklist and guide, photos of key areas to check, and foibles to be aware of. Includes key specifications and details of useful upgrades...

MV Agusta's classic four-cylinder dominated Grand Prix racing for a decade from 1956. When it was replaced by the new triple in 1966, Count Agusta decided to make the Four available in limited numbers as a production bike. To prevent privateers converting it into a Grand Prix racer that might embarrass the factory, he stipulated it should be 600cc and have shaft final drive. The touring 600 eventually evolved into the 750 Sport and GT, and finally the America, but MV Fours were always buil...

Although manufactured for only one year - 1974 - the Ducati 750 Super Sport was immediately touted as a future classic. It was a pioneering motorcycle - expensive and rare, and produced by Ducati's race department to celebrate victory in the 1972 Imola 200 Formula 750 race.Much of the mystique centred on the 750 SS is a result of this rarity and uniqueness. The 750 round-case Ducati engine was produced for only four years, and was discontinued primarily because it was extremely expe...

The 916 spearheaded the Ducati revival of the 1990s. Introduced at the end of 1993, this product of Massimo Tamburini and the Cagiva Research Centre took the water-cooled four-valve engine of the 851, placing it in an evolutionary chassis with revolutionary styling. The 916 immediately set new standards of performance for twin-cylinder machines, epitomised by its unequalled success in the World Superbike Championship. This book will trace the conception and development of the four-valve Du...

The bevel-drive 860 and 900 was one of the most significant motorcycles of the late 1970s, providing a unique combination of power and handling that was unequalled by other motorcycles at the time. When Italian car stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro penned the 860GT in 1973, few would have believed it would evolve into one of the greatest Ducati line-ups of all time. The square-case 860 became the legendary 900 Super Sport, the Darmah, and eventually the Mike Hailwood Replica, built to honour Hail...

When Ducati unleashed Galluzzi's Monster at the Cologne Show at the end of 1992, few expected it to become Ducati's most successful model. Dramatically styled, minimalist in stature, yet bristling with innovative engineering, the 900 Monster created a new niche market. A multi-faceted machine, the Monster bridged the gap between racetrack oriented sports bikes and cruisers. Here was a naked motorcycle that was as much a performance machine as a cruiser. The Monster's radical styling has al...

Before the /5 series, BMW had a reputation for producing expensive and idiosyncratic touring motorcycles. But the /5 changed that. Although still expensive, the market was opened to a new world of riders, and during the 1970s the air-cooled boxer evolved into the ground-breaking R90S and R100RS. These were amongst the first motorcycles with factory-fitted fairings and they also offered class-leading performance. Even when BMW decided to discontinue the twins in favour of the new four-cylin...

A comprehensive guide to authentic restoration of Ducati Bevel Twins made from 1971 to 1986.Ducati's classic 750, 860, 900, and Mille bevel-drive twins from 1971 to 1986 are now amongst the most collectable bikes in the world. Although built in relatively small numbers, there are many individual model differences that can make their authentic restoration difficult. This book serves as a definitive guide to authenticity, and gives hands-on restoration tips and guida...

When Fabio Taglioni designed his 100cc Gran Sport Marianna back in 1954, it was unlikely he expected this engine to have such a long and lingering influence on Ducati design. Over the next 20 years, the single was developed into a myriad of different types, in capacities up to 436cc, and was the first production engine to utilise desmodromic valves. Incorporating features that continue to this day, the overhead camshaft single would become one of the most important designs in Ducati histor...

Now part of the Aprilia - Moto Guzzi - Laverda group, Laverda has acquired a following of almost fanatical proportions. The large capacity twins and triples were some of the most charismatic and exciting motorcycles produced in a golden era. With a successful endurance racing program publicizing them, Laverda's twins soon earned a reputation for durability that wasn't usually associated with Italian machinery. Originally built for the British market, the 1000cc Jota was the fastest Superbi...