Moto Guzzi's V12 Strada concept: just in time for 2012

Nov 10, 2009 at 9:41am ET

By: Grant Ray

The third of Terblanche's trinity of V12 concepts unveiled at EICMA, the Moto Guzzi V12 Strada concept is a purist's motard, taking cues from classic enduro design and contemporary MX simplicity while keeping the focus on the mechanical details. Two of our favorite mash-ups of old-made-new are the flat-faced, numberplate-style LED headlamp and the MX fuel cap with breather hose. The real star of t...

The third of Terblanche's trinity of V12 concepts unveiled at EICMA, the Moto Guzzi V12 Strada concept is a purist's motard, taking cues from classic enduro design and contemporary MX simplicity while keeping the focus on the mechanical details. Two of our favorite mash-ups of old-made-new are the flat-faced, numberplate-style LED headlamp and the MX fuel cap with breather hose. The real star of the machine however is the hollowed sweeping tail. Terblanche's gives a highly sculptural form that looks like it came straight off a starship. Not only did he avoid being completely cheesy, he made it amazing. Moto Guzzi's press statement calls the V12 Strada a commuter, great for two-up riding. We're not fooled. This is a hoon machine built for the oncoming Apocalypse if ever we saw one. Press statement after the jump.

Update: Piaggio misnamed the concepts on its press site. This concept is called the "X." The "Strada" is the white concept.

Moto Guzzi V12 STRADA: This is the essential bike and the most versatile model in the V12 range. Perfect for everyday commuting, comfortable for two-up riding, with perfect naked ergonomics. The touring-style handlebar is matched by the generously sized tail fairing capable of accommodating a comfortable passenger saddle. The V12 Strada sports a range of technical solutions and aesthetic details built around the Moto Guzzi twin-cylinder engine, that would have been unthinkable with a conventional engine layout. The passenger footpegs are connected to the swingarm through a linkage system and look as if they were floating in air, enhancing that sleek, uncluttered look that is at the core of the styling concept.