The engine components have been slimmed down to limit weight and to increase efficiency. Piston rods and pistons have been made lighter, while the piston rod length/stroke ratio has been increased with the aim of reducing inertia and transforming it into motion and thus reduce vibrations. Travelling is a pleasure, thanks also to the changes made to the valves.

On a Guzzi California, you travelled - and you travel - in total relaxation. The seat, as comfortable as an armchair, enables you to enjoy the landscape protected from the wind in the shelter of the large windshield, fitted as standard together with the panniers, a clear sign of its vocation for travel. These qualities enabled the V7 California to triumphantly cross the ocean where it was adopted first by the L.A.P.D. (Los Angeles Police Department) and subsequently by other US states. The rest is history - and legend.

The Bellagio has the temperament of a Naked sports bike beneath the skin of a custom machine. The spoked wheels, drag bar, rear-set saddle and forward positioned footpegs are just a few examples of the details of a style that concentrates weight on the rear wheel giving the impression of a bike that is fixed to the ground, ready to take off at the twist of the wrist.

Forty years later, that flame of creativity shines brightly once more in the new V7 Classic. The V7 has character to spare and is a superb interpretation of the fundamental beauty of the original V7 but this time incorporating all the latest technology that was unavailable to its predecessor.

Details such as the LCD display show that this motorbike has come a long way since it first appeared on the market. One of its strong points is still how easy it is to ride, together with the extent of control at low speed, aided by the nearness of the saddle to the ground: just 760mm. There are no problems, therefore, for city riding, where the motorcyclist’s balance makes him more agile.

The Breva 750 is easy to ride, instinctive and creates a feeling of confidence right from the first time you climb aboard. The manageable size and excellent riding position are extremely useful in city traffic but the Breva 750 is also great fun to ride over mixed journeys whether you are alone or with a friend. This is due to the short wheelbase and the high resistance cradle frame as well as to the steering geometry that was specially designed to facilitate picking your line into curves and fast changes of direction.

The specially designed frame makes it agile, manageable and easy to ride while the engine that has the entire history of Moto Guzzi behind it provides the power. It is only the unmistakeable 90 degree gap between the cylinders that makes it recognisable. It was with this 90 degree V engine that the California models of the 70’s made their name. The rest of the engine has evolved considerably. It is technologically very advanced offering perfect balance but yet provides startling acceleration. The virtually vibration-free performance only adds to the pleasure of riding.

The version of the Breva 1100 with ABS increases safety margins on difficult or slippery surfaces. Both models share the same colour schemes - Racing Red, the legendary Guzzi Black or the new mother-of-pearl mica finish Other items worth mentioning for 2007 are the new electric controls that are shared with the Norge flagship model.

Don’t let the long low profile fool you either, the Griso 8V has handling that would not shame a supersport machine. The secret lies in the high-tensile steel frame with twin upper supports whose design owes little to aesthetics and much to sophisticated engineering concepts that provide exceptional rigidity under moments of extreme torsional stress. The tubular steel twin cradle frame is connected to a single-sided aluminium rear swingarm housing the CARC system.

The sinuous tubes of the frame wrap around the tank - the sides are like forearms pointing straight ahead – the exhaust manifolds coil round the engine. Everything about the Griso is a little strange, a little unsettling maybe. The Griso is a masterpiece on wheels. A dynamic work of art that demonstrates sheer Italian creativity crowned by the Moto Guzzi eagle that puts it way beyond any classification.

Obviously the only thing that belongs to the past is the size of the engine. All you have to do is twist the throttle to realise that under the aggressive appearance a new heart beats. The new engine is technologically very advanced and offers sports-like performance especially when the road starts to climb or becomes a series of wonderful twists and curves.

From here too, its patented handling system can only truly be felt – a perfect blend of incredible performance and the sheer pleasure of riding. Like all Moto Guzzi, this machine faithfully follows its rider, it indulges his whims with a spirit that has been guiding it for the past 85 years and has never been stronger.

The version of the 1200 Sport with ABS increases safety margins on difficult or slippery surfaces.

Its generous and tireless heart is a new version of the 90° V-Twin, in a 1200cc version improved to obtain higher torque. So maximum pleasure on mountain passes and complete safety when overtaking on the motorway. The mechanics go hand in hand with the engine, with a steel frame and a suspension system which guarantees maximum comfort, even when carrying a passenger and luggage, thanks to the numerous possibilities for adjustment.

The Stelvio 1200 4V is the perfect all round tourer that is at home on the dirt roads that abound in this country.