The Italian custom

Launched in 2007, the Moto Guzzi Bellagio is a good illustration of the Italian paradox: designed as a custom, Mandello’s machine can’t help but display alluring hardware. So, sporty custom or quiet roadster? A bit of both … Try !

Elegant and charming

Since its passage in the bosom of Piaggio, the eagle of Mandello del Lario has never ceased to spread its wings by diversifying its offer, while striving to preserve its historical specificities. Non-conformist, Italian production is however more attractive and now skilfully mixes proven solutions with a welcome touch of modernism (read).

This orientation is perfectly highlighted with the 940 Bellagio: the bike displays a rigorous – even sporty – cycle part, while light touches of chrome associated with a low seat (780 mm) and a wide handlebars. Drag Bar refer directly to the guns of the custom genre.

More compact and stocky than a California or a Nevada, the Bellagio – named after a village located near the Moto Guzzi factory – indeed hunts on land references in the category, such as the Harley-Davidson Sportster or the recent XR 1200 (read the test).

Like them, the Italian bravely flaunts a buxom plastic, drawing the eye to her slim, low waist and two cylinders pointed upwards, as if overflowing from the steel Wonderbra formed by the tubular frame. !

The hollowed-out saddle, the open column angle (28 °), the very pretty spoked wheels and the silencers coming out on the left complete the similarities with the production of Uncle Sam. But in good Latin, the Bellagio does not hesitate to use quality peripherals that would almost clash for a motorcycle of this vocation. Not that it scrambles the waters to the point of getting lost, but the presence of an imposing 45mm Marzocchi adjustable fork and Brembo calipers pinching 320mm floating discs via braided hoses would not mismatch on a sporty roadster !

Of course, with 224 kg dry, a wheelbase of 1,570 mm and an engine resulting from the Breva 850 delivering "only" 75 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, the Bellagio does not really lend itself to the gaudriole. Her parents, however, made a point of honor to endow her richly to allow her to come out with her head held high from a slightly spicy ride. In short, in this variation Luxury in two-tone colors – a mat black model is also available at the same price – the bike is appealing and looks promising! Its chrome counter block surmounting the headlight and its delicious rear lighting also highlight rounded shapes and a neat finish..

Related articles

• All Tests – The Italian custom – Stable and healthy in use

  The Italian custom Launched in 2007, the Moto Guzzi Bellagio is a good illustration of the Italian paradox: designed as a custom, Mandello’s machine…

• All Tests – The Italian custom – In the saddle: surprising and agile

  The Italian custom Launched in 2007, the Moto Guzzi Bellagio is a good illustration of the Italian paradox: designed as a custom, Mandello’s machine…

• All Tests – The Italian custom – Passion has a price …

  The Italian custom Launched in 2007, the Moto Guzzi Bellagio is a good illustration of the Italian paradox: designed as a custom, Mandello’s machine…

• All Tests – The Italian custom – Moto Guzzi 940 Bellagio technical sheet (manufacturer data)

  The Italian custom Launched in 2007, the Moto Guzzi Bellagio is a good illustration of the Italian paradox: designed as a custom, Mandello’s machine…

• All Tests – Kawasaki VN900 Custom Test: it’s (almost) America! – At ease in villages AND in bends!

  Kawasaki VN900 Custom test: it’s (almost) America ! If there is one segment of motorcycle production that the Japanese are struggling to invest in, it is…

• All Tests – Test Benelli Tre 899 K: the Tre Karacteristique trail! – Benelli, a century of Italian passion

  Benelli Tre 899 K test: the Tre Karacteristique trail ! The fruit of guilty love between a roadster and a trail, the Benelli Tre 899 K hides the…

• All Tests – Vulcan S Test: the little green men’s custom – The latest addition to the Kawasaki custom family

  Vulcan S test: the custom of little green men A new 650 cc custom will land in the French Kawasaki dealerships in a few days! Called Vulcan S, it has…

• All Tests – Kawasaki VN900 Custom Test: it’s (almost) America! – Custom culture: Harley … and the others!

  Kawasaki VN900 Custom test: it’s (almost) America ! If there is one segment of motorcycle production that the Japanese are struggling to invest in, it is…

• Custom bike Yamaha GTS 1000 Italian Resilience from FMW Motorcycles

  Yamaha GTS 1000 Italian Resilience Custom bike from FMW Motorcycles The Italian customizers from FMW Motorcycles have a successful conversion based on…

• All Tests – Hypermotard 2013 test: the Italian renaissance – The Hypermotard takes the plunge

  Hypermotard 2013 test: the Italian renaissance Ducati is offering a brand new Hypermotard in 2013. 821 cc liquid-cooled engine, new chassis, advanced…