Moto Guzzi

July 13, 2012

updated 2020-01

 Moto Guzzi      made in Italy by SEIMM Moto Guzzi    Benelli 1-sp engine

Moto Guzzi is the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production. “Established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy, they played a historic role in Italy’s motorcycling manufacture, its prominence worldwide in motorcycle racing, and industry innovations—including the first motorcycle center stand, wind tunnel, and eight-cylinder engine. from Wikipedia)

1974 Moto Guzzi Chiù formed sheet-steel frame made by Moto Guzzi

1974 Moto Guzzi Chiù (Eu)
SEIMM sheet frame

1971 Moto Guzzi Chiù (Eu)
SEIMM sheet frame

Moto Guzzi Trotter

 

 

Towards the end of the 1960s, the arrival of Japanese manufacturers caused a crisis in the European motorcycle industry.

 

 

 

SEIMM: From 1967 to 1973 Moto Guzzi was owned by SEIMM Moto Guzzi. By 1964, Moto Guzzi was in full financial crisis. Emanuele Parodi and his son Giorgio had died, Carlo Guzzi had retired to private life, and direction passed to Enrico Parodi, Giorgio’s brother. Carlo Guzzi died on November 3rd, 1964 — in Mandello, after a brief hosptial stay in Davos. In February 1967, SEIMM (Società Esercito Industrie Moto Meccaniche), a state controlled receiver, took ownership of Moto Guzzi. The SEIMM oversight saw Moto Guzzi adapting to a cultural shift away from motorcycles to automobiles. The company focused on popular lightweight mopeds including the Dingo and Trotter — and the 125 cc Stornello motorcycle. Also during the SEIMM years that Guzzi developed the 90° V twin engine — designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano — which would become iconic of Moto Guzzi.” (from Wheels of Italy)

Moto Guzzi mopeds: There are two kinds of Moto Guzzi mopeds, US models. They are mostly the same except for different frames, wiring and lights. 

 

1978 Moto Guzzi Robin

1978 Moto Guzzi (US)
SEIMM mono-tube frame
Benelli 1-speed engine

1979 Benelli G2 (US)
SEIMM mono-tube frame
Benelli 1-speed engine

 

1978-79 Moto Guzzi (mono-tube): This is the mono-tube or tubone (thick tube with gasoline inside) Moto Guzzi, made by SEIMM Co., that is almost the same as the Benelli G2. See Benelli.

The 1978-80 mono-tube moped has a clockwise 3-wire Dansi 101813 magneto with an external ignition ground. So loose brake light wires can cause it to not run. See CEV/Dansi.

 

 

1980 Moto Guzzi

1980 Moto Guzzi ID plate

1980 Moto Guzzi (mono-tube): This is the same as the 1978-79 except for headlight is shorter, speedometer is in a black plastic housing above the headlight, side covers are black and not as long.

The ID plate says made in 1980, 1981 model

 

 

 

 

1977 Moto Guzzi Robin (US) brochure

1976-80 Moto Guzzi Robin (sheet frame): This is a stamped sheet metal frame Moto Guzzi Robin, made by SEIMM Moto Guzzi S.p.A. Mandello del Lario Italy. It is the US version of the Moto Guzzi Chiù.

Moto Guzzi mopeds were  imported to the USA and distributed by Berliner Motor Corp, Railroad St and Plant Rd, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey 07604. There were more sold in the New Jersey area. Almost none were sold in California. 

 

 

 

Moto Guzzi magnetos:

1976 Moto Guzzi Robin Dansi 101441 magneto

1976 Moto Guzzi Robin Dansi 101441 magneto

The 1976-77 sheet frame Robin has a clockwise 3-wire Dansi 101441 magneto with an internal ignition ground.

See more at Dansi Magnetos

 

 

 

 

Dansi 101813 magneto
on ’78 Moto Guzzi Robin

Dansi 101813 magneto

The 1977-80 sheet frame Robin has a clockwise 3-wire Dansi 101813 magneto with an external ignition ground.

 

 

 

 

Moto Guzzi Chiu (Robin)
petcock 12×1 left or back

1976 SEIMM Moto Guzzi Robin (sheet frame)
Has a front basket instead of a speedometer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PV controlsMoto Guzzi Robin (sheet frame) components: 2.25-16″ tires, Benelli one speed automatic engine, Dellorto SHA 14/9 carburetor, #45 jet. Dansi 101441 or 101813 magneto, see above. CEV 2143 headlight, CEV 9350 tail light, CEV round chrome clamp-on switches, PV controls, Grimeca hubs (rear hub is special, Benelli only) and brakes, no speedometer (has front basket instead), LH speedo driver, 12×1 female spigot left or back gas valve.

 

 

 

PV controlsVeglia smallMoto Guzzi (mono-tube frame) components: 2.25-16″ tires, Benelli one speed automatic engine, Dellorto SHA 14/9 carburetor, #44 jet. Dansi 101813 magneto (external ignition ground type). CEV 2139 bullet head light, CEV 9400.2 tail light (with resistor for external ignition ground magneto), CEV plastic slide clamp-on switches, PV controls, Grimeca hubs (rear hub is special, Benelli only) and brakes, Veglia speedometer with LH driver, 12×1 female gas valve with special long detachable shaft that goes through a hole in the side panel.

 

 

Project Moped Manual has the Moto Guzzi Robin (Chiù) owners, service, and parts manuals available for free downloads.

Harpers Moto Guzzi carries some Moto Guzzi moped parts. Myrons only has things that are on other Italian mopeds.