First ride: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress

First ride: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress

We’re on the launch of Moto Guzzi’s MGX-21 in Italy, two years after the initial concept art was first released at EICMA.

The MGX is caked in aluminium and drenched in black paint, with a splash of red on the cylinder head covers and Brembo calipers. It comes with a host of electronics including; three fuel map modes, three-stage traction control (which can be switched off completely), ABS and cruise control – as well as a posh sound system.

Being a bagger, it comes with integrated rear luggage compartments which carry 58 litres in total.

We’ve been testing the bagger around Lake Como and Milan and as well as being a serious head turner, it’s proving to be more than just a typical cruiser.

Fire the big V-twin into life and the machine snaps to the right, instantly reminding you that you’re on a Guzzi. It uses the same 1380cc, air-cooled twin from the Moto Guzzi California, which is really the MGX’s donor machine. Yank the heavy clutch, click into first, pull away and the standard Guzzi quirk disappears, replaced by a deep rumbling. Despite the Euro 4 compliant exhausts, it still sounds good, but I’d be looking to swap them out sharpish for louder pipes.

The Guzzi’s V-twin motor pumps out 96.6bhp and 89.24ftlbs of torque, and has the suspension, powerful brakes and comprehensive electronics package to back it up on the twisties. Our only gripe is the large 21-inch front wheel, which takes a little getting used to.

The Moto Guzzi MGX-21 is priced at £17,336 and has already landed in the UK. 

Catch the full report in MCN on Wednesday 14.