Moto Guzzi Readying Retro Bike Based On Aprilia RS 457

• Moto Guzzi is testing a sub-500cc neo-retro bike with an old-school design silhouette, upright ergonomics, and a dual-pod tail lamp.
• The test mule is equipped with a 457cc, twin-cylinder engine shared with Aprilia.
• The potential new model could be named ‘Stornello’, a trademark previously used for an old-school scrambler offering in 2015.

After a rocky past, it finally feels like Moto Guzzi is on a path to becoming a key player in the motorcycle world. Much of the credit goes to its new and modernized lineup, comprising capable bikes like the V100 Mandello, Stelvio, and the proven V7 Stone neo-retro offering. But it’s still a slim lineup that doesn’t cater to all kinds of riders, particularly newbies. Lucky for us, the Italian bikemaker might change this soon. That too, with a sub-500cc neo-retro bike.

2017 Moto Guzzi MGX21 Side

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Moto Guzzi Is Testing A Neo-Retro Bike

Yes, you read that right! Images of an interesting Moto Guzzi test mule are doing rounds on the internet. While most people think it’s a Tuono 457, there are several pointers that suggest otherwise. For starters, the test mule has an old-school design silhouette. There’s a round headlight up top, flanked by minimalistic indicators. This is partnered with a single-piece saddle, wrapped in a deep brown cover with a ribbed texture.

The biggest giveaway of this being a Moto Guzzi, meanwhile, is the dual-pod tail lamp. It looks exactly like the company’s middleweight ADV, the V85TT. To top things off, the ergonomics are quite upright rather than being sporty as they should be on a mini Tuono. We can spot low, mid-set footpegs, along with a flat tubular handlebar mounted on risers. As a result, the riding posture looks comfy instead of front-heavy.

It Has A 457cc, Twin-Cylinder Engine

Earlier in 2023, Aprilia took the wraps off the RS 457. It was the company’s first modern-day 400-500cc sports bike, armed with an all-new 457cc, twin-cylinder engine. And the test mule has the very same engine. Not only do the casings match, but even the exhaust and header layout are identical to the RS 457. In case this seems weird to you, you should know Aprilia and Moto Guzzi both come under the Piaggio umbrella. So engine sharing is not exactly wrong here.

Key Engine Specs Of The Aprilia RS 457

• Capacity: 457cc
• Layout: Parallel-twin
• Power: 47 horsepower
• Torque: 32 pound-feet
• Transmission: Six-speed

Same goes for the underpinnings. USD forks, a ByBre caliper, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a slim swingarm all seem derived from the Aprilia. What seems to be different, though, is the rear suspension and chassis. The former is mounted to the right side instead of the middle, while a close look at the latter reveals a tubular structure instead of the Aprilia’s perimeter frame.

Moto Guzzi Has Also Renewed The ‘Stornello’ Trademark

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Finally, the motorcycle in context could go by the name ‘Stornello’. It’s a moniker that Moto Guzzi used previously for its old-school scrambler offering in 2015. The trademark for the moniker expired recently, but instead of letting that go, the company put in extra effort to renew it. Since America doesn’t allow sitting on trademarks, there’s a high chance of the Stornello’s resurrection. What better to do that than by whipping up an entry-level Guzzi to attract youngsters, right?

Source: Motorrad