Boutique Italian bike producer Moto Guzzi has fairly a powerful collection of fashions in its roster. From laid-back roadsters just like the V7, to adventurous explorers just like the V85 TT, and even ventured into the world of sport-touring with the V100 Mandello.

But one factor lacking from the Guzzi catalog is a scrambler, an area that the now-discontinued V7 Stornello as soon as occupied.

This may all be about to alter, as Moto Guzzi lately utilized for a trademark to the Stornello title within the US.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Stornello was a badass but short-lived scrambler

According to the patent submitting on the USPTO web site, Guzzi utilized for this patent on August 22, 2023.

While producers apply for emblems for a bunch of names however by no means find yourself utilizing them, the USPTO has a lot stricter use-or-lose provisions, which implies that as soon as a patent or trademark has been filed, corporations are underneath way more stress to make use of them, lest they face the danger of dropping the rights to the trademark altogether.

So, what does this imply for two-wheeled fanatics such as you and me?

Well, it’s greater than seemingly that Moto Guzzi is certainly engaged on a brand new mannequin bearing the Stornello title. While there was a Stornello variant of the V7 roadster from 2016, the mannequin truly dates again to 1961, with the Stornello 125 Scrambler America. This bike was a beginner-friendly machine with a peppy 125cc single; fairly the alternative of the big-displacement, transversely mounted V-twin we discover within the V7.

The authentic Moto Guzzi Stornello 125 made its debut again in 1961

And it’s exactly due to this multifaceted historical past that the proposition of a brand new Stornello is made much more thrilling. Granted, launching a brand new V7 Stornello is a low-hanging fruit, albeit one which’s certain to hype up Guzzisti in search of a rugged and retro-inspired roadster. But Moto Guzzi may very effectively go in a unique course. The V85 TT has been confirmed to be a totally succesful journey bike, and including a little bit of retro pizzazz and slapping on the Stornello badge actually doesn’t look like too dangerous of an concept.

 

While these concepts are cool and all, maybe what’s even cooler is that if we take a look at issues from the larger image. Moto Guzzi doesn’t stay in a vacuum. It’s owned by Piaggio, which additionally owns Aprilia, amongst a bunch of different Italian marques. Aprilia lately pulled the covers off the RS 457, a machine that’s poised to shake up the small-displacement sportbike section.

Parallel-twin platforms just like the 457 are certain to offer delivery to a slew of latest fashions, so what if the Stornello is definitely a punchy retro-inspired scrambler constructed upon the brand new 457 platform? Just like the primary Stornello in 1961, this one would certainly appeal to rookies into the Moto Guzzi fold. Plus, a lot of huge producers have been dialing down the cc’s in favor of extra usable, tractable platforms.

I imply, simply take a look at Triumph, with its Speed and Scrambler 400.

It’s greater than seemingly that the Aprilia RS 457 platform will give delivery to new fashions. Could the Stornello be considered one of them?

As somebody who loves small-displacement machines with peppy engines, a scrambly mannequin just like the proposed Stornello 457 would certainly ring a bell with me. It’ll even be the proper commuter in nations with heavy site visitors and less-than-ideal street circumstances like India, the Philippines, and different elements of Southeast Asia. Should it turn out to be a actuality, it may very effectively be Moto Guzzi’s ticket into large-scale growth within the Asian market.

Could Moto Guzzi be the subsequent to hop on the small-displacement bandwagon?