End of an ERA!

[Paul in NZ]

Now I know you fullas could not really give a shit about Moto Guzzi and that in the new millenium (SP) they are about as important as the state of my daily bowel movement.... BUT - Raise a glass you disrespectful young bastards because....

Carcano died day before yesterday.

In the last 18 months or so first Tonti, then Todero and now Carcano. He was
the last real link to the glory years at Moto Guzzi and was responsible for
some of the more astonishing products to ever come out of the race shop.

In his later years he worked on his other love, racing yachts, and was
responsible for the design of several highly successful ocean going racers
but he remained in close contact with the factory and, like Umberto Todero,
still owned a villa in Mandello del Lario, (Home of Moto Guzzi - look it up)

So, please raise a parting glass and send your thoughts and good wishes to
the man. He leaves an astonishing legacy of which anyone should be proud. We shall not see the like of Carcano, or his cohorts, Todero and Tonti, again.

If you own an old Guzzi... Go for a ride tomorrow, twist that that throttle and revel in their legacy...

[zadok]

I must admit to not knowing of him. I've got nothing against Guzzi's, although I've never owned one. I contemplated getting a 650 Lario when I was looking in 1991.

[Motu]

I shall cast an eye upon the Stornello,and remember some fun rides we had.

[Paul in NZ]

I must admit to not knowing of him. I've got nothing against Guzzi's, although I've never owned one. I came contemplated getting a 650 Lario when I was looking in 1991.

Possibly the best decision you never made - the Lario was... um... Exciting... Even factory mechanics hide behind anti frag shields when an unfortunate customer managed to ride one in for a service.

Can all be fixed of course but... Yes well...

Ah hemm...

Hey even Honda stuffed up the V4's to start with...

[SPman]

Wasn't the V8 his brainchild?

[dangerous]

Now I know you fullas could not really give a shit about Moto Guzzi

If you own an old Guzzi... Go for a ride tomorrow, twist that that throttle and revel in their legacy...
Wana bloody bet Paul...... love Guzzi :cool: and tomorow... damn today I'm racing so Ill race for Giulio Carcano a legend in designing awesome race bikes.

Below is a pic of Carcano (left) in 1985 with Ken Kavanagh the principal tester of the V8 which Carcano designed, along with the 500 single, Stornello and pleanty of others..... Carcano you rock :first:

[Sniper]

See ya mate :drinkup:

[James Deuce]

I was just thinking how the motorcycle world in general progresses in epochs rather than a continual flow. Definitely the end of the era of the artisan engineer.

I'll raise a quiet pint.

[inlinefour]

I'm not a MG supporter, but a bike is a bike. Will have one in his honour tonight :first:

[Motu]

I can see his touch in the Stornello,the top end is very much the V twin turned sideways,the primary drive is overbuilt,1inch wide helical driving the clutch through the camshaft.The motor is so simple and sensable I could strip and rebuild it in a couple of hours blindfolded.Not designed by a team,but just one man,probably a lunchtime project for him.

[Mooch]

Not far from the Guzzi factory in Como is a large sculpture motorcycling tribute to a famous Italian Motorcycle racer. No doubt they'll do something similar for a man so important to Italian Motorcycle history.

Raise your glasses to a famous Italian Motorcycle man! :drinkup: :drinkup: :drinkup:

[Paul in NZ]

There is a wonderful tribute to Todero on the Guzzi site... Sort of gives you an idea of what it's like to be a member of the Guzzi 'family'....

Remember, he worked there for 66 years... It ends with...

--------------------

In Moto Guzzi we will not never forget the tenacity and the stubbornness that has defined Umberto Todero, is in its professional life and in his private one.

His memory is present today in all of us, and will remain always alive in Moto Guzzi through its history. It is tied to our early history that to that recent one, a passion that the active protagonist has seen to until the last moment.

Moto Guzzi tightens around the family in the memory of a man who in its "special semplicità", has taught so much. The family is rich by the experience with the man and we will appreciate it, always and forever.

Goodbye Umberto, we will never forget to you,
Your Moto Guzzi Family.