Not so many years ago, I got a chance to visit Moto Guzzi’s factory in Mandello del Lario, Italy, where the iconic brand has been producing bikes for more than 100 years. As we were being shown around, our factory guide pointed to a gated opening in a nearby cliff.
“This is a cave that goes very deep,” he said cheerfully. “During the Second World War, factory workers and their families could go inside to escape bombings.”
I took in a long, deep breath.
“And who was bombing you?” I asked.
“Well, nobody,” he laughed. “Fortunately, the factory was actually never bombed. But first it would have been you, the Americans. And later the Nazis.”
He was so happy-go-lucky in telling us this. You know: “Ha, ha, this is where we would have hidden if you had tried to kill us. Cool, huh?” I often tell that story to illustrate the beauty and quirkiness of the Italian people. Traits that exist equally as strongly in the ethos of Moto Guzzi.
In 2016, the brand thought it was clever/cool to nickname their new bagger the “Flying Fortress.” You know, in reference to the WWII-era Boeing B-17 bomber ─ a plane that, if the United States had targeted Mandello del Lario, would have almost certainly been used to flatten Moto Guzzi’s factory and test the integrity of its beloved cave.
Hilariously, that’s not even the quirkiest thing about the MGX-21. It was, unquestionably, one of the most uniquely styled motorcycles of the last 20 years. Perhaps because of that, it was also short-lived. I can’t find strong evidence that it was sold past 2018.
Built on the California chassis of the time and driven by a 1380cc air/oil-cooled V-twin, the MGX-21 claimed an impressive 96 horsepower and 120 Nm of torque. That’s probably not accurate (Moto Guzzi’s claims are usually quite optimistic), but whatever it does have is enough.
“Power does not feel particularly overwhelming… but the engine is tractable and fueling is exceptionally smooth,” observed Cycle World in 2016. “The MGX’s performance and overall comfort lends itself to longer days in the saddle.”
Within the bagger world, the MGX-21 was ahead of its time ─ offering riding modes, traction control, and Bluetooth connectivity. That’s all pretty common kit these days but eight years ago, it ─ along with ABS-equipped Brembo brakes, cruise control, and a 50-watt stereo ─ was stuff that helped push the bike’s price tag beyond that of competitor models. Which is probably another reason the MGX-21 was so short-lived.
With just 1,963 miles on the clock and a Buy It Now price of $10,000, this particular example seems to be a great way to experience the joys and quirks of of the MGX-21 without having to shell out the $22,000 ($28,500 in 2024 dollars) that it commanded when new.
You can find this MGX-21 in Pompano Beach, Florida, here on eBay.