BACK FROM THE BRINK
In various guises, Moto Guzzi's iconic flat single 500 had for many years provided Italy with reliable, sterling service as a police and military motorcycle. However, in 1963 the Italian government recognised its aging limitations and sought a replacement. This replacement would need - among other things - a guaranteed service life of 60,000 miles and easy maintenance. Facing competition from Ducati, Laverda, Benelli and Gilera, Moto Guzzi ultimately won the contract with a machine typical of Guzzi innovation.
Featuring mechanical design influences from the automotive world, the combined genius of Giulio Carcano and Umberto Todero presented a 700cc 90-degree transverse V-twin. Incorporating a four-speed gearbox and shaft final drive, it was the world's first motorcycle to rely on electric starting - with no back up kickstart. Inevitably, the engine's V-twin design and 700cc capacity determined the new model's designation as 'V700'. Introduced in 1967, it proved to be not only internationally successful for its intended police and military duties, but also morphed into an excellent
