1982 Moto Guzzi V35 Imola

Description

• NO LONGER AVAILABLE
• The ‘baby’ Le Mans
• 350 cc
• Linked brakes
• Racing fairing
• Monza Red

During the legendary Italian motorcycle’s ownership by Alessandro De Tomaso, Moto Guzzi scaled down a version of the superb 850cc Moto Guzzi Le Mans, producing the V35 Imola.

Head engineer, Lino Tinti, cleverly miniaturised every aspect of the all-conquering Le Mans. The 850cc V-twin had become a 348cc V-twin and the power had dropped from around 71 to 35 bhp. The V35 Imola version never officially came to the UK. Finding a survivor like this today is a rare pleasure, especially in this condition.

History

This is one of two bikes our vendor Mark has at auction with us. The other is the Yamaha RD400 

• Manufactured in 1982
• First registered in the UK in 2015
• Our vendor has owned it since 2020
• VIN number PC16208
• Engine number PC029920

The standard V35 was launched in the late 70s along with the V50. The 350cc was produced to avoid Italy’s new licensing and tax category. It’s not like the Italians are known for avoiding rules.

Unusually, the V35 was not built at Mandello, but at Innocenti instead. It used a version of the Moto Morini engine, including the innovative ‘Heron’ cylinder heads. These were designed so that the combustion occurs in a space in the top of the concave-crowned piston rather than in the head itself. This made for a smoother more powerful engine.

Moto Guzzi didn’t stop there with the innovation. They used a cast alloy swinging arm instead of the usual tubular steel to save weight. But best of all Moto Guzzi installed the Brembo linked braking system on the V35. This meant the triple disc brakes are linked so that using the foot brake brings one front disc into play as well as the rear brake. Matched to the powerful V-twin, it meant the V35 out-braked and out-handled the larger capacity Japanese bikes of the day.

Our vendor bought this locally from someone he knew. They in turn acquired it from a large collection in which it was described to him “there was a warehouse full of bikes”. Mark believes during both those previous ownerships the bike was probably simply maintained and stored. Hence its condition and mileage.

Riding the V35 is typical of a naked middleweight. The broad, flat saddle on the V35 is amply sized with a slight step demarcating the pillion position.

• Folding, rubber flat pegs for both rider and pillion
• The sculptured bars are flat and comfortable, encouraging brisk riding
• Mounted above the bars are the white on black Veglia Borletti clocks
• The bikini fairing offers style as well as some degree of protection
• An optimistic 100-kph speedometer and a tachometer redlined at 8,000 rpm
• Warning lights and indicator tell-tales sit nearby
• The mirrors are useful
• Clutch, brake pedals and gear lever are all conventionally placed. This is not a cramped bike to ride

By any measure, the V35 is a great looking motorcycle. Finished in Monza Red, what else, with black accents it is striking.

• Including the nose fairing there is a lot of colour to admire
• The mudguards, side panels and lovely sculpted tank, all flow right back to the rear seat cowl
• The paintwork looks clean and seems to exude a good, deep shine
• Matt black exhaust headers flow into upswept rear silencers
• The chrome and finish look fine
• The silencers are original
• The six spoked black and alloy wheels
• The battery and brake fluid filler are under the seat

Summary

The V35 Imola may have been a mini 850 Le Mans but it was beautifully conceived and Guzzi didn’t cut corners. Compared to mass produced Japanese bikes the V35 was very much a premium product.

Its low seat height, manageable size and power make it a perfect classic bike today. The powerful and fun, unstressed V-twin with shaft drive make for a reliable combination.  Overall, a great classic mid-sized motorcycle and, in this condition is sought-after.

Mark’s classic bikes are decommissioned during the Winter months and used only in the Summer. This was last ridden in October 2023. It is now ready and waiting for the lucky new owner

Vehicle Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Moto Guzzi V35 Imola? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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