EICMA 2015: Scrambler and Bagger concept from Moto Guzzi

Another scrambler and one more concept bike broke cover at EICMA, this time by Italian brand Moto Guzzi. While the V7 II Stornello will form another model in the firm’s V7 modern retro platform, the MGX-21 which was expected to appear in production form turned up at the Milan show as a second-generation concept bike.

A high-mounted exhaust, block tread-pattern tyres and aluminium pegs is what sets the Stornello apart from its Stone, Special and Racer siblings, while the fork gaitors, side number plates, ribbed seat and single headlight give it the heritage feel the firm wanted to achieve.

The name Stornello harks back to the brand’s original Scrambler model produced between 1960 and 1974 and the director of the Piaggio Group’s style centre Marco Lambri couldn’t help but take a swipe at Ducati during the press conference.

“There are those who have found it easier to take advantage of this market because they had a scrambler heritage within their brand and then there were those who reinvented themselves,” he quipped. “For Moto Guzzi this is nothing new: our heritage is full of this type of interpretation.”

Meanwhile, the MGX-21 evolution dubbed the Flying Fortress is just that. Powered by the same 1400cc engine found in the firm’s California range, it’s a bike responding to the rising popularity of the Bagger, a customised long-distance cruiser.

The custom look comes from the 21-inch front wheel and the carbon fibre bodywork, while its long-distance aspirations can be seen with the inclusion of a Bluetooth-enabled stereo with integrated intercom system. The concept model also features a three-stage traction control system.

Expect the production version to hit dealership floors as a 2017 release.