Since the 1970s, Moto Guzzi has built its identity on the transverse V-twin, with cylinders proudly protruding into the breeze on either side of the tank. For its newest model, the company is trying something radically different from the iconic Italian brand celebrating its 105th anniversary this year. The Trip, yes, it is called The Trip, is a 500-class roadster powered by a parallel twin, and it is the first Guzzi in more than 40 years with that engine architecture, along with reintroducing chain drive to the marque.
Moto Guzzi calls The Trip the first of a new generation, and it’s easily the smallest bike in the current lineup. Nothing else the company sells displaces less than the 853cc V7. The Trip goes on display at EICMA 2026 in Milan, November 5-8. Moto Guzzi plans to have it in dealers in early 2027. Pricing hasn’t been announced.
The Trip is meant to welcome newcomers, keep experienced riders entertained, and lure back riders who have been away from motorcycling for a while. To that end, it weighs 397 pounds ready to ride, and the seat rests 31 inches off the ground.
The parallel twin, likely a variant of the motor Aprilia uses in its 457 series, is rated at nearly 48 horsepower. The tuning is intended to put most of the torque low in the rev range, keeping the engine easygoing in city traffic and lively on backroads.
A ride-by-wire throttle makes room for three riding modes: Sport, Road, and Rain. Sport adds energy for your favorite roads, Road is set up for smooth everyday riding, and Rain is there for slippery days. Full ABS is standard; European rules require ABS on anything bigger than a 125. Two options are on the accessory list: pictogram navigation that runs through the dash, and a quickshifter.
The Trip’s design introduces a new styling language for Moto Guzzi, as it doesn’t rely on the iconic transverse V-twin base. The engine is finished in deep black and given a starring role in the design. A round 3.6-inch TFT display connects with your smartphone. The switchgear is backlit, so the buttons are easy to find after dark. The 4-gallon fuel tank is metal, the full-LED headlight works a modern version of the Moto Guzzi eagle into its face, and The Trip’s name is embroidered on the seat.
The Trip comes in three colorways: Black Metropolis, Green Grove, and Red Beat. To mark the start of the new generation, Moto Guzzi is also offering The Opening special edition for early adopters.
We’ll follow up with a First Look once the full specifications are out. In the meantime, we hope Moto Guzzi’s new infatuation with “The” has a short shelf life.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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