The carbon-fibre clad Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress is set to go on sale at the annual Sturgis rally next week but you can already place pre-orders online.
Based on the 1380cc, 96.6bhp V-twin of the California, the MGX-21 started life as a 2014 concept bike but emerged in near-production form late last year. Designed under Piaggio design head Miguel Galluzi, best-known as the father of the Ducati Monster, it was inspired by new custom trends. In particular recent years have seen a spate of baggers with massive front wheels, sometimes near 30 inches in diameter. The MGX-21 isn’t that crazy, but the ‘21’ in its name comes from the front rim’s size in inches.
The carbon fibre bodywork was also a key part of the original 2014 concept, and carried over to the show bike seen last year. It will stay on the production versions, too – they’re claimed to have 11 carbon components, saving 16kg. That suggests that a non-carbon version of the bike is also in development. Some of the carbon is also merely a covering over more conventional materials. In particular, the front wheel gets a ‘lenticular’ carbon cover but is actually made of aluminium. Similarly the carbon panels on the tank and panniers are referred to as ‘covers’.
Online pre-orders can be made at prebookingmgx21.motoguzzi.com where it’s revealed that the bike’s price will be £17,336 in the UK, with a required deposit of £921. In America, the price is $21,990 with a $1000 deposit needed. In Europe the price varies depending on local taxes but is around €23,000 with a €921 deposit.
The booking site also reveals that there will be an option of an extra two years of warranty and an optional MGX-21 Mask Jet helmet designed to match the bike.
The pre-booking site is only open until August 7, which is when the bike is expected to make its production debut at Sturgis and officially go on sale in dealers.