SA designer's striking concepts

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Meet the latest concepts from the pen of South African designer, Pierre Terblanche – three striking designs for Moto Guzzi. According to the company all three V12 prototypes were designed with one thing in mind: pure riding pleasure.

The V12 LM, V12 Strada and V12 X were unveiled at the Milan EICMA motorcycle show and were developed around the 1 200cm3 4-valve 90-degree V-twin from Mandello.

“This is Moto Guzzi’s tribute to the one engine that turned the ‘Italian eagle’ brand into a myth of motorcycling and to its unique character”, says Moto Guzzi. “It is a statement of Moto Guzzi’s commitment to keep developing and improving its flagship engine for the years to come.’

Born it Uitenhage in 1956, Terblanche was design boss at Ducati and was responsible for penning the Hypermotard and Multistrada 1000 S among others before accepting the position at Moto Guzzi.

Simple, uncluttered

Pierre Terblanche’s prototypes stand out for the minimalistic design of the aluminium casting frame embracing that true masterpiece of mechanics. The frame’s compact dimensions make for a simple, neat layout. Tank, saddle and tail are integrated into a monocoque structure, an unconventional example of the fine art of design combining technology, style and practicality.

The overall impression is one of striking neatness, a sight not that common in the motorcycle industry. There isn’t a single cable left in sight, not a single off-key detail to be found. Such uncluttered appearance and compact size would be unthinkable without the sleek layout of the Guzzi twin-cylinder engine. Quite a paradox, considering the exuberant personality of this engine.

With these concepts Moto Guzzi heads back to the quintessential Italian bike (so much so that all labels and indications are in Italian), a statement of style combined with technology. Rather than focusing on performance for performance’s sake, the focus is on showcasing the mechanics, essential design and owning a unique motorcycle.

The prototypes feature clever details and solutions like cutting-edge rear suspension on the V12 LeMans, LCD “rear-view mirrors”, LED light units and “suspended” passenger footpegs.

Below is a short summary of each of the three concepts from Moto Guzzi’s official press release.

Moto Guzzi V12 LM



This is the Italian sports bike reinvented, true to the legacy of Le Mans it is named after. This bike is for those who want an exclusive motorcycle to ogle and to own for the utmost riding pleasure. The bike provides excellent performance under all riding conditions and easy rideability for all to enjoy. Like the other two versions, the V12 LM combines luxury details (height adjustment for top fairing and handlebar) with innovative, yet well-proven components.

Moto Guzzi V12 Strada



This is the essential bike and the most versatile model in the V12 range. Perfect for everyday commuting, comfortable for two-up riding, with perfect naked ergonomics. The touring-style handlebar is matched by the generously sized tail fairing capable of accommodating a comfortable passenger saddle.

The V12 Strada sports a range of technical solutions and aesthetic details built around the Moto Guzzi twin-cylinder engine, that would have been unthinkable with a conventional engine layout. The passenger footpegs are connected to the swingarm through a linkage system and look as if they were floating in air, enhancing that sleek, uncluttered look that is at the core of the styling concept.

Moto Guzzi V12 X



This is a “one-of-a-kind” motorcycle, true to the character of the Guzzi twin-cylinder. The focus is on riding fun, and is enhanced by its aggressive design. The V12 X is the motorcycle for aggressive riders and it begs to be pushed to the limit. Born to show off and fun to ride, this motorcycle is in a category of its own. Its spirited personality is highlighted by the aggressive riding position, a sports-like chassis set-up, longer suspension travel and a rev happy engine.

Engine: 90° V-twin engine, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine capacity: 1 151 cc
Max. power: N/A
Max. torque: N/A
Exhaust system: 2 into 1 stainless steel exhaust with 3-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor (Euro 3)
Gearbox: 6-speed
Final drive: Compact reactive cardan shaft drive system called CA.R.C.; double cardan joint and floating bevel gear seat