First Ride Review from Rider Magazine: 2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress

By Andrew Cherney, Rider Magazine

The new-for-2017 MGX-21 Flying Fortress is Moto Guzzi’s bold entry into the middleweight bagger segment. (Photography by Kevin Wing)

An endless crackling of unmuffled pipes fills the air, and the bitter stench of abused clutches is unmistakable. If it’s early August in the Black Hills of South Dakota, then this must be Sturgis—and the onslaught of tens of thousands of baggers into this most American of bike rallies.

This year, there’s a new player vying for a place in that V-twin-biased motorcycle segment—Moto Guzzi is officially appearing for the first time at the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. And the Italians have come to the party with a secret weapon: the new MGX-21 Flying Fortress bagger.

Read Rider Magazine's full review here!

2017 MOTO GUZZI MGX-21: SPECS

Base Price: $21,990

Website: motoguzzi-us.com

Engine Type: Air and oil-cooled, transverse 90-degree V-twin, 4 valves per cyl.

Displacement: 1,380cc

Bore x Stroke: 

104.0 x 81.2mm

Transmission: 6-speed, hydraulically actuated 

dry clutch

Final Drive: Shaft

Wheelbase: 66.9 in.

Rake/Trail: 32 deg., 7.4 in.

Seat Height: 29.1 in.

Claimed Wet Weight: 

752 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 5.4 gals.

MPG: NA