1981 Moto Guzzi V35 Imola For Sale

In the late 1970’s, Moto Guzzi introduced a line of small-bore bikes, but these were far more than simply sleeved-down versions of the big twins and shared virtually no components with their larger brethren.  The big twins followed typical practice: hemispherical combustion chambers and angled valves.  The V35’s and V50’s had “Heron” heads with parallel valves set into the flat surface of the head.  Combustion in a Heron head motor takes place in the distinctive concave surface of the piston top.

This configuration leads to compact engine dimensions, good fuel economy, and a simpler manufacturing process.  Heron heads had been used previously on Jaguars and Moto Morinis,

Designed to take advantage of Italian tax laws, the V35 was smooth, frugal and sweet-handling, but not very fast.  It is extremely rare in the United States: the ad claims it may possibly be the only one in the country.

First produced in 1979, the little 350 put 33.6 hp through a 5speed gearbox, pushing the 350lb (dry) machine to a 99mph top speed if you were lying flat on the tank.

The bike is also fitted with Guzzi’s linked braking system: the front brake lever actuates only one of the front calipers, with the pedal operating the other front and the rear calipers.  A proportioning valve prevents rear-wheel lock up.  It is a simple system, but apparently very effective and most bikes so fitted, including the original LeMans, retain this system.

From the original ad:

“Exceptional condition with only 4466 original mile (7191 kms on the speedo).  All original and correct. Very nice paint except for a couple of blemishes on the right side battery cover.

Good running and riding condition. Not quite as quick as the common MONZA model but still a friendly docile bike. Factory claimed top speed about 95 mph but the Imola is not about speed.

350cc overhead valve V twin. 5 speed. Electric start. Owner’s manual in Italian.

This bike has the hard to find sports fairing that is much better looking than the standard version.”

See the whole ad here: Moto Guzzi V35 Imola

A very slick machine in excellent condition and well worth checking out if you never knew Guzzi made these little bikes.

-tad