Moto Guzzi GTV, GTW and Sport 15

Moto Guzzi · 1931–1949

Moto Guzzi GTV, GTW and Sport 15: history and buying advice

The overhead-valve 500s of the thirties, forerunners of the Astore and Falcone.

Nederlandse versie

Moto Guzzi 500 GTV from 1948
Moto Guzzi 500 GTV from 1948. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, free licence; author and licence are on that page.

History

In the thirties Guzzi built a whole family of 500s based on the horizontal single: the Sport 15 (1931–1939), the touring GT 16 and GT 17, and from 1934 the overhead-valve V series. From these came the GTV (1934–1948) and the sportier GTW (1935–1949). Most already had a sprung rear wheel, with a spring under the engine and friction dampers.

After the war the GTV and GTW carried on for a while, the GTW from 1947 with a telescopic fork. The Astore grew out of the GTV in 1949, and designer Carcano developed the Condor racer from the GTW. Anyone looking for a pre-war Guzzi that is still pleasant to ride often ends up with these models.

Key data

EngineHorizontal single, overhead valves (V series)
Capacity498.4 cc (88 × 82 mm)
ProductionSport 15: 1931–1939; GTV: 1934–1948; GTW: 1935–1949
Suspensionsprung rear with friction dampers; GTW from 1947 with telescopic fork

What to check when buying

  • GTV, GTW, GTS and V look alike. Have the type established from the engine and frame numbers.
  • Many bikes have been built up from parts of different years. Ask about the history.
  • Check the rear suspension and friction dampers; they are often worn or rusted solid.
  • Look at the lubrication and oil leaks around the open flywheel.
  • A complete example is worth far more than a project; parts are scarce.
To the workshop guide NL

SourcesWikipedia: list of Moto Guzzi modelsWikipedia: Moto Guzzi Astore (Italian)Cybermotorcycle: Moto Guzzi in the thirties (English)

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