“MOTO GUZZI EAGLE DAY JAPAN 2025” to be held in Hakone
On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Piaggio Group Japan held the Moto Guzzi fan event “MOTO GUZZI EAGLE DAY JAPAN 2025” at the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge on the Hakone Turnpike.
“MOTO GUZZI EAGLE DAY JAPAN” is an annual event that aims to let people experience the world of Moto Guzzi, the oldest surviving Italian motorcycle brand, and is a place where owners and other riders can gather casually. The usual program includes a test ride of the latest models, merchandise sales, a Guzzi cafe, and a talk show with special guests, among other exciting content.
Passionate Moto Guzzi fans gathered together, braving neither rain nor wind.
Unfortunately, the weather on the day was bad, with heavy rain warnings issued in some areas. The peak of Hakone was hit by a storm with sideways rain and wind. In such weather, outdoor events such as the test drive had to be canceled, and the event was scaled down and held as an indoor-only event on the second floor of the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge.
Due to bad weather, “MOTO GUZZI EAGLE DAY JAPAN 2025” was an indoor event using only the 2nd floor of Anest Iwata Sky Lounge.
I decided to skip my participation in my beloved V11 Sport and attend by car. The car parking lot was filled to capacity, probably because many people had also given up on participating by motorcycle. Perhaps because many owners have Italian bikes and Italian cars, there were many Italian cars such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Abarth in the parking lot.
What do you think of a 25-year-old Italian car? | I sold my bike on Kachi-X and bought a 1999 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport.This may come as a surprise, but in November 2024, I traded in my beloved ZX-9R for a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport. It was a bike I had always wanted since it was new, and by chance, a used one in good condition arrived at a familiar motorcycle shop. I loved it at first sight, so I decided to sell my ZX-9R and buy it. As always, when it comes to vehicles, it’s all about the fun to drive Italian ones! REPORT & PHOTO: YAMAZAKI Ryu
The author’s Moto Guzzi V11 Sport.
Meanwhile, the motorcycle parking lot, which is usually filled with hundreds of motorcycles, was deserted on this day due to the bad weather. However, there were a few motorcycles parked there, braving the wind and rain.
On the day of the event, there was a storm-like strong wind and heavy rain around the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge, but some brave souls still arrived on their motorbikes…
Among them was the rare first-generation V7, which debuted in 1965, and the Moto Guzzi owners who participated on their bikes this time seemed to be all very enthusiastic and fierce riders. This may be due to the straight-line stability of the longitudinally mounted V-engine, which is a distinctive feature of Moto Guzzis…
The first V7 was released in 1965. I was deeply moved by the owner’s spirit in coming to the event on this rare vintage bike in such bad weather. He is truly a man.
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Moto Guzzi’s latest tourer, the V100 Mandello, features a vertically mounted water-cooled V-twin engine. The vehicle in the photo is the limited edition Aviazione Navare, produced to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Navy’s aviation unit. It features a paint job inspired by the F-35B aboard the aircraft carrier Cavour.
Moto Guzzi’s adventure bike, the V85TT, is a popular model for touring. In addition to a top case, optional pannier cases are also available.
According to Ryota Kono of Piaggio Group Japan Marketing, just under 20 people came to the event by motorbike that day. In addition to the V7, there were riders who came on classic bikes such as the Le Mans III, and even a participant who came all the way from Kyushu.
It seems that many Moto Guzzi owners embody the saying, “Italian bikes don’t run on gasoline. They run on the passion of their owners.”
A Harley-Davidson Sportster was parked a little distance away. Of course, visitors on bikes other than Moto Guzzis are also welcome.
Some riders participated in the event on KTM Dukes.
Participants were fascinated by the engine exhibit
Participants in the event chatting in front of the V7 Stone Corsa, an exhibit car.
The event was held on the second floor of Anest Iwata Sky Lounge, where two bikes were on display: the latest V7 Sport (shown for the first time in Japan) and the V7 Stone Corsa. In addition to the traditional air-cooled V-twin found in the V7 and V85TT, there was also a display of the water-cooled V-twin engine found in the V100 Mandello and other models.
V7 Stone Corsa
V7 Sports
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V7 Stone Corsa
I heard that this engine is a teaching material used by Piaggio Group Japan for training mechanics, and that “we exhibited it so that everyone could see the exhaust side of the engine, which is not usually possible to see.” Visitors were enthusiastic about the rare engine on display.
The traditional air-cooled V-twin engine is installed in the V7 and V85TT.
The engine is a water-cooled V-twin, as installed in the V100 Mandello and other models.
Also, the V7 Sports displayed in front of the stage at the venue is a new model that was just added to the lineup this year, and this will be its first public unveiling.
One of the two Moto Guzzis on display at the venue was the V7 Sport, which was being shown for the first time. This model features improved riding qualities such as the adoption of inverted forks, and was painted in Verde Legnano, in keeping with the tradition of the company’s sports models. This color originally came from the color of the primer used to protect unpainted machines in races held on seaside courses such as the Isle of Man TT.
The longitudinally mounted air-cooled V-twin engine complies with the Euro 5+ regulations, and the newly adopted ride-by-wire system enhances the electronic control package, including riding modes, cruise control, ABS, and traction control. It also comes with special equipment such as double disc brakes, inverted forks, an IMU (6-axis inertial unit), and the addition of a “SPORT” riding mode, enhancing its sportiness.
As the latest version of the V7, it attracted a lot of attention at the event.
V7 Sports
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V7 Sports
The highlight of the event was a talk show by Masashi Kono and Natsumi Hirajima.
The highlight of the event will be a talk show by motorcycle journalist Masashi Kono, who owns a 1991 1000S, and talent Natsumi Hirajima, owner of a V7III racer.
A talk show by motorcycle journalists Kono Masashi and Hirajima Natsumi.
The weather on this day was unfortunate, but Kono gave an unexpected answer: “I don’t like intermittent rain because I have to decide whether to wear a raincoat or not, but I don’t mind riding in the rain. When I pass by a truck kicking up water as it drives by, I like the surreal feeling of appearing on my bike from the smoke . “
After working as an editorial staff member in the editorial department of a motorcycle magazine, he went freelance. While writing articles for fashion and information magazines, he also works as a writer and editorial staff member for various motorcycle magazines. He also travels to overseas motorcycle shows and covers custom bikes, and keeps an eye on the global motorcycle market.
Hirashima also talked about his recent activities with the Moto Guzzi, saying, “Since I bought the Moto Guzzi, I’ve had more opportunities to go on solo tours, but recently I went on a tour and rediscovered the benefits of touring with friends. When you’re touring while talking on the intercom, you arrive at your destination in no time .”
She then shared an episode, saying, “This year, I went out on my bike to see the first sunrise of the year, and I was so happy to see someone with a Moto Guzzi at my destination.” In response, Kono said, “There are more Moto Guzzi friends now than there were 30 years ago.”
born on May 28, 1992 in Tokyo. Blood type: O. Former member of the idol group AKB48 (graduated in February 2012). In 2009, she formed the spin-off unit Watarirouka Hashiritai with Tada Aika, Nakagawa Haruka, and Watanabe Mayu, and debuted with the single “Hatsukoi Dash/Aoi Mirai.” Influenced by her father, she is a motorbike enthusiast and has worked in many motorbike-related roles, including as an assistant on “Weekly Bike TV.” Her nickname is “Natchan.”
Kono, who visits EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show) held in Milan, Italy every year, also spoke about Moto Guzzi there, saying, “Various models, both old and new, are running around the city. They’re not shiny and polished, but many of them are just ordinary vehicles used daily.” He also said about European fans, “Many of the people at the German tuning shop Radical Guzzi are muscular and tattooed, but when you talk to them, they’re all really nice people, and when I told them I was riding a Guzzi in Japan, they bought me a beer .” Hirashima seemed surprised at the difference from his image of gentle Japanese fans.
Official Moto Guzzi merchandise on sale at the venue.
The two also introduced the merchandise that was on sale at the venue. When asked what their favorite apparel is, Kono mentioned a leather jacket, while Hirashima mentioned a T-shirt. They said that while Moto Guzzi’s hardcore motorcycle gear is good, they also recommend riding stylishly in casual fashion.
There is also a wide selection of apparel such as leather jackets and T-shirts.
In addition to merchandise such as caps, Moto Guzzi history books and commemorative stamps (Poste Italiane stamps, not valid in Japan) were also sold.
The fun time flew by, and the event ended at 2pm. Although it was plagued by rain that day, many Moto Guzzi fans still came to the event, and the event ended in a pleasant atmosphere from start to finish. We sincerely hope that next year’s weather will be better.
A mini live performance by a jazz trio consisting of saxophone player Shigeru Ukon, piano player Kenichi Yoshima, and bass player Fumitaka Kusakabe. The powerful live performance drew thunderous applause from the audience.
