April 2021 – An unforgettable date for South African Moto Guzzi fans – Sunday 14 March 2021 – when three events were held simultaneously to celebrate the Italian Eagle brand’s centenary (1921-2021). The chronicle comes from Sean Powell, Head of Sales and Marketing for Italian Motorcycle Importers (Pty) LTD (of the Bryanston-Johannesburg branch. The other branch is in Milnerton-Cape Town), official Moto Guzzi and Aprilia importer and distributor in South Africa. IMI – Ian Huntly is a Director - which did an outstanding job organizing the Centenary rides, describes itself as follows: “Italian Motorcycle Importers is a team of very passionate people, who all share a love for motorcycles, especially Italian Motorcycles!”
Website: talianmi.co.za
Moto Guzzi website: italianmi.co.za/moto-guzzi-2
Sean Powell writes: “The Guzzi Centenary events went very well, we had 3 events running on the same day, 14 March 2021, to celebrate the centenary. The events took place in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. In total there were over 300 people attending the events across the country, with a total of 116 Moto Guzzis present.
The invitation to Johannesburg Guzzi fans; on the right, the “Centenary hamper” for riders participating in the Johannesburg and Cape Town events.
Each person that arrived at the dealerships in Johannesburg and Cape Town, received a free centenary hamper, that consisted of a Centenary Cap, a neck-warmer, a lanyard key ring and stickers along with a letter from us thanking them for supporting the brand over the 100 years.
In Johannesburg, we had a group ride from the shop to the Italian Club in Pretoria with 60 Guzzis present, we rode 46kms to the destination, where we had an authentic Italian Lunch, in total Johannesburg had 145 people present at the end venue. Below are the photos taken of the Johannesburg event at Italian Club in Pretoria, credits belong to ZA Bikers.
In Cape Town, riders met at a few different meeting points and then made their way through to the dealership in Cape Town, where they were served an Italian Lunch. Cape Town had 40 Guzzis present, with around 120 people present at the dealership. Here are the photos.
We also saw some sales of new Moto Guzzi motorcycles just before and right after the event, due to the build-up prior to the event and due to success of the events. For example, we are running a limited offer, where a customer can own a Moto Guzzi V85TT for a R100 a day (+- 5 Euro). Here is the poster.
We have a few more activations planned for the remainder of the year. We will keep you posted on them as they progress!”
