Origins of the V11 Coppa Italia

[PhillipLarsen]

@SierraTango I for one love my 2004 red Ballabio. Of my current 8 bikes it is my favorite and of the nearly 30 I have owned it is my favourite. I currently have the Lemans bars and upper triple plate on it, but have been gathering the parts to reinstall the original bars which I have. I do like the Lemans clipons, but for long rides the neck arthritis doesn’t like it. 

[SierraTango]

Brings back some fond memories! I loved that Ballabio and it was tough to let it go after all the adventures we had on it.

When I decided to get back in the V11 fold I searched for a Ballabio, however since I had already had one and always wanted a LeMans that's what I went for. Loving it!

 

[PhillipLarsen]

@SierraTango That Lemans sure looks nice!

[Speedfrog]

On 8/23/2025 at 7:50 PM, docc said:

Trying to learn more about the elusive, and alluring, V11 Coppa Italia!

She is nothing more than a flamboyant Café Sport!! 

[po18guy]

15 hours ago, SierraTango said:

Why was the Ballabio unloved? I had a new one around 2004 and it was a great bike. The only reason I sold it was to help with a down payment on a house. I'm in CA and  IIRC a gentlemen in MA bought it off Cycle Trader and had it shipped back there. It was Christmas gift from my Dad RIP, so maybe I have some rose colored glasses on.

I enjoyed the bars on the top yokes, bikini fairing and it was beautiful in red. My then wife RIP and I rode it to the Grand Canyon and into Southern Utah and it never missed a beat, so again I might be a bit sentimental.  

Well, it was a "base" model (although I think they made a few nakeds), and was not a LeMans, Tenni, Coppa or some other Ohlins suspended edition. Aside from the entrenched idiosyncrasies, I do like mine.  

[LowRyter]

On 8/23/2025 at 9:53 PM, docc said:

  I had always heard the V11 Coppa Italia was intended to celebrate Italian soccer successes. Yet, I am not finding a good reference for that recollection.

  The web, now, is making reference to commemoration of a motorcycle race ca 2003-2004. One source states, " . . . the V 11 Coppa Italia takes its name from a famous Italian championship in which Moto-Guzzi recently excelled. It's also a "Replica" model of the machine that took part in this cup. "

  Yet, I cannot find any images or references to such a race much less a race bike that the Coppa Italia would be a "replica" of.

What would Moo Guzzi have even taken to the races in 2003?

  Something @Pressureangle posted in his 2000 Redframe on Deck thread prompted me to look further into the V11 Coppa Italia, hear your recollections and bring together some references for its origins . . .

 

Hint, next time you Google something, at the end of your request put "-AI" in the text.

 

Just guessing, but the text looks like the typical AI write up that gets the basics mixed up but appears authoritative.  I've gotten quite annoyed with hit and miss silly answers and trivia.  

AI doesn't "think" or "understand", it just sticks words together based on sorting algorithms and decision trees.  

[docc]

23 hours ago, Pressureangle said:

SuperGrok FTW

Always search in Native languages, inevitably better information.
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The Coppa Italia in motorcycle racing refers to a national-level circuit racing series in Italy, primarily focused on production-derived motorcycles and serving as a stepping stone for aspiring riders. Organized under the auspices of the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana (FMI), it has evolved from its origins as a dedicated championship for near-stock bikes into an integrated component of the broader Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV), Italy's premier national speed championship. Below is a chronological historical account, drawing on its development, key milestones, notable riders, and structural changes.Origins and Early Years (1984–2000: Campionato Italiano Sport Production)The series traces its roots to 1984, when it was established as the Campionato Italiano Sport Production (commonly abbreviated as Campionato SP or Italiano SP). This was designed as an accessible entry-level competition for motorcycles closely derived from road-legal production models, initially limited to a maximum displacement of 125 cm³. The goal was to provide a cost-effective platform for young and amateur riders to compete using bikes that required minimal modifications, fostering talent in a controlled environment. Regulations emphasized stock components, with manufacturers like Aprilia, Honda, Cagiva, and Yamaha supplying official kits for approved upgrades (e.g., exhausts, suspensions, and brakes) while mandating that elements like tires remain catalog-available and road-compliant.In its early seasons, the championship featured a single 125 cm³ class, but it quickly expanded to include multiple categories in some years, such as 350 cm³, 500 cm³, 750 cm³ (split into 2-cylinder and 4-cylinder subclasses), Battle of Twins (for twin-cylinder bikes), Stock 600 cm³, 600 cm³ Special, and Naked classes (divided into under and over 650 cm³). Races were held on Italy's iconic circuits, including Monza, Misano, Mugello, and Vallelunga, typically as multi-round series with points-based standings.This era produced several future world champions. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the 125 cm³ class became a breeding ground for talent:

• Loris Capirossi debuted and honed his skills here before moving to Grand Prix racing.
• Max Biaggi made his mark in 1990 on a Honda, then switched to Aprilia and won the 125 cm³ title in 1991 at age 20.
• Valentino Rossi claimed the 125 cm³ championship in 1994 aboard a Cagiva Mito, a pivotal step before his 125cc World Championship win in 1997.

Regulatory tweaks reflected technological shifts; for instance, in 1992, the carburetor diameter for 125 cm³ bikes was capped at 28 mm (using Dell'Orto PHBH models) to ensure parity and control performance.The FMI directly managed the series during this period, aligning it with broader efforts to promote motorcycle sport in Italy amid the country's rich racing heritage, which dates back to the early 20th century (e.g., the first Italian motorcycle championship in 1911).Transition and Renaming (2001–2013: FMI Coppa Italia)Around 2001, the series was rebranded as the FMI Coppa Italia, retaining its focus on production-based racing but adopting a cup format to emphasize trophy-style competitions. This name change aimed to broaden appeal and integrate more amateur-friendly elements, while maintaining the core SP ethos. The 125 cm³ class remained a constant, but the event structure continued to feature diverse categories, with champions crowned across subclasses based on historical results.Organization shifted temporarily: From 2006 to 2008, management was outsourced to the Gruppo Mototemporada Romagnola, a consortium of four Romagna-based motorcycle clubs (Paolo Tordi, Celeste Berardi, Renzo Pasolini, and Misano). This period saw efforts to enhance regional involvement and event promotion. By late 2008, control reverted to the FMI.A notable update in 2008 allowed alternative carburetors (VHST 28 alongside PHBH 28) to comply with emerging Euro III emissions standards, ensuring newer 125 cm³ models could participate. Key events during this phase included high-profile rounds at circuits like Misano and Mugello, with participation often exceeding 200 riders. The series gained reputation as a "talent factory," with alumni like Marco Melandri and Manuel Poggiali progressing to international levels after early successes in SP classes.Integration into CIV and Modern Era (2014–Present)A major evolution occurred in 2014, when the Coppa Italia was absorbed into the Campionato Italiano Velocità (CIV) framework, transforming it from an independent series into a dedicated class within the national championship. This integration aligned it with CIV's structure, which itself has a storied history dating to 1911 and includes categories like Superbike, Supersport, and Junior classes. The move aimed to streamline Italian motorcycle racing, reduce redundancy, and provide a clearer progression path from junior levels to professional.Post-2014 classes emphasized youth development and production bikes, including:

• 125 cm³ 2T (two-stroke)
• 125 cm³ PreGP
• 250 cm³ PreGP
• 250 cm³ 4T (four-stroke)

Champions in these categories have included Daniele Scagnetti (125 2T, 2014), Tony Arbolino (125 PreGP, 2014), Stefano Nepa (250 PreGP, 2014), and Yari Montella (250 4T, 2014 and later years). The series now operates as part of CIV Junior for younger riders, with events often bundled into CIV weekends.In recent years, the broader Coppa Italia Velocità has expanded to include amateur and professional trophies such as the Dunlop Cup, Pirelli Cup, Trofeo Italiano Amatori (launched in 2005 for skill-based grids), and RR Cup, attracting up to 400 participants per round. Calendars typically feature 4–6 rounds at venues like Mugello (April), Misano (June and August), and Vallelunga. For 2025, the schedule includes Mugello (April 12–13), Misano (June 7–8 and August 1–3), and Vallelunga (September 20–21).Specialized offshoots have emerged, such as the FMI Aprilia Sport Production Championship (revived in 2020 for riders aged 11–14 on Aprilia RS 250 SP bikes), echoing the original SP spirit and producing talents for Moto3 and beyond. Additionally, vintage editions like the Coppa Italia Motocross d'Epoca (for historic bikes) and Coppa Italia 50 cc pay homage to 1970s-style team competitions.Legacy and ImpactThe Coppa Italia has played a crucial role in Italian motorsport, bridging grassroots enthusiasm with professional pathways. Its emphasis on affordable, production-based racing democratized access, contributing to Italy's dominance in MotoGP—over 20 world titles since the 1990s trace roots here. Despite challenges like safety concerns (e.g., the shift to permanent circuits in the 1970s) and regulatory adaptations, it remains vibrant, with 2025 events promising packed grids and fan engagement. The series embodies Italy's passion for two-wheeled speed, evolving from a niche 125cc contest into a multifaceted national institution.

Can you find the (possibly 2003?) Moto Guzzi racer that the V11 Coppa Italia has been said to be a replica of?

Any images from those years' races?

[Pressureangle]

14 minutes ago, docc said:

Can you find the (possibly 2003?) Moto Guzzi racer that the V11 Coppa Italia has been said to be a replica of?

Any images from those years' races?

I put your question to Grok as you asked it, got unexpectedly more information than previous. No pics yet

------------

Can you find the (possibly 2003?) Moto Guzzi racer that the V11 Coppa Italia has been said to be a replica of?

Thought for 1m 49s

The Moto Guzzi V11 Coppa Italia, produced in limited numbers from 2004 to 2005, has been described in various sources as a replica of the racing machines that Moto Guzzi fielded in the 2003 Campionato Italiano Naked (Italian Naked Bike Championship). This championship was a series for naked (unfaired) motorcycles, held as part of the broader Coppa Italia events, with races at circuits like Misano, Mugello, Varano, Binetto, and Vallelunga. Moto Guzzi participated actively, with multiple teams and riders competing on modified V11 models, and the company provided support through paddock access, test rides, and sponsorships (e.g., via Agip).Key details on the 2003 racer(s):

• Championship Context: The series kicked off at Misano on March 23, 2003. Moto Guzzi had at least nine V11-based entries, emphasizing the brand's push into naked bike racing. Teams included Progettomoto, Maffezzini, Mandello Racing Team (named after Moto Guzzi's hometown), Hobby Moto, and Guareschi Moto (run by notable Guzzi tuner and rider Gianfranco Guareschi).
• Specific Bikes and Riders: The racers were tuned versions of production V11 models, including the V11 Scura, V11 Naked, V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa, V11 Sport, and V11 Le Mans. A standout was the Ghezzi & Brian Furia (a highly modified V11 variant). Notable entries from the Misano round (the season opener) include:
  • Gianfranco Guareschi on a V11 Scura (featuring a striking red livery; qualified 11th, finished 8th).
  • Fabio Sotgiu on a Ghezzi & Brian Furia (lighter and high-performing; qualified 6th, finished 6th—the best Guzzi result in the race).
  • Roberto Basso on a V11 Naked (qualified 18th, DNF due to mechanical issue).
  • Ercole Maffezzini on a V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa (qualified 21st, finished 22nd overall but 3rd in class).
  • Oscar Bacco on a V11 Naked (qualified 22nd, finished 24th).
  • Other riders like Celso Papini (V11 Sport) and Luca Bodini (V11 Le Mans) participated but didn't qualify for the main race.
• Bike Descriptions: These were air-cooled, 1,064cc V-twin V11s with modifications for racing, such as enhanced suspension (e.g., Öhlins on some), lighter components, and performance tuning. The Furia stood out for its reduced weight and strong engine performance. Liveries often featured bold colors, with Guareschi's Scura noted for its red scheme—elements that influenced the tri-color (red, white, green) paint on the later Coppa Italia road model.
• Results and Success: Guzzi didn't dominate overall (the Misano race was won by an Aprilia Tuono), but they achieved solid mid-pack finishes and class podiums, marking a notable "challenge" or "participation" in the series. This involvement is what the Coppa Italia commemorates, with its premium specs (Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, titanium exhaust option) echoing the racing upgrades.

While some discussions (e.g., on enthusiast forums) question the exact "success" or availability of race images, multiple contemporary reports and manufacturer references confirm the 2003 Campionato Italiano Naked V11 as the inspirational racer. The Coppa Italia's name directly nods to the Coppa Italia framework hosting the Naked series, and its design replicates the racing aesthetics and performance ethos of those V11 machines.

[Pressureangle]

Man, not much out there, but Success!

As one might expect, the actual racebikes aren't as... finished... as a new Coppa Italia.

 

http://archivio.animaguzzista.com/page_builder.php?fileindex=saloni_eventi/C_I_Naked_2002/C_I_Naked_2002_index.txt&filebody=saloni_eventi/C_I_Naked_2002/naked_gara3/gara_3/gara_3_body.htm

 

[Pressureangle]

[docc]

 

So, with @Pressureangle's dedication to using his new search engine, it seems the V11 Coppa Italia is not so much a "replica" of a particular race bike, but more of a tribute to the involvement of several modified V11 in a subset of racing (2003 Campionato Italiano Naked) under the broader banner of the FMI Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) racing series. I'll edit our " Breakdown of Model Year Changes " to show the V11 Coppa Italia as a 2004 model and link that thread back to this one. 

Thanks, again, @Pressureangle!

[ I will cease and desist from the whole "soccer" connection. While I try to hunt down who/how that ever started . . .        ]

 

[audiomick]

26 minutes ago, docc said:

the whole "soccer" connection....how that ever started . . .

A guess at how it started: bearing in mind that I am in Europe, when I put "Coppa Italia" in a search machine, soccer is the first thing that pops up. I just tried it out, and after counting the first 12 hits, I gave up. They were all related to the soccer. 

 

EDIT: my thanks also to @Pressureangle for the research. 

PS: I like the way the bikes in the second and third picture in @docc's post are, in the absence of a side or centre stand, parked up against whatever happened to be there. Very pragmatic, perhaps even very Italian. 

Edited August 25 by audiomick

[docc]

Very beautiful to read the (English translated) Anima Gizzista article by V. Fange and see the actual images of these SpineFrames competing in 2003 that inspired Moto Guzzi to produce the V11 Coppa Italia !  

"Let me just say that seeing four latest-generation Guzzis lined up on the starting line of a national race

made me feel like I was about to witness a major world-class event.

The emotion had gripped me and showed no signs of letting up. "

                                                                                                                                                   - V. Fange/ Anima Guzzista

 

Here's one for @Pressureangle !

rider: Oscar Bacco

 

[Randy]

This is Gianfranco Guareschi's 2007 Daytona Battle of the Twins bike in his family's team colors, cant find a picture of the 2003 bike. I think the Coppa is patterned after them.

[docc]

54 minutes ago, Randy said:

This is Gianfranco Guareschi's 2007 Daytona Battle of the Twins bike in his family's team colors, cant find a picture of the 2003 bike. I think the Coppa is patterned after them.

Searching, then, for images of Guareschi V11 entry in this race series for 2003 . . .

"Gianfranco Guareschi on a V11 Scura (featuring a striking red livery;"

 

Here is another 2003 article from Anima Gussista:

http://archivio.animaguzzista.com/page_builder.php?filebody=saloni_eventi/C_I_Naked_2003/Misano/MisanoRace.htm&fileindex=saloni_eventi/C_I_Naked_2003/C_I_Naked_2003_index.txt