It has been over 50 years since the birth of one of the most successful names that has come out of the Mandello factory, the 1972 Stornello 125 Scrambler with the eagle badge. The new 2016 Moto Guzzi VII Stornello Scrambler is the rebirth of the iconic motorcycle from Moto Guzzi in the same contrasting white/red colour scheme. The bike was unveiled at this year’s EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

The new Scrambler from Moto Guzzi is based on the familiar 744 cc V7II engine platform which powers few other naked bikes in its range. The typical proven transversal 90-degree V7II engine platform seems to be the choice for Moto Guzzi’s A2-license compliant motorcycles. The V7II engine is decent for a scrambler with 47 hp and 59 Nm of torque.

Let us start with the styling of the bike which is bragged of very highly by the Italian brand. The new Stornello has made use of ‘prestigious’ Italian made parts with high attention to detail and quality to enhance its charm and elegance. The bike features pastel white base paint along with the contrasting gloss red finished tubular double cradle frame. The engine, wheels, suspension and the handlebars get the matte black finish.

With the 2016 Moto Guzzi V7II Stornello scrambler, Moto Guzzi seems to have taken the completely authentic heritage look. The lines are kept very classy except with the tank that seems to be directly taken off of the V7II naked series. The high-mount Arrow exhaust is very appealing. The long leather seats which are electro-welded and stitched look very comfortable. The suspension also is very classic sporting telescopic forks with dust boots at the front. The rear features matched dual springs which enhance the authentic off-road scrambler styling of the bike.

With many manufacturers shifting their focus on the Scrambler styled machines, the move from Moto Guzzi with the Stornello Scrambler seems to be justified. Honesty, the Stornello is by far the only bike with the true classic Scrambler styling compared to the bikes from other brands in this segment. This is a major plus for the Mandello Eagle brand as styling has more value for the consumers who are into scramblers.

The new Stornello is in direct competition with the likes of the Benelli Leoncino and Ducati Sixty2. We will have to wait and see how the new 2016 Moto Guzzi V7II Stornello Scrambler stands against its competition. Only if the pricing is aggressive by Guzzi, we might see the new Stornello making a mark in the market.