RIP Claudio Guareschi

[Orson]

I just heard the news yesterday that Moto Guzzi dealer Claudio Guareschi died in April of a heart attack.

 

While he may not have been well known outside of the Italian Guzzisti community, he enjoyed an almost cult-like status among Italian Guzzisti, kind of like Pops Yoshimura's relationship with Suzuki. He started his Parma dealership in 1970 and remained a one marque dealer, although he did work on other brands. He truly ate, slept and breathed Moto Guzzi. He reportedly had his regular dealership and workshop facility, and then a secret skunk works area where few people were allowed to enter. He worked on the MGS-1 that his son Gianfranco rode to victory at the 2006 and 2007 Daytona BOT races, defeating the ultra-trick NCR Ducati.

 

Claudio was always ready with a smile and a helping hand for anyone who needed help. He leaves a huge void in the Guzzisti community.