Moto Guzzi Falcone 500: The Story of the Great Single

The Falcone 500 is the last evolution of the famous horizontal single that accompanied Moto Guzzi from the early 1920s. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1950 as the successor to the GTW, it combines the solid construction typical of the Mandello factory with a bold character, soon becoming the most desired big bike on the post-war Italian market.

The Falcone was born in an Italy restarting from the rubble of the Second World War, in a context where the motorcycle was still the main means of individual and collective mobility. Its engine descends directly from that of the 1921 Normale, the first production Guzzi, a testament to the technical continuity that has always marked the Eagle marque. The model took the place of the GTW, by then dating back to 1934, and was soon chosen as the official mount of many state bodies, from the Traffic Police to the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza and the Corazzieri of the Presidency of the Republic, becoming a familiar sight on Italian roads in the 1950s.

In 1953 the range expanded with a split into two trims: the Turismo version, with a more comfortable, relaxed set-up, and the Sport version, with a higher compression ratio, better performance and a top speed of up to 135 km/h (84 mph). Alongside the civilian versions, numerous special builds were made for the military and law enforcement, with specific equipment for each use. Production continued until 1967, when the model was definitively replaced by the new V7.

Despite its powerful nature, the Falcone was not considered an easy bike to ride: it demanded experience, especially in managing its weight and power delivery at low revs. It was precisely this combination of rough character and mechanical reliability that made it perfect for the intensive use required by state bodies, contributing greatly to its popular fame, reinforced by its regular appearances in the newsreels of the day alongside the police.

Today the Falcone 500 is one of the most sought-after Guzzis among vintage motorcycle enthusiasts, helped by the appeal of the horizontal single and its direct link to the marque's history. The best-preserved examples, especially those built for the military or with certified historic documentation, reach some of the highest prices among large-capacity classic Italian motorcycles, while civilian examples in good condition remain a solid investment for collectors.