Studying the airstream around a motorbike and the relationship between engine power and aerodynamics, all to win the most important race of all: the race against time at the fastest possible speeds. These were the ideas behind the Galleria del Vento (“Wind Tunnel”), or as Moto Guzzi’s founders Giorgio Parodi and Carlo Guzzi called it, “the tunnel”, built by Moto Guzzi in 1950.
The history
An article from years ago quotes the famous motorcycle rider Fergus Anderson as saying that the tunnel was impressive in size (1:1 scale) and particularly memorable for the way it was built. Construction began just after the War, at a time when the economic climate was far from blooming. “During a Board Meeting it was suggested that all building work be suspended. Once everyone had agreed, Signor Guzzi stood up and said, ‘I’d like to make an exception: a wind tunnel,’ and his proposal was approved!” Many saw the decision as entirely foolish, with the results being unable to justify the high cost of the project. But they were wrong.
The Wind Tunnel made it possible to design the first ever aerodynamic features for racing bikes, enabling Moto Guzzi to win many a prize. Research focused on fairings, leading to the invention of the “dolphin” and later the torpedo fairing, which was banned in 1958 for safety reasons. Compared to cars, the tunnel was also useful for riders, who could try out the best positions to adopt when racing at different speeds.
Interestingly, the tunnel was built “blind” to a design by brothers Carlo and Giuseppe Guzzi, who had never seen one before. The first wind tunnel they saw was the one they built.
Inside the Museum
Visitors to the Moto Guzzi museum can also take a look at the tunnel. “It’s the highlight of the tour,” explains Gianprimo Ciappesoni, museum volunteer and guide. “Everyone who sees it is dumbfounded, and they’re even more amazed when I tell them that ours is the only one in the world and that wind speeds reach 225 km/hour inside. Not everyone knows this, but we won many races thanks to this jewel. It’s a piece of living history.”
