The Moto Guzzi Daytona: Birth of an Icon
The Daytona made its debut on the market in 1992, with the intention of celebrating the brand’s 75th anniversary and the goal of dominating the racing tracks. The Daytona was explicitly designed for speed. John Wittne’s signature adorned the motorcycle’s fairing. A dentist by day and a two-wheeled artisan by night, legend has it that Moto Guzzi entrusted the development of the Daytona to this man. Another name that will go down in motorcycle history is Giulio Cesare Carcano, the father of the beating heart of the Daytona: the legendary V-Twin.
Fast, Technological, and Beautiful
Already known for designing engines for Moto Guzzi V7 and V8 models, Carcano and his team of engineers raised the bar. With its 4-stroke, 992cc V-twin engine – an iconic feature of Moto Guzzi engines – the V-Twin mounted on the Daytona could unleash over 100 horsepower. Electronic fuel injection and digital ignition were added, making the Daytona not only a lightning bolt but also a futuristic motorcycle for its time. Lastly, the design: the Daytona’s lines have remained recognizable and timeless over the years. The aerodynamic fairing, distinctive fuel tank, and tubular steel frame contributed to giving the motorcycle an elegant and aggressive presence. The Daytona was a perfect blend of form and function, with every detail carefully designed to maximize performance.
Success in the Field
While it did not achieve success in world championships or high-profile MotoGP races, the Daytona secured numerous victories in lesser-known competitions. Among the most important races where the Daytona competed are the Bol d’Or, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Daytona 200. Its first participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans was in 1993 with the official Moto Guzzi France team, which fielded three Daytonas. On that occasion, the Daytona achieved an excellent result, finishing fifth overall and first in its category. It performed even better a year later at the Daytona 200, one of the most important races on the American motorcycle racing calendar. In its debut year with the “Fast by Ferracci” team, the Daytona secured fourth place.
Moto Guzzi Daytona: Iconic on the Road and on Screen
The Moto Guzzi Daytona captured the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts and also garnered the attention of celebrities and Hollywood actors. During the 1990s, actor Ewan McGregor, known for his roles in films like “Trainspotting” and “Star Wars,” was photographed riding a Daytona, adding even more appeal to the motorcycle. It is also rumored that one of the first Daytona motorcycles produced was gifted to English rockstar Paul McCartney by his friend and colleague John Lennon. The Daytona also made an appearance in the movie “The Usual Suspects,” where it was used by the character played by Benicio Del Toro.
What Is the Value of a Daytona Today?
Despite the discontinuation of Moto Guzzi Daytona production, many motorcycle enthusiasts are on the hunt for a Daytona to add to their collection. The price can vary significantly based on the condition, rarity, and specifications of the motorcycle. Well-preserved and pristine versions can reach significant values, often in the tens of thousands of euros or dollars, with special editions or motorcycles with a history of illustrious races commanding even higher prices. In March 2023, a 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 in good condition with less than 6,000 miles sold for $31,500. The previous owner had purchased it at auction in December 2021 for just under $10,000.
