Moto Guzzi The Trip 500: A2 Roadster Brings a New Twin and Chain Drive

The The Trip 500 marks a clear break with the mechanical layout most associated with Moto Guzzi. This compact roadster swaps the brand’s familiar longitudinal 90-degree V-twin and shaft drive for a parallel twin and chain final drive. It’s aimed at new riders and those with an A2 licence, with a claimed output of nearly 48 PS and a ready-to-ride weight of 180 kg.

Moto Guzzi plans to unveil the motorcycle at EICMA in Milan in early November. The company says it should reach dealers from the beginning of 2027; a German price has not yet been announced. That leaves buyers with the broad outline of the package, but key purchasing details still to come.

A different engine and final drive

The engine’s precise displacement hasn’t been confirmed. The available clues point to a connection with Aprilia’s 457 cc parallel twin, used in the RS 457 and Tuono 457, but Moto Guzzi has not identified the unit or published a full technical specification. The stated output is just under 48 PS, placing the The Trip within the A2 class.

That makes the engine choice the central change here. Moto Guzzi’s longitudinal V-twin has long helped define both the company’s identity and the way its motorcycles are laid out. A parallel twin gives the The Trip a different character on paper, while chain drive replaces the shaft system that has been another familiar feature of the brand. How the new combination feels on the road will depend on details not yet provided, including torque delivery, gearing and the engine’s tuning.

The chain also brings a different ownership routine from a shaft driven Moto Guzzi. Riders will need to keep an eye on chain condition and adjustment as part of regular maintenance. The source gives no service intervals or running cost estimates, so those details will matter when the production model’s specifications arrive.

Roadster proportions and equipment

Moto Guzzi lists the The Trip at 180 kg ready to ride and gives it a 790 mm seat height. Those figures suggest a relatively accessible package for a middleweight roadster, particularly for riders moving up from a smaller motorcycle. The published information doesn’t include wheelbase, suspension travel or seat shape, so the numbers alone can’t settle how manageable it will feel at low speed or on longer rides.

The chassis equipment includes an upside-down front fork, an aluminium swingarm and a large single front brake disc. The bike’s styling takes a simpler, exposed approach: a round LED headlamp, visible engine and a 15-litre metal fuel tank. No fuel consumption or range figure has been given, which means the tank capacity can’t yet be translated into a useful estimate for touring or everyday commuting.

These choices put the emphasis on a straightforward roadster rather than a highly specified touring machine. The available details point to familiar hardware and compact dimensions, while leaving questions about adjustability, passenger comfort and luggage options unanswered. Those practical points could shape the bike’s appeal as much as its departure from Moto Guzzi’s traditional drivetrain.

Electronics and model range

The The Trip gets three riding modes: Road, Sport and Rain. An electronic throttle and a round 3.6-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity are also listed. Navigation and a quickshifter will be optional, though Moto Guzzi hasn’t published prices for either item or explained which functions will be available through the phone connection.

The announced paint choices are Black Metropolis, Green Grove and Red Beat. A special edition called “The Opening” is also planned. The company hasn’t yet detailed how that version will differ, so buyers will need to wait for information on its equipment and pricing before comparing it with the standard colours.

For A2 riders, the nearly 48 PS output and 180 kg ready-to-ride figure offer a useful first snapshot, but direct comparisons will need more data. Torque, fuel use, maintenance requirements and price remain open questions. The EICMA debut should clarify the specification; the scheduled dealer arrival at the start of 2027 gives Moto Guzzi time to fill in the ownership details that will determine whether this new direction works as an everyday entry point to the brand.