Motto Guzzi and Harley are not related or similar. However, just recently Harley Davidson bought an Italian motorcycle manufacturer so that it could have the more popular sporting presence in Europe. I can't remember which one they bought, (possibly M V Agusta). Soon you will see them at Harley dealerships here. This move also gives Harley access to a scooter manufacturer. Scooter sales are breaking records everywhere. The old 250 Harley Sprint was made for HD by an Italian maker back in the sixties. The same company also made the Allstate motorcycle for Sears Roebuck. A transverse V engine is not that uncommon. Honda had it for a while in the CX500 and CX650. Honda still makes a V4 for two of its current bikes: the VF800 and the ST1300. Both are outstanding machines.