revtothelimit - motorbike forum

What are they like to ride?

Last real experience with a twin was a Monster 750 (first big bike) and since then have had ZX6Rs, R1, various crappers for ragging round town and most recently a Daytona955i.

I remember the Monster eventually feeling lacklustre at the top end, hence moving to Jap IL4s. Got out of sports / trackday riding and wanted a bit more character, which the Triumph triple had. I ride very little now so am looking for a relaxed riding position and not interested in full on performance.

You see the trajectory here... Am thinking of things like big torquey nakeds, XJR1300, ZXR1100 etc. but then thought, why not something a little different.

What do we reckon?

They're a bit marmite, test ride one - but I feel the same way about Ducatis.

Would you say more / less agricultural feeling than air cooled Ducatis?

Le_Fromage_Grande wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:43 pm They're a bit marmite, test ride one - but I feel the same way about Ducatis.

I couldn't think of anyone who'd hate a guzzi more than you

I've owned a few, they are definitely an acquired taste but I think the more modern ones are pretty sorted, you certainly want to try before you buy.
"cornering on a Guzzi is like getting a ticket for a cup final - you need to book you place well in advance"

Dickyboy wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:50 pm I've owned a few, they are definitely an acquired taste but I think the more modern ones are pretty sorted, you certainly want to try before you buy.
"cornering on a Guzzi is like getting a ticket for a cup final - you need to book you place well in advance"

Hah! I borrowed a full dress 1200 Wing. That needed a gold-edged invitation card on the mantlepiece. Actually, it wasn't too bad, just don't change your mind.

I have a V1200 Sport that I've owned for 9 years. I have also had other V-Twins in that time including Ducati 900SS, Suzuki V-Strom, an SV and a TL, KTM RC8 and RC8R, now all gone but the Guzzi remains.

Comfy enough for four consecutive 500 mile days, power delivery is smooth, gearbox is very nice (rarely does it clunk going from neutral to 1st), and the shaft drive is not noticeable. Plus the bike moves side to side when blipping the throttle in neutral. I've also done a couple of track days at Cadwell on it, which showed how well it handles and brakes. It is easy to service, and been reliable over 40,000 miles. Only issues I have had were quickly fixed-the starter motor issue turned out to be a pea sized lump of hardened grease in the (German) starter solenoid, and the odd starter circuit is cured with a quick wiring bypass at the ignition plug.

Finish is good, and some of the parts are unbelievably high quality, such as the fairing stays. Not so good? Well, without a centre stand, home wheel removal is difficult, and I usually take it to a Guzzi dealer for tyre changes as they have the knowhow to get the wheels off of the ground safely. It does feel a bit odd on some road surfaces when riding with a full fuel tank. Soon improves once the level drops a bit. Can't think of anything else.

weeksy wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:50 pm

Le_Fromage_Grande wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:43 pm They're a bit marmite, test ride one - but I feel the same way about Ducatis.

I couldn't think of anyone who'd hate a guzzi more than you

You know me too well, it was something I wanted to like, but really hated riding it, I felt the same way about the Ducati 900SS I test rode.

Frosty wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 2:46 pm Would you say more / less agricultural feeling than air cooled Ducatis?

More, but the one I rode was a mid 80s V50

I've got a tiddler, a V7 II Special, it's not very fast, it's only 48bhp, it handles fine, but the ride is harsh, nice little thing. I imagine the big ones are totally different.

Little bit off topic but I googled Moto Guzzi MGS 01’s today, remember drooling over one at one of the bike shows when it was released.
Might have bought one back then but the track only bit put me off lol, definitely couldn’t afford one now they were £15k new if my memory serves me right.
Now I’d need £40k for the cheapest one and something like £55k for the other one for sale. Gulp.

@Pgm
Yeah MGS-01 would be my dream bike, the Guzzi Magni Australia isn't too shonky either.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Magni-Austra ... 4207902432

And only £30k

Dickyboy wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:26 pm https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Magni-Austra ... 4207902432

And only £30k

I'd be happy to have that in the garage, I love the parallel swingarms they have.

I've always fancied one of these. Don't know why, I just like them:

Gimlet wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 10:00 pm I've always fancied one of these. Don't know why, I just like them:

KQTL3INZ3RDSXPYPLF4JMHPVGY.jpg

If you're going to supersize for an extra 50p, then you've got to go MGX-21.

The MGS01 made me remember that I was in Slipstream Racing in Kent probably 10 years ago. They had a proper Dr John Guzzi racer on one of their benches. It was covered in dust and road dirt. They only got it the day before, the story being that one of their customers saw it on an internet sales page for a great price in Italy. Rang the owner, and said he would have it and would be there in 24 hours. He hitched his trailer to his car, and drove to Italy to collect it. Apparently it was clean when he put it on his trailer. It was a work of art, everything was machined beaufltifully. God know how much it is worth now, but i remember at the time thinking that i could have afforded to buy it.
Apologies for the poor photos, but taken on probably what was a good phone by then

Reburners 12oo 4 valve sport is a hoot I like em.

The above Pic was chamonix

Whysub wrote: Wed Jan 20, 2021 10:28 pm The MGS01 made me remember that I was in Slipstream Racing in Kent probably 10 years ago.

Have they turned the heads through 90°? That's a fairly substantial mod....I assume they're actually new OHC heads and there's a belt drive under that orange cover?