Which Guzzi????

Ken Oath · 07-02-2010, 09:20 PM

Maybe this is too broad a question, but I'm always in favour of seeking advice from people who may know a little more than me on certain issues.

For reasons I won't go into, my next bike is going to be a Moto Guzzi. Alright, I will go into it. I like them. The look. The idiosyncratic nature of them. Just a little bit different.

I've not ridden one, but have sat on a couple. But that's my next ride.

The question I'm asking is, are there any pointers, suggestions as to which model?

About me....I was born in the 50's, so I'm not a boy racer. My current ride is an XJ900 Diversion, 157,000kms and still going strong. I've done many 1,000km weeks, and even a few 1,000 km days on the old girl. So I would like something of similar ilk.

I'm not after something to compete with an R1, or any of the GSXRs or that class of bike. But soemthing that's capable of matching the +220km/hr of the XJ, but with the capability to do weekly commutes to Geraldton, Albany, every second day to Bunbury....the stuff which saw me do 24,000kms in 10 months last year.

I've basically ruled out the 750 Breva as being too low capacity. Not sure about the 850 engine????

Griso, Breva or as someone suggested recently, 1200 Sport.

I'm after a tourer/commuter with a litle bit of get up and go, comfortable, and capable of taking a bit of luggage, top box or whatever. I spoke with a couple of very happy Griso owners at the Supers at PI last year, but any comments here from owners of similar bikes???

Cheers

Guzziboy · 07-02-2010, 09:32 PM

I own the 1100 Breva, and apart from the top end speed you mention, it would fit your other criteria perfectly. I find it a pleasure to ride either around town or out on the open road, it is amply capable on the twisties, and if required I can load it up like a pack mule.

Flat strap the big girl will only just break the 200 mark, but blistering top speed has never been what the Guzzi's were about-maybe with the exception of Nero Diablo's rather special edition.

All I can suggest is that you take the models you mention for a test ride if you can, they are all different in subtle ways, only you will know which one feels right for you.

Nero Diablo · 07-02-2010, 10:26 PM

We are assuming new? 1200 sport 8v will probably do all you want, The older two valves will get up to the top end you mention but you need a lot of road and the push rod motor will be reving its nuts off. The 1200 sport also has a slightly larger fuel tank than the griso and a little better wind protection. There is a stevio on Demo ATM last seen at thunderbikes (same motor) there are also a couple of second hand 1100 sports but if you want something comfortable you should probally past it might be worth taking one for a run just to give you an idea what the older ones are like.

cutting it · 07-02-2010, 10:44 PM

My brother has just ordered this model... Moto Guzzi Australia

He is about your age and would probably be do the same type of riding... He is trading in he's 750 breva

Nero Diablo · 07-02-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cutting it

My brother has just ordered this model... Moto Guzzi Australia

He is about your age and would probably be do the same type of riding... He is trading in he's 750 breva

Its a nice bike but won't have the top end and bit hard to load bags onto it.

Ken Oath · 07-02-2010, 11:08 PM

Appredciate the comments. But I've always thought the Bellagio to be weighted toward the cruiser end of the market. Not what I want.

The bike doesn't have to be able to do 200+kms.....but the ability to lope along unstressed is probably the most important.

Nero Diablo · 07-02-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Oath

Appredciate the comments. But I've always thought the Bellagio to be weighted toward the cruiser end of the market. Not what I want.

The bike doesn't have to be able to do 200+kms.....but the ability to lope along unstressed is probably the most important.

Italian auto strada speed was 130 all the older beasties are geared to run with that, its now 150 all the newer bikes are geared too.... The Bellagio only looks like a cruiser its rides way different if you can find one on demo give it a ride its quiet the surprise package.

AZAZL · 08-02-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nero Diablo

Italian auto strada speed was 130 all the older beasties are geared to run with that, its now 150 all the newer bikes are geared too.... The Bellagio only looks like a cruiser its rides way different if you can find one on demo give it a ride its quiet the surprise package.

+1 on that. Do not be mistaken by the cruiser appearance of some guzzis. They will maintain a good pace. They are not 'off the lights' drag racers.

There is a bloke on the guzziwa.com.au website with a good well maintained bellagio for sale. I have a griso 8v, sport 1100 and le Mans IV, The 8V is very capable of its 230 geared top (that is theoretical, of course) and the +5000 rev acceleration is excellent and it hums along surprisingly in the 6000-7000 zone whilst being very civilised at around town revs.

rod · 08-02-2010, 06:24 PM

A mate has a 1200 sport and it has those suitcases on the side and it seems to go alright. He had a BMW R1100S before that but before that, a MkIV LeMans which he had for many years and many KM's so it was a return to the ragged fringe. You'd probably want to ride one first and spend a couple of hours getting to know it as they can be a little "different" to the norm, although they're a lot more normal than they used to be!