Hello,
After more than 20 years of wanting a Guzzi, I finally bought one. It's a Black 2000 V11 Sport with a tubular handlebar conversion, Stucchi fairing and Mistral mufflers.
I grew up around British Bikes, my father was a Triumph dealer from 1960 till they went out of business in 1983. I still have a 73 Norton Commando that I've owned since 1980 and a 79 Bonneville Special. In 1986, after completing a 3500 mile trip on my Norton, I decided I wanted something better suited for touring. The Norton never let me down on that trip, just the maintenance required after each day on the road made me want something more modern and with a drive shaft. My first choice was a Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000. I almost bought one with the 16" front wheel (1986?) but ended up with a BMW K75S. I think I chose the K75S to try something other than a twin. I guess I liked the K75S because I kept it for 15 years. It was a great bike, but not much fun to ride. When I sold the K75S, I again almost bought a Guzzi, this time a 2002 LeMans. Again I ended up with a BMW. I still have a BMW, a 2004 R1150RS. It too is a great bike, best suited for long trips. The boxer engine has more character than the K series, but I still don't find it very inspiring to ride.
I haven't ridden the V11 Sport too much yet, but so far I am very happy with it. This engine really likes to rev and I think it vibrates less than my R1150RS. It also shifts very nice, it reminds me of my Norton (except that it shifts on the wrong side) very smooth with a long throw between gears. Only problem so far was an electrical issue. Before going for an inspection sticker I discovered that the tailight and instrument lights weren't working. One of the instrument light holders had come apart inside the instrument housing which may have shorted to ground, blowing the fuse. I also found a wire with insulation damage under the tail section. So far so good, no more blown fuses and I got my inspection sticker. I commend Moto Guzzi for including a decent wiring diagram in the owners manual.
Also, after what I have seen of V11lemans.com, this is one of the most informative and helpful, model specific, forums available Thanks to all those that keep the site up and running.