Should I....?

[Guest johnvenables]

All right then. Just had my first thoughts about getting a new V11 Rosso Corsa but have no knowledge of Moto Guzzi in general. I come from a background of mainly BMW, especially the GS which I love but have at the moment a BMW R1150RS, the sports tourer one. I do a fair amount of pillion carrying but that would merely be just a consideration on this bike..! Can MG be trusted with that old preconception about dodgy electrics ( I do live near Manchester, UK ) and the rain? What questions should I be asking the dealer? Which 'bits' should I be pushing for on a deal? Different cans for example? Please help as I do like the look of this bike and want something different that still has character and may even sound better than my mates 999!

[Baldini]

Guzzis aren't so undemanding as BM's but have much more character. A few niggly initial faults are not uncommon but most are usually easily fixed - if you're not happy easily fixing niggly faults a good dealer is essential, preferably one who's got a line to the factory (dealer who specialises in Guzzi is better than a multi-franchise - will know the bikes & likely be quicker on any warranty stuff). Of course you may be lucky & get no niggly faults at all....

 

They're great bikes that reward long term commitment. Torquey, rock solid, 10k miles before they're run-in. Handle slow but very stable. Fast enough for the real world. Quality fittings: Brembo brakes/wheels, stainless lines & fastenings, Rosso Corsa has Ohlins.

 

A lot of people fit less restrictive cans/crossover/filter, PC111 which smooths out the power & gives a bit more. But they go good std if you get FI well set up.

If you take a test ride make it a long one - they take a bit of getting used to.

The new Breva seems very well made, rides well & is a good price too. Not so much presence as a V11 tho....

 

Check this forum - there's loads & loads of stuff - but obviously slanted towards problems cos that's the job it does. I'd guess the majority of people who buy them love them, but some can't get on with em ...for many there's nothing else like a Guzzi.

 

KB

[antonio carroccio]

well done Keith...

[orangeokie]

All right then. Just had my first thoughts about getting a new V11 Rosso Corsa but have no knowledge of Moto Guzzi in general. I come from a background of mainly BMW, especially the GS which I love but have at the moment a BMW R1150RS, the sports tourer one. I do a fair amount of pillion carrying but that would merely be just a consideration on this bike..! Can MG be trusted with that old preconception about dodgy electrics ( I do live near Manchester, UK ) and the rain? What questions should I be asking the dealer? Which 'bits' should I be pushing for on a deal? Different cans for example? Please help as I do like the look of this bike and want something different that still has character and may even sound better than my mates 999!

57911[/snapback]

 

I too am in the infancy stages of possible MG ownership. I found this thread of particular interest. Check it out and let us know what you think.

[Steve G.]

That old preconception about Guzzi electrics were for the most part true. These days, things are much better.

As for running two up, yeah I guess you could, but after being a passenger on the back of a Beemer, the novelty of being on the back seat of a V11/Lemans will wear off plenty quick indeed. A replaceement seat would be needed soon for the passenger.

The sound of a Guzzi with sport/performance exhaust is very pleasing. While a Ducati would have that guteral boom, a Guzzi has an ever more guteral boom, yet also a sound not unlike a baby v8 at high revs.

Ciao, Steve G.

[mikethebike]

I’ve had my V11 for 3 years and 27000 miles which has included four trips to Europe with Mrs mikethebike on the back. She reckons it’s the most comfortable bike we’ve had and has been happy to cover fairly large distances (290 miles/day) on our travels. Our previous bike was a Triumph Sprint ST which is regarded as one of the best sports tourers around – certainly faster, better handling, and generally a great all-rounder - but Mrs mtb gives the Guzzi saddle the “pillion in a million” vote of confidence and if she’s happy it must be good.

Many of these miles have been ridden in heavy rain and the only problem with the electrics has been after a two hour ride in monsoon conditions after which the ignition light came on at tickover. A couple of squirts of WD40 on the voltage regulator leads cured this…until the next next trip in heavy rain, and so on. It never got any worse than this but after a few months I replaced the reg (£80!!!!) and that fixed it. Switch gear and other exposed lectrics have been fine.

After 32 years of riding a wide variety of bikes the V11 is our all-time favourite.

Full of character, great to ride, with that fantastic v-twin throb as you thud along the road. Great.

Buy a Guzzi – you know it makes sense (that last bit is debatable)

[Guest johnvenables]

I’ve had my V11 for 3 years and 27000 miles which has included four trips to Europe with Mrs mikethebike on the back. She reckons it’s the most comfortable bike we’ve had and has been happy to cover fairly large distances (290 miles/day) on our travels. Our previous bike was a Triumph Sprint ST which is regarded as one of the best sports tourers around – certainly faster, better handling, and generally a great all-rounder - but Mrs mtb gives the Guzzi saddle the “pillion in a million” vote of confidence and if she’s happy it must be good.

Many of these miles have been ridden in heavy rain and the only problem with the electrics has been after a two hour ride in monsoon conditions after which the ignition light came on at tickover. A couple of squirts of WD40 on the voltage regulator leads cured this…until the next next trip in heavy rain, and so on. It never got any worse than this but after a few months I replaced the reg (£80!!!!) and that fixed it. Switch gear and other exposed lectrics have been fine.

After 32 years of riding a wide variety of bikes the V11 is our all-time favourite.

Full of character, great to ride, with that fantastic v-twin throb as you thud along the road. Great.

Buy a Guzzi – you know it makes sense (that last bit is debatable)

58043[/snapback]

[Guest johnvenables]

Thanks for that info guys. It seems you lot are quite brand patrionic but then this is a Guzzi forum! Sorry I didnt get back earlier but I'm away a lot so please dont think I'm ignorant!! I t seems when I have some time I'm going to have to take a demo and see what the fuss is all about. Just like my boxer twin I know a longer ride is best! I'll be in touch after the ride but keep any advice and tips coming, the more info the better!

[Guest SDKFZ111]

Thanks for that info guys. It seems you lot are quite brand patrionic but then this is a Guzzi forum! Sorry I didnt get back earlier but I'm away a lot so please dont think I'm ignorant!! I t seems when I have some time I'm going to have to take a demo and see what the fuss is all about. Just like my boxer twin I know a longer ride is best! I'll be in touch after the ride but keep any advice and tips coming, the more info the better!

58116[/snapback]

I don't think you can beat the 1150RS as an all round practical bike,nice comfy seats ( my wife will not go out on the Guzzi as a pillion just to unpleasant ) every time you come to a stop its like having a sack of potatoes fall on your back! The BM has heated grips,ajustable handle bars, a clock,centre stand,gear indicator,oil temp gauge,built in pannier mounts,rack,fuel gauge,low fuel light,adjustable screen,single sided swing arm (piece of cake to remove rear wheel) Keep the BM for all the practical stuff and get the Guzzi for that special occasion, like that early Sunday morning blast! Greetings from Sunny Sandbach not far from you in the rain capital of England. After the above I think I'll get me coat !

[dbdicker]

I don't think you can beat the 1150RS as an all round practical bike,nice comfy seats ( my wife will not go out on the Guzzi as a pillion just to unpleasant ) every time you come to a stop its like having a sack of potatoes fall on your back! The BM has heated grips,ajustable handle bars, a clock,centre stand,gear indicator,oil temp gauge,built in pannier mounts,rack,fuel gauge,low fuel light,adjustable screen,single sided swing arm (piece of cake to remove rear wheel) Keep the BM for all the practical stuff and get the Guzzi for that special occasion, like that early Sunday morning blast! Greetings from Sunny Sandbach not far from you in the rain capital of England. After the above I think I'll get me coat !

58118[/snapback]

 

 

Owning both the Guzzi and a BMW, i'd have to pretty much agree with this.

 

But DO yourself a favor if you're even considering a Guzzi. Make the test ride as LONG as possible. Even after almost 2 years and 8k miles, I still find myself needing time to 'settle' into the saddle of the V11 while riding. My BMW, on the other hand, always feels instantly comfortable. The V11 isn't dodgy -- just so different a feel from most other bikes that you need a pile of time to get comfortable on it. It's a bike that feels better the more you ride it.

 

It WILL make you fall in love --- I've never seen it fail ---- provided you give it enough saddle time.

 

Good luck.

 

Dan

[Mike Stewart]

Owning both the Guzzi and a BMW, i'd have to pretty much agree with this.

 

But DO yourself a favor if you're even considering a Guzzi.  Make the test ride as LONG as possible.  Even after almost 2 years and 8k miles, I still find myself needing time to 'settle' into the saddle of the V11 while riding.  My BMW, on the other hand, always feels instantly comfortable.  The V11 isn't dodgy -- just so different a feel from most other bikes that you need a pile of time to get comfortable on it.  It's a bike that feels better the more you ride it.

 

It WILL make you fall in love --- I've never seen it fail ---- provided you give it enough saddle time.

 

Good luck.

 

Dan

58119[/snapback]

 

Boy, this is a though one! I had a 94 R1100RSL and I thought this was my last bike!. Not!...... I purchased a V11 Sport and now I am SOLD on the Guzzi. I can't explane it, but, the BMW is perfect except where the V twin comes into play. The BMW has no SOUL!, the Guzzi DOES PERIOD. Yes it does vibrate through the bars, but it is blessfull and a few thousand miles will keep the grin on your face

! Yes, they are not bulletproof, but you will love the V twin feel if you give it a chance.

 

Mike

[txrider]

Just my opinion, but my 95 R1100RSL was dependable, comfortable and one of the best looking bikes I ever owned but riding it was a boring, unexciting experience. I always could depend on it getting to final destination but the trip was d-u-l-l-l compared to riding my V11 LM.

[big J]

You'll need a sense of humour, plenty patience and a big stubborn streak. The ability to think laterally and bodge creatively can come in useful too.

 

 

Worth it,tho.

 

More fun per mile than having a blow up doll for a tankbag.

[mdude]

I recently (four weeks ago) jumped from a BMW R1150R to a 2001 V11. I love my Guzzi!!

 

The Beemer is a german hightech travel tool. A brilliantly developed bike, but it leaves me cold. The highfrequency vibrations nearly comatized me on long journeys. And the seat was bad. And the monstrous turbulence from the roadsterscreen made me go blind above 120 kmph. But its easy to own and drive, fast enough and can withstand small nuclear blasts.

 

The Guzzi has loads of character, I find myself grinning from ear to ear when I go down to my garage to fire it up. Its a special occasion every time. It is actually more comfy for me (I am 188 cms) on longer runs, in spite of the rather harsh vibrations between 3000-4500 rpms. But you get used to that. Yes, its not quite finished from the factory, loads of small and smallish faults, but I like the idea of learning and tinkering. I never dared to tinker with the techno-Beemer. All the help you'll need is available on the net or from the clubs, and Guzzi-people are generally incredibly nice and enthusiastic.

And from 5000 rpms, it is just ballistic...

And in a week or two it will be thundering along with its new MG titanium pipes.

And it is virtually handbuilt...

And rare...

 

BUY!!

[Guzzirider]

There are a few secondhand Rosso Corsas advertised on the internet- hopefully by now any minor niggles that have arisen have either been sorted by the owner or on warranty.

 

I have owned mine from new for 18 months and covered approximately 11000 miles in that time and love the bike.

Speedo cables kept breaking- I went through 4 before my dealer agreed to retro fit the old 2 piece style cable under warranty and since then no worries with that.

 

Worth changing relays to Omrons if that has not been done already.

 

It makes an excellent tourer but is also fun in the twisties.

 

BMW make decent bikes but the Guzzi has sex appeal- so go get one!

 

Also, BMWs reputation for reliability is not as good as it used to be.

 

You are right about the sound- with the right breathing mods the V11 sounds awesome and makes the ground shake.

 

Guy