2000 Moto Guzzi reviews

I purchased this bike a few months ago and can unequivocally say it is wonderful. "Wonderful" means that whenever I ride the bike it puts a smile on my face. I sold a 99 BMW R1100S for this machine and I am very satisfied with the decision. Regarding the vibration issue that the magazines report, not an issue if you realize this machine is a twin cylinder. I rode the bike for an hour before I purchased it, without gloves, and the pulsations coming from the engine were acceptable...no numbness, as written by mags. As you approach 5,000 rpm the vibrations diminish to a point of extremely smooth. The most vibration to be felt, and its not that bad, is around 3,000rpm. It's important with this machine to not lug the engine due to its excellent 6-speed transmission. Regarding seating position, I'm 6'0 with a 32" inseam and the machine is perfect. The fit and finish is also excellent. I couldn't be happier except with availability of some crucial accessories, i.e. faring/shield, soft luggage and center stand. Great job MotoGuzzi. Show less

If you want to ride in an upright position on a classic, easy-to-ride motorcycle, the Jackal may be perfect for you. I am 5'10" tall, with a 30" inseam, and the bike is an excellent fit. I wanted the engineering excellence of a European bike. The Jackal delivers an outstanding ride, stable, fast and consistently thrilling, and its form-follows-function aesthetic draws nonstop adulation from all quarters. Most remarkably, the price is rational, especially versus the Bavarian competition. Downsides? Premium gas is pricey (I use Sunoco 94 octane) and the clutch was a learning experience. As I near 3,000 trouble free miles, the Jackal is still the most rewarding machine I have ever bought. Speed's Cycle of Elkridge, MD is an outstanding dealer. Show less

This is my second new Guzzi. My first is a 1972 Guzzi Eldorado, which I still have. Thumbing through a cycle magazine in April 1999, I spied an ad for the V-11 BASSA. It was my call for a new Guzzi. Twelve months later I bought the bike. For those who don't know, performance and reliability are unsurpassed. Legendary to say the least. It's a comfortable ride. In summation, "I need a bigger planet". Show less

It's a great bike to include the new six speed. The buzz is not bad in the seat, tank, or the pegs. However, the grips vibrate all of the time and might be fixed through foam add-ons. Show less

I bought the Bassa in September of '99 and have put well over 20,000 miles on the clock so far. Bags, windshield, backrest, pipes all came since purchase. This bike, after a rather long break-in period, and some getting used to is a real winner. Great for touring, fabulous in the twisties and a fighter jet on the highways. This is what biking was meant to be, all in one, speed, power, torque, handling, that distinctive sound and oh, those looks! In my heart I always wanted an Electra Glide (H-D) and didn't think I'd be truly fulfilled until I actually bought one. Which I did about 5 months ago. I thought the two would be a perfect compliment for each other. Wrong. The E-GLide was just too lumberous and needed so much to get it to where the factory should have made it. Oh, it LOOKED good and SOUNDED good, but that's where it stopped. Needless to say, I was disappointed by the Glide, to the point where it is now up for sale. I got it out of my system. Problems with the Guzzi? A few minor ones...a rear end leak and a bit of a cold start/run problem at break-in, as well as a tough to master and hard to break in clutch, but it's since fixed itself or otherwise repaired, under warrantee. (Three full years!) Maintenance is a snap, with the valves needing adjusting every 3,000 miles, but they are right there in the open, takes about an hour once you learn it. Changed over to an external oil filter as well. Buy this bike and go anywhere, in style, and get there fast! But be prepared for the admiring looks and questions from people (bikers and non-bikers alike) everywhere you stop! Show less

Ok, I posted a review back in May, and up to that point, the bike seemed great. Since then it has been in the shop for a month (it's still there...) with an as-yet-undiagnosed clutch problem. In my earlier review, I noted some leakage from the rear diff, that was because an O ring was not installed from the factory. No real damage was caused as a result since the oil level was still OK when I brought it in for 1st service. But the clutch thing is making me wish I had gotten a BMW. I love how the bike feels when it's on the road, but I am beginning to forget what that feels like now! Show less

I prefer a straight up riding position, air cooled, and shaft drive. I don't like Harleys or the Harley look ...nothing personal, just my opinion. That really limits the choices. I just passed my 500 mile break-in on the 4th of July (2000) with my new "Goose". What a great bike! Plenty of low-end torque. Excellent roll-on power. Handling is much more nimble than I anticipated. Obviously meant to compete in the Power Cruiser market but is definitely not trying to "look like a Harley." I was still babying it (under 5000 rpm) for most of the trip and I had absolutely no problem keeping up with my buddy on his 1100 Honda Shadow. Perhaps not as good of a sheer value as the Jackal, but still a great bike for the money. This bike gets lots of looks and double-takes. PS- It's pronounced "Gootzi" like pizza is "peetza". Show less

After closing in on my first 1,000 miles, I'm enjoying this bike more and more. Great handling and upright riding comfort for an older rider like myself. Yes, you're sure to get "wows" from all sorts of riders. A classy Bobster that I highly recommend. Show less

I I picked up my Jackal in April and have really enjoyed riding it. The more I ride it, the smoother the engine gets. I moved to this bike from an '85 Virago, there's not a lot of comparison between the two. This bike is really stable and feels solid at high speed on the highway. I don't have a windscreen (yet) so wind can be a problem over about 60. Some fluid leakage early on from cylinder heads and rear differential, but tightening the valve covers a bit cured one, and the other just stopped on its own. don't like that it has a cut off switch linked to the side stand, will be disconnecting that soon. Overall, a great bike at a very nice price. Show less

Handles like a sport bike and has the beefy feeling of a big cruiser all at the same time. Bike attracts a lot of attention from all types of riders too. About them "many options"...they take a bit longer to get from Guzzi than I like to wait. But after my first 1000 miles I'm happy. Clutch takes a while to get used to...but works fine. Show less