Moto Guzzi reviews

I did not know when I purchased this new Guzzi that I would use it so often for long distance. It covers miles so quickly and with such ease that traveling to Oregon and Idaho was just a breeze. Leave the saddlebags at home and it will keep up with most sport bikes here in the Texas hill country. Excellent machine my best motorcycle ever! I have now done 12000 miles in about 6 months. No issues at all with service or parts (doesn't need parts). Show less

Quality and performance are top of the mark. I love riding this bike in town. I've owned Aprilias and Triumphs, but this bike is much more stylish and simply feels much more quick and agile. I am loving it so far. Show less

I purchased this brand new 2000 V11 Sport and I absolutely love it. Right from the start it felt like something special. Just the way the bike feels on the road and the heavenly sound the pipes make. I did end up adding the Guzzi TI racing kit with the upgraded ECU and it has made a great difference. The bike pulls even better and the sound is fantastic. Plus the pipes are so light I think the bike is now about 15 pounds lighter. It has been really reliable and has never let me down at all. All these years later it still turns heads and even more so now that all bikes are starting to look the same and the V11 really stands out among the flock. It is also comfy enough to take on long trips with a reasonable amount of luggage. Bottom line is that I would for sure buy this bike again if I were to make another bike purchase. Show less

Having sold my Ducati Monster 8 years ago I just picked up the Breva 1100. This is a great bike with just the right amount of personality. The bike handles well, is very comfortable, has good performance (just under the Duc), sounds good with the stock pipe and gets attention everwhere I've parked it. A key upgrade will be adding the Mistral pipe to give it a bit more attitude. With the large gas tank, you can easily hit 200 miles with the 40 mpg I'm getting now. Show less

This is a great bike, but it is essential to get the throttle position sensor reset to 4.7 degrees closed, and to get the throttle bodies synched, or else you will end up thinking there is drive line lash. The bikes seem to come from the factory set at 4 degrees, and this screws up the fuel map over the whole range, but particularly at nearly closed throttle positions. Dealers with the Axone diagnostic tools are especially capable of dealing with these issues, although dealers with the TechnoResearch VDSTS are also reported as capable. Most ST type bikes shed their weight well at speed. They are less forgiving and require greater rider attention at parking lot, u-turn, and duck walking speeds. The Norge stands out as a much more rider friendly mount at low speeds compared to things like ST1100, ST1300, V-Strom, Concours, and similar. The Norge is also an exceptional performer at highway speeds. It is very stable in truck wake... both when following trucks at speeds up to 85 mph, and when facing trucks on two lane roads at speeds like 70 mph. The Norge handles I-40 better than any bike I've ever ridden there. It is easy to find yourself cruising at 90 mph+ if you're in traffic moving at 80 mph+. Top speed is well over 110 mph... it computes out to around 130ish. As for the twisties, the Norge is an exceptionally nimble mount. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and well spaced. Push the bars down and look to the exit of the curve, and the Norge will bring you there if any bike can. The ABS brakes are reassuring and effective. There are reports of leaky saddlebags, but mine appear to be water tight. I've ridden nearly 100 mph in strong rain, and the contents of my bags remained dry. It takes a bit of practice to quickly mount and dismount the bags. I've got the drill down now, but it took some effort. If you're a big guy like me, you'll want Sargent, Mayer, or someone else to make you a custom seat. An extra stock seat for modifications can be had from Moto Guzzi for $131. All the parts I've ordered from Moto Guzzi have arrived at my dealer in a week or less. If you want to check your oil regularly, you'll want to get the extended dipstick mod from Teo Lamers Motorrijwielen in the Netherlands. Guzzi really ought to make it easier to check the oil in future model years, and it would be even better if their cure were to be backward compatible to the 2007 models. This bike is great fun, has a great sound, has a great look about it, is a great performer, and is surprisingly practical because of the integrated saddlebags and its excellent around town handling. I think it's a very serious contender for the best overall sport touring type bike. Show less

I have been riding for over 35 years. My favorite bikes were the BMW GS 1100, Harley FLHT, Yamaha TDM, and Suzuki V-Strom. Well, I now have a new favorite. I purchased a 2002 Guzzi Special Sport a year ago from a little man that complained the stiff suspension caused him pain. It was perfect for my 250 pound butt! This is a do anything bike. It handles like a sport bike, and will run away from my son on his Ninja on mountain roads. It is a better touring bike than the FLHT, plus it is faster. It gets the same gas mileage as my wifes 450 Nighthawk. It is a better off road bike that my V-Strom or GS 1100. I am selling all my other bikes as I spend 90% of my riding time on the Goose. My Special Sport tips the scales at 545 pounds, but feels it weighs only 350. Folks, this is the perfect all around motorcycle. Never any problems at all. Show less

The ride: 200 miles, temps 69 to 96 degrees, roads: mountain switchbacks (with 10 mph hairpins), 80+ mph sweepers, glass smooth asphalt, gravel, uneven paved, 2 lanes and 4 lanes and some flatland with 20 to 30 mph crosswinds. Also rode a few miles in town (with traffic). Plus 200 miles, as above but with rain thrown in. The bike: 2007 Norge (red) stock. Tires: seem okay, I didn't wear off the chicken strips. Taking it easy learning new bike. Fairing: great hand protection, windshield could stand to be a little taller, buffing at top level will get old fast, duck head down 1 to 2 inches no wind at all. Crosswind effect very noticeable, but with 30 mph crosswinds all bikes would notice. Gears: my shifter was too low and shifting was notchy, after 1st 100 mi. came home and raised the shifter. What a difference, the shifter is in perfect position now and shifts are positive, crisp, and smooth, as good as any bike I've ever owned. The bike is geared a little high for stop and go, but all European bikes are (makes them quieter in town). For cruising it is spot on. I have never had a shaft drive bike, and I am aware of the driveline lash; however, most of it was caused by my abruptness with the throttle. This bike will make a smooth rider out me. Engine: Ran like a top, noticeable left/right movement blipping the throttle at stop, I kinda enjoyed it. Once rolling not an issue. Heat: First every bike I've had is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is there engine heat, yes? Can it be alleviated, yes? Just spread your legs a little away from the tank. I ride year round, and I think I will appreciate the heat in the winter. Vibration: You can feel the engine beneath you at a stop, again I like that. Smooths right out once moving. Some vibration felt in handlebars, but grips and gloves will cure that. Hands got tingly after 50 mile crosswind ride, I was holding on too tightly, not bad though. Mirrors: Sometimes very clear, sometimes blurry. But at a dead stop, I can see the cages coming from behind a long way away. IMO stopped at intersection is most dangerous time on motorcycles. Seat: I stayed planted in the seat in one position. Never got butt burn and could have easily done another 200 miles. Ergonomics: Fit me perfectly, after gearshift repositioned Dashboard: I find nothing wrong with it, but then again all I need to see when I'm rolling is speed and tach. Suspension: Too soft for me, this will be one of my first mods. The way mine is set now, you could superslab it all day long, but I try not to travel on interstates. The forks dive too much and the rear is not confidence inspiring. These are easy fixes though. Muffler: The stock pipes sound very nice to me and the pipes are nice and gold. The popping on throttle let off, especially abruptly let off, is noticeable, kinda like my old Triumph with glass packs, or my Dodge with cherry bombs. Doesn't bother me too much, but the trout fishermen were probably cursing my soul. Luggage: Easy to use, easy on/off, holds lots of stuff. Rain Protection: Very good rain protection, rode about 20 min. (70 to 80 mph), hands, shoulders, legs, chest, completely dry. Rain hit from bottom of face shield to top of helmet. Absolutely no water down the back. Throttle: My biggest dislike, I do not like the quarter inch play in the throttle, I'll be looking for a fix soon. Looks: This bike is a looker, people come out of the woodwork and ask about it. The Harley guys seem to really like it, but all that matters is I like it. I do.I do. Price: A lot of folks seem to complain about the price, I'll try and put that in my perspective. It's a lot of dough, but most dealers will deal, I got mine for substantially less and was very happy with the deal. Okay, here's my analogy. Are there motorcycles out there that do as much or more for less? You bettcha. FJ, VFR, Concours, etc. But to me it's like comparing a Ferrari to a Toyota. The Toyota is more reliable and would be easier on the wallet and less of a headache. Now I can't afford a Ferrari, but I can afford an Italian motorcycle. The Italian motorcycle will cost me maybe 10 to 15% more than a UJM, now how many of you would buy a Ferrari for 15% more than a Toyota if you could? I would. Also for me a motorcycle is not an necessity, therefor I want something beautiful, different, exotic, something that makes me turn my head around and look back at it. Show less

Purchased this bike in 2005, only had 141 miles on it. Have owned all types of bikes throughout my long 52 yr life. Great all around bike. A tremendous bang for the buck value. Handles very well in curves. Am loving every minute riding it. Distinctive looks and great engine sound. Can not say enough about it. Show less

Update to my original review: I don't know how many miles I have on this thing, exactly, since the odometer broke (it is Italian)... I estimate 15000 miles. It has been to Canada, Black Hills, Badlands, etc. I ride it to work, class, 4 hours one way to Air Guard Drill weekends, home to the farm... I have driven my car once in the last month - the saddlebags swallow my groceries. It is my primary means of transportation 10 1/2 months out of the year. I love it. I stand by everything I said in the original review. My girlfriend claims she is with me because of this bike and my good looks (I figure she is 50% honest, 50% nice) I will never sell this machine. Besides the broken odometer (and trip meter), the handgrips have worn out... plus a few other minor details I can't remember. The biggest problem was a disconnected fuel line on the fuel pump, but I was able to fix that. I wish the fuel tank held more gas, so I could make better time/distance on long trips, and that it had a better mechanism for informing the operator as to fuel remaining. Heart of an Allis HD-20, soul of a P-47... Show less

We've had the Breva for just over a year now. (We also have a 2005 Nevada and a 2004 Cali EV) The bike is fun to ride, smooth acceleration and shifting, only a bit of lurching/hestiation when cruising through small towns at 15 mph (too fast for 1st gear, too slow for 2nd). Handled Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles like a dream, it loves the twisties. Seat is comfy, even on a 3000 mile ride. My only beef is with the 'touring screen' for the bike. The airflow comes over the top of the screen and slams me in the top of the helmet. The buffeting is annoying after a while. And the screen isn't adjustable. Other than that, I really enjoy riding the bike. Show less