1997 sport I, cl, Vermont, $7k

[cliffrod]

None of those bikes put weight on your wrists if you are riding them correctly.  Racers use their core muscles to support their upper bodies.  You always want to be light on the controls.  This is why sport bikes aren't good for the average rider who isn't going to commit to working out and building core strength and why most people can only ride them in short spurts.

Agreed- very true & very well said.

[MedicAndy]

I was expecting lower mileage, recent service/tires for $7k.....Andy what are your thoughts?

I don't think that $7k is off by much for what this bike should sell for. Like others already stated, the seller is asking $7k, so I would hope as a buyer to get it for around $6.5k. I own already an identical bike, which is the only reason why I'm not talking to the seller already. I noticed over the years that a lot of buyers are watching way to many shows like "American Pickers" on TV and think that whatever it is that they are buying should be at an almost giveaway cost to them. I'm sure that this bike being mostly stock is going to hurt the sale maybe a little, since many potential buyers would love to see a Mistral, Stainetune, or Termi exhaust system and maybe the Creedon chip installed on this bike. However, I spend $8.5k on a 1388 original milage 1997 mostly stock 1100 Sport (it has a aftermarket crossover installed). I for one love lower milage bikes, and I don't mind paying a premium for a 10k miles bike versus saving me maybe $2k for the same bike with 25k miles on the clock. Also, most people ride there bikes, unlike me...., so I consider a bike with 15k or less "low milage", and the days of finding a 1100 Sport with less than 10k miles are quickly coming to an end.

And then there is the fact that there are not that many left out there to buy. I know of five 1100 Sports which were either (2) wrecked, (1) stolen, and (2) parted out during the last two years. Loosing a couple of bikes per year will help with raising the value of the 1100 Sport over time too. I also believe that whomever is going to buy a 1100 Sport from here on out will keep these bike for the longterm, which will again make these bikes become more valuable.

On the down side, not may people outside of Moto Guzzi owners know of the 1100 Sport, so advertising at the correct places is a must. I on average get one to two email every month asking if I was interested in selling one of my bikes. It also never fails that people come up to see one of my Sports when I'm out riding, and I always here the same from people seeing an 1100 Sport for their first time, which is "What is it", "where is it made", "that is one great looking bike", & "Is it for sale", which shows that people like those bikes when they see them.

But, to sum it up:

I would recommend to not nickel and dime the seller into the ground, since there is going to be somebody out there who is going to like this bike enough to pay close or maybe the asking price, and this is probably going to happen sooner then later. 

Those are only my humble thoughts, and don't forget, I have a couple of dogs in this race!  :) 

[Chuck in Indiana]

None of those bikes put weight on your wrists if you are riding them correctly.  Racers use their core muscles to support their upper bodies.  You always want to be light on the controls.  This is why sport bikes aren't good for the average rider who isn't going to commit to working out and building core strength and why most people can only ride them in short spurts.

True. When I was still a pup in my late 50s/early 60s I thought I was in pretty good shape for an old fart. A personal trainer disabused me of that idea, and said my core strength sucked. After nearly killing me  I was back on sport bikes. 15 years later, I still have no problem with the Kid's Spot except for arthritic hands on the really heavy throttle.

[rocker59]

Has anyone ridden both a Sport 1100 and Ducati 916 from that era?  How much harder or easier is the Sport 1100 on the wrists?  I'm only 5'-7", so my chest will probably be on the tank.

The '95 916 I sold definitely put a lot of weight on your wrists.  Sold it after I stopped doing track days as it just wasn't tolerable on the street. 

The 1100 looks like a stretch to the bars, but the seat doesn't look as high as on a 916.  It wouldn't be my only bike, but I wouldn't mind do some extended rides on it... I know some of you guys do.

It's not easy to get a test ride on one of these which is understandable.

I would rate them in the same ballpark, ergos-wise.  If you didn't like the Ducati 916/996, you probably won't like the Guzzi Sport 1100/Daytona.

Seat is 32-inches and with the low clipons, you will need to use the one-foot-down method at stoplights if you are 5'7". 

The gearing is tall, so riding around town is a 1st and 2nd gear affair with lots of clutch work, and the clutch is not  a light pull.

However, once on the road, the Sport 1100 / Daytona is comfortable and enjoyable.

I've ridden the Colorado Classic 1000 mile endurance ride on my 1996 Sport 1100.  If you want to ride the bike, you will adapt to it and it will reward you.  But it's definitely not a bike for everyone.  Or even most. 

If you haven't used this site, give it a try:  http://cycle-ergo.com/     You can compare a Sport 1100 and a 996, plugging in your height and inseam.

[twowheeladdict]

True. When I was still a pup in my late 50s/early 60s I thought I was in pretty good shape for an old fart. A personal trainer disabused me of that idea, and said my core strength sucked. After nearly killing me  I was back on sport bikes. 15 years later, I still have no problem with the Kid's Spot except for arthritic hands on the really heavy throttle.

Just about everyone that was on the Concours 1400 forum were immediately adding risers to the bike.  We're talking 4 to 6 inches.  When I got mine I decided to give it 3 months before I tried changing it into a cruiser position like the others with the risers, Corbin dished seat, and repositioning the foot controls. 

I adapted and enjoyed the bike for 30,000 miles.

[jpv7]

I would rate them in the same ballpark, ergos-wise.  If you didn't like the Ducati 916/996, you probably won't like the Guzzi Sport 1100/Daytona.

Seat is 32-inches and with the low clipons, you will need to use the one-foot-down method at stoplights if you are 5'7". 

The gearing is tall, so riding around town is a 1st and 2nd gear affair with lots of clutch work, and the clutch is not  a light pull.

However, once on the road, the Sport 1100 / Daytona is comfortable and enjoyable.

I've ridden the Colorado Classic 1000 mile endurance ride on my 1996 Sport 1100.  If you want to ride the bike, you will adapt to it and it will reward you.  But it's definitely not a bike for everyone.  Or even most. 

If you haven't used this site, give it a try:  http://cycle-ergo.com/     You can compare a Sport 1100 and a 996, plugging in your height and inseam.

thanks!

[Tusayan]

I would rate them in the same ballpark, ergos-wise.  If you didn't like the Ducati 916/996, you probably won't like the Guzzi Sport 1100/Daytona.

My longest day on my 1100 Sport was a little over 1000 miles.  My 996 has a total of 2400 miles.  There is no way I would set off on a long street ride on a 916/996. I keep that particular Ducati because it’s a really clever design, as a track bike.  I’d ride my RS anywhere.
 
Having said that the (NLA) Heli-bars on the 1100 Sport or RS make a substantial improvement in long distance comfort over stock.  I’ve ridden mine both ways and suspect the OP would benefit from finding a set.  Some advocate flipping the stock bars, this makes a mess of the cable routing and puts the bars at an unusual angle.

[jpv7]

Agreed.  My last long road ride on my 916 was an 800 km day.  I felt it.  Now I had done it without issue 10 years prior...and I guess I forgot the 10 year part... :angry:The real issue are the long drones of straight highway to get to the good roads (150 km) around here.  You can only change position so many times.

Yes, a beautiful design as with the Sport 1100.  The guy who bought it was going to put it in the foyer of his new house...I could look at that thing all day.

   

[Litre1000]

I found that cycle-ergo site to not be very accurate regarding my 1984 Interceptor 1000. The site makes it look like you’re sitting upright on my bike. Not even close to being the truth!

[twowheeladdict]

I found that cycle-ergo site to not be very accurate regarding my 1984 Interceptor 1000. The site makes it look like you’re sitting upright on my bike. Not even close to being the truth!

Did you do the fine tuning like where your butt is on the seat, the bend in the arms, etc.?

[Litre1000]

Did you do the fine tuning like where your butt is on the seat, the bend in the arms, etc.?

Ohhhh you betcha. I’ve been looking at adding a bike to my fleet and use that site to “get an idea” of how it might feel before I actually go see the machine in person.

[rocker59]

Having said that the (NLA) Heli-bars on the 1100 Sport or RS make a substantial improvement in long distance comfort over stock.  I’ve ridden mine both ways and suspect the OP would benefit from finding a set.  Some advocate flipping the stock bars, this makes a mess of the cable routing and puts the bars at an unusual angle.

I did not like Heli Bars on my Sport 1100.  Also did not like flipping the stockers.  So, mine remains with stock bars and stock seat.

It  works great  as-is.

[Tom]

OEM set-up works for me.  I'm 5'9".  Biggest adjustment was to being aware of the bum stop and using it properly when riding long distances.

[JohninVT]

Has anyone ridden both a Sport 1100 and Ducati 916 from that era?  How much harder or easier is the Sport 1100 on the wrists?  I'm only 5'-7", so my chest will probably be on the tank.

The '95 916 I sold definitely put a lot of weight on your wrists.  Sold it after I stopped doing track days as it just wasn't tolerable on the street. 

The 1100 looks like a stretch to the bars, but the seat doesn't look as high as on a 916.  It wouldn't be my only bike, but I wouldn't mind do some extended rides on it... I know some of you guys do.

It's not easy to get a test ride on one of these which is understandable.

I had a 900SS for a few years and it was MUCH more comfortable to ride than either the 1100 Sport or a 916.  The 916 is a beautiful, medieval torture device. 

If you’re looking for an 1100 Sport specifically, then that’s one thing but if you’re looking for an Italian sporty motorcycle with charisma and more comfort from that era the 900SS is a far better choice for someone who is 5’7”.  The Sport is well over 500lbs ready to ride and has a 32” seat height.  As mentioned, the clutch pull is considerable and it’s really high geared.  All that being said, I’d trade my California 1400 Touring for this Sport even up in a heartbeat.  My 900SS: 

[jpv7]

I had a 900SS for a few years and it was MUCH more comfortable to ride than either the 1100 Sport or a 916.  The 916 is a beautiful, medieval torture device. 

If you’re looking for an 1100 Sport specifically, then that’s one thing but if you’re looking for an Italian sporty motorcycle with charisma and more comfort from that era the 900SS is a far better choice for someone who is 5’7”.  The Sport is well over 500lbs ready to ride and has a 32” seat height.  As mentioned, the clutch pull is considerable and it’s really high geared.  All that being said, I’d trade my California 1400 Touring for this Sport even up in a heartbeat.  My 900SS: 

Lol.  Now I've come full circle.  I owned a 900SS for ten years, and it is still the bike i enjoyed most.  Like a dumb ass i sold it.  Had the FCR carbs, race tech suspension...

[Tusayan]

I had a 900SS for a few years and it was MUCH more comfortable to ride than either the 1100 Sport or a 916.  The 916 is a beautiful, medieval torture device. 

If you’re looking for an 1100 Sport specifically, then that’s one thing but if you’re looking for an Italian sporty motorcycle with charisma and more comfort from that era the 900SS is a far better choice for someone who is 5’7”.  The Sport is well over 500lbs ready to ride and has a 32” seat height. 

That's pretty good advice. I own all three or near identical relatives, now. The 916 is exactly as you describe, less comfortable for street use than (for example) a bevel 900SS, which in its time many people thought was as uncomfortable as a bike could be.   The belt drive carb SS is surely a good package, very fun to ride and pretty comfortable too, especially if you're not tall and not bad if you are.  More fun on the street than a 916.  However I would say that the 1100 Sport is a higher quality motorcycle, top shelf components and construction, whereas the belt SS is adequate, built to a price. That might be a consideration. 

[Devildog]

This is for sale in NJ on the MGNOC site. Interesting comparison to the red one, asking $7.9, much lower mileage, Staintunes, and looks mint.

[Tom]

Has the lean nature of the FI been worked on?

[Cam3512]

This is for sale in NJ on the MGNOC site. Interesting comparison to the red one, asking $7.9, much lower mileage, Staintunes, and looks mint.

Curses Dog.  It does look mint, low miles, yellow and in NJ.  Curses I say...

[Tusayan]

Has the lean nature of the FI been worked on?

Solved in 1999.

The yellow bike appears to have been repainted in Ducati yellow, the original Guzzi shade was lighter and to many eyes less attractive

[Devildog]

And I thought Andy would be the one cussing me, having just driven to Chicago and back.

[MedicAndy]

And I thought Andy would be the one cussing me, having just driven to Chicago and back.

No worries my friend, I already have two yellow 97's and one of them has a full Staintune exhaust..... :) But, that is a nice looking bike up there in NJ, and I would possible have bought the NJ bike if the purchase of the Chicago bike didn't happen.   

[Roebling3]

YELLOW? I wish I could un-see that bike and the Centauro's turning up in yellow - any shade of - - . It can be an alternate to red,- on EMS
equipment.  I like colors that show depth and shine. Izzat plasti-cote?   Just sayin'.  R3~

[Devildog]

Color 'is in the eye of the beholder'. I love the silver, but some here have called it a non-color.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've never seen the Centauro chin fairing on a Sport. Was that an option?

[Tusayan]

I've never seen the Centauro chin fairing on a Sport. Was that an option?

Not from Guzzi

[MedicAndy]

I've never seen the Centauro chin fairing on a Sport. Was that an option?

From what I have heard and seen, these lower fairings were sold specifically for the 1100 Sport and Daytona sometime in the late 90's. I have seen a Daytona and another 1100 Sport with this lower fairing. Moto Guzzi may have not manufactured this part, but it was made for the 1100 Sport and Daytona.

[MedicAndy]

YELLOW? I wish I could un-see that bike and the Centauro's turning up in yellow - any shade of - - . It can be an alternate to red,- on EMS
equipment.  I like colors that show depth and shine. Izzat plasti-cote?   Just sayin'.  R3~

Well, some people are open minded and see the world around them in all colors, while others are not as open minded and see their world only in a shade of gray. Some people love Picasso, others hate his work. Yellow is not my favorite color, but I think that yellow looks great on the 1100 Sport. Seems like I'm a Picasso kind of guy and you are not!

[Cam3512]

There are certain vehicles where you can get away with crazy colors.  Early Mopars, Ferrari’s, and 1100 Sports.   I love the yellow, sorry Bud. 

[Roebling3]

There's no depth in a hard cooked egg yolk either. . . but they're good to go.  R3~