Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Luap McKeever on February 14, 2026, 09:29:13 AM
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I've been seeing threads on preferred engine sizes, weights, best looking bikes, etc and started wondering what my perfect sized bike may look like as I approach my 60's a little faster than I want. I have an 850cc Guzzi, two 1100cc Guzzi's and an 1800cc Indian. As much as I enjoy the 1800cc power, the weight of the bike itself (900#) is going to be hard for me sooner rather than later I think. I'm starting to crave a middle weight bagger/cruiser and as of now, nobody builds the one I want. So, I threw this into AI and had them draw me the bike. There's aspects of it I like and dislike too. But, hey, it's a start.
My credentials: 1000-1100cc liquid cooled, 120HP, 120 lb-ft cruiser/bagger. Put it in a mount less than 600 pounds fully dressed with 3-second quick detachable luggage and bar mounted Swanee like shaped fairing with a ground clearance similar to adventure bikes and they'd fly out of the dealerships here in the Ozarks. These twisty' s almost require light, nimble bikes with plenty of umph to pull you out of hairpin trouble. Think Honda Rebel 1100 sizing.
(https://i.ibb.co/S74rRBTx/ai-guzzi2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S74rRBTx)
(https://i.ibb.co/Mxr3jD6z/ai-guzzi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Mxr3jD6z)
If you were to call Guzzi and have them design you the perfect bike, what would it be and look like?
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"If you were to call Guzzi and have them design you the perfect bike, what would it be and look like?"
They already did - my Blue '21 V7 850 Special! :)
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Interesting post. I'd love to see the return of a V50 or V65 in a standard or possibly 'lite' ADV guise. As I'm in my 70th year with a weak back and shot knees, I'l like something lower, lighter and fun for day rides along the lines of what Triumph offers with their 400cc bikes. Of course I would prefer it be a V-twin and not a re-badged Aprilla 457 (the alleged F45 bike).
Here's what Google AI gave me when I asked for a 'modern V50 ADV' image:
(https://i.ibb.co/Z1frjj6N/ai-v50-adv.png) (https://ibb.co/Z1frjj6N)
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....My credentials: 1000-1100cc liquid cooled, 120HP, 120 lb-ft cruiser/bagger. Put it in a mount less than 600 pounds fully dressed with 3-second quick detachable luggage and bar mounted Swanee like shaped fairing with a ground clearance similar to adventure bikes.....
Not a Guzzi but Honda NT1100 with optional quick detachable panniers? I believe it only comes with DCT but it sure works well and you can use manually shift mode when riding more aggressively
https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/touring/nt1100
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I don't need to call Guzzi, I just go out into the shop and build it. :wink:
Currently under construction:
For a customer: '72 Ambassador with an '07 Norge engine, complete with f.i., suitably beefed up drivetrain and brakes. Wixom fairing and trunk, DB 'bags. Should be finished by May.
For myself: "CX1100" - some original CX100 parts (wheels, brakes, bodywork, forks) mixed with a 2000 Jackal engine (w/f.i.) and transmission, 7/33 rear drive, modified NOS 850-T (chromoly) frame.
Future, for myself: '73 "Eldovert" - Convert drivetrain in an Eldo chassis. Dual front discs, 850-T rear wheel and brake.
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I would want a purpose built liter bike sidecar rig with alloy frame, non fluid-driven autotrans, and ability to adjust the car and bike suspensions on the fly. (https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/634325285_25900542742908892_4429099955663058880_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=iHf8pPa2s4wQ7kNvwGO84KU&_nc_oc=AdmSPs1TjMYxHEj2C9XiaHAWC9zoUG7yJWHHtrV7kkx06AuHuHDrl5Kd6x7kLblY8gY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=1dbclPGBwB3Gl7wk30RC_w&oh=00_AfuBDMbHaeas7n1AqfArlKcL-5KZH7l0_VuGergTVK_iug&oe=699699F1)
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I’d just like another good ‘ol V11 Lemans.. should have kept the one I had.
(https://i.ibb.co/yc5CfGj0/IMG-0105.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yc5CfGj0)
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Not a Guzzi but Honda NT1100 with optional quick detachable panniers? I believe it only comes with DCT but it sure works well and you can use manually shift mode when riding more aggressively
https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/touring/nt1100
Did you read the thread title ?
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I’d just like another good ‘ol V11 Lemans.. should have kept the one I had.
(https://i.ibb.co/yc5CfGj0/IMG-0105.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yc5CfGj0)
You hear this so many times..
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The 500 V8
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The 500 V8
But all sorted out and road ready. No fun if you have to constantly blip the throttle to keep it running.
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This, fitted with the Gen I V9 engine https://www.bikeexif.com/moto-guzzi-v65-cafe-racer
(https://i.ibb.co/8D7Lg63H/moto-guzzi-v65-jpg.webp) (https://ibb.co/8D7Lg63H)
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As much as I love my 850 LM this would be my perfect Guzzi. More torque and a lttle more upright.
Pete
(https://i.ibb.co/MyD6jWkS/IMG-1173.webp) (https://ibb.co/MyD6jWkS)
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I've been seeing threads on preferred engine sizes, weights, best looking bikes, etc and started wondering what my perfect sized bike may look like as I approach my 60's a little faster than I want. I have an 850cc Guzzi, two1100cc Guzzi's and an 1800cc Indian. As much as I enjoy the 1800cc power, the weight of the bike itself (900#) is going to be hard for me sooner rather than later I think. I'm starting to crave a middle weight bagger/cruiser and as of now, nobody builds the one I want. So, I threw this into AI and had them draw me the bike. There's aspects of it I like and dislike too. But, hey, it's a start.
My credentials: 1000-1100cc liquid cooled, 120HP, 120 lb-ft cruiser/bagger. Put it in a mount less than 600 pounds fully dressed with 3-second quick detachable luggage and bar mounted Swanee like shaped fairing with a ground clearance similar to adventure bikes and they'd fly out of the dealerships here in the Ozarks. These twisty' s almost require light, nimble bikes with plenty of umph to pull you out of hairpin trouble. Think Honda Rebel 1100 sizing.
(https://i.ibb.co/S74rRBTx/ai-guzzi2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/S74rRBTx)
(https://i.ibb.co/Mxr3jD6z/ai-guzzi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Mxr3jD6z)
If you were to call Guzzi and have them design you the perfect bike, what would it be and look like?
The wonderful thing about motorcycles & the people that own them is the difference in our perception of our various criteria. An 1100 cc 600 pound motorcycle to me is a heavy weight bike, not a a middle weight. My perception of a middle weight bike is 450 cc to 750 cc with max wet weight of less than 480 lbs. Of course, as one ages our perception and parameters change.
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My now very lowered v85 with a Huzo designed dual exhaust.
(https://i.ibb.co/hJ67Cygc/thumbnail-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hJ67Cygc)
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I'm pretty happy with my new (to me) 2007 Griso.
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My ‘Perfect Moto Guzzi’ has changed several times.
From a Convert to a G5 to a V10 Centauro to a Bassa. Then to a Griso 8V and now to an Eldorado 1400.
It would take a monumental effort on Moto Guzzi’s part to get me off this Eldorado. She’s a beautiful keeper.
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I think this one would fit the build nicely checked all the boxes save the Swanee fairing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Moto-guzzi/Random-riding-pics/Odd-stuff/i-t5HRrrP/0/MnrrRJL3VFCLXpnLzhRMmLvLVXdZjVGb8gmzd92SQ/L/IMG_0328-L.png)
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(https://i.ibb.co/7d4rvB6t/unnamed.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7d4rvB6t)
I'm 80. Soon enough I won't be able to lift any of them.
But I already have all the stuff to make this one and it seldom requires lifting.
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(https://i.ibb.co/7d4rvB6t/unnamed.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7d4rvB6t)
I'm 80. Soon enough I won't be able to lift any of them.
But I already have all the stuff to make this one and it seldom requires lifting.
That could be the most "perfect" Ural ever! :grin:
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1971-1974 V7 Sport. An absolute joy on the "Super Slab", back country roads, twistys and switch backs of the eastern US mountains. After riding many different bikes in Asia, Europe, and US, the Sport was the ultimate bike for me.
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I think this one would fit the build nicely checked all the boxes save the Swanee fairing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Moto-guzzi/Random-riding-pics/Odd-stuff/i-t5HRrrP/0/MnrrRJL3VFCLXpnLzhRMmLvLVXdZjVGb8gmzd92SQ/L/IMG_0328-L.png)
This would be the perfect bike as long as it is less than 550 lbs with a seat height of 29". I really wanted something like this when I bought my Mandello. The Mandello was a great bike but just didn't work well for me. My '26 V7 is about as good as it's going to get, at least for me.
kk
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850 T then[1975] and 850 T now[2026]
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(https://i.ibb.co/7d4rvB6t/unnamed.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7d4rvB6t)
I'm 80. Soon enough I won't be able to lift any of them.
But I already have all the stuff to make this one and it seldom requires lifting.
That does it for me as well. When I was younger, I had a couple of Ambassadors, I wanted one overall 20% bigger. I’m normal sized, 6’4” , 220 lbs, so I wanted one with a bigger tank, engine,wheel's, forks, all that jazz. I’m on three wheels now
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(https://i.ibb.co/v4sN3Vqs/IMG-3375.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v4sN3Vqs)
This one with a redesigned frame with the floorboards 2” lower, a hydro motor and a real touring package including trunk and full fairing with a set of lowers. And yes. Similar to what HD offers.
As far as the size discussion, 1000-1200cc and a weight of 550-600 lbs.
and while we are dreaming, how about a 8k price tag out the door👍
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But all sorted out and road ready. No fun if you have to constantly blip the throttle to keep it running.
Sorted or not it my perfect Guzzi strictly for its value. With the proceeds of its sale I could buy several far less expensive almost perfect motorcycles and build a nice shop :thumb:
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1971-1974 V7 Sport. An absolute joy on the "Super Slab", back country roads, twistys and switch backs of the eastern US mountains. After riding many different bikes in Asia, Europe, and US, the Sport was the ultimate bike for me.
I’ll second these comments. Even though it wasn’t my very first bike, I was fortunate that my first big bike was my V7 Sport and that is has remained with me since I got it. I have come to consider it to be a transitional machine, the link between the end of the strictly old/analog and the beginning of the modern technically inclined that progressively isolated the rider from the experience. The only criticism I have is that just like any drum brake bike, there is no functional brake to use while backing down a ramp.
There are lots of great bikes, but nothing that I prefer to my V7 Sport.
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The wonderful thing about motorcycles & the people that own them is the difference in our perception of our various criteria. An 1100 cc 600 pound motorcycle to me is a heavy weight bike, not a a middle weight. My perception of a middle weight bike is 450 cc to 750 cc with max wet weight of less than 480 lbs. Of course, as one ages our perception and parameters change.
That's so true. But I still consider my V11EV a middleweight at 550#. Heck, if I could figure out a way to put a V100S drivetrain in the EV, that may fit the perfect bike for me :thumb:
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Added note to Cliffrods post. My '73-'74 Sport has two discs on the front wheel.
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The only criticism I have is that just like any drum brake bike, there is no functional brake to use while backing down a ramp.
That is a "feature" of twin-leading-shoe brakes, of which a drum-braked V7 Sport has three (doubled up on the front). Loops had a single-leading-shoe drum in the back which works just fine backing down a ramp.
I've restored four V7 Sports and worked on a few more. My favorite was the '74 with dual discs on the front.
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I never warmed up to the Cal Vin I had. The ergonomics just did fit me.
I bought a set of EV tubeless wheels because I despise tubes on any
Type of cruising or touring bike. For me, a state or three away with
tubes just didn’t cut it.
It was ok aesthetically, just not ergonomically for me. It quickly got
traded off along with two other bikes for my first Victory.
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Google AI can be fun: (https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/636396855_25910693155227184_3675489609702220473_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=1VuDxJ4eDJYQ7kNvwHmv58D&_nc_oc=AdlV9phoFuV0B4aP-2eZbxagcNrIyezdKnvxoOStmQ7_jq_nZMdv0sg60ESKr60u7DU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=LE_aPUOU8fMPYvRwy1b_LA&oh=00_Afu48Ck3SWybsVKTZixySWSu9FdsRD0sNGWPZudgCbWk2Q&oe=69980642)
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My now very lowered v85 with a Huzo designed dual exhaust.
(https://i.ibb.co/hJ67Cygc/thumbnail-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hJ67Cygc)
Let’s see the other side of the bike please.
inditx
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Let’s see the other side of the bike please.
inditx
Yes. All good so far, more photo’s and more questions please.
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I think this one would fit the build nicely checked all the boxes save the Swanee fairing.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Moto-guzzi/Random-riding-pics/Odd-stuff/i-t5HRrrP/0/MnrrRJL3VFCLXpnLzhRMmLvLVXdZjVGb8gmzd92SQ/L/IMG_0328-L.png)
Very Nice!
I would ensure the rims are tubeless. There are so many attractive Moto Guzzi's in their history, that it is a shame the new engine has not been dropped in a retro chassis. I guess their marketing research says not enough potential buyers.
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Very Nice!
I would ensure the rims are tubeless. There are so many attractive Moto Guzzi's in their history, that it is a shame the new engine has not been dropped in a retro chassis. I guess their marketing research says not enough potential buyers.
Their marketing research would be interesting to be involved in as they have never really hit a stride outside of the loop frame era. It would be nice to see them bring out a California that’s not following the bigger, better mantra of Harley. A nice 600lb or less touring cruiser. The Adv market is seeing the benefits of a smaller lighter bike and that segment is taking off why not a nice middle weight classic touring bike.
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I don't need to call Guzzi, I just go out into the shop and build it. :wink:
Currently under construction:
For a customer: '72 Ambassador with an '07 Norge engine, complete with f.i., suitably beefed up drivetrain and brakes. Wixom fairing and trunk, DB 'bags. Should be finished by May.
For myself: "CX1100" - some original CX100 parts (wheels, brakes, bodywork, forks) mixed with a 2000 Jackal engine (w/f.i.) and transmission, 7/33 rear drive, modified NOS 850-T (chromoly) frame.
Future, for myself: '73 "Eldovert" - Convert drivetrain in an Eldo chassis. Dual front discs, 850-T rear wheel and brake.
You're an inspiration Charlie. A guy with your knowledge and capabilities dreaming of a fuel injected bitsa!! Gives me permission to dream.
Andy (you know the one) nearly has your 'future' machine. Convert motor but a 5 spd. I keep convincing myself not buy it. It could use a bit of cosmetic fettling, but it's bones are top notch. Newly powdercoated frame and Bender harness, with original paint on all the outer bits.
(https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/a2cacb7d25b1.png) (https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkb2om4n)
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I'm just wishing Huzo would build me a dual exhaust. Doesn't seem to matter what you do to a single it just doesn't sound the same.
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You're an inspiration Charlie. A guy with your knowledge and capabilities dreaming of a fuel injected bitsa!! Gives me permission to dream.
Andy (you know the one) nearly has your 'future' machine. Convert motor but a 5 spd. I keep convincing myself not buy it. It could use a bit of cosmetic fettling, but it's bones are top notch. Newly powdercoated frame and Bender harness, with original paint on all the outer bits.
(https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/a2cacb7d25b1.png) (https://imgchest.com/p/9p4nkb2om4n)
Been there, built that" back in '04-'05 (Convert powered Ambassador). :wink:
(https://i.ibb.co/fG1gntz4/Sophia-in-2020.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fG1gntz4)
My "Eldovert" will be equipped with a Harper's solo seat, DB 'bags, factory "polizia" fairing (w/DB lowers for cold weather) and will be black.