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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Daleroso on December 21, 2015, 03:50:58 PM

Title: Centauros
Post by: Daleroso on December 21, 2015, 03:50:58 PM
My yellow '97 is finished (I think. Is any bike ever?). I wonder how many are left on the road. I always liked them since new but didn't acquire one til last Feb & been going through it with help fm Harper's, Matt Forslund & other bits gleaned here & elswhere. I love it's looks & FEEL! I just don't see any anywhere & there's hardly any mention of them here. I know they were produced in low #'s, it's styling had Guzzisti detractors, & has a bad rep but some owners have had them for awhile with no more idiosynchrosies than other M/G models albeit some significant & some NLA parts which also applies to other M/G models. Really curious! :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: oldbike54 on December 21, 2015, 04:04:00 PM
 I really like Stormtruck's Centauro , fettled by Chuck In Indiana . Runs good , sounds good , looks good , even with 'Truck on board  :evil:

  Dusty
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on December 21, 2015, 04:07:46 PM
Had a yellow one also for a while two years ago. While I liked many things about it (power, handling, brakes), I wasn't comfortable on it and it needed a fair amount of $$ poured into it for belts, tires, timing gears, oil pump, etc. Sold it at a profit. Now owned by a gent named Sam Jackson.

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/12027696_775405569248243_7165221329514000266_n.jpg?oh=43390d1f3651670f6bde7ee390ee3ed1&oe=56D74EF7)

Just after I sold it I rode a customer's nicely sorted '86 Le Mans 1000. That was much more to my liking - I was relatively comfortable and it's performance was at least 90% of the Centauro's. So, I bought one of my own to resurrect and modify to suit me. No worries about timing belts and unobtanium engine bits.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: blackcat on December 21, 2015, 04:33:36 PM
In your parts travels, if you come across a right Staintune muffler that you don't need, please let me know. Thanks.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: twhitaker on December 21, 2015, 04:46:42 PM
Aren't many of them out there and they are certainly eye catchers.
Check out the COG forum. centauro-owners.com

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/twhitaker/DSCF9142.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/twhitaker/media/DSCF9142.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/twhitaker/IMGP0412.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/twhitaker/media/IMGP0412.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/twhitaker/IMGP0471.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/twhitaker/media/IMGP0471.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/twhitaker/IMGP0470.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/twhitaker/media/IMGP0470.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: mphcycles on December 21, 2015, 05:12:30 PM
MPH has a Staintune that was beat up in a crash,  and a new old stock V10 sport windsheild, the all lexan version. NIB
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: rboe on December 21, 2015, 07:21:35 PM
What windscreen is that? Looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Mile High Guzzi on December 21, 2015, 07:52:26 PM
I never thought they got it right with the looks of the Centauro....a bit hump-backed and odd in profile....like the early Buells.  But somehow I find it is strangely attractive nonetheless .....reminds me of some old girlfriends now that I think about it.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Nic in Western NYS on December 21, 2015, 08:45:35 PM
For some reason I only like the Centauro in solid grey.  The lines of the painted panels don't really work for me.  In grey it's one of the best looking Guzzis to me, in the other colors it looks a bit too ...brash?
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 21, 2015, 08:56:38 PM
For some reason I only like the Centauro in solid grey.  The lines of the painted panels don't really work for me.  In grey it's one of the best looking Guzzis to me, in the other colors it looks a bit too ...brash?

You are obviously a man of discerning taste.  :smiley:
Actually, it showed some balls by Guzzi. You either loved it or hated it. Most manufacturers try to offend as few as possible.  :wink:
I'll have to say, though, that the maroon and silver one floats my boat, too..
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: twhitaker on December 22, 2015, 06:07:29 AM
What windscreen is that? Looks pretty good.

National Cycle F-15 Tour.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 22, 2015, 09:43:45 AM
yellow ones are the fastest and look the best when they belong to you.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Ighani on December 22, 2015, 01:45:16 PM
yellow ones are the fastest and look the best when they belong to you.

While it's true yellow bikes are faster in a straight line, science has proven red bikes corner better.


(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee85/ighani/Centauro.jpg)

Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Daleroso on December 22, 2015, 01:52:30 PM
1st time I've said this about a bike pic. Nice pair!!!
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 22, 2015, 03:54:19 PM
The anthracite Centauros are much faster. The Po po don't even notice em.. :evil:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Dean Rose on December 22, 2015, 04:30:39 PM
While it's true yellow bikes are faster in a straight line, science has proven red bikes corner better.


(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee85/ighani/Centauro.jpg)


That was always was the one that caught my eye, looks great in RED.


Dean
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: stmike on December 22, 2015, 04:43:07 PM
While it's true yellow bikes are faster in a straight line, science has proven red bikes corner better.


(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee85/ighani/Centauro.jpg)

The red Sport is always the one I wanted to have.  Not too many for sale these days.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Ighani on December 23, 2015, 12:26:34 PM
I think the green sport is the rarest color. Doubt I'll ever see one of those.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 23, 2015, 04:07:31 PM
I think the green sport is the rarest color. Doubt I'll ever see one of those.

Just look at the red one, and pretend it's British Racing Green.. :smiley:<running and ducking>
The local dealer had a red, green, and anthracite one come in the same shipment. Had a hard time moving them.. :rolleyes: too far ahead of their time? Of course, it would have helped if they would have actually ran.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: twhitaker on December 23, 2015, 08:17:29 PM
Here is a stunning modification.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v382/twhitaker/Centauro-with-lemans-fairing.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/twhitaker/media/Centauro-with-lemans-fairing.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Karl Von on December 30, 2015, 09:10:36 PM
We are lucky enough to have 4 Centauros here in town,,
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Lcarlson on December 30, 2015, 09:29:44 PM
I'm new to Guzzi, but I remember when the Centauro first came out, and I was impressed.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Rox on December 31, 2015, 12:35:58 AM
I like  the Centauro. Not too keen about it with a Lemans fairing but they were a pretty cool bike.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Boulder Ed on December 31, 2015, 06:40:04 AM
Many years ago I helped service a Centuaro, and rode it, being the first Guzzi I was ever on.  It was a sledgehammer and obscenely physical, and I hated it.  My daily rides back then were highly refined inline 4s.   Now around 17 years and 30 bikes later I own my first Guzzi, a Stelvio.  The Stelvio still reminds me of the Centuaro occasionally with a hint of the vibes I remembered, but geez what a character filled, fun bike to ride!   Totally addictive.  Now I want to re-ride a Centauro to see if my initial recollection is changed.   I bet I'd really like it now :-)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 31, 2015, 10:39:36 AM
Many years ago I helped service a Centuaro, and rode it, being the first Guzzi I was ever on.  It was a sledgehammer and obscenely physical, and I hated it.  My daily rides back then were highly refined inline 4s.   Now around 17 years and 30 bikes later I own my first Guzzi, a Stelvio.  The Stelvio still reminds me of the Centuaro occasionally with a hint of the vibes I remembered, but geez what a character filled, fun bike to ride!   Totally addictive.  Now I want to re-ride a Centauro to see if my initial recollection is changed.   I bet I'd really like it now :-)

I'll bet you would, too. Don't need no steenkin highly refined motor sickles.  :cool: :boozing:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Rox on January 01, 2016, 02:48:15 AM
I'll bet you would, too. Don't need no steenkin highly refined motor sickles.  :cool: :boozing:

Refined is for the weak hearted..😆 :bike-037:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: drums4money on January 02, 2016, 03:04:22 PM
Stopped by the dealership today in Coopersburg, PA to ogle the MV Reparto Corse- insanely beautiful in the flesh.

Saw this- also pretty fancy in the flesh.  Only a tick over 3,000 miles.  Traded in and immediately sold - within 45 minutes or so! 
Anyone here on the forum??  Congrats- nice bike to whomever.

(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/ssasser/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1709_zpstv6mh9au.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u171/ssasser/Mobile%20Uploads/IMAG1707_zpsa2nvfwxm.jpg)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Debonair on December 09, 2020, 05:28:11 PM
This one is now in the West Coast
(https://i.ibb.co/fSXMVFr/2278-C7-D7-A3-EB-4-BD2-AE63-3-D07792193-AA.webp) (https://ibb.co/fSXMVFr)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Debonair on December 09, 2020, 05:34:43 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/Yd9ftvJ/CB961-D53-DF8-F-4041-8-CF4-DD0-D6959-A641.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Yd9ftvJ)

Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 09, 2020, 05:59:03 PM
Welcome to WG. Nice color combination..my favorite.. and the Lemans fairing works well.  :thumb:
Well.. I *do* like the BRG sporty one, too.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 09, 2020, 08:05:01 PM
Boys & Girls...Here is my 1998 V10 Centauro GT...one of about 245 made....I have owned it now for >5 years...

It has 17,000 trouble-free miles on it.  It has all the mods / upgrades available. 

It has been ridden to the New Mexico State Guzzi Rally in Datil a few times...the Cottonwood, AZ N.A.R. several times...and the Lake Henshaw, CA Guzzi N.A.R. several times. 

It is the most fun Guzzi (I have owned 5...) that I have ever owned... :thumb: :cool:  95HP...Fuel-Injected...8-valve...525 pounds...excellent braking and handling....

Like my buddy Ducati-Mike says:  It becomes a completely different motorcycle over 70 mph.....(Yes, indeed....) :cool: :thumb: :wink: :smiley:

It is nicknamed...."The Yellow Horse...."   :thumb: :boozing: :cool: :wink: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/3M28mzW/IMG-0186.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3M28mzW)

(https://i.ibb.co/TcB85Sn/IMG-0183.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TcB85Sn)

(https://i.ibb.co/4tf665B/DSC-0012.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4tf665B)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: rschrum on December 09, 2020, 10:12:22 PM
My green one.

(https://i.ibb.co/xJ038GB/20181031-165742.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xJ038GB)

Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 09, 2020, 10:59:17 PM
I'm beginning to think every 98 GT is still on the road.
(https://i.ibb.co/NZxzvnX/1523154-702748299784811-1081698963-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NZxzvnX)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Turin on December 09, 2020, 11:48:48 PM
That color matched Lemans fairing looks great on there.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 10, 2020, 07:58:59 AM
I'm beginning to think every 98 GT is still on the road.
(https://i.ibb.co/NZxzvnX/1523154-702748299784811-1081698963-o.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NZxzvnX)


Actually, that is an interesting question....

Of all the 1,918 Centauro's made, or the 245 Centauro GT's made, how many are still on the road and running? :cool: :wink: :thumb:

For our '67 Mustang Coupe, over 325,000 were made that year, and they estimate that about 1/3, (over 100,000), are still on the road.  That's pretty good! :cool: :thumb: :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/8zNFNG2/Karen-s-67-Mustang.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8zNFNG2)


Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: steven c on December 10, 2020, 11:24:42 AM
My 97 that’s getting new fork seals
(https://i.ibb.co/tzLvNry/47-B82-A7-F-381-A-4-CD8-9-E6-E-D23-E2902-E1-ED.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tzLvNry)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 10, 2020, 11:27:01 AM
My 97 that’s getting new fork seals
(https://i.ibb.co/tzLvNry/47-B82-A7-F-381-A-4-CD8-9-E6-E-D23-E2902-E1-ED.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tzLvNry)


I had my fork seals done last year....

Just normal, ongoing maintenance of the poor 22-year old Yellow Horse... :shocked: :rolleyes: :huh:

I have to replace the belts next, and before next spring...  :thumb:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Tusayan on December 10, 2020, 11:33:42 AM
I notice the Centauro is included in Dueruote Magazines list of the most iconic Guzzis of the first 100 years. 

https://www.dueruote.it/news/moto-scooter/2020/11/27/moto-guzzi-best-of.amp.html

I also note that nothing designed by Aprilia or Piaggio is included until the V85TT.  17 years without a top ten hit, but maybe after one success the takeover specialists will finally figure out what this iconic manufacturer is all about.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: redhawk47 on December 10, 2020, 02:52:49 PM
One sold recently on Bring a Trailer
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-moto-guzzi-centauro-v10-2/
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 10, 2020, 05:38:28 PM
I had my fork seals done last year....

Just normal, ongoing maintenance of the poor 22-year old Yellow Horse... :shocked: :rolleyes: :huh:

I have to replace the belts next, and before next spring...  :thumb:

yeah mine could use new belts too, but I want to focus on the Trident to get it running again.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: CT Dharma on December 10, 2020, 06:21:52 PM
Here is mine, only one I have ever seen with the dark grey inserts [not the normal silver] on the maroon body
(https://i.ibb.co/tx0BR2f/IMG-0932.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tx0BR2f)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 11, 2020, 09:45:08 AM
yeah mine could use new belts too, but I want to focus on the Trident to get it running again.

Speaking of cool "Cult-Classic" Tridents, here is what I rode when I lived in Germany 2004-2005.

1993 Triumph Trident 900.  3-cylinder / liquid-cooled / 100HP / 6-speed

Fabulous sport-touring bike!!  I had it set up nicely!  It was in mint condition...bought it for 2500 Euros...sold it two years later before I moved back to the states for 2500 Euros!! :thumb: :cool: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/dLB761v/93-Triumph-Trident-900-Germany.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dLB761v)

(https://i.ibb.co/WFNtQ4M/93-Trident-900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WFNtQ4M)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: steven c on December 18, 2020, 10:57:13 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/B3DGfh9/E1-AC4497-9-B71-456-F-8010-8-DED12-EF87-DC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B3DGfh9)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 18, 2020, 11:08:30 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/B3DGfh9/E1-AC4497-9-B71-456-F-8010-8-DED12-EF87-DC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B3DGfh9)


 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :smiley: :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:

The poor Centauro...dissed by many...unloved, (except by those who own one...), and highly under-rated... :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/2h1c7gL/DSC-0010.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2h1c7gL)

(https://i.ibb.co/LPTzDPX/DSC-0009.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LPTzDPX)

(https://i.ibb.co/xg1VX5d/DSC-0006.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xg1VX5d)

(https://i.ibb.co/RD97zkr/DSC-0001.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RD97zkr)


Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 18, 2020, 07:57:45 PM
oh hell, as long as we're posting pics


(https://i.ibb.co/wyrfKsq/FB-IMG-1554143689549.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wyrfKsq)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Phil G on December 19, 2020, 02:05:47 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/MDQvmn7/DSC-1811.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDQvmn7)

👍😎 love hate thing... but love it most of the time
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 20, 2020, 09:42:02 AM
I always thought this particular MCN review was...(AHEM...)... a big "skewed!!" :laugh: :grin: :wink:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/moto-guzzi/centauro/1996/
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 20, 2020, 09:51:54 AM
I always thought this particular MCN review was...(AHEM...)... a big "skewed!!" :laugh: :grin: :wink:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/moto-guzzi/centauro/1996/

I might have to disagree with some of those points
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 20, 2020, 10:08:36 AM
I might have to disagree with some of those points

I thought the same thing... :wink:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: AH Fan on December 20, 2020, 11:01:35 AM
Yes very hard to explain how spectacular they really are to those who have never seen one up close or ridden one of these monsters.
Many thx M/G      :bow:

Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 20, 2020, 12:20:44 PM
Yes very hard to explain how spectacular they really are to those who have never seen one up close or ridden one of these monsters.
Many thx M/G      :bow:

 :thumb: :thumb: :cool: :cool: :smiley: :smiley:


(https://i.ibb.co/n7mB8D6/Screen-Shot-2020-12-20-at-11-19-48-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/n7mB8D6)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Huzo on December 21, 2020, 04:44:33 AM
The red Sport is always the one I wanted to have.  Not too many for sale these days.
If you stare at a Hyabusa long enough, these things start to look attractive. The longer you look, the better looking they get.
But there just seems to be nothing as pretty as a red V11 Sport, like Dave Swanson’s.
I snapped this pic outside Agostini’s in 2019.

(https://i.ibb.co/VSpNnvs/0-DE72-C70-AA24-4-E1-C-9-A1-F-5-BA1-B1-B95326.png) (https://ibb.co/VSpNnvs)

Maybe he cut a bit too much away, but it did lighten the look a bit.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: blackcat on December 21, 2020, 06:12:56 AM
If you stare at a Hyabusa long enough, these things start to look attractive. The longer you look, the better looking they get.
But there just seems to be nothing as pretty as a red V11 Sport, like Dave Swanson’s.
I snapped this pic outside Agostini’s in 2019.

(https://i.ibb.co/VSpNnvs/0-DE72-C70-AA24-4-E1-C-9-A1-F-5-BA1-B1-B95326.png) (https://ibb.co/VSpNnvs)

Maybe he cut a bit too much away, but it did lighten the look a bit.

That bike looks much better without the extra plastic.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: steven c on December 21, 2020, 07:22:28 AM
 That's nice, they just trim off the plastic below the seat line. Really lightens up the bikes looks.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: steven c on December 21, 2020, 07:25:51 AM
 A few years back I sold a Convert frame to a guy in NYC he was going to weld the front part to a modified Centauro so he could mount a LeMans gas tank to it. I told him thats was so wrong but I wonder how it ended up.
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: JJ on December 21, 2020, 07:42:48 AM
If you stare at a Hyabusa long enough, these things start to look attractive. The longer you look, the better looking they get.
But there just seems to be nothing as pretty as a red V11 Sport, like Dave Swanson’s.
I snapped this pic outside Agostini’s in 2019.

(https://i.ibb.co/VSpNnvs/0-DE72-C70-AA24-4-E1-C-9-A1-F-5-BA1-B1-B95326.png) (https://ibb.co/VSpNnvs)

Maybe he cut a bit too much away, but it did lighten the look a bit.

Never seen an orange Centauro like this!!  I like it!! :cool: :thumb: :smiley:
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: Luap McKeever on December 21, 2020, 09:00:56 AM
The one I should have never let go. I really miss my old Centauro.
(https://i.ibb.co/nsVqDp4/centauro.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nsVqDp4)
Title: Re: Centauros
Post by: blackcat on December 21, 2020, 10:21:39 AM
A few years back I sold a Convert frame to a guy in NYC he was going to weld the front part to a modified Centauro so he could mount a LeMans gas tank to it. I told him thats was so wrong but I wonder how it ended up.

That sounds like my friend Greg. If it's the same guy, the project never went anywhere and he is currently selling the Centauro for $3K. Low mileage bike, needs work but it's mostly all there. Just needs a belt change and I believe it has a Creedon chip.