Bagger shootout with MGX-21 Now with Darth Vader

[scura283]

http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/baggers-brawl

[Nic in Western NYS]

"The other new kid, the MGX 21, doesn't have a new engine, but Tom summed it up as being "easily the fastest bike here with an engine that spins up and revs more like a sportbike than a cruiser." The love was universal. "Despite giving up 300-odd cc to the others, the Guzzi killed the others in top gear roll-ons," Troy noted. Burns best sums up how, from the moment the throttle was cranked open in top gear roll-ons, the 90 "V-Twin pulls away from the others: My favorite engine by far; it produces a major torque wallop at about 4k rpm that closes the gap with whatever bike it's behind with one quick thwarp of the throttle." Several of the testers also praised the MGX for its "sportbike-like transmission," too."

[Cool Runnings]

Still, it does have it's issues.

[bad Chad]

Still, it does have it's issues.

Gee, thanks for that.  I thought it was one of those 100% perfect motorcycles for everyone.

[Cool Runnings]

Gee, thanks for that.  I thought it was one of those 100% perfect motorcycles for everyone.

You can thank Nic in Western NC for cherry picking information too.

[Luap McKeever]

Still, it does have it's issues.

Please enlighten us. I'd like to get in front of those issues asap.

[fotoguzzi]

Still, it does have it's issues.

wrong color or what?

[oldbike54]

wrong color or what?

 It's all of that real carbon fiber .

 Dusty

[Randown]

Here's how they scored ' em...





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[Yeahoo Whoyah]

Troublingly odd to me that the MGX-21 has more of a feet-forward position than the H-D Streetglide.

Street Glide had the most upright and relaxed riding positions

[steven c]

http://ironandair.com/journal/category/dearth-vaders-moto-guzzi-mgx-21-review#.WFPkopIhy3D

[fotoguzzi]

[Cool Runnings]

Please enlighten us. I'd like to get in front of those issues asap.

READ THE ARTICLE...........

[Scud]

That's one of the most entertaining reviews ever. Not particularly informative, but great fun.

[chuck peterson]

 

[Luap McKeever]

READ THE ARTICLE...........

I did.  And I didn't see any "issues" per say.  I did however see a lot of "opinions" from expert riders.  I thought when you said it "had its issues" that there was something mechanical that I should keep my eye on.

[Randown]

They're all very close in scoring, so even more so than usual, it comes down to what particular features appeal to any particular buyer.

BUT I haven't figured out how the MG engine lost so many points in the non-subjective hp/torque per lbs yet was praised for superior performance?

[Murray]

Spool up speed and the bike is possibly lighter than its competitors. You can have big HP and torque but if you need a calendar to measure the time the motor takes to get there it won't be very fast. The Guzzi is an oversquare motor the others aren't. The issues are two basically bags small 21inch front wheel handles like a turd they said similar about the other bike with a 21inch front wheel as well, they are a form of function thing.

[JeffOlson]

It looks like a pretty good review. The MG is definitely in the running.

Yeah, a large front wheel with sloppy low-speed handling and small bags that don't hold much--but that's what are required for that look.

[oldbike54]

I did.  And I didn't see any "issues" per say.  I did however see a lot of "opinions" from expert riders.  I thought when you said it "had its issues" that there was something mechanical that I should keep my eye on.

 They did mention the heavy low speed steering , and small panniers , but we already knew about those niggles didn't we Luap . Interesting review , and it shows how in relative terms not much changes over the years . If you want a cruiserish bike that will go , stop , and carve corners , buy a Guzzi . Today just like in 1995 .

 Dusty

[Randown]

...they rated it last in handling though.

[oldbike54]

...they rated it last in handling though.

 That was because of the parking lot speed handling issue , very important to most bagger riders , probably not so much to us spirited types .

 Dusty

[Luap McKeever]

Yeah, low speed handling is a 'result'. Not really an 'issue' in my book. I can throw mine around on a dime now that I'm used to it.  I compare the handling to a heavier EV.


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[Cool Runnings]

I did.  And I didn't see any "issues" per say.  I did however see a lot of "opinions" from expert riders.  I thought when you said it "had its issues" that there was something mechanical that I should keep my eye on.

No, just personal impressions from the testers such as the bags being a bit on the small side. If I hadn't already purchased a new Norge, I'd be looking at the MGX-21.

[Luap McKeever]

No, just personal impressions from the testers such as the bags being a bit on the small side. If I hadn't already purchased a new Norge, I'd be looking at the MGX-21.

For sure, I wish the bags were bigger myself.  But this son of a gun sure is fun.

[darkstar1269]

Great write up. I was really torn between the MGX and the Indian Chiefton and ultimately chose the exact Indian these guys happen to test (though it was painful to not go with the beloved MG, I still own and love my V7)

I am only 5'7 and the bike did have a very top heavy feel and did not handle as well in tight spots, which for me was a factor, plus if I had to lay this down, it would be a challenge to pick up again. The floor boards provide so many foot position options it really was a bit more comfy and has proven so on many long hauls. And finally at my height, I have no buffeting withe the Indian v. the wind in my face a bit on the MGX.

Style points to me went with the Gizzi, and I still have hopes of owning the MGX some day, maybe after some modifications it will suite me better, but for now it wasn't meant to be. Regardless of my opinion, MG has really stepped up their game to be in this article with these players and really holding their own, if not excelling!!!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Darth Vader approved!

[JeffOlson]

Now there's a great review!

[oldbike54]

 Apparently Luke's dad approves 

 Dusty

[Nic in Western NYS]

Those power curves suggest why the subjective feel of the strength of the engines doesn't match up with peak hp results.  The cool thing about the MG mill is that is has better top gear roll on AND it keeps pulling way higher.  Sounds like a fun ride.