MGX 1200 mile report

[Bulldog9]

Wife is out at 'girls night' and I'm bored tonight, so you guys get to hear my rambling on the MGX....

I bought my MGX early June, and have about 1200 miles on it so far.

I did the 900 mile service which went without a hitch. Bike runs super smooth and has power all over the rev band. Probably the best of the 8V CARC motors.  Here is a ramble of thought.

- The MGX is amazingly nimble and tossable at speed. Once over 35-40MPH the bike is transformed into near Sport Touring feel and response. Below this and the 21" tire makes itself known. It's not a problem or unstable, but takes adjustment, and bouncing between a Stornello and Griso doesn't help. After 2-3 days it feels normal as I have adjusted. But parking lots and slow speeds take attention.

- Transmission - smooth as silk, the best I've found on a Guzzi yet

- Seating position - Perfect peg location, easy, natural, and just in the right spot. Handlebars could be 1-2" closer to be perfect.

- Engine & Power - Liquid power. Smooth flexible, and dynamic. Makes that Goose intake honk. I kept to below 6K until first service, though with hard acell/deceleration for break in, and after 1K miles, the motor pulls strongly to rev limiter. Wonderful turbine power from 2500-6500. Power bleeds off slowly to the rev limiter, not abruptly as on many bikes.

-EGR Sound - There is a goofy EGR or something on the front and left lower side of the motor that exudes sound, and sounds like an EGR, and almost like a semi truck. I dont like it and will look to eliminate with the fart machine (I mean fuel evap) system. I was looking at a friends 2016 Eldorado that does not have this contraption.

- Exhaust - Stock system sucks....... Robs the bike of all character. Needs more bite. Thus Agostini on order.... Sounds like a Honda Accord revving........ Almost dare I say embarrassing.....

- Comfort - Bike is very smooth and comfortable, gives good isolation but also good feedback. Stock seat is one of the best I've had, but the Corbin is echelons better, front and rear. Bike soaks up small stuff with ease, but is very taught so big bumps can hit hard. Overall, a great suspension balanced for comfort and performance. I can easily see multi day trips with no issue.

- Gauges - Gauges are great until you are in the sun. Cant see a thing..... Needs better contrast, brighter back-lighting, and larger fonts in the graphics. The little speedo dial and left gauge (stereo and MGMP) readout is kind of a joke. But 2 gauges look right.

- Handling - As mentioned above, this thing is amazing at speed. Light, nimble, responsive, though weight will limit, the bike is impressive.

- Economy - So far I am averaging 33-35MPG, but that was breaking in, some harder up and down shifts than normal to seat rings. I anticipate an easy 38-40 for cruising/touring once I hit the 6K adjustment

- Electronics - Throttle profiles are very nice. Tourismo is great in traffic, or around town, nice fluid response, Veloce is the only mode for all else. Very responsive. The rain mode is kind of dumb, as the ABS nannies and TC will kick in when needed, but it is an easy system once you figure it out.... Speaking of TC , is best left at lowest level, too bad it cant be shut off without all the flashing lights. Is unnerving when it kicks in. Cruise control works well, though when set, it is interesting to have to move the throttle so much when it is set and you want to increase speed. Basically there is a big dead spot where you 'would' have had it positioned for your current speed, and only engages from that point on. It doesn't increase from the 0 position. Because it is by wire, the spring returns the throttle to 0. First time with Cruise control, not sure I like it. But the throttle is smooth, and other than the cruise issue, the 'by wire' system is virtually transparent, you wouldn't know it is by wire. Very well executed.

- MultiMedia - Radio reception is a JOKE............. But the Bluetooth syncs up with a phone beautifully. Stereo has good sound and tones, up to 50-60MPH, beyond that, is drowned out. But it's a gimmic, I could care less.... I listen for a few minutes then hit mute and listen to the mechanical music that I have loved for 40 years.....

- MGMP (data from on board computer with smart phone app) - I dont know as I have yet  to sync, the system needs to be updated to 2.5. I really like this feature and app on the Stornello, though I do wish-it had an oil temp readout.

- Storage - Yeah.... Not that great, but the bags are long and can hold a decent amount once you adjust your thinking. Am working on a way to mount a top case... MTF...

- Fit/Finish/Color Scheme - The fit and finish is top notch. Very well executed. The "Matte" and Carbon Fiber experience is a bit much, but is unique. I wish the valve covers were GLOSS red, not flat, and think that the Gloss Grey covers will look even better. Eventually, I see myself painting the matte black pieces another color sometime down the road.

- Size/Weight - She is a fat beast, and the largest/heaviest bike I have owned. This makes garage and low speed situations a challenge, and means some more gym time, but this thing is the ultimate mile muncher......

- Accessories - So far I have added The Isotta case guards, Corbin seat, Ram mount, Larger OEM windscreen, and LED Foglights. VERY nice that the bike has a switch and lead for fog lights.  they are manageable for now. I'm 55, so probably 10 years left. It is just unpleasant to move around.

-Fairing - Very well proportioned. Some buffeting effect on the highways, but claims of instability are widely exaggerated. Bike is regularly stable to 101mph for me (110 max so far), and rock solid when in clean air. The batwing is sensitive to buffeting from other vehicles. I really like the way the fairing parses the air around the hands. And deflects air off the chest and torso to helmet. Is about perfect despite the Batman taunts..

Where I work has huge MC parking lots and every day is like a bike show. Today I parked next to a Full Dressed Harley and realized how big this beast is.......

Overall, I like the bike for its uniqueness even to the Guzzi brand, but am still adjusting to its size and weight. I think I need a few day long or multi day trip to bond..... Biggest 'must improve' for me is the availability of handlebar extenders and louder exhaust.

[Ncdan]

You have just described my 1400 tourer, great bike. I’ll give you a bright side on a negative, you said may occur. You  insinuated due to the weight issue
of the bike, you had about 10 years before the weight may be excessive for you and you are 55 now. I am 66 and only weight 160 and have no issues at all with the weight of my 1400 tourer. Hope this little insight helps a little:)

[Bulldog9]

You have just described my 1400 tourer, great bike. I’ll give you a bright side on a negative, you said may occur. You  insinuated due to the weight issue
of the bike, you had about 10 years before the weight may be excessive for you and you are 55 now. I am 66 and only weight 160 and have no issues at all with the weight of my 1400 tourer. Hope this little insight helps a little:)

Thanks Dan, maybe there is hope. My concern is mainly  impending hip and knee replacements and probably back and neck surgery. The Army life has been rough on MY chassis.

[Ncdan]

Thanks Dan, maybe there is hope. My concern is mainly  impending hip and knee replacements and probably back and neck surgery. The Army life has been rough on MY chassis.

Yea that being the case you have a valid point Bulldog and let me say thank you for your service and the  sacrifice you made for our country 🇺🇸

[Kev m]

Sounds like a great ride!

Not for nothing but there's no oil temp readout because there's no oil temp sensor.

I guess they could have engine/head temp of they wanted. But it would probably just freak people out.

[Bulldog9]

Interesting update.

Tonight was getting ready to ride into DC to see the Apollo 11 presentation, turned the key on,. Haven't ridden at night much, and and wanted to change the back light settings to brightest. Seems the left unit is brighter than right. Anyway, while doing this, I get the  triangle and oil can warning even while not started. The warnings stayed on while running too.  Knowing/presuming this was a glitch of some type, I rode the bike in, as there were no odd engine noises. Was rewarded after the presentation to no triangle or oil can...... I did check Guzzi Diag before riding which showed nothing/ Oh well, all is well, maybe a long ride before church is in order tomorrow just to make sure ;-)

[Zoom Zoom]

Very well thought out assessment of the beast. As you touched on, you will notice the size of the bike as the roads get tighter and tighter. Following a older Cali and an SP3 around the fine roads between home and the Virginia rally, it became quite evident. I will say that in the case of my bike, ('16 Eldo), it is for the most part a pleasure to ride. It shines on gentle curving roads and of course munching miles on the highway. On tight twisties, it is a lot of work. I would expect you will see an improvement in your mileage as you get some miles on the bike. I have. It does seem to be very finicky with regard to fuel. It runs fine regardless, but the quality of the fuel will impact your mpg.

That is all I really have to add.

John Henry

[Luap McKeever]

- Economy - So far I am averaging 33-35MPG, but that was breaking in, some harder up and down shifts than normal to seat rings. I anticipate an easy 38-40 for cruising/touring once I hit the 6K adjustment

- Electronics - Throttle profiles are very nice. Tourismo is great in traffic, or around town, nice fluid response, Veloce is the only mode for all else. Very responsive. The rain mode is kind of dumb, as the ABS nannies and TC will kick in when needed, but it is an easy system once you figure it out.... Speaking of TC , is best left at lowest level, too bad it cant be shut off without all the flashing lights. Is unnerving when it kicks in. Cruise control works well, though when set, it is interesting to have to move the throttle so much when it is set and you want to increase speed. Basically there is a big dead spot where you 'would' have had it positioned for your current speed, and only engages from that point on. It doesn't increase from the 0 position. Because it is by wire, the spring returns the throttle to 0. First time with Cruise control, not sure I like it. But the throttle is smooth, and other than the cruise issue, the 'by wire' system is virtually transparent, you wouldn't know it is by wire. Very well executed.

- MultiMedia - Radio reception is a JOKE............. But the Bluetooth syncs up with a phone beautifully. Stereo has good sound and tones, up to 50-60MPH, beyond that, is drowned out. But it's a gimmic, I could care less.... I listen for a few minutes then hit mute and listen to the mechanical music that I have loved for 40 years....

17,000 miles plus on mine now. Still very happy with it. It does use a little bit of oil though, which I'm sure it's a design flaw rather than a problem. I'm getting a pretty consistent 40-43 MPG and I ride a little spirited.

I agree with your statement on the TC. I never liked it so turned it off completely. I've managed fine without it for 300,000+ motorcycle miles so I'll live without it some more. I'm used to the amber warning light now. My bike also never comes out of Veloce.  I think the cruise control is amazing. To increase speed, just hold up on the button.  Same to resume...

On the stereo, I can hear mine up to around 80MPH after adding the side wings and xl screen. I use an open face helmet though, so that might help. I'm actually thinking of building some taller side wings too.

Around the 8,000 mile mark something's going to happen to your bike. It's going to feel a little more 'loose' and free.  You'll smile as soon as you feel it.

[Ncdan]

Is it safe to assume that my 1400 tourer will experience the same 8k event?

[Zoom Zoom]

Count on it Dan .  23k and its only gotten better.

ZZ

[drbone641]

At 11k, my engine loosened up and became -gulp- even more fluid.

[blu guzz]

i have almost 15k on mine and it gets about 40 on the to and from work route with minor traffic and up to 44 on the road cruising.  the computer seems very accurate on mine.  i added ago exhaust and one of the mistral devices that fools the ecu into thinking it is cold and it just pulls and pulls.  because of the eagerness of the engine, it feels stronger than my victory did with 250 cc more engine and similar size.  it is such a pleasure to rev this bike, i have never seen any other over 1200 cc bike so anxious to red line.  i wish it had another 1000 of rev to the limiter because it is not slowing at 7000 even in 5th.