Bought a Bellagio - first impressions

[Bobic69]

I'm thinking of upgrading to something with a bit more grunt and considering a Bellagio. Never had or even ridden a CARC. Any advice on what to look for would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

[pete roper]

Bellagio is, without a doubt, the best 2 valve big block motor they built. The 940 short stroke, big block motor is a joy but doesn't have the power to overwhelm the 'Half a Tonti' frame. Not having a Tachometer means that you just screw the throttle open and wait until the motor goes 'Blurp-Blurp-Blurp!' As it hits the rev limiter. The six speed box and CARC system are pretty much bulletproof but expect to have to replace the swingarm bearings and shock linkage if they weren't greased early in the piece as the factory seemed to think grease was optional!

Things to be careful of? The W5AM controller works as a bit of a 'Hybrid' system and it is important that it isn't recalibrated electronically using a diagnostic tool. If this is done it can be undone but I'd have to look up how. I know the Guzzidiag mob have sorted it though. I believe it involves reflashing the eprom? Tuning them is done in a very similar way to the 1100 Cali's. No magic involved.

The biggest problem you are likely to have is finding one! They didn't sell in huge numbers and are now highly sort after! Prices are high when they do come up on the open market.

Another alternative is of course Griso in either 850, 1100 or 1200 form. If you like the perceived simplicity of the 2 Valve motor the 1100 or 850 are the way to go. If you like the idea of more grunt then the 1200-8V is the go-to option but it is vital if buying a pre-2013 model to make sure it has been rollerised or budget that into the purchase.

Pete

PS. This has just come up I see. Looks like a reasonable deal and it's been maintained by John at Motocicolo which is a big plus.

https://www.bikesales.com.au/bikes/details/2012-Moto-Guzzi-Bellagio-940/SSE-AD-5228114?DistFromLoc=2621&pageSource=details&id=SSE-AD-5228114

If you grab it make sure you get the original airbox etc. off the current owner so you can piss off those shitty pods!

[Bobic69]

Thanks very much Pete. That's the one I'm looking at. Shh don't tell everyone or someone might snaffle it.  Do you still do the sump plates? I tried calling John today to ask him about it but he's away on holidays. Probably the first one he's had in 5 years.  Just my luck. Read about the swingarm bearing but can't check without pulling it, right? I haven't read a bad thing about Bellagios and the few guys I've met that have one absolutely love them.

[pete roper]

Bellagio uses the conventional Cali sump with a 'Bottom Feeding' pick up. Unless it's been broken in too gently and has ring sealing issues and you keep the oil towards the lower end of the stick you shouldn't need a baffle plate. Yes they are useful for people who are racing and are, I consider, a vital addition for a V11! A Bellagio is unlikely to need one unless you ride it like a berserker the whole time.

Pete

[malik]

I'd grab it, Bob, while you can. Decent price.

There will be a few at the Ragged Fringe next weekend. One is already on his way from Perth, where his mate on another rode his from the Sunshine Coast to pick him up on the way through.

[Bobic69]

Cheers Mal. Going to have a look at it. Will let you know how I go. Have to find a way to break it to the wife. Know anyone that's after a Cafe Classic?

[pete roper]

You can easily save it by taking off the bloody stupid exhaust wrap, sticking the airbox back on, tuning it to suit and mapping it.

The platform is sound. For me, probably the ultimate '8V Evangalist', to rant in its praise is a pretty good indication of how good this motorbike is! If it wasn't for the fact that I don't have unlimited funds for motorbikes and already have a Griso, a Stelvio, a Cali 1100 sidecar tug and an Aprilia Mana I'd be all over it like jam on toast!

Pete

[Murray]

While we are talking bikes near Pete there is a 2000 V11 sport near you "Queanbean" land of fireworks and adult entertainment, in the days before the interwebs. Oddly it has a black frame and wheels with green bodywork. Are you familiar with it per chance?

[malik]

Cheers Mal. Going to have a look at it. Will let you know how I go. Have to find a way to break it to the wife. Know anyone that's after a Cafe Classic?

I shall await with bated breath.

Send me a few photos of the Cafe Classic, and I'll see if I can't drum up some interest at the rally.

[Bobic69]

Thanks Mal. I have an Instagram account with tons of photos. @guzzivtwin
Can you please text me your email and I'll send some photos.

Murray, I haven't seen that bike.

[pete roper]

While we are talking bikes near Pete there is a 2000 V11 sport near you "Queanbean" land of fireworks and adult entertainment, in the days before the interwebs. Oddly it has a black frame and wheels with green bodywork. Are you familiar with it per chance?

If it's the one I think it is it's more I know of it than know it.

[Huzo]

Cheers Mal. Going to have a look at it. Will let you know how I go. Have to find a way to break it to the wife. Know anyone that's after a Cafe Classic?

No.
But I know a nice lady who’s looking for a recently single Man..

[Bobic69]

She's actually told me if I bring another bike home it's divorce. Will be selling one so it evens out. Still shitting myself about telling her though. Sometimes you just have to man up.

[Bobic69]

So...I bought a Bellagio! Pretty good price and a great looking bike. Totally different ride than the V7. Hope I've made the right decision. Will know after a few good rides I guess.

[kidsmoke]

She's actually told me if I bring another bike home it's divorce. Will be selling one so it evens out. Still shitting myself about telling her though. Sometimes you just have to man up.

So...I bought a Bellagio! Pretty good price and a great looking bike. Totally different ride than the V7. Hope I've made the right decision. Will know after a few good rides I guess.

That was quickly resolved!!

Looking forward to the ride reports.

[pebra]

That was quick! Congratulations!
Are you moving out, then?

[Bobic69]

Yep pretty quick.  Been looking for awhile and this one popped up close to home and for a good price. Gotta say the wife was awesome. I retract the rolling pin emoji.

[Bobic69]

Picked up the Bellagio today. Has a few cool mods - Mistral pipes, Koso digital tacho, Stucchi number plate holder, K&N pod filters and a gizmo that alters the temperature reading to the ECU to compensate for the filters...or something like that - will have to get my head around that.

Rode it home about 100kms on motorway, twisties and suburbia. What a great bike. Super comfortable seat and riding position. Like riding a sofa. Great for my old man's back. Shifting gears is super smooth compared to the clunky V7. Notches straight into gear. Needs a very slight tap into nuetral from 2nd or goes into 1st. It feels really planted through the curves - much more than the V7. Surprised me as it's bigger, heavier and has a less sporty riding position. It just easily goes wherever you point it. Open the throttle and it really takes off compared to the V7. Felt the front tire off the road a couple of times. Really smooth ride. Several times I looked down at the speedo and thought "Am I going that fast?" Really didn't feel like it. Maybe the speedo is out or maybe it's just really quick and smooth. Read that the clutch was heavy but didn't find that at all. CARC feels great. No noticeable retard when rolling off the throttle compared to the V7.



Things I don't like so much: the side stand is in an awkward spot really close to the gear shifter. I knocked it into gear putting the stand down. Obviously it's a fair bit heavier and bigger. Not so easy to lane filter. Will take a bit of getting used to. Not a huge fan of the cruiser look but can live with it. Maybe one day I'll change to a V7 tank and seat. Minor things that don't diminish my enthusiasm for a beautiful bike. Plan to rack up lots of KMs in the next few weeks.