Best Moto Guzzi for Long-Distance Touring?

[isagram88]

I'm considering a Moto Guzzi for long-distance touring and would love to hear your thoughts. Which model do you think offers the best balance of comfort, reliability, and performance for long rides? Any must-have modifications or accessories?

[Huzo]

Depends on whether you want the Harley cruise stance or if you’re serious.
I’ve done 230,000 km on this and it works.


Half in Europe and half in Australia.
How old are you and how tall ?

[Dirk_S]

I think finding out what YOU need is important. I could honestly tour on a V7 iii forever, but some would prefer more power. What are you accustomed to and desire/need?

[Kev m]

Depends on whether you want the Harley cruise stance or if you’re serious.

Harley cruise stance?

Meaning if something has those ergos it can't be serious?

What Moto Guzzi would you say HAS those ergos and is therefore not serious?

[Tkelly]

Best ?Depends if you want new or used,ADV ,sport touring,California touring models or sport bikes with attached luggage.Your size and physical condition also matters.Guzzi has the bike for you.

[mechanicsavant]

Ah , how boring it would be if we were all the same !

[Gliderjohn]

Norge hands down. The only mod I have made to mine (2011) is adding a CalSi windscreen. A little over two years ago did a 700 mile day showing an avg. speed of 76mph and that figured in a short lunch break and two gas stops. I was 67 at the time. It it eats lots of miles, burps and asks for more.
GliderJohn

[tommy2cyl]

Totally individual on how you ride, two up or solo, interstate pounding miles or secondary roads.  I don't take any joy in riding interstates for any distance
any more.  I'd rather travel in my van or car for that kind of trip.  I prefer secondary and tertiary roads, max of 350 miles per day and off the bike by
4:00 to grab a room or set up when camping.  The V 85 fits the bill for me, my best modification is adjustable air spoiler on tall OEM screen to clean up
air flow, OEM hand warmers and aftermarket header heat shields and skid plate.  I prefer soft luggage and 80/20 tire for gravel or busted up pavement.
If you are a highway high mileage 500 + miles a day guy, Norge with Stelvio coming second.  Cruiser type bikes have never interested me so I can leave
no comment regarding those.

[Ncdan]

Based on doing the “touring” thing for 50years, I have come to the conclusion that it’s much more about endurance, conditioning and seats, than what type, size, make or style, motorcycle you have mounted.
Heck, HUZO crossed Australia on a little Honda pop cycle😂

[DoubleGuzzi]

..much more about endurance, conditioning and seats..

If you've not be out & about for a while, even 50miles can feel like a Japanese game show.

[fotoguzzi]

[Scott Carpenter]

All of them! Depends on you. I've toured for 20 years on a Breva750 and its been just perfect for me, but other people might want more power and torque. I'm going for more power and torque in 2025, nut only on a new V7, looks like the perfect bike for my sort of riding.

[PeteS]

For me priorities are ergos, luggage handling, cruising speed. Rare that a bike is a perfect for you but if its close and changes can be made like bar risers or footpeg adjusters. Than it might work. 8-12 hour days for a month will take a toll if you are constantly moving around. You have to sit on the bike to find out. What may seem obvious is not always the case. My KLR is most comfortable bike I own. Way better than my old Goldwing as it allowed little movement.
Most Guzzis can be fitted with bags of some sort so not an issue.
For todays traffic I would want at least a 80 mph cruising speed without effort. At some point you will want to take an interstate to get around cities unless you actually prefer to ride through Chicago or Atlanta.

Pete

[John Warner]

1200 Stelvio for me, absolutely stonking Bike for eating the miles/kms.
Norge is probably the more 'obvious' choice when think 'Touring', but for me it has too much plastic, which is a real pain come Maintenance time, and more expense if you don't do your own work.
Stelvio also has a bit more room I think.
On the Norge, I feel you're fixed in one position, especially when two-up, Stelvio lets you move fore and aft a little if needed.

I've put around 45,000 miles on mine, including two trips to Lisbon, two to Mandello (naturally), one 2500mile jaunt through France, Germany and Belgium, and once to SW France, plus numerous shorter trips in the UK.
I wouldn't want to be on any other Bike.
Early (pre 2011) Stelvios will do 200 miles to a Tank on a steady run at 70-75mph, the Tank on the 2011 onwards model is twice the capacity (32 litres), giving a 400 mile range.

[Huzo]

Harley cruise stance?

Meaning if something has those ergos it can't be serious?

What Moto Guzzi would you say HAS those ergos and is therefore not serious?

This will turn into a “mine’s better than yours” slanging match, but since you ask Kev.
Everything is a compromise and the question asks for our opinion. I contend that stopping your body from being blown back by the wind with your arms, is not good for 800 km a day for 10 days.
If that is not a problem, then get a California and be happy.
Also smaller bikes do not have the ability to carry what you need for all predicted eventualities at the speeds you MAY wish to set.
I think 750 cc’s is the lower limit.

[bad Chad]

Huzo, that's the best you could come up with???    Have you never seen a HD with a fairing or windshield?  Maybe not, they have only sold HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS such equipped bikes, I could see how you might be in the dark.

[guzzisteve]

This is the optimum Sport Tourer. Hight of power & dress.

[Kev m]

This will turn into a “mine’s better than yours” slanging match, but since you ask Kev.
Everything is a compromise and the question asks for our opinion. I contend that stopping your body from being blown back by the wind with your arms, is not good for 800 km a day for 10 days.
If that is not a problem, then get a California and be happy.
Also smaller bikes do not have the ability to carry what you need for all predicted eventualities at the speeds you MAY wish to set.
I think 750 cc’s is the lower limit.

No it's not some childish mine's better sorta thing.

It was a failure on your part to recognize tastes vary.

And initially I thought it was just a prejudice against the forward control guys but now you make it clear it's against the whole style of bike.

I hate to tell you but, like Chad points out, the wind management thing is really easy to get around on a Harley or a Cali. People have been touring on versions with windshields or fairings for longer than I've been alive.

Anyway I have no idea what the OP wants yet but it IS possible that he is both serious and wants a Cali or not.

I'm just objecting to the ASSumption that one couldn't be both.

[John Croucher]

I have a freshly restored Quota.

[elrealistico]

Whichever one you have!

[blu guzz]

whoever that op was, he sure wound the group up.  Must not be riding weather in a lot of places, the old men are grumpy.

[Wfm333]

I just did 300km on the stock V7 mk1 750 stone and would not consider it again without proper mods to the suspension. Also large windshield, softest seat available, cruise control and serious luggage racks would need to be added before I do this trip again. My arse discomfort was distracting and my hands were very numb by the end of the ride. I wouldn't personally consider the V7 without heavy mods. The 750 still had decent pull from 100km/h to 120 and over for overtaking but mine is only the 5 speed 750 and another gear and 15 to 20,more HP would be nice on the highway.

[Kev m]

I just did 300km on the stock V7 mk1 750 stone and would not consider it again without proper mods to the suspension. Also large windshield, softest seat available, cruise control and serious luggage racks would need to be added before I do this trip again. My arse discomfort was distracting and my hands were very numb by the end of the ride. I wouldn't personally consider the V7 without heavy mods. The 750 still had decent pull from 100km/h to 120 and over for overtaking but mine is only the 5 speed 750 and another gear and 15 to 20,more HP would be nice on the highway.

Dude, not for anything but my wife puts 300 MILE days on her Ducati Monster without ANY of that.

Of course I'm a relative pussy and have aftermarket shocks, a cafe fairing, hard side cases, topcase, and a Corbin seat but have no problem doing the same.

That said, I wasn't about to suggest a V7 to anyone as the "best" Guzzi "touring" mount.

[Ncdan]

Let’s remember the OP specified “Moto Guzzis” for the best
“Touring Bike”.
Maybe that will simplify the discussion and our Odds with our different opinions. Hopefully 🤔

[Huzo]

Huzo, that's the best you could come up with???    Have you never seen a HD with a fairing or windshield?  Maybe not, they have only sold HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS such equipped bikes, I could see how you might be in the dark.

Chad…
The problem is, he asked about a Guzzi. 

[ridingron]

Huzo, that's the best you could come up with???    Have you never seen a HD with a fairing or windshield?  Maybe not, they have only sold HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS such equipped bikes, I could see how you might be in the dark.

There are some that may tour on a harley. Most are garage jewelry or at best butt jewelry that average a few tanks of gas a year.

[Huzo]

And yes, tastes do vary I’m aware.
I also contend that some guys think that the more they can insulate themselves from the elemental aspects of riding a motorbike, then the better that thing must be.
I can understand the author’s reason for asking the question, but it is a bit like asking…
“What’s the best type of wife..
Best type of dog
Best type of boat…
The most epic tours I’ve done was on my Norge.
The most memorable was on this


I reckon the worth of a touring bike is directly linked to the satisfaction and enjoyment of the journey.
Telling someone about a particular ride you did and using that as support for your argument as to its suitability, is seriously fraught.
Using that logic, then my CT110 Honda would be the “best” tourer I’ve owned.
Just buy something and go out and ride the damn thing….
They’re all good.

[Huzo]

Based on doing the “touring” thing for 50years, I have come to the conclusion that it’s much more about endurance, conditioning and seats, than what type, size, make or style, motorcycle you have mounted.
Heck, HUZO crossed Australia on a little Honda pop cycle😂

Actually it was around the coast Dan…(But don’t tell anyone, it was only 15,000 km) 

[Kev m]

Let’s remember the OP specified “Moto Guzzis” for the best
“Touring Bike”.
Maybe that will simplify the discussion and our Odds with our different opinions. Hopefully 🤔

And presumably the first response asked:

"Depends on whether you want the Harley cruise stance or if you’re serious."

Which, and follow me, presumably means there's at least one (or more) Guzzi that fits that description, or there are others for people who are "serious".

I didn't start the line of questioning. I followed it to its natural conclusion.

I'll add the next response in the line of questioning would be equally applicable to a Cali (1100 or 1400).

Not that any of it matters. This is all just discussion right?

[Kev m]

And yes, tastes do vary I’m aware.
I also contend that some guys think that the more they can insulate themselves from the elemental aspects of riding a motorbike, then the better that thing must be.

Now THAT'S an interesting line of discussion.

I mean, in theory right a "good" bike will protect you from wind, smooth out the bumps, etc.

One might argue the "better" the bike performs at these tasks the more it sanitizes the experience.

I guess we all want our own balance of visceral and capable.

Anyway my jab was at the assumption that someone who wants a something different (maybe more visceral or different ergos) as somehow not or less serious.