1000S fan

[faffi]

Was this the forerunner making way for the much later the V7 Classic? Or the first retro, quickly followed by bikes like the Kawasaki Zephyr series, Honda Big One and Yamaha XJR?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKJIB7baIeo

[Dave Swanson]

Was this the forerunner making way for the much later the V7 Classic? Or the first retro, quickly followed by bikes like the Kawasaki Zephyr series, Honda Big One and Yamaha XJR?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKJIB7baIeo

The 1000S is arguably the first of the "Modern Classics".  It was produced before the term was coined and before the world realized they wanted a such a thing.  Many agree that it was too early to a then empty table and was not successful in large part to that.

[faffi]

Still a really purdy bike, I must say

[Turin]

I've never heard why Guzzi created the 1000S. It's not really a "parts bin special" as it has a lot of unique pieces.

[Tkelly]

I think the 750s was the first retro.

[moto]

The 750S was about 1974, contemporary with the V7 Sport. The 1000S came about 1990 and was intended to be a retro nod to the earlier 750S, created because Guzzi believed there was a market for such a thing. They were wrong then, but the bike is highly regarded now.

[Dave Swanson]

I think the 750s was the first retro.

Just the opposite.  The 750S is the original that the retro 1000S was emulating.

The 750S and V7 Sport are the models that still fuel the retro modern classics that in large part have kept the home fires burning in Mandello del Lario for quite a few years now.

[faffi]

I could live with a 1000S, I think. There seems to be lots of variations on claims for the model. It is the first Guzzi, I think, where I prefer the old style of instruments used on the first edition of the 1000S, the latter have a bracket that looks very home made. Interesting to observe that the current V7 850 Special is not all that much lighter than the 1000S! By fitting lighter wheels and brakes, you could almost eliminate the weight difference.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_1000s_89.html (ignore the very wrong image on top)

https://www.1000s.nl/english/the_1000s.html

[Tkelly]

I think I could live with a Ferrari.

[Dave Swanson]

I could live with a 1000S, I think. There seems to be lots of variations on claims for the model. It is the first Guzzi, I think, where I prefer the old style of instruments used on the first edition of the 1000S, the latter have a bracket that looks very home made. Interesting to observe that the current V7 850 Special is not all that much lighter than the 1000S! By fitting lighter wheels and brakes, you could almost eliminate the weight difference.

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_1000s_89.html (ignore the very wrong image on top)

https://www.1000s.nl/english/the_1000s.html

Ah, but you can't get the green frame with that cheesy plastic instrument housing.   

If you get a 1000S with a "homemade" instrument housing I can almost guarantee it will grow on you.   

[turboguzzi]

well a few facts:
Kawasaki Zephyr came out same year, so lets say both share the honor of first retros

84 hp? (from the video) in your dreams.... certainly not at the back wheel :)

the model the 1000S was built upon, the LM V was dynoed by PB mag at 61rwhp.... :)

Still great bike.

[DoubleGuzzi]

..
Kawasaki Zephyr came out same year, so lets say both share the honor of first retros
..

Loved the "rideabilty" and (short-lived) looks of my ZR1100. The engine casings were far removed from the original Zeds, being too soft and very prone to stone chips. Thin soft alloy, with internal heavy steel and 'rubber' inserts, to quell sound levels, rather than using thick, quality casings. The eight(!) skinny sparkplugs were nonsense, especially as the bike had such poor fuel economy. However, for an UJM inline four, it was an engaging ride and I left zero chicken strips on the tyres.
Long term, the Guzzi is the winner, in my opinion.

[faffi]

Ah, but you can't get the green frame with that cheesy plastic instrument housing.   

If you get a 1000S with a "homemade" instrument housing I can almost guarantee it will grow on you.   

Is that pic from a US version? Looks better with the black dials, although I usually prefer them white.

The reason I wrote "homemade" is because it reminded me of an exaggerated version of my own setup for my then Daybird, with a combination of stock backing plate and a plate to connect them to the handlebars.

[Cam3512]

I’ve always lusted after the 1000S.  Early ‘90’s retro, the first.  Talking to a dealer from back in the day, Franz from Spare Parts in downtown Philthydelphia.  He sold more than anyone in the country.  But they were priced high for the day ($7-8K?). No one wanted ‘em.  Where’s my damn Crystal ball….

[turboguzzi]

They are not THAT expensive around here (italy), similar price to a nice LM II....

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics recently sold one for $25k.

[turboguzzi]

well, what do YOU think of that kind of money?

there's one in an ad in europe at 8800 euro, so looks like i am missing making 16K if i buy it to flip it :)

if you wan to grab it, sounds like a steal compared to 25K

t=organic&boosting_product=none" class="bbc_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/moto-guzzi-1000-s-gasoline-black-c671aa88-bb64-4f64-820c-b2561514ed7d?sort=standard&desc=0&position=1&source_otp=t10&source=listpage_search-results&order_bucket=unknown&boost_level=t10&applied_boost_level=t10&relevance_adjustmen t=organic&boosting_product=none

 

[Walton]

well a few facts:
Kawasaki Zephyr came out same year, so lets say both share the honor of first retros

84 hp? (from the video) in your dreams.... certainly not at the back wheel :)

the model the 1000S was built upon, the LM V was dynoed by PB mag at 61rwhp.... :)

Still great bike.

Honda's GB 500 tourist trophy came out in 85'.

[faffi]

Honda's GB 500 tourist trophy came out in 85'.

Very good point! And the SR500 in 1978, however it was meant to be a modern version of the old British bikes, as was the Honda GB, meaning they were not marketed as retros as far as I know.

[wirespokes]

The 1000S was created at the request of a dealer in England, and based on the LM4. The smaller brake discs attest to that. I've got a friend who lusted after one back then, but didn't have the cash. I'm guessing those who did, didn't want an old, outdated, bike.

[faffi]

Mark @ Moto Guzzi Classics recently sold one for $25k.

To me, it does not matter if it is a "true" 1000S. I could live just as well with a Spada or similar made up to look like a 1000S. It is the looks more than the genuinity factor I would want, although I do appreciate the wider wheels and better fork of the 1000S compared to the older versions.

[Frenchfrog]

longer wheelbase though.....

[cliffrod]

In 95, I went to a party at Farmer Fred’s just west of Knoxville..  After I got there, one of his friends rode in on his 1000S.  Don’t remember his name but think he was from the Athens, TN area & looked kind of like the Dr Hammond character from Jurassic Park.   I was smitten with that bike.  Fred thought I would like it.  so I hopped in my Galaxie, went back to my apartment, hopped on my V7 Sport and went flying back over to the party so we could do some real side-by-side comparisons.  Even though I don’t remember many specifics about the impromptu tech session, he & I had a great time.   But, as emuch as I like the 1000S, I didn’t find it to be as intrinsic as the V7 Sport. 

Not sure if that was the same party when said 1000S owner/rider produced a sword from his walking cane, which led to the two of us having LOTS more fun until Farmer Fred shut us down before somebody (else) got hurt….  Fun times.

[kidsmoke]

Is that pic from a US version? Looks better with the black dials, although I usually prefer them white.

The reason I wrote "homemade" is because it reminded me of an exaggerated version of my own setup for my then Daybird, with a combination of stock backing plate and a plate to connect them to the handlebars.

Blue, actually. I agree, it’s an odd dash. Wonderful from the cockpit but obtrusive from other angles.

Dave, do you know is there a source for the black surrounds of those jewels lights? One of mine has a small chip missing. Would love to correct that…

[faffi]

I fitted a LM I replica fairing to hide my contraption

[blackcat]

longer wheelbase though.....

My 76 LeMans with the screen door front forks handles better than the 1000S with tall frame, longer wheel base and better front suspension.

[Dave Swanson]

Blue, actually. I agree, it’s an odd dash. Wonderful from the cockpit but obtrusive from other angles.

Dave, do you know is there a source for the black surrounds of those jewels lights? One of mine has a small chip missing. Would love to correct that…

I am afraid I don't know where to source those.

[blackcat]

Dave, do you know is there a source for the black surrounds of those jewels lights? One of mine has a small chip missing. Would love to correct that…

Kip, sent you a text.

[Stretch]

I could live with a MK I LeMans and a 1000S in my stable.

Fast, sensible(?!), solo transport!     

                                         -Stretch

[Tom]

I have two '93 models, one with Bubs and one with Staintunes.  Both are loud but the Bubs are louder.     If the orange one came with an orange frame, I would have bought one instead of two greenies.  🤦‍♂️