Which is faster over a 4 mile circuit, Scura or 1200 Sport?

[bad Chad]

Ok, on a closed circuit race track, with top notch riders and equipment, which is faster, and why?  Two different beasts, yet similar enough to make a legit comparison.

Scura, vs 1200 Sport.  List advantages and disadvantages of both.  Lets just say for fun, the track is Road America in WI, the longest road circuit in the USA.

[Travlr]

I loved my old Breva 11.  A great touring bike.  The Sport is mostly a tarted up version of your Breva 11 Brad. 

My old Breva doesn't hold a candle to my Scura as a sport bike.  The Ohlins suspension alone makes it faster.
IMHO one is sport touring bike and the other a sport bike.

Mike

[Rough Edge racing]

 How does the  Scura compare to other bikes in it's class?, shaft or chain ?

[ohiorider]

I'm not a track day guy, but here's a few thoughts.  And I do own a 1200 Sport, US version, 2v.
- for a heavy machine, the Sport handles quite well.
- the Sport (2v/cyl) is rated at 95hp.
- the suspension on the Sport is supposedly upgraded over the B11/2v Norge suspension.
However, I don't know the Scura.  And I don't know the track you mentioned, and how many straights vs twisties in the course.

Also, I think the results might be different if the comparison was between the Scura and an 8v Sport.  I know the difference between straight line performance between the 1200 Sport 2v and Griso 8vSe was miles apart.  And if the 1200 Sport 8v ran like the Griso 8vSE, it might narrow the gap between the Scura and Sport. Guess what I'm saying is that the 8v Sport might suffer in the turns, but make up for it in the straights.

It's an interesting question.  Now, if only an owner of a Scura AND 1200 Sport would show up, one who has spent track time on both bikes.

[JediMasterII]

Great topic here.

I agree that the Scura suspension makes it a better track bike. I don't think that the marginal extra HP on the 1200 Sport is enough to keep up.

However, an 8v 1200 engine HP will make a huge improvement and should be enough to outlast the Scura.

I actually took my Breva on 2 laps of Road America. The engine was adequate for my skill set but the stock suspension was noticeably soft and a bit problematic.

My $0.02.

[leafman60]

The true answer to the question depends on the rider!

[boatdetective]

Well, seeing as my 1200s is red, the answer is obvious.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Bring it, Chad, my man.. 

[oldbike54]

 A shifter go cart . Oh , sorry , not one of the options 

  Dusty

[Yukonica]

The true answer to the question depends on the rider!

Okay: Lorenzo and his molecular double are in each seat.
They are Spanish therefore could give a hoot about preserving the reputation of an outdated Italian marque; they just want to beat the other bike. OP chose Road America as the test track. I'd have chosen Assen.
Long ago: a friend and I bet some beers my blueprinted, tuned-exhaust, 750 Honda against his 50cc pit bike on a kart track. Of course I was A--whupped! But then he backed out when I upped the anti to include laps until we both ran out of fuel. It is all about perspective.

[Aaron D.]

The true answer to the question depends on the rider!

Truth against the dreams of mechanical superiority. Suspension is vastly overrated in this practical contest, and geometry would come after rider skill, but before suspension.

Two identical riders? Then whoever was braver.

[canuguzzi]

It depends on the bets and if profit sharing is part of it. Never underestimate the power of greed to sway races.

[Rox]

I remember when I wanted to trade my V11 for a Sport. Then I rode a Sport. The V11 felt just as fast. The Scura has top suspension. I would pick the Scura.

[earemike]

As a former Scura owner I vote Scura!

Not quite the power but gobs of torque, slightly lighter & slightly shorter wheelbase. After I rebuilt the suspension & slipped the forks through it hussled well for a big bike.

[bad Chad]

Bring it, Chad, my man.. 

I might be wearing 1200 Sport bodywork, but the Red Arrow is really a tried and true 1064cc work horse, but a work horse that likes to run with the fast Phillies!  I have trained her well, winding her out, letting her stretch those long legs, but keeping things under about 7700rpm as not to make her feel unloved.  She has some straight forward go fast bits, but nothing to much.  Her biggest hindrance to living at the top of her capability is the 250LB lug riding her back!  But I'll still say, God Dam, the girl can dance, at least with a two left footed pugly lug like me.

But watch out Chucky, I'll be gunning for you and your Hot Rod Scura!

[Travlr]

I've thought a bit further about your question.  If what you are looking for is Scura level performance in a modern Guzzi, I'd go for an 8 valve Griso over the 1200 Sport.  I had an 8 valve Griso and my Scura at the same time.  They were much closer in performance than was my Breva 11.  I eventually sold the Griso because the Scura is such a charismatic hot rod and it's not my only bike.  But a Griso 8V might be something for you to consider.

Mike