guzzi models over the last 30 years or so

[vstevens]

I'm new to guzzi with last August's purchase of my V7 Stone... which is running fantastic in the cool weather we are experiencing lately.  But I've read dozens of threads here refering to past bikes I'm unfamiliar with.  Names like:
Daytona - nice pictures
Centauro - again, looks great

V11 jackal, stone, special, california, Sport, Le Mans, Scura (funny name), and whatever else the v11 motor went into.
V65 something or another
Nevada
Breva 750 - I've seen this one on youtube, looks like a great bike
Breva 1100 -  pictures make it out as a Norge without the fairing, again, a nice bike.
Griso - I know this one in the 1200 version, but know little of the 1100 motor version... and was it also in an 800 cc version?
Norge and Stelvio - are current enough that I've read a lot about them and really appreciate them both... especially the Norge.

I'm sure there are others I've missed.  I've searched for a history of these bikes but the search engine turns up too many unrelated threads.

Ohhh, and what are the 'red suspenders' that are often referred to on WG?

Thanks to all in advance.. I like the marque and would like to understand more of it.
 
 

[oldbike54]

 Not asking for much are you 

 Dusty

[JeffOlson]

Moto Guzzi is a relatively small manufacturer. A good way to diversify its offerings without too much effort is to create several different-looking but similar models using the same basic frame and engine with different bits of trim.

As for the suspenders, I imagine the red is for Moto Guzzi, and the snapping refers to men standing around, chewing the fat, opining about this or that, with their thumbs behind their suspenders, stretching and snapping them as they talk. I imagine there is also a pipe or a piece of straw in many a man's mouth...

[Chuck in Indiana]

Guzzi has a long and storied history. Research, grasshopper, research. 
The suspenders refer to the owners being old and opinionated. <snapping suspenders, tamping corncob pipe> 

[fotoguzzi]

the big block twin goes back to around 1967 and was the platform for all the rest.

[Guzzistajohn]

Wow, you've really opened up a can of worms here, good work!

The thing you MUST remember is, of all the Guzzi models you've asked about the LeMans is THE best design EVER made

Suspenders <KER SNAP!>

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^^ second best.. <snapping suspenders>

[Guzzistajohn]

^^^^ second best.. <snapping suspenders>

Yes Chuck, I'll agree. The Scura is pretty bad ass (I had one) By the way Vstevens, that silly name "SCURA" means "dark"

[vstevens]

Education underway!  Love that Le Mans... and the Dark/Scura too.  Wow, so many great choices for my next bike!

Do I detect 'red suspenders' on that Scura?

[vstevens]

I opened this thread expecting to see models.

Love those red suspenders!

[fotoguzzi]

a red LeMans is faster (looking).

[oldbike54]

 Everyone knows the 2 valve California models are the best  Run forever , non of that fussy stuff that comes with the hot rods 

 Oh , Vince , actually the Norge is a Breva with touring stuff added .

  Dusty

[Dean Rose]

https://us.gratefulgoose.com/compare.html?q=Moto+Guzzi+Books


Dean

[fotoguzzi]

you only ask about the V twins but Guzzi has built about every configuration possible in a motor bike from singles to a V8 !

[fotoguzzi]

https://us.gratefulgoose.com/compare.html?q=Moto+Guzzi+Books


Dean

best book in that group by far is Greg Fields.

http://www.amazon.com/Motoguzzi-Twins-Motorcycle-Color-History/dp/0760303630?SubscriptionId=AKIAIQWHH4HRPK7LRQTQ&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=0760303630&linkCode=xm2&tag=gratefulgoose-total-20

even if Amazon drags out the tractor reference..

[rocker59]

V11 jackal, stone, special, california, Sport, Le Mans, Scura (funny name), and whatever else the v11 motor went into.
 

I'm going to go ahead and clear this one up.  "V11" EV/Bassa/Jackal are different from V11 Sport/LeMans.

EV/Bassa/Jacal/Stone/Special/Aluminum/Titanium are all Californias.  Built on a version of the Tonti frame which daties back to the original V7 Sport of the early 1970s.  Using the injected California 1100 engine and 5-speed transission.



Daytona/Daytona RS/Sport 1100/V11 Sport/V11 LeMans/Centauro are all built on the spine frame chassis which was developed in the late 1980s for Dr. John Wittner's endurance racing team.

Properly, "V11" refers to the '99-'05 V11 Sport/LeMans series. It uses a hotrod version of the 1100 (1064cc) engine with a 6-speed transmission, and as mentioned, is built on the spine frame.

Daytona 1000.  1992-1994.  New high-cam 1000cc engine installed in the spine frame endurance racing frame, and based heavily on Dr. John's endurance racer, including most of the compromises you'd expect from a small project.  The street bikes were expensive, but the fastest and best handling Guzzis to that time.  There were a couple of limited editions available in Europe: Daytona Racing and Dr. John.  The Standard Daytona 1000 was available in the USA only as a 1993 model, and in very limited numbers.





Sport 1100 (carb).  1994-1996.  Same chassis as the Daytona.  Revised bodywork with ram-air and a slimmer tail section with 2-up seating.  Bigger 320mm front brakes, but the biggest change was the much cheaper to produce 2vpc 1064cc engine.  Crane cam and higher compression set it apart from the California.  This bike was about $4000 cheaper than the Daytona 1000. 



Sport 1100 (injection).  1997.  Upgraded Sport 1100 with USD WP forks, Marchesseni wheels.  One year only in the USA.  A special edition called Sport Corsa was available outside the USA.  It included an upgraded engine with Carillo rods, and special paint.



Daytona RS.  1997.  Daytona 1000 with bodywork upgraded to same as Sport 1100 (injection).  Also got the Sport 1100 (injection) WP front forks and 320mm brakes.  Imported to the USA in very limited numbers.



Centauro.  1997-1998.  Luciano Marabese designed bodywork and standard ergos built on a Daytona RS chassis.  Sold in limited numbers due the then controversial Marabese styling.



V11 Sport. 1999-2005. (2000-2004 in USA).  Upgraded and redesigned version of the Sport 1100.  New bodywork by Luciano Marabese.  New 6-speed transmission, and final drive.  Marzocchi forks.  Slightly shortened wheelbase drew some complaints.  It was corrected in 2002 on the LeMans.  Special versions include Rosso Mandello, Scura ("Dark" in Italian), Cafe Sport, and Coppa Italia.  The last three with Ohlins suspension.  The last V11 Sport was the Euro-only V11 Scura R in 2005.



V11 LeMans.  2002-2004.  Half-Faired version of the V11 Sport.  Went back to the wheelbase of the Sport 1100.  Small change by many people appreciated the improved stability.  The fairing provided good protection for a sport-touring bike.  Special versions included Tenni, Rosso Corsa, Nero Corsa.  The last two being Ohlins-equipped.



The final extension of the spine frame bikes was the race-only MGS-01.  It was a project with Ghezzi + Brian, but was killed by Piaggio shortly after they took over in 2004.  The MGS-01 Corsa can be seen at some AHRMA races.  Few were built.  It was the lightest, best handling of the spine frame bikes.



Anyway, that's my (abridged) contribution to your questions.  Google is your friend for more details and pix.

 

[Dean Rose]

Go ahead and lick the screen.


Dean

https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=mw#hl=en&q=mgs+01+corsa

[Gliderjohn]

And there are T-3s (not stock) and California IIs and Converts to keep the mix stirred.





GliderJohn

[rocker59]

I opened this thread expecting to see models.
 

[mjptexas]

LowRyter,

Has the Mrs.  seen this picture of the young lady lounging on Greenie?

[mjptexas]

And of course there are Grisos and Cali 1400s:

[Kentktk]

Go ahead and lick the screen.


Dean

https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&tab=mw#hl=en&q=mgs+01+corsa

One for sale. $75,000
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-MGS01-CORSA-/172040927470?forcerrptr=true&hash=item280e7038ee:g:SuUAAOSwIwhWTPPQ&item=172040927470

[JoeW]

You can go a little farther back...
https://www.thrillist.com/cars/moto-guzzi-history-18-facts-about-the-oldest-italian-motorcycles

[vstevens]

Wow
Thanks for all the replies, photos, and personal opines!  Seems like Guzzi has made classic, cruiser, sporty, sexy, modern and hipster... singles and twins... would love to see a modern small single cyclinder Guzzi in about a 300 to 500 cc size, reminescent of their earlier bikes. 

No wonder the folks at wild goose chase are so dedicated to the brand!  Guzzi seems to have offered just about anything one could ask for over the last 30 or so years... and managed to keep a durable and largely reliable bike... capable of 100,000 miles and more in some cases. 

Although I'm not turned on by the new V9 bikes, I'd love to eventually buy a V11 sport or even Scura when the time is right and the bike is available.  And the 1400 Californias are calling my name... as is the Norge... and .... I can see why its hard to own 'just one' Guzzi!  Wow... they are gorgeous. 

[Cool Runnings]

MG should be selling like Harley's! 

[nick949]

Wow
Thanks for all the replies, photos, and personal opines!  Seems like Guzzi has made classic, cruiser, sporty, sexy, modern and hipster... singles and twins... would love to see a modern small single cyclinder Guzzi in about a 300 to 500 cc size, reminescent of their earlier bikes. 

No wonder the folks at wild goose chase are so dedicated to the brand!  Guzzi seems to have offered just about anything one could ask for over the last 30 or so years... and managed to keep a durable and largely reliable bike... capable of 100,000 miles and more in some cases. 

Although I'm not turned on by the new V9 bikes, I'd love to eventually buy a V11 sport or even Scura when the time is right and the bike is available.  And the 1400 Californias are calling my name... as is the Norge... and .... I can see why its hard to own 'just one' Guzzi!  Wow... they are gorgeous.

To see some of the 70's bikes in action:  https://www.youtube.com/user/nick949eldo/videos

Nick

[blackcat]

One for sale. $75,000
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-MGS01-CORSA-/172040927470?forcerrptr=true&hash=item280e7038ee:g:SuUAAOSwIwhWTPPQ&item=172040927470

A Powerball win and it will be a buy it now.

[Steph]

Here is a humble Guzzi history from a personal perspective

If you had been a teenager growing up in the 70's the Le Mans 850 would have been something very special to dream about, handling, speed, it had it all. While riding your RD350 with your friends.



Then distractions in the 80's would have come along and Kawasaki GPZ550 were reported to do 1/4 miles in 12.65  (or something) years later Kawasaki admitted cheating by race prepping those bikes for mags.



Then the V50 Monza came along got you hooked on Guzzi



Then got hold of a Le Mans V, fun and engaging but not the most reliable 



Then settle down with a best of the breed 2002 California Stone:



The end