Tell me about a 1200 Sport

[fotoguzzi]

a Guzzi is for sale near me with a reasonable price.. Not my first choice to get back in the Guzzi world but interested in your take on it.
it's a 2 valve motor, right?
should I have concerns about the dash?
just how heavy is it?
the trunk would have to go, or save for when I need it.. I'd be looking for HB bags and mounts, anyone?
what else should I check out or ask about..
I sent message to see if he's the original owner and asked for more pics.

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/6556716822.html

[Tom]

Good price.  Fun bike to ride.

[guzzi4me]

Hey, it even comes with T-shirts!!!

Worth a closer look.....

Jeff

[jas67]

a Guzzi is for sale near me with a reasonable price.. Not my first choice to get back in the Guzzi world but interested in your take on it.

Good price for a 1200.   But, I'd likely never buy one, as my Breva 1100 experience has soured me on the Breva/Norge lineup.  That said, maybe the clutch design was improved over the 2006 (see comments about the clutch and dash below).

it's a 2 valve motor, right?

Yep.

should I have concerns about the dash?

Absolutely     I put two in my 2006 Breva 1100.    Loved that bike, got sick of replacing dashes.    Sold my spare one to OhioRider for his 1200 Sport.

just how heavy is it?

If the same as the Breva 1100, about 540# wet.

the trunk would have to go, or save for when I need it.. I'd be looking for HB bags and mounts, anyone?
what else should I check out or ask about..

HB bags are great, I had the 30L ones on my Breva.

Does anyone know if the clutch design was improved on these over the B11?   The original clutch on my B11 delaminated and came apart at 23k miles.

[alanp]

Yes, 2 valve head.  It is a Norge with less fairing and different bars.  Very good bike as far as I know. 

[NC Steve]

Big torquey 2V twin, a little heavy but great mile muncher and do everything bike.

I've been halfway looking for one, if you don't want it, I might. 

[alanp]

Per Jas67 post above, I think the clutch was improved but don�t know details.  I have not heard of significant issues with Norge or 1200 sport clutches, I don�t think there are issues to speak of.  Some of the earlier Norge also had issues such as oil pumps that were also fixed by the time the 1200 Sport was produced. 

[NC Steve]

The custom exhaust has been moved to the right and looks higher, with what can be seen.

Might be an issue if mounting bags...

Never mind, I see the seller says the stock exhaust is included 
It also has what may be a Laminar lip, a good thing if integrated well.

[pete roper]

I believe the Breva/Sport dash issue is overblown personally. I’ve only ever had to replace one on a Breva but I know that anecdotally they have a higher failure rate than say Griso’s or Stelvios.

The clutch is the same twin plate that has been used forever. Periodically the factory got bad batches of plates but the design itself hasn’t really changed since dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Looking at it my guess is that that pipe hidden behind the bike is a Guzzitech right hand exit pipe. If it is it will completely screw the fueling if it’s still running a closed loop factory map and will be deafeningly loud. If it has also has the full PCV/AT/reflash done it will almost certainly be an overfuelling monster that gets lousy mileage and grossly underperforms. If that is the case just take all the crap off, put the original pipe back on and remap it either with the factory map or a decent one from another source and go ride.

Unless they’ve had ‘The treatment’ it will probably need new swingarm bearings and a shock linkage con rod and depending on miles/climate maybe steering head bearings.

As others have said it’s basically a naked Norge with handlebars rather than riser bars like the Norge. I have several customers who have racked up big distances on 2V 1200 Sports, they are a good, rugged platform and a superb mile muncher. As long as it fits you? Why not?

Pete

[tris]

I've no clue about the bike itself, but you can greatly improve the top box (trunk??) by removing the ridiculously over-sized back rest.

Its held on with 4 self tappers IIRC and you can fit a few plastic plugs to make it watertight again

[JohninVT]

It's sort of like a Norge without a fairing but the suspension and brakes are better.  It would benefit from thicker fork oil and resetting the air gap if it hasn't already been done.  HH pads seem to cure the rotor warping issue.  My dash failed within a year.  Remove the GuzziTwerp exhaust immediately and sell it to one of his fawning disciples.  That exhaust is obscenely loud and makes the bike run like wet dog poo.  As Pete said it's probably running pig-rich.  It almost has to have a PC-V because of the exhaust.  You could remove the PC-V(again, you could unload it together with his exhaust to a rube on his site) and load a Beetle map.  You could also leave the PC-V but add an Auto-tune.  Either put the stock exhaust back on or a Mistral and leave the DB killer in it.  Then use the Auto-tune trim feature to get the bike running right again using the Mistral or stock exhaust.

Norge panniers fit the 1200 Sport.  HB bags and racks cost about the same as Norge Panniers.  The Norge setup is factory and the bike looks a lot better when you take them off than it does with the HB mounts bare, IMHO.  The seller added a larger windscreen over the stock one.  That may or may not work for you.  If he drilled the stock screen to add the new one and you want to remove it I think I still have my stock screen and a spare tail cover floating around in the shed.  They're yours for shipping costs if you want them.  If it's running the stock Metlezer M3's I suggest swapping them for a sport touring tire.  M3's are designed for 400lb sportbikes.  It's really easy to overheat the carcass of them with a 550lb bike if you ride aggressively and then they get greasy.  They also have the triangular profile on the front tire that makes the bike fall into corners under braking.  I wasn't a fan.  Michelin PR2's or PR3's have a rounded profile so it will take a hair more effort to turn but it's a lot more linear as you bank it over.  Just my .02         

[ohiorider]

If it's running the stock Metlezer M3's I suggest swapping them for a sport touring tire.  M3's are designed for 400lb sportbikes.  It's really easy to overheat the carcass of them with a 550lb bike if you ride aggressively and then they get greasy.  They also have the triangular profile on the front tire that makes the bike fall into corners under braking.  I wasn't a fan.  Michelin PR2's or PR3's have a rounded profile so it will take a hair more effort to turn but it's a lot more linear as you bank it over.  Just my .02         

Agreed.  Poor tire choice from the factory.  With only a slight amount of wear, I found the bike to be a handful wanting to fall too far into a turn, requiring constant correction.  Ended up initially on Metzeler 880s, but went to PR3 and now PR4.  Nice, confident. neutral-handling bike with the Michelins.  Michelins seem much more compliant than the previous 880s.

I've been riding mine since April 2010.  Now at 67,000 miles.  I made a few mods to mine shortly after buying.  Mostly ergonomic.  I'm 5'8", 32" sleeve, 30" inseam.  160#.
- stock bar too wide, low and far forward for me.  Replaced with Aprilia Mana bars, as did many other owners.
- adjustable foot pegs by MFW (pegs slightly lower and forward.)
- Sargent re-padded my stock saddle.  Stock way too soft.  Corbin for traveling.  Day rides modified stock is ok.
- installed centerstand.
- installed heated grips (cheapies, but they work fine).
- installed HB mounts and 30L bags with liners.
- have Bagster tank cover and small tank bag for traveling.  Need to put it back on.  Very handy accessory.
- have HB rear rack (or is it Guzzi??) that I install for traveling.  Adequate for tent, sleeping bag, Thermorest.
- running stock exhaust and map.

From the first ride home, the 1200 Sport felt like a bike worth investing in.  Yep, the stock bars almost killed me on the 500+ mile ride home, as did the too-soft saddle, and foot pegs too high and far to the rear for me personally.  But she rode so nicely, handled so nicely, shifted so nicely, accelerated so nicely, on and on, I knew this one was a keeper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIyCC7IPL7Y
First ride from Swanzey NH to Hudson OH

Bob

[Moto]

I found it too top-heavy, in Italy. It would probably work better heading across the Great Plains to your west than, say, a Griso. I didn't like it, but it's a matter of personal taste.

I would be concerned about the dash enough to take it apart and coat the PCB, but you might get lucky. I would also ask about any symptoms before you buy: Has the dash display ever gone blank, in whole or in part? Do you see condensation on the inside of the dash's lens on bright, cold mornings, or any other times?

Moto

[JohninVT]

I found it too top-heavy, in Italy. It would probably work better heading across the Great Plains to your west than, say, a Griso. I didn't like it, but it's a matter of personal taste.

I would be concerned about the dash enough to take it apart and coat the PCB, but you might get lucky. I would also ask about any symptoms before you buy: Has the dash display ever gone blank, in whole or in part? Do you see condensation on the inside of the dash's lens on bright, cold mornings, or any other times?

Moto

The problem with the dash is that the drain holes are too high in the assembly and water collects, corroding the PCB.  I don't know if the problem was corrected but most of the ones I heard about were 2008's.   

[bad Chad]

I'v been very pleased with mine having had it nine years with no issues.  Clock cluster works just like it was new, as does the clutch as does everything else.   Like most have said it's a great do it all bike.   
Pegs are a bit high and aft, but there are simple fixes to help with that.

[Unkept]

I really like them, I just worry about the weight and the dashboard.

Otherwise, the best 2v big block engine that came from the factory... solid suspension, decent looks in my opinion, great luggage options, comfortable, affordable...

[Travlr]

Otherwise, the best 2v big block engine that came from the factory... solid suspension, decent looks in my opinion, great luggage options, comfortable, affordable...

Love mine.  Rode it from Chicago to Phoenix last year.  It eats the miles.  Best of the CARCS IMHO.

 I use a top box when I tour.  Butt ugly and a bit top heavy.  But sooo handy and it comes off the rest of time

M

[JJ]

Almost bought a new one back in 2007...fit me like a glove...cool bike overall...and very capable...all the deficiencies / issues CAN be sorted.   Go with your heart!   :1:





NOTE:  I wanted a Centauro for many years...never bought one because several of my Guzzi "expert" friends said: 

* Oh they are problematic...
* Oh you can't get parts for them...
* Oh they can't be modified /  sorted / upgraded....
* Oh they are unreliable
* Oh you can't tour on them
* Oh - Oh  - Oh 

ALL BS of course, and a few years ago, I finally stopped listening to everyone...and bought this one ('98 Centauro GT)...and it is the most fun of the 5 Guzzi's I have ever owned!! No regrets... :1:




delete kik
 

[Don G]

You may want to change the bars out as they make you reach quite a bit, one day I realized why they were like that, it will come into its own at about 120 MPH, then the bars are correct.  DonG

[jas67]

Almost bought a new one back in 2007...fit me like a glove...cool bike overall...and very capable...all the deficiencies / issues CAN be sorted.   Go with your heart!   :1:





NOTE:  I wanted a Centauro for many years...never bought one because several of my Guzzi "expert" friends said: 

* Oh they are problematic...
* Oh you can't get parts for them...
* Oh they can't be modified /  sorted / upgraded....
* Oh they are unreliable
* Oh you can't tour on them
* Oh - Oh  - Oh 

ALL BS of course, and a few years ago, I finally stopped listening to everyone...and bought this one ('98 Centauro GT)...and it is the most fun of the 5 Guzzi's I have ever owned!! No regrets... :1:




delete kik
 

I wasn't trying to dissuade  FG with my post.   The 1200 Sport is a fantastic bike, and maybe my clutch problem was a fluke, as it doesn't seem to be a common problem, as I've not read of anyone else having the problem.  But, the dash problem is real.   But, again, it seems to be a small percentage of bikes actually affected.   Having had to pay for TWO replacements, plus the clutch, I'm a bit jaded on the whole Breva/1200 Sport/Norge lineup.    BUT -- maybe I was just unlucky.

Expensive problems aside, I really did enjoy riding the Breva.  It's a great sport tourer, IMHO, and I would think that the 1200 would be even better.

And to follow up DonG's comment on "coming into it's own at 120", yes, these bikes are long legged.    The sweet spot for the Breva 1100 was about 80 MPH, though it was quite happy to go faster, maybe a little too happy 

[JohninVT]

You may want to change the bars out as they make you reach quite a bit, one day I realized why they were like that, it will come into its own at about 120 MPH, then the bars are correct.  DonG

I'm not sure if he still makes them but Mike Bui used to make risers for the Sport.  They're super nice. 

[Travlr]

I've got Mana bars on mine.  They don't have much more rise, but more sweep.  Kind of like the old Superbike Bar bend.
A tight bolt on and a major improvement in comfort.

M

[JJ]

I wasn't trying to dissuade  FG with my post.   The 1200 Sport is a fantastic bike, and maybe my clutch problem was a fluke, as it doesn't seem to be a common problem, as I've not read of anyone else having the problem.  But, the dash problem is real.   But, again, it seems to be a small percentage of bikes actually affected.   Having had to pay for TWO replacements, plus the clutch, I'm a bit jaded on the whole Breva/1200 Sport/Norge lineup.    BUT -- maybe I was just unlucky.

Expensive problems aside, I really did enjoy riding the Breva.  It's a great sport tourer, IMHO, and I would think that the 1200 would be even better.

And to follow up DonG's comment on "coming into it's own at 120", yes, these bikes are long legged.    The sweet spot for the Breva 1100 was about 80 MPH, though it was quite happy to go faster, maybe a little too happy 

The "POS" Veglia Borletti tach "died" on my Centuaro GT shortly after I bought it.  It had about 6500 miles on it. 
I was fortunate enough to source a "new" OEM tach on here, thanks to one kind Guzzisti,  and sent the old one to the UK to be rebuilt, so now I have a spare.  So, yes, it cost me some money, but I hate things that don't work right, so I paid the piper and now it is fine and I have a spare, just in case.  That's the "sorting" process on any motorcycle...new or used.

[fotoguzzi]

I wasn't trying to dissuade  FG with my post.   

Don't worry about that I'll go in eyes wide open and not planning to buy yet. it's had 2 owners (-)
I get it about the pipe and fueling(-)
still waiting for pics..
it's a good hour away and I don't have a lot of time for this.. If it was a Nero Corsa i'd be there already.

so I'll update when I have more..

[Scott of the Sahara]

So I have the '08 Norge. Same motor, same color.
I must say that is one heck of a deal. I wish something like that was available in 2010, when I bought mine.
I have over 30,000 miles on mine, and very few problems.
I would not hesitate to get THAT bike in a heartbeat.

[JJ]

Don't worry about that I'll go in eyes wide open and not planning to buy yet. it's had 2 owners (-)
I get it about the pipe and fueling(-)
still waiting for pics..
it's a good hour away and I don't have a lot of time for this.. If it was a Nero Corsa i'd be there already.

so I'll update when I have more..

My point is, with any used motorcycle, there will always be things you will want your way after the purchase, including upgrades, mods, things that need fixing / replacing, etc.  That's all part of the sorting process...and my experience is that it usually takes about a year of riding, hand-wringing, researching, etc., until you get it "sorted" where you want it. :1:   Even a new bike can have warranty issues, etc...all part of the fun of ownership... :1:

[ccoli]

Fotoguzzi has owned more Guzzi's than I have....Well maybe
I sure like my 1200, though Judi is not strong on it. Sits her up pretty high. She is spoiled by the sidecar!

[Tom]

I like your 1200 too.        For those that don't know.  Chris let me use it for the last IA National in Elkader.  Had loads of fun on it.      Ahem....mahalo Chris.  By the way, when is the WI state rally?  I don't think I want to go to the pending fiasco in Woodinville, WA. 

[ccoli]

1st full weekend in August (3,4,5) many of us there on Thursday too. Look forward to seeing you. Bike is waiting for you 
See wmgr.org

I like your 1200 too.        For those that don't know.  Chris let me use it for the last IA National in Elkader.  Had loads of fun on it.      Ahem....mahalo Chris.  By the way, when is the WI state rally?  I don't think I want to go to the pending fiasco in Woodinville, WA. 

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Bought mine in Nov. 2013 with 3,800 miles on it and rode it 1,400 miles home from Oklahoma. Foot pegs were way to high for my 32" inseam so I duct taped my rain suit to the seat to get my legs a break. Once home,  I got 1.5 inch lowered foot pegs and added an inch of foam under the seat. Now it fits me like a glove.

Handlebars are fine.  Fell in love with it on the ride back from Oklahoma. The only real problem was the startus interruptus and I put that kit in and it's been fine.

 I now have 29,000 miles on it and it's my Guzzi of choice. For me, it does everything I want a bike to do. Last September, I put H&B bags on it and I took it on an 8- day trip down into North Carolina and Virginia and had a fantastic time. Ive never been a "Black" vehicle person until now. In black, all the parts flow together and it looks beautiful. Guzzi got it right.