What’s are the various Guzzi models rated for handling

[Tennmoto]

I am searching for a sharp handling Moto Guzzi and I’m pretty sure the V7 is it, but I also have seen within range a 04 Cafe Sport, and a 07 Norge, also a Breva 1100.
I test road a Quota locally here and it was kind off terrible.

[fotoguzzi]

Dude, the Cafe Sport I's a V11, yes? That would rip circles around the others. Get it!

[Gliderjohn]

The Norge is a fine handling bike...for its size. If you are talking areas with mostly tighter curves as compared to sweepers the small blocks are the way to go. On the flip side if you use a Norge in the tighter stuff you will get a pretty good physical workout which has its own advantages.
GliderJohn

[Tennmoto]

Ok I’ll head down and ride the Cafe Sport 😄

[Huzo]

Much as I like to fly the flag for the Norge.
If you want "sharp", you're going to want a V7 Racer aren't you..?

[beetle]

Are you talking flickability, or precision? If you want precision, the V7 is not the answer. We are talking late model small block, right? The suspension is horrible, and they are frightening at speed. Especially on less than stellar road surfaces. The are light, and great fun at an easy pace. I'm a big lump though, so if you're a smaller person and threw some money at the suspension, you might be OK.

The big block CARC bikes can have on rails-handling if setup correctly.


This is only my opinion and experience. V7 owners please do not flame me. 

[Kent in Upstate NY]

Get a 2001-2002 Cal Special or EV and throw about 1000 bucks into suspension and you will have more bike than you can handle. IMHO.

[fotoguzzi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQe6xK7Iie8

[flip]

You mentioned the Breva 1100. I'm a big, very heavy guy and for me, my Breva 1100 handles well up to about 7/10's pace. I'm still running the stock suspension except for a heavier replacement rear spring. I think I could stiffen up the front suspension to get a bit more ride height and cornering clearance and perhaps lose the center stand and I could up the pace in the curves considerably. I just kinda hate to give up that cushy ride as it makes such a great traveling bike.

[Ncdan]

It woukd take a professional to out ride the 07 vintage that I had. It had a lot more to offer than my 50 years of riding experience could throw at it.

[Chuck in Indiana]

All of them are better than most of the riders.. that said, I'd take a properly set up Ohlins V11S.

[blackcat]

Ok I�ll head down and ride the Cafe Sport 😄

I have an 07 Norge and after throwing about $1,000 into the suspension it handles ok for a big bike. It still likes to waggle a bit in some turns, but I can live with that compared to how it was in stock dress.

Having owned a 03 Rosso Corsa, the Cafe Sport is the best option of the three choices. Keep in mind that if the Ohlins forks are showing any signs of leaking it isn't an inexpensive fix, so look close at those forks especially after a ride.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Any lighter weight Tonti frame with good shocks and tires is likely good enough for most riding on the street...But there's something else to street bike handling, how the bike feels might be more important than handling at the limit of performance..

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have an 07 Norge and after throwing about $1,000 into the suspension it handles ok for a big bike. It still likes to waggle a bit in some turns, but I can live with that compared to how it was in stock dress.

Having owned a 03 Rosso Corsa, the Cafe Sport is the best option of the three choices. Keep in mind that if the Ohlins forks are showing any signs of leaking it isn't an inexpensive fix, so look close at those forks especially after a ride.

Ohlins is really proud of their oil.  Just the same, knowing that one manufacturer's 5 wt fork oil might equal another's 10 wt, I went with the Ohlins oil at 30 some bucks a liter. You need slightly over a liter.. so say $65 for oil. The seals aren't terribly expensive, though. Now, if you have them done by an Ohlins "specialist" all bets are off.. 

[Murray]

The V11's are ok ideally you need to hunt down an early gen rear wheel and associated 160 tyre, they do suffer from a lack of weight on the front some of it can be dialled out some of it is a function of the seating position they ideally need a higher seat and clip on's. The 1100 sports ideally the injected model was better with the lighter wheels and better upside-down front end, compared to the earlier carbed versions but you are stepping back about 40 years in gearbox technology between the v11 and the sport two.

The Daytona RS/Racing if you can actually find one once setup are pretty capable although make sure you get the C kit version of the motor the a kits weren't much different to an 1100 sport. There are also the Magni powered Guzzi's but if you thought a Daytona was hard to find. Obligatory MGS-01 comment in here somewhere.

The V7's are light but thats about where it starts and stops wooden brakes and basic suspension with less than ideal weight distribution. The griso is probably the pick of the CARC bikes.

For leaky Ohlins forks Suzuki 1000 GSXR K4 seals are the go same diameter and a double lipped seal which is far more robust than the ohlins, you may need to look at the ohlins valving they were't exactly ideally setup from the factory most likely due for a service anyway.

[Chuck in Indiana]

For leaky Ohlins forks Suzuki 1000 GSXR K4 seals are the go same diameter and a double lipped seal which is far more robust than the ohlins, you may need to look at the ohlins valving they were't exactly ideally setup from the factory most likely due for a service anyway.

I looked into the double lipped seals, but from what I read, you lose that silky Ohlins feel from increased stiction. It's really no big deal to change out the seals..
The early Ohlins were undersprung on the V11s. The Cafe Sport should be ok, I would think..

[Tennmoto]

Ok dammit I’m taking off work Tuesday to go see it. My only conflict is buying it outright or trading my Bmw R1150R in which I would prefer not to

[LowRyter]

Guzzis typically handle better than most bikes in their respective ranges.  The Cafe Sport is in the family of the best handling Guzzis.

[jpv7]

Are you talking flickability, or precision? If you want precision, the V7 is not the answer. We are talking late model small block, right? The suspension is horrible, and they are frightening at speed. Especially on less than stellar road surfaces. The are light, and great fun at an easy pace. I'm a big lump though, so if you're a smaller person and threw some money at the suspension, you might be OK.

The big block CARC bikes can have on rails-handling if setup correctly.


This is only my opinion and experience. V7 owners please do not flame me. 

+1.  There are people who insist the stock V7 suspension is adequate.  Sure it is if you tool around on it like a cruiser...
Having scared myself on my V7ii, i sorted the suspension (springs and valving in front, Hagons at rear.  At 170lbs. wet, i can confirm that it does let you hustle the bike through twisties with confidence.  I do really enjoy the bike now, although i wouldn't mind a V11 as a second street bike.  They are out there and not too expensive right now..

[Chuck in Indiana]

+1.  There are people who insist the stock V7 suspension is adequate.  Sure it is if you tool around on it like a cruiser...
Having scared myself on my V7ii, i sorted the suspension (springs and valving in front, Hagons at rear.  At 170lbs. wet, i can confirm that it does let you hustle the bike through twisties with confidence.  I do really enjoy the bike now, although i wouldn't mind a V11 as a second street bike.  They are out there and not too expensive right now..

This. The sorted AeroLario is "decent," (a little quicker handling than a modern V7)  but not in the same league as the Ohlins Scura. Riding them back to back is the test. The V11S (the last of the *real* Guzzis  )  rocks.

[Kev m]

This was a wonderful fanboy thread, but I have to ask the OP to better define sharp handling.

Do you mean quick turning? Light effort? High stability?

To me I picture fast and light, balanced on a knife edge, not necessarily rock solid stable.

My CARC (B1100) turned well, and was very stable, like on rails. And though it wasn't slow to turn I wouldn't call it particularly nimble.

My Tonti Call (Jackal) was pretty damn nimble despite it being pretty damn stable.

My V7 is downright nimble to the point of feeling slightly unstable. So to me it's the quickest to turn and easy to throw around. And I'd argue it's something of a knife edge because it's not so rock solid.

So which of these are you talking about?

[Roebling3]

I bought a V7 III Racer as my last new bike a year+ ago. I knew going in (and years b4 purchase), another few grand would be needed to make it truly drivable for a cranky person. Plus, imo, it had to be better looking and more comfy. I did all that, and not w/out help.  Too bad it's so close to 500#'s.

Suspension can most often be satisfied w/copious intelligent thought; by people who know what to do and have deep enough pockets to accomplish the task. With that in mind bite the bullet. Set your cost limit and ask what bike you really want own and ride, - for all of YOUR reasons. 

BTW: I've owned and ridden many shaft drive bikes over 67 years. They are all slow to dance. DAR YMWV.  R3~   

[Bulldog9]

Surprised not to see anyone mention the GRiSO.

[Gliderjohn]

The Griso has been mentioned as the best handling of the CARC bikes.
Back to the Norge, a previous poster referred to tail wagging at times. I have never experienced that on pavement on my 2011. I have on non-pavement. I would describe the Norge as being on the riding "on rails" type of bike, not as nimble but also not as much on "the edge" either. You have to work it a bit, can't just think it through tighter types of curves like lighter and shorter wheelbase style of bikes.
GliderJohn

[kingoffleece]

My 14 Norge "wags" when pushed hard (er) that one should on the street.

[rocker59]

Buy the 2004 Cafe Sport.

Install a 170/60-17 rear tire on the stock rim.

Take a little time to dial in the suspension.  Me? I needed a heavier rear spring.

A V11 will shred any of the other bikes you mentioned. ..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Fnq1000]

Hi Tennmoto
For all your V11 initial queries you could take a look here

https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showforum=10

When new I test rode a V11 Lemans - it broke down. Didn't buy it. I think the Nero Corsa look fantastic.

Keep the BMW if you can - that opens you up to other a raw option 1100 Sport or Mk4 or 5 Lemans.

Other than the handling, you don't indicate what sort of an experience you are seeking.

Cheers and good luck
Jason

[Huzo]

Buy the 2004 Cafe Sport.

Install a 170/60-17 rear tire on the stock rim.

Take a little time to dial in the suspension.  Me? I needed a heavier rear spring.

A V11 will shred any of the other bikes you mentioned. ..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Yes well...
Then there's the story about a mate of mine who rode my bike while I rode his. I used to do that a lot but not now..
Anyway..
I was on his Triumph Daytona 955i and he on my '07 Norge. He proceeded to pass me effortlessly and ride away from me on my own Guzzi..
I was trying and he wasn't.
Point is, I appreciate that the OP is a constant in this equation and was/is seeking advice on what will best suit his needs, the difference in abilities does not enter the conversation.
But.
If he rides anything enough, he'll reach his own personal maximum and probably be slower if he got on a so called "better" bike.
Most of the posts seem to recommend what they actually ride themselves.

[earemike]

Buy the V11, I still have one.

I used to have a Scura, awesome bike.

Just put a 90 front on my LM2, thing is very flickable & should outrun a V7...

Wheelbase, weight, Tyre size, personal preference all come into it...

The V11 is on the heavy side but great bang for buck. After upgrading the suspension & fitting sticky tyres it annoys friends on proper sports bikes. Just do it.

[AH Fan]

Buy the 2004 Cafe Sport.

Install a 170/60-17 rear tire on the stock rim.

Take a little time to dial in the suspension.  Me? I needed a heavier rear spring.

A V11 will shred any of the other bikes you mentioned. ..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Yes it will.... 

Ciao