Today’s Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 is the living, breathing result of an almost unbelievable underdog story. Italian and British motorcycle manufacturers never seem to lack enthusiasm. But cash? Well that’s always a problem. So while manufacturers like Honda have the financial backing of large companies to drive development and new technology, brands like Ducati and Moto Guzzi are often left without the cash to make their two-wheeled dreams a reality.
So when the time came for Guzzi to develop a serious sportbike to top off their long-in-the-tooth range, where did they turn? To a dentist. In the United States.
In the mid-1980’s Dr. John Wittner, a dentist and weekend racer was campaigning, for some insane reason, a Moto Guzzi v-twin in ProTwins and endurance racing events. His unlikely successes brought him to the attention of the folks over in Italy, and Wittner was asked to design a new sportbike for Guzzi, using what he’d learned successfully racing these supposedly obsolete machines.
The resulting bike featured a 992cc version of the classic v-twin with four-valve heads, fuel-injection, and a lightweight spine frame that had distinctive side plates with a characteristic hole where Wittner joked you could store a sandwich… The electronics were stored under that prominent seat hump, and dual-seat bikes looked very ungainly, with a pillion pad perched atop. Best just to go for the solo seat, as seen here.
Today’s example is a bit dusty, but looks to be in otherwise nice shape and has just 11 miles from new! From the original eBay listing: 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 for Sale
[Helpfully translated from Allcapese by the author]
New 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona Serial #39. Sold on MSO. 11 test miles from the factory. It’s dusty from sitting in my garage for the last 8 years. One in a lifetime chance to buy #39 of 50 imported to the US. I have owned 3… This probably being the last.
Yes, it’s dusty… Yes, it has cobwebs… Yes it may have a few scratches.
Watch for more rare bikes and parts being sold as I have 3 college tuitions to pay for.
To be honest, it doesn’t bother me that the bike is a bit dusty. But the seller could at least take some better pictures for us! The Buy It Now price is set at $14,950, you’re looking at some serious change for a modern Guzzi. But this is a historically significant machine, basically ground zero for Guzzis of the modern age: the very first production bike to use both the four-valve engine and the spine frame that was used on sporty Guzzis for years afterwards, most notably on the Sport 1100 that was powered by the two-valve engine.
With just 11 miles on the odometer, I’m sure it’s worth it to spend an afternoon cleaning and scrubbing this one up…
-tad
Hi everyone, I visited the seller Sat( he has an impressive collection of rare motorcycles and parts,warehouse full of motorcycles and parts) While I agree that he could have cleaned the bike and take better photos I learned quick he’s not big on cosmetics, bike is legit and he seemed motivated to sell but not desperate. I hope this is helpful.
So Ciprian C. did you cause the listing to end?
Nope, was not me but i have a mint 1993 Guzzi Daytona #26 4300 original miles, Perfect condition and has the unobtainable lower racing fairings. I would sell mine for $12500. From this seller i would like a 1965 Parilla ,we negotiating
I have #34. I actually ride it, but not a lot anymore due to aging out of heavy bikes. Mine has ‘only’ ~18K miles, with new timing belts 2 years ago. Concerned for adequate cooling and oil capacity, + disliking laborious oil/filter changes and running steel machine screws in/out of aluminum castings, I added (@ 1147 mi.), a deep crankcase cover (Teo Lamers), including an outside, spin oil filter. B~
This.
This is my idea of a beautiful sport bike.
Graceful fairing, interesting looking engine/trans, and a nice overall aesthetic.
Sacrilegious it may be, but Ducatis just don’t do it for me. They go like stink, handle amazing, sound like nothing else, and have a following as dedicated as HD, but they don’t fire me up like this does.
not to mention the big white tach . . .
Years ago flush with cash at the time I wanted one of these, new. So I wrote a note to MG and requested a brochure. Remember, this was 92-93….they obliged and sent me a very well done fold out in heavy paper and awesome pics. All in Italian. I bought a Yamaha. Still have the brochure. Not the Yam.
I love the bike, we’re only 50 of them imported in USA, rather rare. Mine has 4300 miles, is serviced with new belts, oil and fluids but on original tires, I keep it inside house and only put about 300miles/year. I also have lower fairings( just like the Endurance bike had), looks fantastic with or w out fairings. I would sell it for $12500. Anyone? Thank u
I do love Ducatis, but I totally understand what you mean. There’s just something funky about Moto Guzzis, and I hope some day to be able to own a nice injected Sport 1100i.
Mr. Clit;
Have you any need or use for a slightly used kidney?
Liver?
My first-born male child?
Lol, no trades, not even for a kidney, I am gonna need cash for this one. I listed the bike on Ebay. Someone will be getting a Gorgeous toy.
Have never had a chance to ride a Guzzi. But really liked it when I saw one in early 90s at Proitalia (when I visited the store to buy a an instrument panel cover for my Paso among other things). Good luck with the sale.
Ciprian – good luck with the sale of your Daytona. I wish I was buying your bike ! I would have – had I been close enough geographically.
krishna
Thank you Krishna, I could arrange for shipping anywhere in the US for $500 flat( in close, 7 days door to door).