The oldest European manufacturer in continuous production of motorcycles, Moto Guzzi has an impressive history, from their founding in 1921 by two Italian Air Force pilots and their mechanic, championship-winning 250, 350, and 500cc racing machines, to the present-day large displacement fuel-injected street bikes. Long a technical innovator, the company developed a 500cc engine with one overhead and one side valve, a 500cc V-8 motorcycle, pioneered the rear swingarm, and was the first motorcycle manufacturer to build a wind tunnel. The V11 Sport uses some of their most durable developments, the longitudinal V-twin and shaft drive.
2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport
The booming twin displaces 1064cc and weighs almost 550 lbs. fueled, but a lightweight flywheel allows the air/oil-cooled pushrod twin to rev happily, though the wide torque band ensures some giddy-up is almost always available. A revised 6-speed gearbox, fully adjustable suspension, and three big Brembo brakes make this a 21st century bike which hasn’t forgotten its roots. The V-twin and shaft drive have been part of the lineage since the 1967 V7, and the bikini fairing recalls the 1976 850 Lemans.
Treated to a few nice updates, this Moto Guzzi has carbon mufflers, a power commander ( making fuel injection 1.0 and Y2K emissions better to ride ), braided brake lines, and bar-end mirrors. Honey-where’s-our-bike paint with red frame and gussets. Neat factory pillion cover. Certainly a rider with 31,000 miles, the paint looks good and the bike appears mishap-free. Forks and shock have been rebuilt. Sporting a Moto Guzzi National Owner’s Club sticker is some reassurance the oil changes and valve adjustments haven’t been ignored.
This is a very strong running exotic Italian V-Twin with 31,xxx on the clock located near Akron, OH.
Well cared for, this Moto Guzzi is a work of art for pleasure riding as well as track day adventures. Like the idea of having the rumble of a Harley with the ride of a sport bike? Moto Guzzi is the answer.
Over on the cafe racer side of the sportbike universe, the classic look and sound of a V11 Sport have the makings of a fine weekend afternoon.
-donn
31,000 heck this Gootsi has been babied. My ’07 Griso has more than 35,000 miles and it’s barely broken in. Maintenance is just change oil, screwdriver & crescent wrench valve adjustment, grease, tires, brakes, battery and repeat. A fella I toured with last month had over 175,000 miles on his Gootsi – same engine.
I’ve spent a some quality time with a V11 LeMans and it is a killer bike. Booms around with authority. Love the ride!