The Moto Guzzi MGS-01 found itself in a weird doldrums between an ultra-premium streetbike and a pure race bike for the well-heeled. It was bedecked with super high-end kit befitting a competition machine, but was portly and down on power compared to its peers.
2004 Moto Guzzi MGS-01 for sale on eBay
With 121 horsepower out of a 1225 cc version of Guzzi’s sideways-mounted v-twin and more than 420 pounds for it to push around, the MGS-01 pales in performance to much cheaper options from Japan and its countrymen at Ducati and Aprilia.
Despite its ponderous weight and relative lack of horsepower, the big v-twin had torque in abundance, pushing out 80-odd pound feet well before redline. That made the engine friendlier than standard track bike fare, while still allowing the big Guzz to properly scare you. In a very Moto Guzzi touch, the bike carries a shaft drive set up, so all that power will come over with a velvet hammer delivery.
The bike listed here is gorgeous, and has been kept immaculately over the last 13 years, having covered under 100 miles in that time. It looks the every bit the part of the racer it’s playing, too, with taught carbon fiber bodywork and a racebike dash draped over a hand-welded frame.
The seller appears to be the same Italian group that offered this 2006 MGS-01, though the bike seen here is in far nicer shape.
From the eBay listing:
Moto Guzzi MGS-01
model year 2004
VIN 0034
One of the most iconic Italian racing motorcycles of all times!
60miles, just test, NEW BIKE, perfect conditions, amazing bike.
It comes with manual, stand and original dust cover.Parade race and collect.
Bike is currently located in 33080 Roveredo in Piano, Italy but i can get them delivered all around the World at cost, no problem. I can supply US references.
For info’s please call +39 347 2656235 Gianluca or email gianluca@stileitaliano.com
With about three days left, the reserve on this rare beast has not been met. Rarity and curiosity are not always good harbingers of value, but this is for sure a very classy footnote in the history of an interesting and storied brand.
OK I have a thing for Guzzis (I currently have both a 76 and 77 Lemans and a 73 V7 Sport). Have ridden modern Guzzis as well and like them very much. I lusted after the MGS when it was unveiled and waited with high hopes for the street legal model… But of course no dice there… ok, I love track days also, and this is a cool track bike. But there are loads of better track bikes out there, for a lot less $ than these Guzzis. One could almost (almost) justify buying an MGS as a canyon carver and track day bike, but for track only? It makes no sense. Spares are going to be tough to find and the performance doesn’t justify the price. I know there’s a story about why this bike never made it to street trim but its been too long for me to remember. Again, I LOVE the way this bike looks and that many ponies out of a Goose is enthralling (you’re right to mention the way the power is delivered in a Guzzi – it feels “substantial” even if the raw HP numbers aren’t impressive), but unless I have a lot more money just lying about doing nothing, this bike won’t be in my garage any time soon. Had Guzzi made this a street legal model and gotten the price competitive ($25k-ish) I’d own one.
This is by far one of the most beautiful bikes ever designed. Granted, it’s performance may not match its good looks, but as a design exercise, there are a very few bikes that match it.
kind of reminds me of the V-DUE….I want it, but don’t “need” it….
So you’re saying that there are more practical moto choices than a decade-plus old Moto Guzzi track-only model that wan’t even competitive when it was new? Thanks for that powerful insight.
Nah, the Chezzi-Brian Guzzi was a better performing and looking version of the Guzzi.
Sexy
As
Hell!
Wait, I see 2 twins in that one picture. If the price includes both then that is a much more appealing track day package. Spares for
EVERYTHING!!!
DaveA, I’m saying this bike was doomed from the start – no market for it, even when new. Had the street version arrived, it could have been a great precursor to modern sporting Guzzis. But as a track-only bike, it was just a waste of money for Guzzi. Piaggio group views Guzzi as the “heritage brand” in their lineup and that explains the lack of sporting intentions – leaving that for Aprilia. Shame, as Guzzi has such a rich racing history.
The MGS was designed by Ghezzi and Brian. It was intended to be a show piece,a neat piece of moto art for a well off afficianado,never a competitor to any production machines.