Moto Guzzi!

[boxerpaul]

Hey guys,

I love my R1200R unconditionally. Lately though I've had a really strong hankering for a Moto Guzzi. Something about them just does it for me.

I think the California and the Griso are especially desirable. I know they are supposedly finicky to start with, but from what I've heard, once they're broken in, they're incredibly reliable and reportedly full of lusty Italian character that keeps you coming back for more. Love the sound of that v-twin too.
The 4v motor is supposed to be pretty simple to work on as well.

Not saying I'm trading in the R1200R, but it might be nice to have 2 bikes!

Does anyone have both? Did anyone come from a recent MG bike? Is anyone thinking like I am?

[Mollygrubber]

I like the looks, and have checked them out numerous times. But I also read reviews, including a side-by-side with an R12ooR, in which the M-G did poorly (I believe it was a 4 valve Griso).

Not saying they're bad bikes, I honestly think it's hard to find a really bad bike these days.

The new motor's a huge improvement, but apparently they're pretty lardy, and that's something I couldn't live with.

I've never ridden one though, so take it for what it's worth - an uneducated opinion.

Peter

[mogu83]

Here's a good link to get a handle on the Guzzi world (mostly USA): http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0

You will note most of the posts are about older machines but there is a sprinkling of late model stuff in there. I have a lot of old friends on this list and still go to many Guzzi events on my Beemer. Note that on our (R1200R) list most people are discussing what farkle they have added or want or trips they have taken, while on the Guzzi list (newer bikes) they are fiddling with stuff to get the bike to perform correctly. IMHO the only thing the Guzzis have over the Beemers is the exhaust note. And yes the Guzzis are cheaper, but not much.

[boxerpaul]

Interesting point about the differences between our discussions and theirs. I'm going to spend a little time looking at Wild Guzzi for interest's sake.

Regarding the exhaust notes... the last few weeks I've been seriously thinking about an aftermarket slip on. The Akrapovic one seems to sound perfect from the clips I've looked at on youtube.
Maybe that's all I need to do to stop thinking about MG bikes. A nice throaty sound might be the only thing the R1200R is missing, since it looks just about as good as any MG, albeit slightly more staid.

Now the only problem is that it's time to put away the bike for the year. Lousy winter.

[mogu83]

I have a Ztechnic slip-on on my bike. I run with the DB killer out and the sound is just nice, not throaty. I don't have any bad results like popping or backfires, and any power loss or gain is negligible. I've never heard a boxer (even a hot one) that came close to the sound of a Guzzi with a nice set of pipes on it. Naturally IMHO.

[NakedRider]

I've never heard a boxer (even a hot one) that came close to the sound of a Guzzi with a nice set of pipes on it. Naturally IMHO.

+1. I was fortunate enough to have a Moto Guzzi and a couple of BMWs at the same time in addition to a Brutale.

Nothing beats the sound of a Moto Guzzi with a good pipe. Not even a Ducati. The Moto Guzzi's sound sits between the racy note of a Ducati and the deep tone of a Harley. No pipe on a BMW will ever be able to duplicate the sound of that 90 degree v-twin.

Riding with friends it was the only bike they didn't like to sit next to at a stop light. It got all of the attention.

The Moto Guzzi has more character than any other bike I've ever owned. They do require some looking after as I had numerous parts vibrate off or come loose. A constant check on the bolts took care of that.

I don't consider their quality to be as good as the BMW. I wouldn't want one as an "only" bike for that reason. For the experience of riding, however, they're hard to beat.

[Paul-from-VA]

I don't participate here much, but I guess I fit for this subject. I have a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport and an 07 R1200R. The Guzzi has an undeniable charm due to the engine configuration, sound and feel are just marvelous, none better. The seat is also the best stock setup I've had since our ST1100 Honda. On the right day and road....the bike is perfection and my wife would much rather ride it than the R1200R which has turned into a back and forth to work on occasion for me. Every time I switch to the BMW though I marvel at how well it performs as a motorcycle, very light feeling compared to the Guzzi which feels HEAVY, handling is natural and so easy, what a peach compared to the Guzzi which seems to defy motorcycle handling logic until I've been in the saddle for 40-60 minutes then I kind of get a good feel and can make it go where I want. The BMW is much smoother in most instances but the Guzzi vibrations are not objectional. The accessories for the BMW (factory) are nicer than the Guzzi and the dealer network (both poor) is better for the BMW. Guess I like the R1200R better but have had enough issues with it that I probably feel the Guzzi is more reliable at this point. Find a dealer and take a ride on one.

[TAL2GK]

If you do a search on here, you'll see a thread I started about my tough decision between a Griso & my new R1200R. It was a really tough call for me at the time, not the least of which was because 1 or 2 year old Grisos could be had for a song. We're talking $6500-$7500 for 2007s with low miles. I rode one at the local dealer a few times and had a hard time getting over my lust for the beast. It was a bit of a handful compared to the Bimmer, but questions of reliability and a lousy dealer network (and lousy manufacturer support to those few dealers) is what did me in, since this was going to be my only bike.

There isn't anything in the BMW lineup that compares to the Griso. The 1200 Sport and Breva before it were more of the direct competitors in the Guzzi lineup. If I find myself with an extra $7k laying around, I could probably talk myself into getting a Griso as a second bike. The looks of it and the sound are enough to seduce a Monk, but the R1200R was the right bike for me as a 1-bike owner.

The Bimmer is so much lighter and easier to handle, but the exhaust note is a little conservative with the stock can on it. The Griso looks better standing still - the Bimmer is easier to ride fast, and isn't bad to look at either. I made a couple of comparisons at the time. The Griso is Angelina Jolie, the R12R is Jennifer Anniston. The R12R is like riding a thoroughbred, the Griso is like riding a bull.

[boxerpaul]

These comments have been very valuable.
There is a video I found comparing the 1200 Sport to the R1200R. Based on above comments and my reading it does seem that the 1200 Sport is most equivalent to our bikes. The fellow's comments right at the end do seem to agree with comments here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRQWt68Iul8

One thing's for sure, it does seem that factory support from MG to the dealers is sub par at best. That's a little concerning I think. I know BMW has a reputation for sweeping things under the rug but at least I get the sense that the dealers won't leave you in the lurch when push comes to shove and your bike has broken down. With Guzzi I'm not as certain.

So maybe the 2 bike approach would be best after all. That Guzzi "character" is just so appealing. I definitely will have to ride one soon.

Any opinions on the 4V motor vs the new 8V?

[hjsbmw]

So maybe the 2 bike approach would be best after all.

That might be the way to go. I like Guzzis, the sound and charisma, and I would not throw it out of my garage if one got lost there. However, I also get a kick out of riding a 110 horsepower sewing machine. The boxer is as unique as it can be in terms of engine design.