Church Of MO – First Impression: 1997 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro
Moto Guzzi motorcycles have been called many things. Bland is not one of them. From quirky to lovable, unique to downright strange, it’s unlikely you’ll forget riding a Moto Guzzi. For this week’s Church of MO feature, we go back to 1997 and Guzzi’s 75th anniversary. After three-quarters of a century, a celebration is in order and a special motorcycle is a must.
The 1997 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro is that bike. If it looks big and portly in the pictures, that’s because it is. A nearly 500-lb. dry weight is portly even for 1997 standards, but luckily the hopped-up 992cc transverse V-Twin was up to the task. Like most Guzzi owners will tell you, the bikes have a distinct charm to them, and the Centauro was no different, as Antonio Regidor Rao will tell you below.
First Impression: 1997 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro
Guzzi’s Anniversary Beast
By Antonio Regidor Rao Mar. 23, 1997
If you’re familiar with Greek mythology, you’ll know that the Centaur was a half-man, half-horse beast. While Moto Guzzi’s all-new V10 Centauro doesn’t exactly fit the Greek description of its namesake, it sure is a hell of a lot of motorcycle.
The Centauro packs plenty of attitude and charisma. Designed by Italian architect Luciano Marabese in honor of Moto Guzzi’s 75th anniversary, this is a sexy machine that blows away all your preconceptions about Moto Guzzi. It has an undeniable style, the best engine yet from Guzzi and, finally, a pretty impressive spec sheet.
The tasteful, chrome-plated instrument panel is laid out intelligently. Placed between the white faced speedo and tachometer are the standard assortment of indicators — turn signals, oil pressure, high beam, neutral, battery charge and fuel lights — that, as long as you aren’t in direct sunlight, are all read quite easily.
Head for the twisties, and you’ll find this machine handles surprisingly well. Its smooth and powerful acceleration and generous powerband allows fluid carving through the corners. But when you get down to it, this isn’t a sport bike and you can’t ride it like the 1100 Sport. Rider ergonomics are poor due to its awkward seating position: the handle bar is flat, straight and mounted a bit too low, and its footpegs are too high and mounted too far forward, all of which tightens your arms and exposes your chest to the wind. Any attempt to ride faster than 85 mph can be painful and is best left untried.
Even with its imperfections, Moto Guzzi’s V10 Centauro is a beast to be reckoned with. Ride this machine and you might indeed become half man, half iron-horse. Set your imagination free and watch reality disappear in the mirrors! A new mythological creature has been born.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Moto Guzzi
Model: 1997 V10 Centauro
Price: $12,000 (Spain)
Engine: Air-cooled, SOHC 4-valve,
transverse 90-degree V-twin,
4-stroke
Bore x stroke: 90 x 78 mm
Displacement: 992 cc
Carburetion: Weber Marelli fuel injection;
digital control
Transmission: 5-speed (Cardan shaft)
Wheelbase: 58.1 in. (1475 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 4.75 gal. (18 L)
Claimed Dry Weight: 493 lbs. (224 Kg)
Max. Speed (as tested): 139.8 mph (225 km/h)
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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I owned a Centauro for just on 10 years: Bought new in 1997, in the same yellow/ anthracite colour scheme as shown in the photos. It is hands-down my favourite ever motorcycle, and I deeply regret selling it. Did everything with it, from touring to track days, it really was a wolf in "chic" clothing. So cool looking from any angle, brilliant build quality and so over-engineered you couldn't kill it with a sledgehammer.....I was hoping Guzzi would replace it, but, as good as the Griso is, the newer 1200 just isn't as overtly sporting as the old Centauro...
I just put one back on the road after it has laid dormant since 2003. i have owned a lot of Guzzi's nothing even comes close to this bike, the motors smooth, the gear box shifts with out clunks and it goes like a bat out of hell (well for a Guzzi). With a Corbin seat and with Centauro bars on it it's not a bad place to be. They seemed to be under valued these days. A very different bike you can bet you won't see another that often.