First Impression: Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport - Motorcycle.com
When you mention large-displacement Italian sportbikes, most people think Ducati. Mention Moto Guzzi, and images of quirky motorcycles with agricultural long-stroke motors, enormous wheelbases, peculiar brakes, clunky gearboxes and vibration that could rattle your fillings loose come to mind.
But how did people come to associate these unfavorable qualities with Moto Guzzi? Because they're true. Moto Guzzis have always been saddled with countless peculiarities that their owners chalk up to character while the rest of the world brands them as flawed.
Weber-Marelli fuel injection is used to fuel Guzzi's big 1064cc engine, and it provides easy starting and smooth acceleration. As expected, power starts as soon as the tach needle leaves its stop and pulls like a train all the way to its 8200 rpm redline. Peak power is claimed to be a healthy 90 bhp at 7800 rpm, but where this engine really impresses is in its strong torque pull. Vibration isn't bothersome until engine revs soar past 7000, and by that time you're doing 200 km/h (125 mph) anyway.
Wind protection at higher speeds is acceptable, although to take advantage of the small fairing you must tuck down low on the tank. Your wrists take some abuse from the low clip-ons, which are mounted below the triple clamps. For this reason, city riding becomes something to be endured, rather than enjoyed.
One particular oddity that plagues Guzzis is their tendency to rise and fall mid-corner in reaction to throttle cha
Moto Guzzi's 1100 Sport offers a unique combination of old-world sensations and modern components. While it doesn't compare to a 916 in terms of all-out performance, it is an exclusive and capable machine. For those looking for a charismatic bike to travel through sweeping corners at high speeds, Moto Guzzi just may have the machine you're looking for.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Moto Guzzi
Model: 1996 1100 Sport I.E.
Price: $14,500 (Spain)
Engine: Air-cooled, OHV 2-valve,
transverse 90 degree V-twin, 4-stroke
Bore x stroke: 92 x 80 mm
Displacement: 1064 cc
Carburation: Weber Marelli Fuel Injection;
one injector per cylinder
Transmission: 5-speed
Claimed power: 90 hp 7800 rpm
Claimed torque: 9.7 kgm at 6000 rpm
Wheelbase: 58.7 in. (1475 mm)
Rear Tire: 160/70 - ZR 17 Tubeless Radial
Front Tire: 120/70 - ZR 17 Tubeless Radial
Seat Height: 31.8 in. (810 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 5.01 gal. (19 L)
Claimed dry Weight: 487 lb. (221 Kg.)
Color Schemes: black, yellow or Guzzi red.
More by Antonio Regidor Rao
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