1100 Breva or 1200 Sport?
- Thread starter The Other PaulG
- Start date
Trying not to have sellers remorse now - it’s such a buzz hacking along on a big Guzzi.
This is what happened when I sold mine
The biggest mistake I made was to sell it to a mate so I get to see it several times a year and the second biggest mistake was to agree to deliver it by riding it to him.... I was almost crying in my helmet 
come and collect it.
Did you have a GS prior to the Guzzi? I was wondering how the weight and manoeuvring compared? I love my R1150GS but the weight while manoeuvring is getting to be a pain. I'm not getting any younger and it ain't getting any lighter.
I was considering the V85TT first as it's a fair bit lighter but I don't know if I'd miss the power and torque of the GS. I also love exploring snotty little country lanes with grass up the middle (for which the V85 would be great) but the 1200 Sport might be a bit of a handful. Decisions, decisions
. Yes, two 1100s and an 1150.
I don't know how they compare on paper, but the guzzi feels significantly lighter. It's physically much lower - I can flat foot it with a bit of knee bend whilst on a GS I was on the balls of my feet - so carrying its weight that much lower is very likely what makes the difference.
Atound the garage you notice it has less steering lock than the GS but once rolling it corners in a more confidence inspiring way - and I thought the GS was good. But the Guzzi is better and really gives that 'on rails' feeling that some big bikes can provide.
If those country lanes with the grass are metalled, the sport would be fine. If not, the v85 would surely be the only choice.
I fear that the above only reinforces your indecision rather than helping!
Lovely looking bike. It's been well cared for. 
:
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Great looking bike - congratulations....
Did you have a GS prior to the Guzzi? I was wondering how the weight and manoeuvring compared? I love my R1150GS but the weight while manoeuvring is getting to be a pain. I'm not getting any younger and it ain't getting any lighter
I was considering the V85TT first as it's a fair bit lighter but I don't know if I'd miss the power and torque of the GS. I also love exploring snotty little country lanes with grass up the middle (for which the V85 would be great) but the 1200 Sport might be a bit of a handful. Decisions, decisions
Hi buellzebub, I've had several GS1150's and 3 V85's 1 euro 4 and 2 euro 5. All great bikes, but the euro 5 2021 on is definately an improvement to the euro 4. I think the wet weights are about 40lb apart, the GS being 40lb heavier than the V85 which is not insignificant and whilst not noticeable on the move ,I suspect it could be whilst shoving it around. As has already been said the V85 is lower than the GS which also helps if you're less than 31" inseam.
Performance is not that much different, the GS may have a higher top end but I reckon the V85 would stay with it until around the 90mph mark. Plus the V85 is a much much nicer bike to ride than the GS.
Go and grab yourself a test ride.
1200 sport is also a great bike and I only recently got rid of mine as I had the opportunity to purchase a lovely 2016 Stelvio. At 66 the 1200 sport could become a bit uncomfortable for me after 150mls or so.
Thanks for the insight, Wrinkley 
Any reason why so many? Just curious..
What are the years for the 1200 2 valve bikes, and why are they preferred over the later (I am guessing 4v bikes?)
I'm an MG novice
Basically the early 4 valve heads had a design fault with the cam followers that could result in premature wear. There is a 'roller' conversion for them and later 4 valves left the factory with rollers.
It's explained in detail here:
https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/th...-tappet-failure-but-were-afraid-to-ask.17282/
It's explained in detail here:
https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/th...-tappet-failure-but-were-afraid-to-ask.17282/
As soon as the first pictures of the V85 where released I registered my interest with my local dealer (Teasdales in Thirsk) as soon as the specs where released I put down a deposit. I was first in line, but had to wait awhile as I wanted a Red and White one.
When the Gen 2 or euro 5 version was introduced I felt there where enough improvements to warrant changing, especially tubeless rims.
Then the Centenario colour scheme was released and I thought it was the best thing I'd ever seen, so I swapped it again, plus got a 4 year warranty.
I am very fortunate that I have a fairly generous monthly bike allowance. I don't have to discuss swapping bikes with Joanne, if I see something I fancy and I've got the money then I'll get it. The only rule I have for myself is, no borrowing to buy bikes or bike gear.
Thanks
That is the best explanation I've ever found and have indeed used it on 2 occasions when trying to negotiate a hefty discount on pre 2012 Stelvio's, without success I might add. Maybe we should have that link as a sticky at the top of the Guzzi section?
Fair play Wrinkley, wishing you health to enjoy them 
So.... the 2v heads were pre 2008? And they are all fine... early 4v heads had a problem after 2008 that there was a fix for and post 2012 the factory was producing modified design 8v heads which were fineWhat are the years for the 1200 2 valve bikes, and why are they preferred over the later (I am guessing 4v bikes?)
I'm an MG novice
It's very confusing chaps
So.... the 2v heads were pre 2008? And they are all fine... early 4v heads had a problem after 2008 that there was a fix for and post 2012 the factory was producing modified design 8v heads which were fine
It's very confusing chaps
no it's not .
don't buy an 8 valve if it hasn't got rollers.
if you still want an early one knock £1500 off to pay for roller conversion.
i have an 8 valve bike it came with rollers from new.
Yes it is and surely its a simple question for the MG affectionados....what are the years in question?..... you won't see a bike advertised as an 8v with rollers, or a 2v, or a 4v without rollers it will be advertised as a 2007, 2009 or 2013 bike?..... I get back to the original question, what years are the early 2v bikes that don't have the issues, what year are the later bikes that have the factory roller modification and no issues?
Well, it’s not very complicated. There’s a link in post 51 above.
If it’s an 8V you want later than these
According to Piaggio, motorcycles produced after these specific Serial Numbers / Production Dates, have the implemented design change valve train, and are "roller" engines.
Model - Engine Designation - Last 5 Digits of Serial Number - Date of Production
Stelvio - AC - After AC12596 - 03/12/2012
Griso - A8 - After 13524 - 04/12/2012
Norge - AA - After 12214 - 04/18/2012
If it’s an 8V you want later than these
According to Piaggio, motorcycles produced after these specific Serial Numbers / Production Dates, have the implemented design change valve train, and are "roller" engines.
Model - Engine Designation - Last 5 Digits of Serial Number - Date of Production
Stelvio - AC - After AC12596 - 03/12/2012
Griso - A8 - After 13524 - 04/12/2012
Norge - AA - After 12214 - 04/18/2012
Stelvio = 8v only
1200 Sport = 2v and 8v
Norge = 2v and 8v ( 8v also known as 8vGT )
Griso =1100 2v and 1200 8v
2 valve engines have a black strip on the rocker cover, this covers plug lead. ............post 33 is a 2 valve
8 valve engines have the rear half of the rocker cover covered with a bit of black plastic. ....................https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto guzzi/Moto_Guzzi_Stelvio.html
plug lead cover is painted silver.
don't be led astray by stickers that say 4 valves on the bikes. 2v = 2 per cylinder , 8v= 8 in total , bikes that say 4v are 4 per cylinder, but everyone uses 2v or 8v to save on confusion.
years of production are irrelevant, Italians do not care for orderly production, they are not German.
2v and 8v were produced overlapping. Learn to tell the difference. if you can't tell the difference, you need to learn. if you don't/can't learn, an Italian bike is not for you.
PS don't get a Guzzi if you can't take a joke.
when they are running fine, they are really good, when they fuck about.....you will want to fix it with fire.
if you get one, you will need to be friends with Tommy @ at Jim Allen's. Be prepared to have some owner input.
PPS the Scottish Rally https://www.mgcgbscottishbranch.co.uk/scottish-rally/ come and show your face. I should be there, maybe on the MGX or my 1200 Sport or even the Quota.
http://ginoontour.blogspot.com/2018/05/scottish-guzzi-rally.html I'm in my underwear and my BM is in the background.
1200 Sport = 2v and 8v
Norge = 2v and 8v ( 8v also known as 8vGT )
Griso =1100 2v and 1200 8v
2 valve engines have a black strip on the rocker cover, this covers plug lead. ............post 33 is a 2 valve
8 valve engines have the rear half of the rocker cover covered with a bit of black plastic. ....................https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto guzzi/Moto_Guzzi_Stelvio.html
plug lead cover is painted silver.
don't be led astray by stickers that say 4 valves on the bikes. 2v = 2 per cylinder , 8v= 8 in total , bikes that say 4v are 4 per cylinder, but everyone uses 2v or 8v to save on confusion.
years of production are irrelevant, Italians do not care for orderly production, they are not German.
2v and 8v were produced overlapping. Learn to tell the difference. if you can't tell the difference, you need to learn. if you don't/can't learn, an Italian bike is not for you.
PS don't get a Guzzi if you can't take a joke.
when they are running fine, they are really good, when they fuck about.....you will want to fix it with fire.
if you get one, you will need to be friends with Tommy @ at Jim Allen's. Be prepared to have some owner input.
PPS the Scottish Rally https://www.mgcgbscottishbranch.co.uk/scottish-rally/ come and show your face. I should be there, maybe on the MGX or my 1200 Sport or even the Quota.
http://ginoontour.blogspot.com/2018/05/scottish-guzzi-rally.html I'm in my underwear and my BM is in the background.
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