Why didn't Moto Guzzi build a GS style bike?

[Pukmeister]

A GS riding friend of mine used to own a Moto-Guzzi V11 Le Mans which seemed mechanically similar to a BMW, with the exception of the Vee angle of the cylinders as opposed to a boxer twin design. I was thinking that if Guzzi had caught on to the 'adventure motorcycling' market with the mechanical components they already had like air-cooled transverse Vee twins with shaft drive, perhaps they wouldn't be in such a mess as they are now following all the Aprilia / Piaggio takeovers. I dare say a bit of Italian styling flair thrown into the bargain might have tempted a few owners away from the blue propeller.

 

[Smartbazza]

Guzzi

I thought they did a big trailie until recently along with the V11 sport - was it called the Quota and had the same engine?

BArry

 

[Pukmeister]

Cheers Barry, just done a search and learnt all about it. Nice to learn something new every day. Doesn't look too bad a bike either.

A pity they seem hell bent on manufacturing cruisers for the US market.

 

[cookie]

they did. the Quota, launched in 1989...

it just wasn't as good as the GS. the one example i've ridden was quite nice though. unnerving the way the already high seat goes up when you pull away because of torque reaction

one of the first fuel injected bikes IIRC

 

[cookie]

A pity they seem hell bent on manufacturing cruisers for the US market.

california cruiser/tourer is easily their biggest selling bike.

 

[Keith Chapman]

The Quota never sold well in the UK, but did reasonably well in europe, shame it was a pile of poo and the factory pulled the plug on it because if it was any good that would have been my choice rather than the GS. There was also the TT350 and 650 which were trailie style Guzzis

 

[longdog]

Have a chat with Tarka

 

[ELIMINATOR]

What do you think of the new Griso? That's a nice looking bike. I wanted a Guzzi before buying the GS, but I saw so many new ones with crap finish, the older ones appear better. Hopefully under their new management the quality will improve. Imo the engine layout looks sexy compared to the flat twin.

 

[cookie]

What do you think of the new Griso? That's a nice looking bike. I wanted a Guzzi before buying the GS, but I saw so many new ones with crap finish, the older ones appear better. Hopefully under their new management the quality will improve. Imo the engine layout looks sexy compared to the flat twin.

i'd love a Griso. wanted one since i saw the first prototype at their factory in 2002.

finish on the new Breva is as good as BMW IMO (just so long as the paint doesn't fall off the engine, as has happened to a fair few V11s )

 

[ELIMINATOR]

I know what you mean about the paint coming off the engine casings, saw it, put me off. But the Griso is just proportioned so well. The oversize exhausts / covers, the frame tubes, the way the seat hovers over the rear tyre. ooohhhhh, pass me the tissues.

As a 16 / 17 year old, I used to stick my nose against the glass of the local bike shop and dribble over what I later found out to be an S7 (I think?) black tank, possibly red diagonal stripes on tank. May well have been crap, but it just looked so beautiful.

So how did my bike history go after this?

Norton 250 Jubilee 1964 YTP 845B (HMMM)

CZ 175 YTP 855M Not as bad as made out. ( OK I was young)

Suzuki GN 400 HOT 624X Bought new, shite, put me off Suzukis for life

Triton 650 PYJ ??? Nostalgic pile of poo.

Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator. Straight line a blast

Honda CB1 400 Value for money, best to date.

BMW 1150GS overpriced, overweight, overated. still love it though.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

the big-block guzzi engines that have been around since the 50's - yes still same basic engine crankcase casting design - used on the quota have a massive sump.

Would you go off road with it ? Nah !

This is a faar better option - Cagiva Navigator - although still not up with a GS

 

[wessie]

I know someone with a Quota.

The Italian electrics are living up to their reputation. The replacement regulator he fitted a few months ago has just dies.

Otherwise it is a fine bike.

 

[Tarka]

the big-block guzzi engines that have been around since the 50's - yes still same basic engine crankcase casting design - used on the quota have a massive sump.

Would you go off road with it ? Nah !

This is a faar better option - Cagiva Navigator - although still not up with a GS

You wouldn`t go off road with that plastic toy,either......

How`s it 'far better ?'


Acres of fragile plastic....

Plastic 'bashplate'.....

Oil filter sticking out forwards from the front of the sump...

Low ground clearance...

Chain drive....

Poor accessibility for servicing.....

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Ooooooh.. suddenly precious about Moto-Guzzi's just 'cos you got one ?

Neither are any good off road - but ones better than the other at being on the road.

However - for 600 odd quid you did ok.

/ scouser accent ....... caaalm down, caaalm down

 

[cookie]

the big-block guzzi engines that have been around since the 50's -[/IMG]

be fair. from memory, i think it's as recent as 1967.

i'm not including the 3 wheel/tracked thing as that is a very different motor, despite what you may have heard

 

[Pukmeister]

True about the 'Italian electrics', my mate sold his 'used' V11 Le Mans to a Moto Guzzi specialist (Motomecca) due to its repeated unreliability. The previous owner had reversed the polarity of the battery and fried the main wiring loom which had then been bodge repaired causing intermittent problems. Whenever the horn button was pressed the bike would short and die. Due to the previous owner wheelying the bike everywhere, it had caused premature wear to the driveline bearings plus the engine paint had to be resprayed under warranty due to blistering. Many wiring connectors were exposed causing corroded terminals and verdigris. Also, the rear undertray had been doctored for a more sporty look, allowing water to enter the tail light wiring loom and corrode the wires badly. Nothing that can't be fixed easily, but too much hassle getting parts from Italy etc so she had to go. No doubt Mike at Motomecca will soon have her running sweet as his demo bike for tuning parts.

A pity to see her go really as she was a nice bike in a retro kind of way, with real character (whenever she was out of the dealers ).

That Griso looks very nice, if only it could be guaranteed reliable.

And if I get 6 lucky numbers..............

 

[andygbsmith]

If the gossip in the Guzzi club is wright, It would appear that Guzzi are working on a new big adventure bike.
Could be an interesting option.

 

[cookie]

If the gossip in the Guzzi club is wright, It would appear that Guzzi are working on a new big adventure bike.
Could be an interesting option.

i think that's inevitable with the success of the breva

wouldn't take much of a makeover, would it?

 

[Sea Lion]

As an ex Guzzi bod, have always liked the idea of the Quota. Trouble is when you see them in the flesh they're MASSIVE! I mean really really tall! If the GS is you limit height wise like me, you've no hope on a Quota. Pity really. Can't understand it really, anyone ever met a tall Itie?