| Body Type: | Other |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Colour: | RED only |
| Service History: | No |
| Features: |
The first Moto Guzzi V11 was launched in 1999 and was a worthy, good–looking if heavy roadster using Moto Guzzi’s traditional and characteristic transverse 1100 V-twin shaft mated to a raft of top spec cycle parts yet let down by equally characteristic Moto Guzzi poor quality and reliability.
This last factor changed dramatically following Aprilia’s takeover in 2001, as did the number of Moto Guzzi V11 varients. If you want an old-school Italian heavyweight with 21st century components, finish and style, look no further than the Moto Guzzi V11.
Engine
Owners' rating
Moto Guzzi’s glory…. and millstone. The unique transverse V-twin shaftie defines Moto Guzzi and is almost BMW Boxer-like. Almost but not quite.
The Moto Guzzi V11 goes about its business in a workmanlike occasionally invigorating way, but the V11 is heavy and laboured with a clunky transmission compared to the much more modern BMW. The Moto Guzzi V11 has still got charm, though…
Ride and Handling
Owners' rating
OK, if your demands are more comfort than cutting edge. The Moto Guzzi V11 steers predictably, too and has decent suspension and brakes. But wind up the wick and you’re left in no doubt this is one big, heavy motorcycle that’ll destroy walls if you drop it.
Equipment
Owners' rating
The Moto Guzzi V11 is slightly better than run-of-the-mill. The Moto Guzzi V11 has decent Brembo brakes all round, quality cast wheels and suspension and sweet enough dials and switchgear – all of which got even better under the short-lived Aprilia regime.
Quality and Reliability
Owners' rating
Before the Moto Guzzi V11, recent Moto Guzzi’s had often been little short of atrocious. Thanks mostly to Aprilia, that all changed markedly will the V11, especially later ones. Paint and finishes are rich and creamy, compoinentry is excellent and general build quality is fabulous. Reliability is much improved, too. On the slight downside, spares can be difficult to obtain for the Moto Guzzi V11 (a common Aprilia complaint).
Value
Owners' rating
Pretty good. Decent, low mileage Moto Guzzi V11's can now be had for well under £5000, and you’re getting a quality, classy machine with a host of goodies for your money in the shape of the V11. What you’re not getting is a cutting edge motorcycle in terms of performance.
But then, that’s not what Moto Guzzi is about, and hasn’t been since the 1970s…
Model History
1999: Moto Guzzi V11 Sport launched.
2001: Aprilia takeover. Launch of Moto Guzzi V11 Naked, Moto Guzzi V11 Rosso Mandello and faired Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans.
2002: Rosso Mandello discontinued. Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Tenni (ltd edition high spec version of Le Mans) and Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Scura (ltd edition of Sport with Ohlins suspension and carbon fibre) launched.
2003: Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Ballabio (as Sport but with higher bars and headlamp fairing), Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans Rosso Corsa (as Le Mans but with Ohlins suspension) and Moto Guzzi V11 Café Sport (as Sport but with Ohlins suspension, high bars and bikini fairing) launched. Sport Scura, Naked and Tenni discontinued.
2004: Sport and Le Mans discontinued.
2005: Ballabio, Rosso Corsa and Café Sport discontinued.
Other Versions: See above
SPECIFICATIONS
Top speed 135mph
1/4-mile acceleration 12.4 secs
Power 91bhp
Torque 70ftlb
Weight 221kg
Seat height 800mm
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Average fuel consumption 45mpg
Tank range 180 miles
Insurance group 13
Engine size 1064cc
Engine specification 90-degree transverse V-twin, 6 gears
Frame Steel tube cradle
Front suspension adjustment Compression
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes 2 x 320mm discs
Rear brake 282mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 170/60 x 17
