If you can see a real MOTO GUZZI in front of you, please observe it in detail. It would be better if that was a model of "deep era", like a LeMans of TONTI age.
It has very unique architecture. V twin engine mounted transversely across the frame. Engine cylinders stick out its head. Rear wheel drive is with shaft, not a chain.
The engine is mounted a bit high, and raises its cylinders towards the handlebars. So it's gravity center is high. You will feel it's a bit heavy when you push it to move over.
Its body is very slim and low. There's no cut out recess for a human body like recent models. But when you ride it, it fits well, very cozy. Maybe you couldn't believe it's a motorbike of 1000cc class.
Start the engine. Blipping makes the body rotate to the right side. It's a reaction of a crank shaft acceleration. It's not so big movement, but some people may surprise much, so it would be better to put down both foot surely to the ground.
It has the brakes of "integral system".
Handlebar switches may look curious.
Fuel supply is through the carbs, VM type, with pump.
It's quite unique. It seems there would be more to study.
But if you feel it's nervous, I'd say the bike you rode is in bad condition.

Let's start to ride it.
At first, you may feel it's a bit untamed, but you will also see that it's not so obstinate. It's not self-contained like a Japanese bikes, but you can depend on it. So it's OK to be familiar with it in your own steps.

GUZZI is slim, low, and long. Its gravity center exists comparatively high and a bit forward. You may be feel a heavy weight is at upper part and moves dynamically. You may fear its handling, especially for a behavior of front tire.
Here's a point. Bring that weight on your handlebar, just like caring them by hand. It's very easy, and soon you will feel it's fine because it's so direct and smooth.
The engine responses sharply. Shaft drive make a bit lift of rear suspension, but traction is direct. There's no time lag like a old BMW or Japanese shafts. Rear tire is always ready to kick the bike forward as you wish.
If the bike has integral braking system, main control is on foot pedal, and the lever is for complement. At very first you may hesitate to down the foot strongly, but soon you will see that the brake system do well the force allocation to front and rear, and it can be controlled very nicely.
Cornering manner is good, too. Higher gravity center makes the bike easy to corner from small bank. Front wheel steers automatically towards a good position. All you have to do is fit the right wrist as you want, close makes the bike put inside of corner, and open makes it rushes out to the exit. Slim tires contributes to the gentle shift of cornering balance. It's quite smooth.
OK, you're already a fine GUZZIST. Let's continue.

GUZZI corners well. Heavy crank shaft is near the rolling center on same direction. So you can make it bank easily. And a slight bank is enough for a sharp cornering. Sure, It's also OK to bank it deep, then the GUZZI turns also at high speed with sufficient stability. You can use properly any cornering mode as you want.
High speed cruising is its favorite. The engine with heavy crankshaft makes both of good stability and sufficient power. And fine grip of the tires also allow you to take both of mobility and comfort.
That OHV engine is a bit old-fashioned, but is willing to work at high rpm. It's very robust, but you must not let it beyond the red line of rev counter. And of course, you'd better to give it a good maintenance before high speed run.
GUZZI does not hate rain (but the riders, though). Slight slide does not make it tumble. You can control them with enough margin.
OK, you're already a superior GUZZIST. Fine !

MOTO GUZZI is not a type of slave. It says much opinion, but also hears yours. While you ride it, you will see many questions, and also the answers. That "corrects" will make your riding much efficient, safe, and pleasant.
The purpose of MOTO GUZZI is simple, pleasant and safety of riding. GUZZI can make them with a lot of solutions.
GUZZI has a wide range of margin and many way of application. It's the reason why I say that the GUZZI is one of the best motorbike for a public road riding.

Sure, it differs much from the "popular" Japanese bikes. In many cases, riders should approach to the character of GUZZI. (Not for all cases, some riders understand it all at once.)
I don't recommend GUZZI if all you want is the newest or fastest. MOTO GUZZI is old and slow. But fun. It brings much pleasure based on the safety. And you will be able to enjoy them for a long time. Also tomorrow, next weekend, next season, and perhaps, for a few decades. That's the value of MOTO GUZZI, and I think, it would appeal to more people, and maybe, to you too.

ombra
Dec. 2005

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