'Characterful' is a word much used in reviews of Guzzis. I've owned Suzukis, Hondas, Yamahas and now Guzzis so I can offer an explanation of what that means: If you could put a rider on first a Yamaha sports bike and then a Honda and next a Suzi without them actually visually identifying the make, and then ask if they can ID which was which, the task; while not impossible; would be difficult. Not so with the Guzzi. It has so many differences in power delivery, handeling, sound and feel that you simply cannot mistake it for any other bike. That isn't say that everyone will like one. Just that they really are different; but in a nice way.
I’ve owned my ‘03 V11 since 2009. I’ve done quite a few mods including the factory race ECU and ti race cans. It transforms the power curve and is a proper hooligan machine. The important thing is this bike was 15 years ahead of retro classic trend except it’s powerful! The handling is superb and I’ve toured on mine, it’s plenty comfortable! I can keep up with most bikes on mine. It would have had 2 handle bar mounted mirrors as standard. Watch out for the huge engine braking and the shaft drive, it’ll lock the back wheel if abused but is amazing for carrying speed into corners without braking. It’s definitely not for novice riders but will reward you if you ride it properly. Everywhere I go people ask me about it. 14:55
Nice review. I've owned one of these V11s for the past 3 years and I have to say it is the most involving and characterful bike I've had - out of many. The lack of abs and tc doesn't bother me at all as I learnt to ride on bikes without them. It has been super reliable too - not much to go wrong as its very simple. It is also plenty fast enough with instant grunt in any gear and has a lovely long legged feel. I don't think I'll ever sell it - a very special machine !
😁 Thanks I appreciate it and glad you liked the review. Exactly how I would describe it, so characterful and involving. It is all about how a bike makes you feel and this bike has bags of feeling 👍 Hope you continue to enjoy her for a long time to come. Cheers
I may be critical of the design and engineering choices of the company to manufacture the V100 instead of a V1200 but i personally like the bike. It fits what i like to do but i wonder if others feel the same way when there are other choices. The S model has the most potential but the base has the price factor. Riding with Stability control ABS and modes as well as Dynamic control adds to the riding capacity of a bike if its well done. The Multistrada has refined it to maximize the effectiveness and it truly improves the experience on roads that don’t inspire confidence or when a surprising condition exists without warning. I can speak from experience when pushing my multoistrada hard on mountain roads and BBS has kicked in and you see the traction control light up
I owned a V11 Sport Ballabio for a few years and had to sell it when I moved to France. I still miss the feel of it, the way the weight was distributed, and especially the character of the engine. It was always an absolute hoot to ride, loads of fun, and drew a lot if attention. The raw nature of it was infectious. Great review!
Many thanks I appreciate it and really glad you liked the review. That is a shame you had to get rid of it. It is a great bike and a different riding experience to anything else I have ever ridden. Sooo much character! Cheers
I've left every superbike behind on small mountain roads. Third gear pure and then no more shifting was necessary. However, you have to adjust the mapping in the ECU so that the torque hole at 3500 rpm disappears. Then you can pull through quite easily from 2000 - 8000 rpm.
👍 Thanks glad you enjoyed the review. Yes I suppose that is their charm! They have some issues but once you get used to them it becomes addictive. A great experience riding an older Moto Guzzi. Cheers
Frankly I do not care/need high tech stuff like riding modes, traction control and so on.. Maybe because I learned/started on a 1970s 2-stroke, 100-cc, Suzuki street bike when in high school back in 1980s. It was so much fun. So I think mentally I got used to minimum tech on bike. Love this Guzzi. I own two Guzzi and love both of them. ( A 2004 Breva 750 and a Grisso 1200 SE )
Hi Angus, good to see you riding a Guzzi they are an involving ride and have a large amount of soul. The lack of rider aids makes you concentrate a little harder and get a good feel for the level of grip you have. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work…
Hey Jez, thanks yes it was a really treat to ride an old Guzzi!! Such an involving ride and as you say the lack of electronic aids really does help to focus the mind haha 👍 A great way to improve ones riding skills I think. Cheers 👌
Great bike had one for several years . Toured on it and even did some track days. Waay more exciting than a beemer airhead (owned both) good for short rider I’m 5’7 and had zero issues. Put s22’s on it and don’t overtyre it and it will handle great.
Hi Angus, nice review, thanks! The V11 was my dream bike when I tried it for a few minutes at the Intermot fair here in Munich back in 2004, I think. At least now I own a Guzzi, but a V7 III Carbon (dark) (for touring and goin’ faster I have a Triumph Sprint ST 955i). Riding a Guzzi always feels different to any other type of bike, and one can hardly describe it, you have to experience it on the bike. To all who claim that they need a Tc on a bike: remember that when the Tc lamp is on you made a more or less serious driving error. Go ahead with the very good job, Angus👍👍👍
Many thanks really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 It was great fun to ride an older and such involving bike to ride. Yes I think I would get used to no TC etc.. pretty quickly. Thanks and Merry Christmas
I think the Italians know how to design a very good looking bike. Look at Fenti. This is a skilful, respectful ride. Very interesting and maintenance high, but that's part of the fun, bike that suits a cool 1960s looking rider with an oily rag hanging out of his back pocket.
As always the Italian's do the design right!! Haha reliability is a question but as you say it is all part of the owner experience. Not too sure I would want to take one on a long tour, but as a pure experience they are stunning 😁
The "nether-regions" to tank placement let you bond with the motorcycle.....like a driver feeling and auto with their feet......but more sensitive....Lol! I bet Sam never had to repair on the road... Fun Video...Thanks
A beautiful bike but the ergonomics need improving, a Rich's or Corbin seat if you want to keep those nether regions alive, higher clip-ons, and also the foot controls which are harder to fix. Very nice stance, somewhat intermediate between full sport-bike and a standard. It has very lovely lines that come out especially when painted in a single colour.
Loved riding this! So much charm and character from the bike. Feels alive compared to modern bikes. Yes I do remember the seat being very hard haha Cheers
Lovely bike good review. I've got a bmw r1200r and its the same regarding 1st gear. You need to go to select 1st IMMEDIATELY after pulling in the clutch and it should drop straight in. If it doesn't then give the throttle a blip or 2 (with clutch in) and that should sort it.
Thanks glad you liked the vid 👍 Yes very much so, reminded me of the Thruxton as well. Similar styling and riding position. The Thruxton is a tad more refined than this though!! 😉 Cheers
Nice RD good to see you out on an older bike I like the Guzzi´s the one I most liked when I tried them years ago on a test day was the Californian it really was a nice bike and comfortable too if you ever get a chance to try one it´s worth it for the experience cheers 👍
Thanks glad you liked that one 👍 Was great fun to get out on something a bit different! The first Guzzi I have ever ridden as well. Would like to try some more. Yes the California looks great, nice cruiser style. Will keep my eyes open for one. Cheers
From a K6GSXR 1000 and SV 1000 owner,I think it is an amazing looking bike,, and I will be looking out for one as they do a model with upright bars ,, cracking bike,☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
Had a V11 ballabio for a year or 5, in contrast to other owners here, ive never had to wrench so much to keep it going. I like a bit of wrenching but not when its "unplanned". Looking back i still love the way it looks and sounds, i loved the torque rhe motor made around 5k. But i sure dont miss the leaking shaft drive, outputshaft seal, false neutrals, and the catastrophic gearbox mounting failure that left us stranded 1500km from home. Maybe one day ill go back to the dark side with a bit more modern guzzi
Greetings from sunny Greece. What a great review! I have owned one since 2005 and never ever thought about selling it. When bought it had almost 5K Kms on the speedometer. Giving up Japanese bikes was a deliberate decision. Also, my V11 makes a nice pair with my 1996 BMW R1100GS
Hi there 👋 Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the review! Was great fun to ride such a characterful and soulful bike, I can completely understand why you fell in love with it. Fantastic pair of bikes you have. Enjoy and take care
I’ve probably watched this video over 10 times now lmao, the past 5 bikes I’ve owned have not had abs or traction control because I wanted to be a better rider without them and not rely on electronics (now have a 2003 Yamaha R1🥲) but I keep coming back to this video because I want something more road friendly aka Roadster bike and the V11 Sport seems to be the bike! I love the looks and especially the exhaust note! I will be selling my R1 for one ( my 2nd bike was a 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille😉) Edit: I bought a V11 Sport and it’s amazing! But needs a few things here and there
👍 glad you are enjoying the video so much! I completely get what you are saying and 100% I think the lack of electronics will improve ones riding. I have not ridden the R1, but guess this V11 is some what more tame. It really is crazy the difference between new and older bikes. Such an involving and fun experience. Nice I would have hung onto that Aprilia 👌 Cheers
More then 12 years ago i changed from a ZX-9R to a V11. Having owned a Guzzi Lemans III before i had a latent Guzzi virus. The V11 has stayed and will never leave. I liked the ZX9R but found it more entertaining going at 'warp speed' which on a sportbike is in second gear. The V11 is sporty at normal speeds.
@@redangrevivalI wanted more power so I bought the R1, 9 months later I’m like yeah I’m a “Twin guy” not a “inline-4 guy” except for Mv Agusta Brutale 750/910 👌🏾, I should’ve kept the aprilia but it’s okay I see “R Spec Milles” for sale all the time so I will get another in some years
@@sjoukedijkstra7110everybody’s like “your gonna sell the V11” I keep telling my coworkers that I don’t need speed anymore at 26 years old lol I already did warp speed on a 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR (I work for a Ktm/aprilia/Royal Enfield dealer) and the R1 I have now is fun but it’s only more fun over 7k rpm’s to the 12k redline… but with the V11 I can actually gun it and the rear wheel won’t spin in place or won’t wheelie from hard acceleration out of a corner lol I want to actually ride my bike, besides all the older guys at my job got older BMW’s and a newer 2022 triumph speed twin 1200 and I kinda feel outta place with my hyper speed r1 lol
Lol!!! No lie my previous 2 bikes before getting my V11 were a 1998 R1 and a 2001 Mille, I lived the Aprilia but sold it in 2009 for the V11. Absolutely no regrets!
Nice to hear u had fun with the V11 Sport. To be honest it isnt a real Sports Bike but its more sporty than most other Moto Guzzis. The Bike u drove isnt Stock at all the Air filters are way different and the original Mirrors are missing.
Thanks, had a great ride with it 😁 I suppose it is Moto Guzzi's best shot at being sporty with their V-Twin motor! I am sure the Japanese sports bikes of the day would have left it in the dust, however the Guzzi has plenty of character.
Just finished watching Henry Cole in The motorbike show...explaining Moto Guzzi and the history.. also has a club with quite a few members.. they state if you own a Moto Guzzi you would have to have two. Great video Angus.. you will definitely make a director if you put your mind to it.. I like it.. maybe for a second bike among many other contenders Take it easy Cheers
Was great to ride a different and older bike for once! I know I always say it but it really did have so much character and soul this bike. By no means the best dynamically but that is not what motorcycling is always about in my opinion. All about how an individual bike makes you feel and this Guzzi was great fun despite its flaws!! 😁 Thanks, Steven Spielberg in the making!! Really enjoying the videos atm 😁 Cheers
Well that was a review with a difference. Taking an older bike out for a run and finding the fun in it’s old school properties. Going back to basics really.
Yup was great fun to ride and test something a bit different. Can definitely appreciate that joy of riding an older bike. Just a completely different experience, so involving and characterful! Cheers
😄 Welcome to my world, well not now both my Scooter and Tenere have traction control and ABS, but in the 44 year's I've been riding I've had 21 bike's and only the last three have had traction control and ABS. I used to get very nervous in corners in the wet and braking we were always told 70% front brake 30% rear in the dry and 50/50 in the wet! Not sure how we were supposed to guess that being as you use your foot and hand but I'm still here so guess I did It right. Plus tyres now are waaaay better than in the 70s. 😬🙂
Haha 👍 I know strange to think I have never ridden a bike without tc and abs before! Made me a bit nervous to be honest, but really does make you think more about your riding. Great way to brush up on skills and iron out any lazy habits. Definitely goes to show how much tc and abs have improved the safety of motorcycles. I think they still teach 70/30 braking as a rule of thumb.
What a beautiful bike that is ! had a Moto Guzzi v7 a couple years ago. Nice machine. Curious of your opinion of the Guzzi V85TT. Possibly compared to other adventure bikes. Enjoy your channel 👍
It is a stunning bike and so pleased to ride something a bit different! I am very interested in the V85TT 👍 Looking to get a ride on one asap. Many thanks and glad you're enjoying the channel.
I rode bikes whithout ABS nor TC since 1969. My first one so equiped I owned was only in 2016. I never remember I have ABS nowadays during my rides.😁😁. By rhe way; my second bike (a 2003 Breva 750) doesn't have them too.😜
Haha I know it is strange I have never ridden a bike without tc and abs before! Definitely makes me ride more consciously and aware of the road surface etc... We are spoilt these days with all the modern technology. Something to be said for a simple ride 👍 Cheers
Think you need to be fairly young to consider a bike from 2003 with up-side-down forks and fuel injection to be a classic. Try out a Le Mans V or older and see how you like a classic-classic. (The ol' Tonti frame and shuddering engine still brings out great smiles - of joy - every time when ridden.) Oh, and thanks for the review! 🙂
Very diverse report this one, very interesting, like to see many more used bikes instead of lots of vloggers testing same bikes. Italian vehicles always stunning but ownership not for me. Great vlog though
👍 Thanks I appreciate it and glad you liked this one. Was great fun to ride a different bike and older as well. So characterful and more immersive than newer models. Same owner ship could get expensive I feel! Cheers
Beautiful bike, one on my list to own. I know it's all perspective but I find it mad that when people haven't ridden bikes without aids. I'm 34 been riding consistently since 16 and never had a bike with even as much as ABS 😂 budget more than anything. That stuff is there if you get yourself in a pickle, your brain and body can do the same things as long as you ride within your ability. For me some of the gizmos are about ott these days. You should ride a 70s / 80s two stroke with drum brakes and skinny tyres all round that's exciting after riding basically anything else 😂 My first proper bike was a Suzuki SB200 two stroke, you certainly learn to think ahead!
I agree, the rider aids these days can take away from the ride itself! Although sometimes they are very beneficial and making biking considerably safer.
@@redangrevival would you agree no one should be warning to be overly cautious cornering because you don’t have ABS? Nice modern features for “just in case,” but traction comes from tires on road determined by the tire and how we make that contact patch.
“I’ve never ridden a bike that didn’t have ABS and traction control”. Really? Wholly crap I’m old and why would I watch these videos. Only kidding in my mind have owed one I still think of it as a modern bike
All good, just the truth I am afraid! I suppose with ever increasing HP these days you need electronic assistance. Must say I did not miss it on the V11. Great fun
1st...Its Moto GOOTZIE... Like PEEtza ..not PizzA... 2nd... Durability ? Their famous for going 200k mi. .... 3rd. .. yea ..they come alive at 4k but you failed to mention Redline is 8k rpm! with a 6 speed tranny!. So..not much like an HD with 5.5 k redline... Think thats pretty...check out an 02 LeMans ...in Champaigne...like my old one and the reason i just bought a 2000 V 11 Sport.... silver with the red frame and sport fairing at 73yo. Magnificint machine. We both live to eat 80mph sweepers all day. Ive done plenty 4-500 mi days. Nothing like a Guzzi. Imagine the torque of an HD that pulls hard all the way up through 7000 rpms in a sport frame thats on rails. Had plenty Ducatis and big bore inlines. NOTHING is as much fun to ride. Some Mistral pipes, open airbox and ECU tweak and your in MC Heaven. Get one !
It doesn't sound anything like a Harley. Harleys sound like a cross between a badly tuned 1930s tractor and a flatulent cow. The Guzzi has a sound reminicent of thunder, hence the nickname 'Thunderbikes'. As for reliability, that engine was developed from an engine designed to race at Le Mans for 24hrs at an average speed of 170kph+ without failing. It did that for many years. Low stress engines last longer.
A failing flailing company with bad management that led to under engineered outdated underperforming products. The newer models are slowly coming around and playing catchup. The new V100 engine is the best sign of hope for the company and brand. However the V twin will need to produce on par with the competition. The V100 is a start but not a complete solution. Lets hope they keep pushing forward but time will tell if they can be competitive in different classes of the MC world.
I agree, although I still do feel the Guzzi's just have such a unique character about them. Cannot wait to try the new V100 😁 Definitely a step in the right direction and still retains a unique look!
The Guzzis don't need to be "On Par" with the Competition.They appeal to the people that want something different .If you want something that is like the Competition ,go buy the "competition.If you read the other comments you'd see the others like the Guzzis for what they are,not for what they wished they were.I bought a new Honda CB -1100f new in 83.It was fast ,had great brakes,and all that stuff.I sold it shortly after I bought my 86 Lemans 1000.It wasn't as fast as the Honda or stopped as well but it had something the Honda didn't. Character .That,in my opinion, in the long run,is more satisfying than having to keep up with the Competition.By the way,I own 8 Guzzis
@@cota2472000 Well obviously you like them, nothing wrong with that.but you have to be a realist when it comes to marketing and sales numbers for the company. They wont survive with your 8 Guzzi’s or the few like you. They will survive on covering their development costs, production costs and sales advertising costs, plus a sufficient dealer network. I am also an 86 Lemans lover. But that is an 1986 and its not competing with a BMW R100S or RS now is it. The V100 is in competition with the R1250RS, the Multistrada’s and perhaps a Honda 1100. American buyers look at three things: Brand, Price and Specs. So if you want to compete, you need to hit a home run on one or more of those categories. Moto Guzzi may have it right. They can compete with the V2 Multistrada, although the V2 has it beat on price. The Honda is far less expensive. The BMW and Guzzi are priced close but the BMW has the Guzzi dead to rights on Performance. You need to pull sales from one of those three, to take market share and succeed. I also owned two CB900F bikes. Loved them. Great bikes. Always wanted the CB1100F, the purple one! I currently ride a K1300GT, a Multistrada 1200GT and a BMW R1200ST. All great machines. Truth is that the 2005 R1200ST performance numbers are the same as the 2005 R1200ST. So I ask the question again, why didn’t Guzzi best the performance numbers of a 2005 bike, like my ST?
Hello!. Obviously you a very young and inexperienced boy in older bikes. I'm 54 and i have 45ish in all type of motorcycles. 1cylinder, 4 in line, v-twins, boxers and of course, 90 degrees twin motorcycles. The ABS, the TC, and all these "gadgets" are ok for newbies and for make the motorcycles more secure and and more, more expensives, but, hide the experience of ride a real motorcycle. You need to test some 70, 80 and 90's motorcycles, and taste the pleasure to drive a truly motorcycle. When you push the brakes just a second before take the corner, and your bike starts to move side by side but she runs directly to the edge and she tells you, now! open the throtle! and you exit the corner straight to take the next one. Are you and your bike, you are the abs, you are the traction control, you are the drive modes, you knows your motorcycle, and she knows you. Try a real motorcycle. (Sorry for my English, i'm from Spain)
![1984 Moto Guzzi Le Mans III and 2001 V11 Sport [visit 17 of 31]](/img/n.gif)
'Characterful' is a word much used in reviews of Guzzis.
I've owned Suzukis, Hondas, Yamahas and now Guzzis so I can offer an explanation of what that means:
If you could put a rider on first a Yamaha sports bike and then a Honda and next a Suzi without them actually visually identifying the make, and then ask if they can ID which was which, the task; while not impossible; would be difficult.
Not so with the Guzzi.
It has so many differences in power delivery, handeling, sound and feel that you simply cannot mistake it for any other bike.
That isn't say that everyone will like one.
Just that they really are different; but in a nice way.
I’ve owned my ‘03 V11 since 2009. I’ve done quite a few mods including the factory race ECU and ti race cans. It transforms the power curve and is a proper hooligan machine. The important thing is this bike was 15 years ahead of retro classic trend except it’s powerful! The handling is superb and I’ve toured on mine, it’s plenty comfortable! I can keep up with most bikes on mine. It would have had 2 handle bar mounted mirrors as standard. Watch out for the huge engine braking and the shaft drive, it’ll lock the back wheel if abused but is amazing for carrying speed into corners without braking. It’s definitely not for novice riders but will reward you if you ride it properly.
Everywhere I go people ask me about it. 14:55
Nice review. I've owned one of these V11s for the past 3 years and I have to say it is the most involving and characterful bike I've had - out of many. The lack of abs and tc doesn't bother me at all as I learnt to ride on bikes without them. It has been super reliable too - not much to go wrong as its very simple. It is also plenty fast enough with instant grunt in any gear and has a lovely long legged feel. I don't think I'll ever sell it - a very special machine !
😁 Thanks I appreciate it and glad you liked the review. Exactly how I would describe it, so characterful and involving. It is all about how a bike makes you feel and this bike has bags of feeling 👍 Hope you continue to enjoy her for a long time to come. Cheers
You should find a MK1 Lemans or a a original V7 to ride.
@@michaelworobel6373 I would love to have a blast on one of those for sure!
@@michaelworobel6373 Would love that!
I may be critical of the design and engineering choices of the company to manufacture the V100 instead of a V1200 but i personally like the bike. It fits what i like to do but i wonder if others feel the same way when there are other choices. The S model has the most potential but the base has the price factor. Riding with Stability control ABS and modes as well as Dynamic control adds to the riding capacity of a bike if its well done. The Multistrada has refined it to maximize the effectiveness and it truly improves the experience on roads that don’t inspire confidence or when a surprising condition exists without warning. I can speak from experience when pushing my multoistrada hard on mountain roads and BBS has kicked in and you see the traction control light up
It's not a sports bike. Never was. Just a proper motorcycle. Lovely engine and a seat. Nothing else required.
Nice and simple!
I owned a V11 Sport Ballabio for a few years and had to sell it when I moved to France. I still miss the feel of it, the way the weight was distributed, and especially the character of the engine. It was always an absolute hoot to ride, loads of fun, and drew a lot if attention. The raw nature of it was infectious. Great review!
Many thanks I appreciate it and really glad you liked the review. That is a shame you had to get rid of it. It is a great bike and a different riding experience to anything else I have ever ridden. Sooo much character!
Cheers
I've left every superbike behind on small mountain roads. Third gear pure and then no more shifting was necessary. However, you have to adjust the mapping in the ECU so that the torque hole at 3500 rpm disappears. Then you can pull through quite easily from 2000 - 8000 rpm.
Nice review. I had a Griso for a few years and while it did have some idiosyncrasies, you soon got used to them and made the ride much more enjoyable
👍 Thanks glad you enjoyed the review. Yes I suppose that is their charm! They have some issues but once you get used to them it becomes addictive. A great experience riding an older Moto Guzzi. Cheers
Frankly I do not care/need high tech stuff like riding modes, traction control and so on..
Maybe because I learned/started on a 1970s 2-stroke, 100-cc, Suzuki street bike when in high school back in 1980s. It was so much fun.
So I think mentally I got used to minimum tech on bike.
Love this Guzzi.
I own two Guzzi and love both of them. ( A 2004 Breva 750 and a Grisso 1200 SE )
Yup a lot of modern tech on bikes is not needed, its refreshing to ride a minimalistic bike 👍
I had a Guzzi Spada Royale for 10 years throughout the ,80s, loved it and went all over Europe.
👌 That is an awesome looking bike! Bet you had a blast and looks so comfortable for touring on.
@@redangrevival I had a brilliant time, the only bike that I ever really had a special relationship (other than my 400/4)
@@stonkerontheroad9609 👌 I can understand why!
Hi Angus, good to see you riding a Guzzi they are an involving ride and have a large amount of soul. The lack of rider aids makes you concentrate a little harder and get a good feel for the level of grip you have. Thanks for posting and keep up the good work…
Hey Jez, thanks yes it was a really treat to ride an old Guzzi!! Such an involving ride and as you say the lack of electronic aids really does help to focus the mind haha 👍 A great way to improve ones riding skills I think. Cheers 👌
Great bike had one for several years . Toured on it and even did some track days. Waay more exciting than a beemer airhead (owned both) good for short rider I’m 5’7 and had zero issues. Put s22’s on it and don’t overtyre it and it will handle great.
Brilliant fun, so refreshing to ride such a characterful bike!
Hi Angus, nice review, thanks! The V11 was my dream bike when I tried it for a few minutes at the Intermot fair here in Munich back in 2004, I think. At least now I own a Guzzi, but a V7 III Carbon (dark) (for touring and goin’ faster I have a Triumph Sprint ST 955i). Riding a Guzzi always feels different to any other type of bike, and one can hardly describe it, you have to experience it on the bike. To all who claim that they need a Tc on a bike: remember that when the Tc lamp is on you made a more or less serious driving error.
Go ahead with the very good job, Angus👍👍👍
Many thanks really glad you enjoyed the review 👍 It was great fun to ride an older and such involving bike to ride. Yes I think I would get used to no TC etc.. pretty quickly.
Thanks and Merry Christmas
Brilliant video! Old school like this won’t depreciate much either…
Thanks I appreciate it 👍
I think the Italians know how to design a very good looking bike. Look at Fenti. This is a skilful, respectful ride. Very interesting and maintenance high, but that's part of the fun, bike that suits a cool 1960s looking rider with an oily rag hanging out of his back pocket.
As always the Italian's do the design right!! Haha reliability is a question but as you say it is all part of the owner experience. Not too sure I would want to take one on a long tour, but as a pure experience they are stunning 😁
Great bike and awesome insight on this motorbike
👍 Many thanks Dean, glad you liked it. A great experience to ride something a bit different. Cheers
The green v11 sport had my number from day 1...
👌
If you are behind a vii sport, or 1200 griso with upgraded exhaust. the pulses go right through you. what a feeling, and unmistakable sound!
The "nether-regions" to tank placement let you bond with the motorcycle.....like a driver feeling and auto with their feet......but more sensitive....Lol!
I bet Sam never had to repair on the road... Fun Video...Thanks
😂 Absolutely, man and machine as one!! He hasn't said yet, he loves it though 👍 Many thanks, really glad you enjoyed the video
@@redangrevival I can confirm I have now had to repair on the road - and a faulty throttle position sensor on an 1100 V twin is NOT fun.
Owner did not even remove the original Mirror mounts :D
A beautiful bike but the ergonomics need improving, a Rich's or Corbin seat if you want to keep those nether regions alive, higher clip-ons, and also the foot controls which are harder to fix. Very nice stance, somewhat intermediate between full sport-bike and a standard. It has very lovely lines that come out especially when painted in a single colour.
Loved riding this! So much charm and character from the bike. Feels alive compared to modern bikes. Yes I do remember the seat being very hard haha Cheers
Lovely bike good review. I've got a bmw r1200r and its the same regarding 1st gear. You need to go to select 1st IMMEDIATELY after pulling in the clutch and it should drop straight in. If it doesn't then give the throttle a blip or 2 (with clutch in) and that should sort it.
Many thansk I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Cheers, gotta love the older bikes. So much character compared to the newer models!
Great vid RedAng, beautiful bike, reminds me a little of the Thruxton, keep it up. Chow Bella 👍
Thanks glad you liked the vid 👍 Yes very much so, reminded me of the Thruxton as well. Similar styling and riding position. The Thruxton is a tad more refined than this though!! 😉 Cheers
Nice RD good to see you out on an older bike I like the Guzzi´s the one I most liked when I tried them years ago on a test day was the Californian it really was a nice bike and comfortable too if you ever get a chance to try one it´s worth it for the experience cheers 👍
Thanks glad you liked that one 👍 Was great fun to get out on something a bit different! The first Guzzi I have ever ridden as well. Would like to try some more.
Yes the California looks great, nice cruiser style. Will keep my eyes open for one. Cheers
From a K6GSXR 1000 and SV 1000 owner,I think it is an amazing looking bike,, and I will be looking out for one as they do a model with upright bars ,, cracking bike,☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland
Enjoy the ride 😎
Had a V11 ballabio for a year or 5, in contrast to other owners here, ive never had to wrench so much to keep it going. I like a bit of wrenching but not when its "unplanned". Looking back i still love the way it looks and sounds, i loved the torque rhe motor made around 5k. But i sure dont miss the leaking shaft drive, outputshaft seal, false neutrals, and the catastrophic gearbox mounting failure that left us stranded 1500km from home.
Maybe one day ill go back to the dark side with a bit more modern guzzi
😎 Despite the reliability issues, it is such a great riding experience!
Greetings from sunny Greece. What a great review! I have owned one since 2005 and never ever thought about selling it. When bought it had almost 5K Kms on the speedometer. Giving up Japanese bikes was a deliberate decision. Also, my V11 makes a nice pair with my 1996 BMW R1100GS
Hi there 👋 Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the review! Was great fun to ride such a characterful and soulful bike, I can completely understand why you fell in love with it. Fantastic pair of bikes you have. Enjoy and take care
I’ve probably watched this video over 10 times now lmao, the past 5 bikes I’ve owned have not had abs or traction control because I wanted to be a better rider without them and not rely on electronics (now have a 2003 Yamaha R1🥲) but I keep coming back to this video because I want something more road friendly aka Roadster bike and the V11 Sport seems to be the bike! I love the looks and especially the exhaust note! I will be selling my R1 for one ( my 2nd bike was a 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille😉)
Edit: I bought a V11 Sport and it’s amazing! But needs a few things here and there
👍 glad you are enjoying the video so much! I completely get what you are saying and 100% I think the lack of electronics will improve ones riding. I have not ridden the R1, but guess this V11 is some what more tame.
It really is crazy the difference between new and older bikes. Such an involving and fun experience. Nice I would have hung onto that Aprilia 👌
Cheers
More then 12 years ago i changed from a ZX-9R to a V11. Having owned a Guzzi Lemans III before i had a latent Guzzi virus. The V11 has stayed and will never leave. I liked the ZX9R but found it more entertaining going at 'warp speed' which on a sportbike is in second gear. The V11 is sporty at normal speeds.
@@redangrevivalI wanted more power so I bought the R1, 9 months later I’m like yeah I’m a “Twin guy” not a “inline-4 guy” except for Mv Agusta Brutale 750/910 👌🏾, I should’ve kept the aprilia but it’s okay I see “R Spec Milles” for sale all the time so I will get another in some years
@@sjoukedijkstra7110everybody’s like “your gonna sell the V11” I keep telling my coworkers that I don’t need speed anymore at 26 years old lol I already did warp speed on a 2017 Aprilia RSV4 RR (I work for a Ktm/aprilia/Royal Enfield dealer) and the R1 I have now is fun but it’s only more fun over 7k rpm’s to the 12k redline… but with the V11 I can actually gun it and the rear wheel won’t spin in place or won’t wheelie from hard acceleration out of a corner lol I want to actually ride my bike, besides all the older guys at my job got older BMW’s and a newer 2022 triumph speed twin 1200 and I kinda feel outta place with my hyper speed r1 lol
Lol!!! No lie my previous 2 bikes before getting my V11 were a 1998 R1 and a 2001 Mille, I lived the Aprilia but sold it in 2009 for the V11. Absolutely no regrets!
Nice to hear u had fun with the V11 Sport. To be honest it isnt a real Sports Bike but its more sporty than most other Moto Guzzis.
The Bike u drove isnt Stock at all the Air filters are way different and the original Mirrors are missing.
Thanks, had a great ride with it 😁 I suppose it is Moto Guzzi's best shot at being sporty with their V-Twin motor! I am sure the Japanese sports bikes of the day would have left it in the dust, however the Guzzi has plenty of character.
@@redangrevival Yes i own a V11 Sport myself together with a more touring oriented Breva 1100 and a even more Touring oriented Yamaha FJR1300
Just finished watching Henry Cole in The motorbike show...explaining Moto Guzzi and the history.. also has a club with quite a few members.. they state if you own a Moto Guzzi you would have to have two.
Great video Angus.. you will definitely make a director if you put your mind to it..
I like it.. maybe for a second bike among many other contenders
Take it easy
Cheers
Was great to ride a different and older bike for once! I know I always say it but it really did have so much character and soul this bike. By no means the best dynamically but that is not what motorcycling is always about in my opinion. All about how an individual bike makes you feel and this Guzzi was great fun despite its flaws!! 😁
Thanks, Steven Spielberg in the making!! Really enjoying the videos atm 😁
Cheers
Well that was a review with a difference. Taking an older bike out for a run and finding the fun in it’s old school properties. Going back to basics really.
Yup was great fun to ride and test something a bit different. Can definitely appreciate that joy of riding an older bike. Just a completely different experience, so involving and characterful! Cheers
U do look cool on that guzzi!
haha thanks 😎 Its a cool bike!
😄 Welcome to my world, well not now both my Scooter and Tenere have traction control and ABS,
but in the 44 year's I've been riding I've had 21 bike's and only the last three have had traction control and ABS. I used to get very nervous in corners in the wet and braking we were always told 70% front brake 30% rear in the dry and 50/50 in the wet! Not sure how we were supposed to guess that being as you use your foot and hand but I'm still here so guess I did It right. Plus tyres now are waaaay better than in the 70s. 😬🙂
Haha 👍 I know strange to think I have never ridden a bike without tc and abs before! Made me a bit nervous to be honest, but really does make you think more about your riding. Great way to brush up on skills and iron out any lazy habits.
Definitely goes to show how much tc and abs have improved the safety of motorcycles. I think they still teach 70/30 braking as a rule of thumb.
Love Moto Guzzi!
A great company and can't believe it has taken me so long to ride one!!
@@redangrevival you should test ride their v9 Bobber. It’s their version of your Speedy. Very cool cruiser!
@@Theophilus1968 Thanks that would be a great ride 👍
What a beautiful bike that is ! had a Moto Guzzi v7 a couple years ago. Nice machine. Curious of your opinion of the Guzzi V85TT. Possibly compared to other adventure bikes. Enjoy your channel 👍
It is a stunning bike and so pleased to ride something a bit different! I am very interested in the V85TT 👍 Looking to get a ride on one asap. Many thanks and glad you're enjoying the channel.
I rode bikes whithout ABS nor TC since 1969. My first one so equiped I owned was only in 2016. I never remember I have ABS nowadays during my rides.😁😁. By rhe way; my second bike (a 2003 Breva 750) doesn't have them too.😜
Haha I know it is strange I have never ridden a bike without tc and abs before! Definitely makes me ride more consciously and aware of the road surface etc...
We are spoilt these days with all the modern technology. Something to be said for a simple ride 👍 Cheers
Thats a nice-looking bike.
Yup love the paint work 👍 Great fun to ride an older bike!! Such a different experience
Think you need to be fairly young to consider a bike from 2003 with up-side-down forks and fuel injection to be a classic. Try out a Le Mans V or older and see how you like a classic-classic. (The ol' Tonti frame and shuddering engine still brings out great smiles - of joy - every time when ridden.) Oh, and thanks for the review! 🙂
Ok boomer
I'll try and get my hands on one 😁 Thanks and glad you enjoyed the review
Looks awesome! Guzzi riders only
😎
Wow thats some bike👍👍👍
👍 Great fun to ride something a bit different. Really very cool. Not the most refined bike I have ever ridden, but all the better for it!!
Very diverse report this one, very interesting, like to see many more used bikes instead of lots of vloggers testing same bikes. Italian vehicles always stunning but ownership not for me. Great vlog though
👍 Thanks I appreciate it and glad you liked this one. Was great fun to ride a different bike and older as well. So characterful and more immersive than newer models. Same owner ship could get expensive I feel! Cheers
New coat and gloves?
No same as before! Bout time for a new pair of gloves though
I just love it
These bikes from Moto Guzzi were, IMO, the epitome of a "man's bike".
Super cool and raw bikes 😎
I need one! WFH
Beautiful bike, one on my list to own. I know it's all perspective but I find it mad that when people haven't ridden bikes without aids. I'm 34 been riding consistently since 16 and never had a bike with even as much as ABS 😂 budget more than anything. That stuff is there if you get yourself in a pickle, your brain and body can do the same things as long as you ride within your ability. For me some of the gizmos are about ott these days. You should ride a 70s / 80s two stroke with drum brakes and skinny tyres all round that's exciting after riding basically anything else 😂 My first proper bike was a Suzuki SB200 two stroke, you certainly learn to think ahead!
I agree, the rider aids these days can take away from the ride itself! Although sometimes they are very beneficial and making biking considerably safer.
What are you on about being careful on turns without ABS? ABS isn’t traction control.
I mean braking in turns, nowadays bikes have cornering ABS and some people take that for granted!
@@redangrevival would you agree no one should be warning to be overly cautious cornering because you don’t have ABS? Nice modern features for “just in case,” but traction comes from tires on road determined by the tire and how we make that contact patch.
“I’ve never ridden a bike that didn’t have ABS and traction control”. Really? Wholly crap I’m old and why would I watch these videos. Only kidding in my mind have owed one I still think of it as a modern bike
All good, just the truth I am afraid! I suppose with ever increasing HP these days you need electronic assistance. Must say I did not miss it on the V11. Great fun
Great bike. But having your wrist wraps flopping about in the wind was distracting.
Yup apologies for that! I need a new pair of gloves
@@redangrevival No need to apologise. Just a note for future videos.
1st...Its Moto GOOTZIE...
Like PEEtza ..not PizzA...
2nd... Durability ? Their famous for going 200k mi. ....
3rd. .. yea ..they come alive at 4k but you failed to mention Redline is 8k rpm! with a 6 speed tranny!. So..not much like an HD with 5.5 k redline...
Think thats pretty...check out an 02 LeMans ...in Champaigne...like my old one and the reason i just bought a 2000 V 11 Sport.... silver with the red frame and sport fairing at 73yo. Magnificint machine. We both live to eat 80mph sweepers all day. Ive done plenty 4-500 mi days.
Nothing like a Guzzi. Imagine the torque of an HD that pulls hard all the way up through 7000 rpms in a sport frame thats on rails.
Had plenty Ducatis and big bore inlines. NOTHING is as much fun to ride. Some Mistral pipes, open airbox and ECU tweak and your in MC Heaven. Get one !
Hahahaha... He says he's never ridden a bike without traction control or ABS. I've never ridden a bike with them.
Goosy!!!
Moto Goozee (US speak) Moto Guzzee (UK speak)
It doesn't sound anything like a Harley.
Harleys sound like a cross between a badly tuned 1930s tractor and a flatulent cow.
The Guzzi has a sound reminicent of thunder, hence the nickname 'Thunderbikes'.
As for reliability, that engine was developed from an engine designed to race at Le Mans for 24hrs at an average speed of 170kph+ without failing.
It did that for many years.
Low stress engines last longer.
👍😎😎😎👍
👌👍👌
Do your jacket cuffs up ffs 😂 drives me mental.
Haha no
Isn’t this the same bike as a griso?
Nope, Grisos are quite different, the Griso 1100 did have the same engine.
Please learn the correct pronunciation of Guzzi, (when was the last time you ate a peeeza?), try Guzzi as in foot-si.
👍Thanks
A failing flailing company with bad management that led to under engineered outdated underperforming products. The newer models are slowly coming around and playing catchup. The new V100 engine is the best sign of hope for the company and brand. However the V twin will need to produce on par with the competition. The V100 is a start but not a complete solution. Lets hope they keep pushing forward but time will tell if they can be competitive in different classes of the MC world.
I agree, although I still do feel the Guzzi's just have such a unique character about them. Cannot wait to try the new V100 😁 Definitely a step in the right direction and still retains a unique look!
The Guzzis don't need to be "On Par" with the Competition.They appeal to the people that want something different .If you want something that is like the Competition ,go buy the "competition.If you read the other comments you'd see the others like the Guzzis for what they are,not for what they wished they were.I bought a new Honda CB -1100f new in 83.It was fast ,had great brakes,and all that stuff.I sold it shortly after I bought my 86 Lemans 1000.It wasn't as fast as the Honda or stopped as well but it had something the Honda didn't. Character .That,in my opinion, in the long run,is more satisfying than having to keep up with the Competition.By the way,I own 8 Guzzis
@@cota2472000 Well obviously you like them, nothing wrong with that.but you have to be a realist when it comes to marketing and sales numbers for the company. They wont survive with your 8 Guzzi’s or the few like you. They will survive on covering their development costs, production costs and sales advertising costs, plus a sufficient dealer network. I am also an 86 Lemans lover. But that is an 1986 and its not competing with a BMW R100S or RS now is it. The V100 is in competition with the R1250RS, the Multistrada’s and perhaps a Honda 1100.
American buyers look at three things: Brand, Price and Specs. So if you want to compete, you need to hit a home run on one or more of those categories. Moto Guzzi may have it right. They can compete with the V2 Multistrada, although the V2 has it beat on price. The Honda is far less expensive. The BMW and Guzzi are priced close but the BMW has the Guzzi dead to rights on Performance. You need to pull sales from one of those three, to take market share and succeed.
I also owned two CB900F bikes. Loved them. Great bikes. Always wanted the CB1100F, the purple one! I currently ride a K1300GT, a Multistrada 1200GT and a BMW R1200ST. All great machines. Truth is that the 2005 R1200ST performance numbers are the same as the 2005 R1200ST. So I ask the question again, why didn’t Guzzi best the performance numbers of a 2005 bike, like my ST?
Hello!. Obviously you a very young and inexperienced boy in older bikes.
I'm 54 and i have 45ish in all type of motorcycles. 1cylinder, 4 in line, v-twins, boxers and of course, 90 degrees twin motorcycles.
The ABS, the TC, and all these "gadgets" are ok for newbies and for make the motorcycles more secure and and more, more expensives, but, hide the experience of ride a real motorcycle.
You need to test some 70, 80 and 90's motorcycles, and taste the pleasure to drive a truly motorcycle.
When you push the brakes just a second before take the corner, and your bike starts to move side by side but she runs directly to the edge and she tells you, now! open the throtle! and you exit the corner straight to take the next one.
Are you and your bike, you are the abs, you are the traction control, you are the drive modes, you knows your motorcycle, and she knows you.
Try a real motorcycle.
(Sorry for my English, i'm from Spain)
I will give it ago 😎