V11 Sport (2001 - 2006) review
So here I am, after all these years, astride a Moto Guzzi for the first time. I'm a Guzzi virgin, so I hope she'll treat me gently...
The 'she' in question is a V11 Sport Naked, not the half faired Le Mans version (which is just a namesake of the original that first did it for me) but she's still got a real aggressive look about her.
I blip the throttle and I'm momentarily confused. A sudden dip to the right with the torque reaction tells me that I've got to remember that this machine is very different to the in-line vees I've raced before.
So here I am, after all these years, astride a Moto Guzzi for the first time. I'm a Guzzi virgin, so I hope she'll treat me gently...
The 'she' in question is a V11 Sport Naked, not the half faired Le Mans version (which is just a namesake of the original that first did it for me) but she's still got a real aggressive look about her.
I blip the throttle and I'm momentarily confused. A sudden dip to the right with the torque reaction tells me that I've got to remember that this machine is very different to the in-line vees I've raced before.
On the go, and I'm surprised at just how much power this thing has, is it really just 91bhp? It's a twin, which should mean lazy torque over frantic power, but this thing loves to be revved, all the way to the redline. The motor is responsive, but you have to be positive, as the torque reaction can unsettle the bike on the downshifts.
It took me 20 minutes to get used to it and then I was able to time gearshifts correctly so I wasn't wagging the V11's tail out. That's another thing, you always feels as if there's a false neutral hiding between each downshift, so a precise left foot is needed. These aren't criticisms, just observations. It's not the latest hi-tech sportster, it's something which requires more involvement and has more soul. Once you've got engine management sussed, you can enjoy the handling.
I was expecting something top heavy, but the handling is very neutral and responsive. It feels like the V11 has quite a steep steering head angle, (25 degrees, same as a FireStorm) which I guess is why Guzzi put a steering damper on the V11. It works.
I was soon grounding out the sidestand on the left and just touching down my Alpinestar on the right. For this bike that's enough. Brakes are plenty, too. Brembos at the front provide enough power, while the rear has more bite than most of the latest sportsbikes.
Click to read the final page of the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Naked review.
So here I am, after all these years, astride a Moto Guzzi for the first time. I'm a Guzzi virgin, so I hope she'll treat me gently...
The 'she' in question is a V11 Sport Naked, not the half faired Le Mans version (which is just a namesake of the original that first did it for me) but she's still got a real aggressive look about her.
I blip the throttle and I'm momentarily confused. A sudden dip to the right with the torque reaction tells me that I've got to remember that this machine is very different to the in-line vees I've raced before.
On the go, and I'm surprised at just how much power this thing has, is it really just 91bhp? It's a twin, which should mean lazy torque over frantic power, but this thing loves to be revved, all the way to the redline. The motor is responsive, but you have to be positive, as the torque reaction can unsettle the bike on the downshifts.
It took me 20 minutes to get used to it and then I was able to time gearshifts correctly so I wasn't wagging the V11's tail out. That's another thing, you always feels as if there's a false neutral hiding between each downshift, so a precise left foot is needed. These aren't criticisms, just observations. It's not the latest hi-tech sportster, it's something which requires more involvement and has more soul. Once you've got engine management sussed, you can enjoy the handling.
I was expecting something top heavy, but the handling is very neutral and responsive. It feels like the V11 has quite a steep steering head angle, (25 degrees, same as a FireStorm) which I guess is why Guzzi put a steering damper on the V11. It works.
I was soon grounding out the sidestand on the left and just touching down my Alpinestar on the right. For this bike that's enough. Brakes are plenty, too. Brembos at the front provide enough power, while the rear has more bite than most of the latest sportsbikes.
Click to read the final page of the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Naked review.
