Ducati Ownership vs Moto Guzzi Ownership????

[Cher]

I've owned a couple of Ducatis over the last several years and am thinking of replacing one of my Ducs with a 2002 Guzzi V11 LeMans (local one owner bike, all records, dealer serviced, 9,000 miles).

I got a chance to ride it yesterday and was impressed - it is by no means a Ducati (and isn't trying to be  ) but it does have buckets of torque and I like the bike's overall style and appreciate the history/engineering of Moto Guzzi twins in general (this particular model, the V11, is rated at 61 ft/lbstorque and 91 hp. It's a 1063cc motor, air-cooled, dry clutch with shaft drive).

Given that, does anyone have any first hand experience with regards to V11 ownership?  Or maybe just any of the more recent Guzzi motorcycles?  It is my understanding in talking with several people about this brand that the modern Guzzis will run forever, are reasonably reliable, and not particularly fussy maintenance-wise.  "Cheap-to-keep" seems to sum it up.

What say you?!?   

Thanks in advance,

Lisa

[Hi_Fi_Guy]

I rode a 2004 LeMans on a few parade laps on a track and while I agree with the, "it's not a Duc" statement it does have it's own magic.  I still regret not buying one and if I was smart I would pick-up a used one. A lot of people jokingly refer to Guzzi as the Italian BMW.  As a BMW owner I can tell you Guzzi is more like halfway between a BMW and a Ducati.  Italian passion and sex appeal with a bit of the weight, torque, and comfort that make BMWs so good as long distance machines. I can see why so many V11's are set-up as sport touring bikes.

Will a Guzzi replace a Ducati?  No they are different machines with different purposes. Would I have one in the stable?  You bet!

Visit the V11 forums at http://www.v11lemans.com/  if you have questions about ownership and service these are the people to ask.

[LA]

Guzzis are stone reliable and the Lemans series is notable all the way back to it's inception over thirty years ago.  Good handling. You will love the bike.  Don't be afraid to rev it - many people I've known want to shift em just when they start to make power.  They do make good torque, but you gotta put a few rev on em. [moto]

 

[jclin]

A good friend of mine sold his Guzzi because it was nickel and diming him for the 2 years he had it. Might be an anomaly. He got it from Moto International in Seattle. It was a sweet looking bike... Breva 750. But little things kept breaking, and it takes forever to get parts.

He replaced it with a Honda because he was fed up.

I think you should go with the general consensus instead of one anecdote, but I thought I would share just in case others do as well.

[fastwin]

That thing will run circles around any old POS Ducati anyday of the week. It's not even a contest!!! Guzzis rule!!

OK, I kid and she knows it!! I have an old somewhat dead '78 850 Lemans with 13K on it in storage and I loved riding it years ago!! It was my first big four stroke street bike in the 70s. I tend to think the newer ones would be better and more reliable than mine was. Still, a cool scooter.

Anyone that has any more up to date, modern day info and experience please post up, I know Cher would love to hear from you. I've seen pics of this V11 and it does look pretty darn cool! I'm hoping you send her good feedback and she buys it!! [moto]

[vfrhans]

My Monster 750 and my Breva 750 live happily together under the same roof. They are very different, but fun in their own unique ways. When I go touring they are staying home, though. My Honda VFR 750 discharges that duty with appropriate luggage and comfort. A garage full of three 750's feels a little like having a harem - but I digress...

[kopfjäger]

http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/V11-Lemans.htm

[Norm]

I own a Certauro (Dr. John 4 valve motor) and LOVE it. For me, it's one of those forever bikes. I also find the build quality better than the Ducs I've owned, although it's been a few years since I bought a Duc.

[Cher]

Thanks everyone for the replies!  Now I've got several more questions I can ask the owner; very useful info.   

Cheers!