MOTO-GUZZI 1200 SPORT 4v (2008 - on) Review

Version: 2 valve

Year: 2008

I'm trying to be realistic about this machine and am comparing it to competitors. There's lots of Italian character. However, the long term ownership experience is a PITA if you've experienced any other brand that actually has a factory quality assurance program.

Year: 2009

Annual servicing cost: £300

Italian character and reliability! The first Guzzi I've owned and and I can't see anything worth changing it for. It does most of the things a bike should do with an air of class; just don't hurry it too much. Shaft drive, comfort, excellent (optional) panniers and reasonable economy of 45 mpg make this a great bike for long distances. It also attracts a lot of attention.

I've had a lot of twins, Ducati, Bmw and this is a great engine. I got this over the a Norge as same mechanics but looks much better without the plastic. Plenty of power, good noise, the whole bike is high quality and rare enough to turn heads. Much more fun and way more style than a GS and handling is now more than capable. This bike takes universal Guzzi hard luggage and can tour well with long range, it is the most comfortable machine I've owned. My first Guzzi and I like it a lot. No problems with dealer support, Twiggers in Melton Mowbray have been superb. Try one of these, you won't regret it.

One month from my last post, and three months in the dealership and my motorcycle has STILL NOT BEEN REPAIRED. Piaggio are a joke, I have contacted them by phone and they will not respond. DO NOT BUY MOTO GUZZI PRODUCTS AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME!

Sadly, like many other people in the UK at present, I have a bike in the dealership with a blown-up engine, and no parts from Piaggio to repair it. The 1200 4 valve per head engines were fitted with "chocolate" cam followers that disintegrate and then spread hardened steel particulates around the engine and destroys the internals. My bike was 12 months old and 12,000 miles on the clock when it had to have the engine apart NINE WEEKS ago, but I have heard of other people who have had their engines rebuild more than once. Piaggio can not supply the parts now, as the manufacturer has gone bust from what I hear through the grape vine, so I am now left with a bike, in the dealership in bits, and a summer and warrantee quickly running out. Very disappointed, do not touch these bikes till Piaggio admit they have a problem and fix it!.

I was looking for something different to replace my ageing Aprilia Falco and the Guzzi ticked all the boxes. It has a brilliant level of finish and great quality components along with an all day comfortable riding position. Engine has loads of character and above 5500rpm the multi valve heads kick in and she really does clear off in a mannner that surprises many other riders. She steers nicely but when really pushed in the twisties she does wallow a bit. But overall I love it. Looks fab, attracts much positive attention and when you want, attach the guzzi hard panniers and you have an Italien BMW touring rival. After 9 years with the Falco it was going to take a special bike and it has more than succeeded. Try one (not for 10mins), you will be pleasantly surprised.