MOTO-GUZZI DAYTONA (1992 - 1999) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Power: 102 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.9 in / 810 mm)
Weight: Medium (492 lbs / 223 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Moto Guzzi Daytona was always the pure, no messin' about, Dr John race replica in the range, whether in 1000cc form, or the with the later 1100 motor. Fuelling problems spoil the performance a little bit, but there's a brutal elegance about the Daytona and true collector value.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Moto Guzzi Daytona steers slower than a Transit van compared to an R1, but you can hustle the Daytona if you use loadsa countersteering and a grim determination to make the heavy old carthorse have it. Generally

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

There's a claimed 102bhp from the Moto Guzzi 1100 Daytona motor, plus it runs cambelts, rather than old fashioned pushrods, and fuel injection. The 1997-98 UK Daytona models could have an optional 107bhp at the rear wheel, thanks to a Raceco conversion kit, chip, new exhaust etc.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
2 out of 5 (2/5)

The more you push big, air cooled, V-twins in terms of capacity, piston speed and compression, the closer you get to meltdown basically. That's basic physics and by tuning the motor, and using indifferent quality control, Guzzi effectively made life interesting for Daytona owners.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Moto Guzzi Daytona RS is a rare thing, and likely to remain so, which makes resale values good. You could buy one, run it for three years and probably get your money back. Not a bad deal really, but riding it frequently could cost you big money in repairs/servicing.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Moto Guzzi Daytona has much the same kit on it as the 1100 Sport; WP suspension, Brembo brakes, 4 pot calipers and a stainless steel exhaust system. In a way, the earlier 1000 RS is somehow more exotic

Specs

Engine size 1064cc
Engine type 8v, V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type Steel spine
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 810mm
Bike weight 223kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake 282mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 160/70 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 44 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost -
New price -
Used price -
Insurance group 13 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 102 bhp
Max torque 71 ft-lb
Top speed 145 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12.3 secs
Tank range 155 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1992: Moto Guzzi Daytona RS1000 launched.
1994: Revised version of Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000; new bodywork, carbs, seat.
1995: Moto Guzzi Daytona RS1000 two seater version debuts.
1996: Limited edition Moto Guzzi RS1000ie Racing available, single seat, 100bhp motor.
1996: Moto Guzzi Daytona RS1100 appears, with bigger motor, plus a range of chassis tweaks.
1999: Moto Guzzi Daytona discontinued.

Other versions

Moto Guzzi RS1000
Moto Guzzi RS1000 ie Racing
Moto Guzzi RS1100

Owners' reviews for the MOTO-GUZZI DAYTONA (1992 - 1999)

2 owners have reviewed their MOTO-GUZZI DAYTONA (1992 - 1999) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your MOTO-GUZZI DAYTONA (1992 - 1999)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Equipment: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
5 out of 5 Last of the big aircooled twins
22 January 2008 by trevormorris

Had one for 8 years from new - use it for blasts - it’s not a tourer! The handling is great when you get rid of the Pirelli tyres and fit something better like Bridgestone - it pretty much over steers into corners and can easily be flicked through bends. Engine - flat spot at 4500-5000 - Raceco can get rid of that. Value - I paid 5800 new with a Paddock stand so still worth that I would guess. Equipment - only basic but so what? Fit racing pipes for more nosie! Quality - looks like new after 8 years Reliability - change the Siemans relays for Bosch - that’s been the only failure. Brakes - over the hadlebars! For a true air cooled V-Twin nothing beats it on performance especially if bored out to 1225 cc. Still makes the grin appear after all those years!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 2 out of 5
5 out of 5 Dr John Daytona 1000
05 April 2007 by

My Moto Guzzi Daytona Dr John!! This Daytona is No3 of 20 specials released in 1994. These bikes came as standard with......lightened& Balanced crankshaft, Carillo con-rods, Mondialforged pistons, special clutch, foam filters......etc etc...finished off with a full Termi, exhaust system and BLACK paint job with the Great mans signature in Gold .. This bike is living , breathing THUNDER ....Nothing else comes close in the Grin,sound and Soul department..words can't describe !!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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