Top heavy?

[prshguy]

Hi all,
 
I've always thought the Guzzi engine/tranny layout was one of the best for a motorcycle but recently sat on a new 1100 at a dealership and was really surpised at how top heavy the bike felt. I'm currently on a Concours which is certainly no lightweight and known for having its weight up high, but it seemed like the Guzzi took more effort than the Kawi.
 
I'm in no hurry to get rid of the Connie, quite like it, but wanted to get a feel for the Guzzi, you know, maybe in the future kind of thing. So I guess I'm wondering, is this impression real or imagined?

[farmer fred]

Hi all,
 
I've always thought the Guzzi engine/tranny layout was one of the best for a motorcycle but recently sat on a new 1100 at a dealership and was really surpised at how top heavy the bike felt. I'm currently on a Concours which is certainly no lightweight and known for having its weight up high, but it seemed like the Guzzi took more effort than the Kawi.
 
I'm in no hurry to get rid of the Connie, quite like it, but wanted to get a feel for the Guzzi, you know, maybe in the future kind of thing. So I guess I'm wondering, is this impression was real or imagined?

Which 1100?  Breva?

[prshguy]

If memory serves it was the Breva.

[Orson]

A Guzzi through a set of fast sweepers is as stable as a locomotive on rails.
 
but it's a trade off between stability and agility.
 
you're not gonna whip her back and forth like a Yamaha R6.
 
That said, A Goose can be hustled thru the twisties at an enjoyable rate

[prshguy]

I like to do my own maintenance but since I'm kind of behind the curve here, are there certain years to avoid or issues with particular models like mechanical or electrical gremlins common to certain years or conversely, desireable updates after a specific year?

[Orson]

As far as the V11 series, I think the concensus is 2003 to 2005 model years had most of the glitches sorted.
 
try logging on to www.v11lemans.com and reading some of the posts.
 
Lots of friendly help there

[prshguy]

I'll give it a look, thanks.