Moto Guzzi V11

[Speed addicted]

I've currently got a 6 month old Speed triple, and old GPZ and an old BMW tourer project (just so you can understand how weird my tastes are!).
I've always had a fascination for Moto Guzzi and I really like the look of the V11, preferably half faired.
It would be added to the garage rather that replacing anything (well, possibly the GPZ).
Are these actually any good? The road test reports seem to vary wildly depending on the phase of the moon, or the wind direction when tested.
Anyone had one?
I just kinda like the idea of thundering through forign countries on a big Guzzi.

[bimsb6]

i love guzzi's though they do take a bit of getting used to,the torque reaction and shaft drive are somewhat different to jap bikes .

[trumpet600]

If you're any good with spanners, then yes, go out and get one. Guzzi's sound absolutely brill, but cos I don't know one end of a spanner to the other, I've never been brave enough.

[Speed addicted]

The V11 is from around 2002, I was hoping the build quality would be reasonable?
I really need to get a shot of one, I've seen V11s for under 2 grand, which is really tempting if I can sneak it into the garage. And if they're not complete dogs by that point.
I should really wait till I've finished the BMW K100RT project so there's more space....

[trumpet600]

When they are going they are fine. The build quality is normally quite good, but you do need to check them over very regularly as they have a tendency to shake things off.

[sjwb]

I reckon for a motorcylist to miss out on 'big bore' Guzzis, is a bit of a shame. They are not everyone's cup of tea for sure, but like all odd things have a unique charm.
I prefer the old ones - which are easy to live with and fix when poorly, but am sure that the newer types are just as involving. Either way, they are extremely robust and just like Beemers, dance to their own tune.
Go on try one, there is so much support and knowledge out there, you will never be lost for help and a good website to start with would be guzzitech.de.

[Speed addicted]

The original idea was to get an Le Mans and restore it, but the V11 ticks all of the looks boxes and will probably be easier to live with due to being newer, they're also a bit bigger (I'm 6'2" ).
I really need to get a go of one but they're not exactly common bikes (and I need to finish the BMW project to free up space in the garage!)

[Davel]

I like Guzzis.

The only problems, often, are finding a local dealer and getting parts.

Things may have improved now of course.