Moto Guzzi's MGS-01
(short for "Moto Guzzi Sport 01") broke cover at the 2002 Intermot
Expo in Munich, Germany, and immediately commanded the attention of motorcycle
fans worldwide. Guzzis typically only appeal to a "select" brand of
enthusiast, but the MGS-01, with lithe bodywork hovering above a massive, mechanically
commanding motor, elicited affection from across the board.
The design study was
conceived and completed in just nine months by Giuseppe Ghezzi, co-founder of Missaglia,
Italy's Ghezzi and Brian, a tuning firm renowned for building high-performance
Guzzis. The powerplant was similar to that which powered Ghezzi's Pro Thunder racers,
bored out to 1225cc and producing a claimed 120 rear-wheel horsepower. The
MGS-01 was tricked-out with a MotoGP-inspired aluminum swingarm, O.Z. wheels,
Öhlins suspension, Brembo radial brakes, on-board data acquisition and more.
Guzzi produced around
150 race-only MGS-01 Corse models that were raced with some success. In '06 and
'07, Italian Gianfranco Guareschi dominated the AHRMA Battle of the Twins F1
competition at Daytona and In between won the Italian Supertwins Championship.
Unfortunately, Aprilia,
which owned Guzzi at the time the bike was produced, sold the historic brand to
Piaggio in '05 and the new owners almost immediately shelved the project. The
assembly line however survived, and when Italian Motorcycles learnt that Guzzi
could still produce bikes on a "made-to-order" basis, they placed an
immediate order.
Mike Hampton, Dealer
Principal at Italian Motorcycles says: “The MGS01 is a fabulous looking
bike, which at the time it was released was very competitive in racing in the
US and Europe. Many riders think of Guzzi only as a touring bike and forget it’s
rich racing history”
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In the 1950s, Moto
Guzzi, led the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Their durable and
lightweight Giulio Carcano designed 250 cc and 350 cc bikes dominated the middleweight
classes winning five consecutive 350 cc world championships between 1953 and
1957. Carcano then designed the V8 500cc GP race bike one, of the most complex
engines of all time, which led many races and frequently posted the fastest lap
time but often failed to complete races because of mechanical problems. Moto
Guzzi withdrew from racing after the 1957 season after winning 3,329 official
races, 8 World Championships, 6 Constructor's Championships and 11 Isle of Man
TT victories.
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Engine Type Air
Cooled, 4 Stroke 90º V-Twin
Displacement 1225 cc
Bore and Stroke 100 x
78 mm
Compression Ratio
11:01
Maximum Power 122 hp
@ 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque 83.2
ft lbs @ 6400 rpm
Valves Overhead
Camshaft - 4 Valves Per Cylinder with Positive Drive Belt
Nymonic Valves 36 mm
Intake, 36 mm Exhaust
Pistons Cosworth
Racing 3 Rings
Ignition Marelli IA
15M Electronic Digital
Intake Conduit
Marelli 54 mm
Airbox 18.5 liters
Starting System
Electronic Digital
Battery 12V 8Ah
Transmission 6 Speed
Clutch Sintering
Double Disc Hydraulic Drive
Chassis Rectangular
Section Single Beam
Wheelbase 56” (1423
mm)
Trail 3.74” (95 mm)
Rake 23.5º
Front Suspension
Ohlins 43 mm Adjustable Upside Down Fork
Front Wheel Travel
4.72” (120 mm)
Rear Suspension
Aluminum Box Swingarm with Ohlins Adjustable Monoshock
Italian Motorcycles is
located at 1/11-13 Streiff Road, Wingfield South Australia, so if you are in
the
area
please drop in and admire the beast that is the Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa.