Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa

These days the Moto Guzzi name is certainly not linked by too many people with the idea of a truly sporting motorcycle. The recent Daytona models found a small following and definitely offered a truly different take on the sporting perspective, but to be honest they weren’t exactly fast in sportsbike terms.

The Italian company is aiming to change their image somewhat and add more credibility to the brand with the introduction of the new MGS-01 Corsa next year.

Designers had to keep the machine unmistakably Guzzi with shaft drive and exposed mechanicals combining with minimal bodywork to give that trademark Guzzi look. They succeeded, right away most motorcyclists would instantly pick the MGS-01 Corsa as a Guzzi. But I think it fair to say that this this machine stands head and shoulders above any other Guzzi in the styling stakes. This is one pretty motorcycle.

The starting point for the driveline was the use of the four-valve twin from the Centauro combined with the six-speed gearbox from the V11 Corsa.

The MGS-01 Corsa first broke ground at Intermot in 2002, the press and public immediately appreciated the styling and concept. The decision was then made by Moto Guzzi management to move forward with development with projected goals of having race machines available for the start of the 2004 race season, with production units for public consumption going on sale in the final quarter of 2004. Guzzi seem to be on target with this timeline, MGS-01 Corsa machines are currently being evaluated for entry to the American Formula Xtreme series in 2004, with Doug Polen possibly at the controls.

A 1,256cc four-stroke v-twin powers the machine. The layout is synonymous with Guzzi, cylinders projecting east-west of the vee rather than the north-south vee favoured by fellow Italian maker Ducati. High-compression Cosworth pistons measure four inches in the old scale (100mm) and slide 80mm up and down their respective ceramic coated cylinder bores. Guzzi claim 91kw (122hp) from the engine at 8,000rpm, with 113 Nm of torque arriving at 6,400rpm. Quite heady numbers for an air-cooled twin.

Belt driven overhead camshafts operate the four nymonic valves per cylinder, the intake valves measure 36mm and the exhausts 31mm. The excellent Marelli engine management system also features on the MGS-01 and controls the 50mm throttle bodies which suck their air through a large 15 litre airbox.

43mm Ohlins upside-down forks suspend the machine up front while the Swedish company also provides the rear shock which controls a lengthy swingarm. Brembo provide the 320mm discs with four-piston radial calipers.

Rolling on a 1,428mm wheelbase and weighing in at a reasonable 192 kilograms the MGS-01 certainly promises much. It will be interesting to see if the Italian manufacturer can bring their bold plan to fruition. I for one hope they do.

Click either of the thumbnail images above to download 1024 x 768 wallpaper of the Guzzi Corsa