New and Used Motorbikes & Motorcycles for Sale

Motorcycle Reviews

Find By Make/Model

Sell your bike for £13.99

An MCN ad reaches more motorcyclists than any other biking website or publication

Sell your motorcycle

Advice from owners & experts

Visit our forums to ask current owners about their bikes - or to put a question to our expert panel

Get advice

1 of 15

Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa motorcycle review - Riding

translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/PreviousImageAltText

translate:/Shared/Controls/Multimedia/Flickrator/NextImageAltText

Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa (2004-current)

Detail	Value
New price	£18,499
Engine size	1225cc
Power	121bhp
Top speed	160mph
Insurance group	17

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Guzzi go modern. While most of their bikes trade on heritage, style and charisma the MGS-01 has a high-tech 21st century chassis with an intelligently updated version of the V-twin engine that’s at the heart of the brand. It’s only available as a race bike but we’re hopeful of a road version soon.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

It looks like the antique that’s been gently wafting Guzzis about for decades but it’s got all new, high tech internals – and headbutts its way into the party with a meaty 121bhp. There’s plenty of torque too and even the gear change is reasonably slick. There’s engine’s out there with more go but you’d have to be a very talented rider to find the MGS-01 wanting for power.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

As a track bike it’s hindered by its weight. 192kg would have been light in the late 80s but these days sports razors tip the scales around the 160-170kg and that’s a big difference. A short wheelbase and Ohlins suspension mean it’s still fast and capable but it won’t flick like the latest Japanese featherweights.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

For a road bike, luxuries are next to none. For a race bike it’s better equipped than most. Shaft drive is maintenance free and clean but not an ideal set up for setting fast lap times. The riding position’s not too extreme so longer sessions in the saddle shouldn’t be crippling.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

So few have been sold and they’re track only bikes which get a hard life. Since Aprilia have taken over Moto Guzzi things just look better and better – but bear in mind Aprilia’s own UK dealer network is patchy and badly backed up so go for a Guzzi and expect mediocre support at best.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

If you want to win races, there are cheaper bikes that will go faster. If you want a piece of automotive art or an investment the MGS-01 could be worth a thought. It’s not really a rational buy but if you love it’s looks you’ll find it hard to ignore. GSX-R1000s destroy it for performance, Ducati’s 999S and R are better value too. Find a Moto Guzzi MGS-01 for sale.

Insurance group: 17

Compare motorcycle insurance quotes now

2004: Model unveiled and aavailable in strictly limited numbers only.

Specifications

Top speed	160mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	121bhp
Torque	83ftlb
Weight	192kg
Seat height	820mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	37mpg
Tank range	145 miles
Insurance group	17

Engine size	1225cc
Engine specification	V-Twin
Frame	Tubular steel spine
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, high/low speed compression, ride height
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, high/low speed compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	282mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17