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Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro motorcycle review - Riding

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Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro (1996-2000)

Detail	Value
Engine size	992cc
Power	95bhp
Top speed	130mph
Insurance group	14

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

MCN overall verdict

Centaur; half man, half horse - interesting concept, although some might say the Guzzi V10 Centauro was half motorbike, half Shirehorse... In practice, the Centauro handled poorly, rode a bit harshly and the odddly shaped saddle left the rider feeling perched on an upturned canoe. It just looked downright weird.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Guzzi 1100 lump was evolving into something useful by the mid 90s, but the gearbox was still a clunky affair and the Weber-Marelli injection was in its early stages of development on the Centauro. It has enough oomph for the job but the motor's instant lunge can upset the Centauro in low speed corners.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The mid 90s Guzzi chassis is one clever assembly of steel extrusions, designed to cope with the brutally solid V-twin motor. That the chassis copes as well as does is amazing, but push the Centauro on a country road and you'll soon find it starts wandering about at the front, with the rear bouncing merrily to its own tempo. Best ride slowly instead.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

WP suspension is more than good enough, Brembo brakes, 3 spoke alloy wheels and a handsome pair of white faced clocks on dash all help add real class to the Centauro. Stainless steel exhaust too. You cannot compare the Centauro to a Bandit...but then again, the Guzzi twice the price of a 1200 Bandit back

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The build quality is generally excellent on the Guzzi but the bikes suffer from a succession of electrical and other minor gremlins which tend to make the ownership experience slightly more character-building than it should be. The later 1999 onwards Centauros - including the Sport/GT variants - are better made than the earlier ones.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

At ten grand brand new the Centauro was far too expensive for most riders back in the 90s. If you wanted a Streetfighter type bike you could get plenty of bikes cheaper - and they were generally faster too. As a used bike it can make a potential bargain, but you have to love its peculiar looks and riding position to choose it over a decent V11 Sport.

Insurance group: 14

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1996: V10 Centauro launched.
1999: Fuel injection, engine tweaks, new lower saddle and paint schemes.
1999: GT and Sport variants appear.
2000: Centauro discontinued.

Centauro GT: Same bike, modest touring screen, luggage rack & pillion grab handles.
Centauro Sport: Same bike but with nose fairing, jazzy paintwork, different silencers.

Specifications

Top speed	130mph
1/4-mile acceleration	12.5 secs
Power	95bhp
Torque	72ftlb
Weight	205kg
Seat height	775mm
Fuel capacity	19 litres
Average fuel consumption	43mpg
Tank range	160 miles
Insurance group	14

Engine size	992cc
Engine specification	8v, V-twin, 5 gears
Frame	Steel spine
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	282mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	160/60 x 17 in