Moto Guzzi introduced a new, sporty design at this week’s Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, calling the bike (appropriately enough) the ‘1200 Sport’. The 1200 Sport is powered by a heavily re-tuned version of the firm’s classic 90 degree, 1151cc V-Twin, and features an all-new chassis with high-spec sporting components.
The 90 degree V-Twin achieves a claimed output of “over 94hp @ 7800rpm” (along with “over 74lb-ft of torque @ 5800rpm”) through a host of changes, including a revised intake tract, redesigned intake and exhaust port shapes, and an all-new exhaust system. Inside the engine, twin spark plugs ingnite the air/fuel mixture, which propels lighter 9.8:1 compression pistons and lightweight rods – which reciprocate in a crankcase which has a revised oiling system for higher flow.
According to their press materials, Moto Guzzi even plans to offer a “track kit”, which will add a modified cylinder head with increased compression and hand-polished intake ports, along with removing the airbox and filter and adding a race exhaust and remapped ECU.
Power from the heavily re-engineered motor travels through a six-speed gearbox with revised ratios, which were chosen with sports riding in mind, and then reaches the rear wheel via Guzzi’s ‘reactive’ shaft drive system on a single-sided swingarm.
At one end of that single-sided swingarm you’ll find a 298mm disc clamped by a twin-piston caliper, while at the other end is a “high-tensile steel frame” designed for extreme rigidity. Mildly rear-set rider’s footpegs and dirt-bike style one-piece bars blend comfort with sporty egronomics, and Moto Guzzi claims passenger comfort was a priority as well. Up front, 45mm forks carry dual four-piston calipers clamping two 320mm front discs, while an ABS version will be available as an option.
Despite its “Sport” moniker, the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport seems likely to make an excellent sport-tourer, with ergonomics appearing similar to those of Yamaha’s previous-generation FZ1 – a bike which won huge popularity among the sporty touring crowd. Moto Guzzi seems clued in to this, as saddlebags, a top bag, and a luggage rack will be available as options, along with an anti-theft system.
