The distinctive transverse-mounted V-Twin powers the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport, but this year the 1151cc motor in four-valve instead of two.This is the engine that's also used in Moto Guzzi's Stelvio adventure bike and the Griso 8V cruiser (although why that's called an 8V and not a 4V is not clear). With its extra valves, revised fuel-injection mapping and new exhaust, which features a new cat and a triangular-section end can, power is taken up 10 hp from 95 hp to 105 hp. Maximum torque is up too, from 74 lb-ft to 77 lb-ft, but it's produced 750rpm higher up the tacho. Accelerate hard and the best thing about the Guzzi is the sound of thunder from the huge V-Twin engine. It's amplified beautifully by the acoustics of one of the many tunnels that litter our route near the factory on the banks of Lake Como; as the revs build the airbox growls and the exhaust pulses a deep, bass-laden soundtrack. This is music you'll never grow bored of. Initial acceleration is urgent, but then the Guzzi hits a bit of a flat spot in the midrange until it gets going again above 5000rpm. 
As the tunnel lights flash by ever faster the Guzzi's speed is impressive and the whole sensation of acceleration and sound is very reminiscent of an early Ducati 916 Just because you guys have been brainwashed with 100 years of exactly the same bikes and engine layouts over and over again, doesn't mean we Europeans can't do (and want) things differently. You're narrow minded for making that statement. You have two existing motorcompanies (victory and harley) and they both have been making the same V-Twin engine for as long as they exist. (as did Indian) Their consumers would throw a fit if they came up with another type of bike; it's just ridiculous. Only cruisers, only V-twin, the end. So conservative. I bet you believe Harley is the only 'real motorcycle'? Because it makes a farting noise and gets half the horsepower anyone else can get from a 1580cc engine. Give me some variation and a bike with a strong identity every day of the week. And what about boxers in your opinion? Just think of guzzi's like bmw boxers but with their cylinders tilted upwards. I just wonder how the upcomming triumph thunderbird (100ci cruiser) with parallel v-twin is going to sell on US soil. I hope it's going to do well.
2009 Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport 4V Specification
Horsepower:105 hp @ 7000rpm
Torque:77 lb-ft
Engine:Oil/air-cooled, 90 º four-stroke V-Twin, EFI
Displacement:1151cc
Wheelbase:58.86 in
Rake / Trail:25º / 120mm
Front Suspension:45mm fork, adjustable for preload and rebound
Rear Suspension:Single rear shock adjustable for preload and rebound
Brakes:2 x 320mm front discs with Brembo four-piston calipers. 282mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper
Weight:529 lbs
MSRP:NA
