Featured Listing: 1998 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro Sport

The 1998 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro was launched as the Italian brand’s take on a premium power cruiser — a Yamaha VMax for those who reach for Chianti over Budweiser — and in the sense that the big Goose was exclusive, expensive and decked with premium parts, it succeeded. Reviewers at the time were less impressed by its weight, riding position and relatively tame power figures when compared to the Yamaha, but there was no doubting its class.

The Centauro bowed in 1996 to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary, and they pulled no punches with its design and parts spec. The centerpiece was Moto Guzzi’s lovely 1,100cc vtwin, a torquey, longitudinal, massive thing, which pushed out 95 horsepower. That gave the large and in charge Centauro enough gusto to satisfy its target audience, and its WP suspension bits did a good turn making the bike handle its mass with aplomb.

This 1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro wears the slightly unusual green-and-white paint scheme, a scarce option on a bike of which just 300 were imported to the States. The seller picked it up after seeing it on RSBFS in 2018, and has added just 670 miles over his time with the bike. It needs a new right-hand grip, but is otherwise in great shape. We’ll let him take it from here.

From the seller:

1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro V10 for sale.

I bought this bike in July 2018 off EBay after seeing it on RSBFS. I am the second owner. When I bought the bike it had 8,620 miles. I have only added 670 miles, as the odometer now reads 9290 miles. Always garaged, sparkling clean, no issues with the exception of needing a right hand hand grip. Three brand new handgrips from 2000 come with the bike and I have a new grip on order to match the left grip I purchased from Harper’s Moto Guzzi.

The bike comes with an assortment of parts and equipment. When the bike was purchased, the first owner removed and packed away the catalytic converter, chin spoiler, and headlight/dash cover. These are in perfect condition. The bike also comes with a Hepco & Becker Luggage system – 40 liter hard bags, liners, and mounting hardware. Also included are two extra seats that are basically new. The owners, service, and poarts manual are included along with an assortment of bolts, seals, O rings. Price: $8500.00 Title in hand

Original Owner’s writeup from EBay:

One owner, excellent original condition with 8,620 miles. Always garaged. Only in the rain three times and has zero damage.
Comes with all its original parts including the following three which were removed when it was brand new: Headlight/dash cover with clear air foil, Oil cooler bezel and catalytic convertor.
Also comes with following new parts: Luggage rack with mounts, Hepco Becker Junior 40 liter Hard bags with mounts, Hepco Becker Junior 40 liter rubber liner set, one pair original grips.
In addition, comes with following used parts: Original tires, Factory seat, Factory seat with extra passenger padding. All original hardware, computer chip, Original owners manual, Shop manual, Parts manual.

From the original RSBFS June 2018

Some Assembly Required – 1998 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro Sport

Moto Guzzi cross-pollinated their 1990’s unfaired sport model with the newly developed 992cc four-valve V-twin, the result being the V10 Centauro. Calendar-girl bodywork surrounds the air and oil-cooled beast within, tuned down from the Daytona 1000’s peak but still happy to rev to the 8,400 rpm limit and crank out 95 hp. This one has been rendered a little more naked than usual, but the auction includes all the stock parts and some neat touring accessories.

This era of Guzzi combines their recent overhead cam engine with premium components and styling by the late Luciano Marabese. The powerplant is the star of the show, Weber fuel injection helping push 78 ft.-lbs. through the 5-speed and out to the natural shaft drive. Top-of-the-line suspension from WP, Bitubo steering damper, brakes from Brembo, and wheels by Marchesini set the scene for a undeniably European experience. Old enemy gross weight is present but held low in the picture and handling is helped by a rigid chrome-moly backbone chassis.

Evidently in between plans, this Centauro has had the bikini and engine fairings removed, and except for the oil cooler hanging out there, looks just as well for it. Possibly making ready for a tour, as a couple of different seats are included as well as a set of Hepco-Becker bags, which from my BMW days are without equal. Not mentioned but it might be an aftermarket exhaust or cat bypass. Pictures aren’t high resolution, but the owner does offer these comments in the eBay auction:

Looks like the new owner will have all the options – a new-looking machine with choice of seats, and factory fairings or not. Luggage, well, if you must. Reviewed as eager to run and needing firm direction, the modern twin can propel the Centaur to more than enough speed to make the auction winner consider replacing the windshield fairing. Stock or updated, local or long distance – which direction to take this rare and quintessential Guzzi…

The values of these bikes haven’t taken off yet, but they offer a unique experience and are rare enough to make them worth considering, especially if classic Guzzis are your thing. This one is ready for tour and display duty, and at $8,500 will set you back less than a modern MT-09. We know which one we’d have. Contact Rob with your interest here.