Moto Guzzi has built motorcycles in its Mandello del Lario factory on the shore of Lake Como, Italy, for over a century. Its huge annual open-house party is a popular destination for motorcyclists.
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The adjacent museum - opens in new window or tab. has over 150 exhibition pieces consisting of production motorcycles, sport bikes, prototypes, and experimental engines. One of the motorcycles in that exhibition is a 1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro, like this one recently listed on eBay.
Love at First Sight
The Centauro was designed by Luciano Marabese for the 75th-anniversary celebration of the Moto Guzzi factory. Moto Guzzi hired Marabese to revamp the existing Daytona RS.
The Moto Guzzi Daytona evolved from the Dr. John racers—built by Dr. John Wittner—that won the 1984 and 1985 AMA Endurance Championships. The RS was the sportiest version of that motorcycle. The Centauro saw a limited production run from 1996 to 2000, and the number of bikes imported to the United States was low.
This 1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro first landed in the United States at a motorcycle dealership in Georgia. The dealership owner bought it new and stowed it away in a pristine garage.
The seller said:
After securing the franchise, we went to Moto Guzzi’s American headquarters in Angier, N.C. The Centauros were just arriving, and after riding one, I knew I was in love. When the first two arrived at our shop, and we unpacked them, I pulled out my checkbook and bought this bike.
Performance Upgrades
One of Centauro’s most notable features is its box beam frame, with the engine serving as a stressed member. It significantly departed from the double-cradle frame Moto Guzzi used since the early 1970s.
The transversely-mounted 90-degree V-Twin engine is another of its signature traits. With four valves per cylinder, the 992cc power plant puts out a purported 95 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque. It’s a revvy engine with a distinctive cantor thanks to its transverse arrangement. These components further enhance performance:
- A WP inverted fork
- Four-piston Brembo brakes
- Upswept stainless steel exhaust
Kept in Perfect Shape
The one-owner 1998 Moto Guzzi Centauro on eBay has a Power Commander - opens in new window or tab. with custom-tuned firmware. It also has a Mistral stainless steel crossover exhaust - opens in new window or tab., which the seller says “eliminated the hideous and heavy expansion tank under the bike, which we named ‘The Bagel Warmer.’” However, the stock Lafranconi - opens in new window or tab. pipes remain unaltered.
These items come with the sale:
- The original owner’s manual
- Tool kit
- Oil filter tool
- Mirrors
- A new UFI oil filter
- A CD with its dealer service records.
The Centauro is imbued with plenty of Italian character and charm. With just 5,238 miles on its odometer, this one has been in the hands of somebody who truly appreciates the marque. Combine that passion with how this Moto Guzzi Centauro was babied in a climate-controlled garage, and you could have one of the finest surviving models on this side of the pond.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.