1993 Moto Guzzi 1000S
This 1000S belongs to my dear friend Benoit. I am posting
this page after spending 4 days with him riding up the Blue
Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah Parkway. The trip was
incredible and the Guzzi ran perfectly the entire time
without one adjustment for over 600 miles. On the last day
we traded bikes and I got to ride this incredible bike. Its
amazing that a retro can actually have the soul of a much
older motorcycle, even than it looks and be such a
wonderful ride!
____________________________
Moto Guzzi’s 1000S retro bike was officially released for
the 1990 season. The 1000S (Mille S) is basically a Le
Mans 1000 styled after the 750S of 1974 and the 750S3 of
1975. The 1000S was manufactured from late 1989
through 1993. A total of 1360 were built. 524 in 1990, 401
in 1991, 196 in 1992 and the last 84 in 1993. Its believed
between 120 and 200 were imported to the United States
and sold as 1991 and a 1993 models. There weren’t any
1992 Guzzi models sold in the US. The 1000S was the last
of the classic Sport Guzzi’s based on the V7 frame by Lino
Tonti. There was a 1000SE model
The modern replica bodywork included the gas tank, side
covers, seat, grab rails, taillight bracket, fenders,
headlight bucket and spoke wheels. Cast wheels were an
additional cost option. Extensive chrome and polished
parts enhance the 1970’s look. The tank and side covers
are painted with S3 diagonal stripes in either orange or
bright green. The models with green stripes have a
corresponding green frame and swing arm.
Most of the 1000S models are based on the late Le Mans
1000 frame. The swing arm is slightly different. The 949cc
air cooled, 2 valve transverse 90 degree pushrod twin with
dual point distributor and PHM40N Dell’Orto carbs was
used in all markets through 1990. The engine has 88.0 x
78.0mm bore and stroke with a 10:1 compression ratio. 81
Horsepower is claimed at 8000rpm. The same big valve,
40mm carb bike was sold in the US for 1991. Tighter
emission standards resulted in all European markets for
1991-1993, and the 1993 US model to use the medium
valve engine with Dell’Orto PHF36 carburetors. This
engine was the same as used in the 1000 Strada and SPIII.
Most 40mm carb bikes used a Bosch alternator, Valeo
starter and upswept exhausts. Some late 40mm carb bikes
had the Saprisa alternator. The 36mm carb bikes used a
Motoplat electronic ignition in Europe and the Digiplex
ignition in 1993 for the US. The Marelli Digiplex ignition
adjusted timing for both engine speed and load. All 36mm
carb bikes used the SP III Mufflers with less upsweep, The
later engine was down on top end power, 71 hp at
6800rpm, but made more useable midrange torque. It was
also easier to maintain. The medium valve engine was
compatible with unleaded fuel.
The 1000S featured a 28 degree rake Moto Guzzi 40mm
fork providing 5.5 travel with Bitubo dampers. The forks
had external rebound damping and preload adjustment.
The rear suspension consists of twin Koni dampers
providing 3.5 of wheel travel and also include adjustments
for preload and rebound damping. Some early models
used a 38mm fork and the cast wheel option required
slightly different forks than the spoke wheel bikes.
The instrument cluster on the early models was very
similar to that used on the original 750S3. It was the same
unit used on the 850T3. During 1990 the instrument
cluster was changed to a polished stainless steel plate
holding the gauges and warning lights. Instrumentation
included a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter
and lights for neutral, high beam, oil pressure, charging
and turn signals. In addition to the standard 1000S,
Mondello offered the British market the SE which is
distinguished by the Le Mans Mark I style fairing. The last
SE models were completed in 1993.
The 1000S weighed 215kg (473 lbs) dry; the SE 218kg
(480 lbs) dry. Full wet weight is 530lbs. From the factory
the spoke wheel bike rides on a 2.15×18 Akront aluminum
front rim with 100/90V x 18 Avon Roadrunner tire. The
2.5×18 rear rim uses 120/90V x 18 Avon rubber. The cast
wheels are slightly wider. The 1000S wheelbase is
1485mm, 58.46 inches, with a seat height of 31. There is
a 24ltr (5.3gl) fuel tank. All models used the same 5-speed
transmission and shaft drive. The 1000S stopped with
triple double action caliper, 270mm Brembo brakes with
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