1992 Moto Guzzi 1000SE

Moto Guzzi's venerable 90-degree v-twin originated in the late 1940s, and the same basic design is still around today – albeit in extensively developed form - powering the latest generation of machinery from Mandello del Lario. The first motorcycle to use Guzzi's v-twin appeared in the late 1960s in the form of the 703cc V7, and this remarkable engine would prove exceptionally versatile, being enlarged beyond 1,000cc and powering machines of all kinds ranging from the super-sports Le Mans to the automatic transmission Convert tourer.

Introduced for 1990, the retro-styled 1000S was in effect a naked Le Mans V, its elegant black and red livery evoking memories of the 750 S and S3 models of the mid-1970s, particularly when ordered with wire-spoked wheels. The Le Mans V engine was used for the first few years before the need to get the 1000S to meet emissions targets saw the 1992 and 1993 models fitted with the less powerful engine of the 1000 Strada and SP III. Despite its undeniably good looks, the 1000S sold in limited numbers, only 1,205 were made between 1990 and the final year of production in 1993.

Before then (in 1992) Moto Guzzi had launched the 1000SE, a limited edition version of the 1000S built specifically for the UK market (where it is believed between 30-40 were produced). The SE was finished in red and came with a small bikini fairing/fly screen (like this example) or a full fairing. All were badged '1000S' and all had spoked wire wheels.

This particular 1000SE was first registered on 1st July 1992 to Mr M Sullivan of Tranmere, who had purchased it from Woods Motorcycles of Abergele. Next owner Mr K Mountain of Wirral purchased the Guzzi in March/April 1994, again through Woods, and he was quickly followed in June 1994 by Mr F Wall of Wigan, who likewise purchased the bike through Woods. Mr Wall ran the bike until, by his own admission, he snapped the banjo bolt for the oil feed out of the top of the crankcase during a service in 2001. The bike then lay abandoned in his garage, where damp caused its condition to deteriorate significantly. It was later auctioned online and purchased by its current private owner as a restoration project in February 2017. Restoration works included the following:

• Full strip-down of bike
• Frame, swinging arm, stands and brackets blasted and powder coated
• Tank, fairing and side panels resprayed
• New alloy wheel rims with stainless steel spokes, new wheel bearings, tyres and inner tubes
• Engine, gearbox and bevel drive stripped and rebuilt by Nigel Billingsby at NBS. New cam followers, new timing chain, valve guides lined, new big-end shells. Two gear dogs and two sliding dog clutches reformed in gearbox
• Silent Hektik ignition system fitted
• All engine, gearbox and bevel drive cases sand and aqua blasted
• New swinging arm bearings, driveshaft bearing and universal joint
• Wiring loom replaced with a custom built loom including new fuse box and relay blocks using modern materials
• New seals in all brake calipers and braided brake lines fitted
• Various ancillary parts re-chromed
• New stainless steel exhaust headers and cross-pipe
• New starter motor
• Seat reupholstered with gel pads in rider's seat
• Carburettors stripped, ultrasonically cleaned, new seals, gaskets, floats, etc
• New clutch and throttle cables
• New ignition and steering locks
• Many other miscellaneous tasks

The restoration was completed in May 2020 and the Guzzi MoT'd and taxed. It was then put to good use, including being ridden in May/June 2024 from Northumberland to the Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy (see photograph on file).

The machine is offered with a substantial history file including PDI from Three Cross Imports Ltd; a current V5C Registration Certificate; sundry invoices for work carried out; instruction manuals; and expired/current MoT certificates. A quantity of spare parts is included in the sale and the bike also comes with keys.
Offered with key