My Bike

I purchased my Centauro used in August of 2005. Here is the original description and photograph of my bike from the previous owner:

1998 Moto Guzzi V10 Centauro GT 11,081 miles on the odometer. Matching belly pan. Creedon 5 chip. Stucci cross over mid pipe.

I purchased this bike in March of 2002, with 3400+ miles on the odometer. Oil Change with Mobil 1 Red cap every 3-4000 miles, valve adjustments, throttle sync at 6000 and 9000 miles by Spare Parts in Philadelphia, PA. The bike has never given me any problems. The only quirk seems to be the normal temperamental EFI for early MG model. The engine does not sputter, but it cuts out at traffic light stops when cold, but always quickly returns to life when you push the start button.

My Parts

I also purchased a collection of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Moto Guzzi parts from the previous owner. As a Guzzi enthusiast, it is satisfying to see the parts still in the factory Moto Guzzi bags. Production of the Centauro ceased in 1999, so parts are increasingly more difficult to locate.

Here is the parts listing with some of the seller's original comments:

- 3 mirrors, two for left (clutch) side and one for right (brake) side.
- Factory cast aluminum brake lever, that was a $187+ part...printed on the tag, and they are hard to come by.
- Factory left hand side control switch, another $187+ part.
- EBC HH brake pads, (2) for front calipers and (1) for rear.
- Factory Valve cover, $187+ part. Hard to come by as well.
- Rear brake light lens, $75...very hard to come by.
- Factory turn signal.
- Three extra valve cover edge protectors. These may have been purchased from Teo Lamers in The Netherlands: (http://www.tlm.nl/)
- Factory Centauro lift stand, $175. Actually ended up being for the V11. That is OK, I sold it on eBay.
- Power Commander III fuel injection module make especially for the Centauro.
- Factory clutch plates...expensive like the rest of factory parts.
- The factory workshop manual, $80.
- Vantura luggage rack. I ended up also selling on eBay because I this isn't something that I wanted on my bike.
- Misc. bolts, gaskets, oil filter, etc..., etc...

The bike and parts were shipped from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to my home outside of Dallas, Texas, via enclosed longbed trailer. I was extremely happy with the condition of my bike when it arrived. Below are pictures of the bike and parts when they were still in Philadelphia:

 
I have also purchased various parts for my Centauro when they do appear on eBay. The chin fairing that came with my Centauro was pretty beat up, so I purchased another. I understand that damage to the finish is not uncommon on the fairing due to the front wheel kicking up rocks and debris right on to the fairing. Here is the original description, photo, and auction closing price (in case you are interested) from eBay:

I am offering at auction this yellow chin fairing for Moto Guzzi Centauro. Item is New Old Stock. I received this post-purchase as an option upgrade to my Centauro and never installed it. The fairing has been in original package and on shelf since then. Instructions and all hardware included. 1997 Centauro buyers (new from dealer) received the sport option package for free when the 1998s came out. These are now unobtainable.

Winning bid amount: $370.00
Auction Ended: January 30, 2006

 
There is also a special tool needed to remove the oil filter cover at the bottom of the engine. Without this tool, the entire bottom of the engine must be removed via hex wrench to get to the oil filter. Often times the gasket must also replaced from the removal process. It really is a big pain. Here is a description and picture of my new tool:

Moto Guzzi Centauro sump wrench that is a must to remove cover and filter on the Centauro. It's the factory 2 in one wrench. If you change your own oil and filter its nice to have. These wrenches are very high priced because of the machine work. p/n 01929100. You use a short extension and a 1/2 ratchet along with this tool to remove cover.

Winning bid amount: $70.00
Auction Ended: February 6, 2006

Pictured is a Moto Guzzi Centauro Seat Cowling. Came from Moto Guzzi with factory paint. This item is new, never mounted and in perfect condition. This item lists for over $500 new (painted) from Guzzi. Reserve is only a fraction of the original cost. Don't miss out!

Winning bid amount: $150.00
Auction Ended: February 12, 2006

This is a new saddle for a Moto Guzzi Centauro sport. It came with my bike when I bought it as an extra. I need to send it down the road. I accept Paypal and money orders, or cashier's check with verifiable funds. Thanks for looking.

Winning bid amount: $99.00
Auction Ended: March 18, 2006

HANDLEBARS WANTED

Check out the handlebars on the Centauro shown to the left. These are stock handlebars with the risers welded on as part of the handlebar. These bars came on some of the production bikes. My Centauro features the more traditional curved bars (i.e., Sport/GT version bars) with handlebar stem as shown here.

I am seeking out a set of Moto Guzzi handlebars with risers in mint condition. I always preferred the look of the bars with risers. These handlebars are no longer available from the factory or any of the Guzzi dealerships. Do you have an OEM set you'd like to sell? Please e-mail me.