The Moto Guzzi V65 SP seemed to be the right bike for me after the Honda CX 500 Custom. Just sporty enough, without being a sports bike. The 650 engine was not that powerful, but had the torque I wanted and the handlebar fairing combined with the side panels gave decent protection against wind and weather. My V65 SP was a 1983 model, and became mine on the 6th of June 1984.
The first updates took place at once and throttle- and clutch wires, extra fuses and a H4 headlight reflector was bought straight away. Only a week old the SP was equipped with A Denfeld carrier and side bags. The Moto Guzzi had been on the road for only ten days when it went to the workshop for the first repair and the electrical charging system was fixed.
In the first week of July we started our holiday ride to Italy. This bike was a dream come through compared to the Suzuki GS 400 and Honda CBX 550. Lots of room, a higher level of comfort and the right engine for 130 mph cruising. But already after a week the small problems started. The engine didn’t run cleanly and I checked the fuel system. The next day was problem was still there. A visit to a workshop and a new condenser solved the misfiring problem. But the noise from the rear differential, which had started south of Rome, was still with us.
There were many visits to the workshop after the end of our tour to Italy and I did some upgrades. A mounted new Koni shockabsorbers, Piranha electronic ignition system and a stabilizer on the front fork. But I was not used to all this small things going wrong, and didn’t enjoy the rides on the SP. On the third of September sold the V65 SP. The odometer showed 8600 km.
Here is a link to Norsk Moto Guzzi klubb
Moto Guzzi V65 SP 1984
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 2-cylinder four-stroke. Air cooled. 2 carburettors.
Compression: 10,0:1.
Bore x stroke: 80 x 64 mm.
Cylinder volume: 643 ccm.
Power: 49 hp at 6900 rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed. Shaft.
Fuel capacity: 15,5 litres.
Frame: Steel.
Tyres: 100/90-18 front, 110/90-18 rear.
Brakes: Two discs and callipers with one piston front. One disc, rear.
Weight (wet): 192 kg.
Top speed: 175 km/h.