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Winning designs are not born by
accident. Behind the sleek lines of the MGS-01
Corsa are strategic decisions, a gradual development
process and above all the desire to explore
the potential of the Moto Guzzi all the way,
without limits. Going back through the stages
leading up to production of this model means
following, step by step, the transformation
of a dream into reality.
The "Style Laboratory" was set
up at the beginning of 2002 as a training ground
to put the skills and creativity of famous designers,
planners and preparers such as Ghezzi & Brian
to the test with the aim of designing motorcycles
with modern style and technology, but unmistakably
Moto Guzzi.
All the company's technological
and human resources were made available for
the challenge which showed all signs of being
both difficult and thrilling. The deadlines
were concrete: the models designed, if agreed,
must be ready to go into production within two
years at most. The technical starting point
was the four-valve twin of the Centauro and
the six speed box of the V11, for the first
time working together.
To say that Ghezzi & Brian had
little time to "give birth" to their creature
would not be wrong, given that they had less
than nine months, from February to November,
to present the show-bike at Intermot in Munich.
The ideas were very clear. It must be simple,
without frills, "pure". Go back to the very
essence of the motorcycle, be easy to ride and
have a number of elements such as the exposed
mechanics and shaft drive which would communicate
the personality of the bike immediately. From
a technical point of view, attention was concentrated
on ridability and handling. Short wheelbase,
excellent balance and racing mechanics were
the parameters on which work began immediately
and with great enthusiasm.
The prototype had an original
and aggressive design, sleek lines and a decidedly
sporting temperament in an ultra-modern interpretation
of the Moto Guzzi spirit in which the lines
reflect the technical characteristics of a bike
able to transmit strong emotions. The use of
lightweight components such as a swinging fork
swingarm in box-type aluminium enabled the weight
to be kept down. This lightness, together with
the rigidity of the rectangular cross-section
steel single spar frame and high performance
Öhlins suspension, gives this bike extraordinary
handling. The challenge had taken shape. All
that remained was to await the judgement of
the motorcycling public and press.
At Intermot 2002 the MGS-01 made
its debut in society. The stand where the bike
was displayed became one of the main attractions
at the exhibition. The public was enthusiastic.
Press reports were flattering. Articles on the
bike started to flow into motorcycling sites,
praising the beauty of the new Moto Guzzi to
an extent that surprised even the design team.
Market research commissioned by Moto Guzzi and
carried out by CSM International showed that
potential sports motorcycle buyers held the
MGS-01's styling in great esteem.
This was the stimulus to go ahead
- also because customers and dealers wanted
the motorcycle to go into mass production as
soon as possible. The public and motorcycling
enthusiasts submerged the Mandello del Lario
company with thousands of requests. All that
was left was to decide the technical specifications.
The MGS-01 Corsa has more than
just breathtaking lines. It is driven by a powerful
air-cooled 1,256 cc four-stroke with four valves
in Nymonic, with high compression three-segment
Cosworth pistons, ceramic-coated cylinders and
bushings replaced with bearings. The power of
the engine, which "pumps" right from the lowest
revs, is backed by top standard mechanics. Precise
entry into bends and road holding are guaranteed
by the Öhlins upside-down fork. At the rear,
there is an extra long swinging fork swingarm
(505 mm) in box section aluminium, improving
the traction of the rear wheel and transmitting
all the horsepower of the MGS-01 Corsa to the
ground. The rear single shock absorber is in
a vertical position, just behind the engine,
to leave room for the 15 litres airbox.
Handling is guaranteed by the
weight, kept down to just 192 kg, the wheelbase
measuring just 1,428 mm, obtained by integrating
the gearbox in the timing case, and the ideal
weight distribution with a difference of just
200 g between front and back. The Brembo disc
brakes with radial mounted callipers are ultra-powerful.
Those who have had an opportunity to ride the
MGS-01 Corsa confirm that this time appearances
are not deceptive.
The project is divided into two
phases:
-
a limited series non homologated
- for racing use - MGS-01 Corsa will be
available during the first quarter of 2004,
complete with 122 HP power kit;
-
the fully homologated production
MGS-01 Serie will be launched in October
2004.
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The MGS-01 Corsa is a motorcycle
with a sporting temperament. It is also
a machine dedicated to all riders who love
and understand motorcycling, not an over-tuned
mass of technology for a limited few. The
MGS-01 nevertheless has tremendous competition
potential and could well dominate events
like the American AMA Championship. A type
of race which could also attract an enthusiastic
following in Italy too.
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Type - 90° V-Twin, 4 stroke
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Cooling system - Air cooled
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Displacement - 1,256 cc
-
Bore and stroke - 100 x
80 mm
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Compression ratio - 11 :
1
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Timing system - overhead
camshaft - 4 valves per cyclinder with positive
drive belt
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Nymonic valves - Ø 36 mm
intake, Ø 31 mm exhaust
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Valve timing - Intake open
36° B.T.D.C., Intake close 70° A.B.D.C.,
Exhaust open 64° B.B.D.C., Exhaust close
28° A.T.D.C.
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Maximum power - 122 HP at
8.000 rpm
-
Maximum torque - 11.5 Kg-m
at 6.400 rpm
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Pistons - Cosworth Racing
3 rings
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Ignition system - Marelli
IAW 15M electronic digital
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Intake conduit - Marelli
Ø 50 mm
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Airbox - 15 litres/li>
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Starting system - Electronic
digital
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Spark plugs - NGK D10EA
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Gearbox - 6 speed
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Primary drive - Straight-tooth
gear, ratio 1:1.55
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Secondary drive - Double
universal joint, ratio 1:2.909
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Overall gear ratio - Low
gear = 1 to 10.82, 2nd gear = 1 to 7.98,
3rd gear = 1 to 6.14, 4th gear = 1 to 5.01,
5th gear = 1 to 4.35, high gear = 1 to 3.84
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Clutch - Sintering double
disc, hydraulic drive
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Frame - Rectangular section
single-beam ALS 450
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Wheelbase - 1,428 mm
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Trail - 95 mm
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Rake - 23,5°
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Front suspension - Öhlins
upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm, 3 adjustment
positions
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Front wheel travel - 120
mm
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Rear suspension - Aluminium-plate
swinging fork Öhlins monoshock absorber,
3 adjustment positions
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Rear wheel travel - 110
mm
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Front brake - Double floating
disc, Ø 320 mm, 4 pads radial calipers
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Rear brake - Single disc,
Ø 220 mm, double piston caliper
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Rims - Forged aluminium
5 arms
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Front rim - 3.50" x 17"
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Rear rim - 5.50" x 17"
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Front tyre - 120/70 17"
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Rear tyre - 180/55 17"
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Battery - 12 V - 8 Ah
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Length - 2,010 mm
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Width - 780 mm
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Height - 1,180 mm
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Seat height - 820 mm
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Footrest height - 400 mm
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Handlebar height - 850 mm
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Dry weight - 192 kg
-
Fuel tank capacity - 20
litres
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