Please Note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
Dr. John Wittner made a name for himself in the late 80’s thanks to his ability to modify the hell out of MG’s – his bikes won consecutive US Endurance Championships, among other racers. Due to his success, the Guzzi factory asked him to come to Italy and help develop a superbike unlike anything the Italian firm had produced before. The Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000 was born, and it was the most powerful Guzzi ever built at the time.
The 992cc V-Twin produced 95 horsepower, good for a top speed of 145 miles per hour. Unusually for a sportbike, the Daytona retained the traditional MG shaft drive, though they utilized a system similar to BMW’s Duolever to counteract shaft-jacking. Realistically, it was a bike that didn’t feel as nimble as the Japanese competition, but die hard Guzzi fans and riders looking for something a little bit different found it be charming, and relatively easy to ride thanks to the torque.
From a Cycle World review in 1993: “The Guzzi is a polished and thoroughly updated version of a machine many had left for dead. It probably won’t ever win a world roadracing championship, but there is no more charismatic motorcycle on the market today. Both the 888 and the Daytona are expensive. Both are exclusive. Both are exciting. Both speak to the emotions. And both are very easy to fall in love with.”
A few years later, Moto Guzzi updated the model to become the Daytona RS. Upgrades included a switch to WP suspension front and rear, larger brake rotors (320 vs 300 mm), 17″ rear wheel (instead of 18″), adjustable levers, and the “Kit C” engine which got a lighter crankshaft, upgraded camshaft, and forged pistons with Carillo rods, bumping hp to 102. Some markets (most notably the US and Switzerland) got different cams for emissions purposes.
The bike also got cosmetic updates, with the bodywork/airbox from the 1100 Sport model.
Multiple sources suggest that just 34 examples of the RS were imported to the US, though we haven’t been able to officially confirm that ourselves.
This example is VIN: ZGUKLAKL1VM111263. The seller states: “The Daytona RS was one of the series of bikes from Guzzi mid 1990’s that was changing the company from the early Le Mans models to sleeker more elongated aerodynamic body work. I found the bikes of that period of engineering and design genius. The Daytona RS evolved from prototypes and racers led by American engineer Dr. John Wittner, who designed the innovative chassis and frame inspired by Tony Foale concepts. This development was a genius collaboration.”
The odometer shows 178 miles.
It is US and California emissions compliant.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, flush the hydraulic fluids, change the engine oil/filter, unseize the passenger seat lock, clean the fuel injectors, diagnose and repair an electrical issue involve the headlight/turn signal switch, send the ECU out for repair, and install a new battery. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Good
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Good
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Shaft Drive Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Good
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 95%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 95%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 41/06
Tire Date Code Rear: 30/06
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 12.7V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.1V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1.5 Miles
Modifications:
Foam grips.
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Pirelli MTR01 Dragon tires with date codes of 306 and 416.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Moto Guzzi is offered on a clean Montana title. Have any Daytona RS stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
