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Moto Guzzi MGS-1 Corsa
MGS-01 "CORSA" -
Introduction
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 Idea
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.
Project Guidelines.
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.
Development.
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.
The most admired at Intermot 2002.
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.
MGS-01 Corsa. The bike.
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.
Project development times.
The project is divided into two phases: A limited series non
homologated - for racing use with 122 HP power kit; and the fully
homologated production MGS-01 Serie.
Passion as a mission.
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.
Tech Specs
Engine
 Type..........VGuzzi
4 stroke, 2 cylinder, V 90°
Cylinders..........1.225 cc
Bore and stroke..........100 x 78 mm
Compression ratio..........11 : 1
Valve timing:
intake open..........36° B.T.D.C.
intake closes..........70° A.B.D.C.
exhaust open..........64° B.B.D.C.
exhaust closes..........28° A.T.D.C.
Maximum power..........122 CV a 8.000 giri/minuto
Maximum torque..........11,5 Kg-m a 6.400 giri/minuto
Valvole..........Ø 36 mm intake, Ø 31 mm exhaust
Piston..........Cosworth Racing
Injection..........electronic Marelli IAW 15M
Throttle Body..........Marelli Ø 50 mm
Airbox..........15 liter
Transmission
Gearbox..........6 speed
Transmission..........shaftdrive
Internal ratios
1..........1:10,82
2..........1:7,98
3..........1:6,14
4..........1:5,01
5..........1:4,35
6..........1:3,84
Clutch..........dry, 2 Sinterized discs with hydraulic pump
Chassis
Frame..........rectangular section single-beam
Wheelbase..........1.423 mm
Trail..........95 mm
Front suspension..........Öhlins up-side down fork 43 mm,
fully adjustable
Front wheel travel..........120 mm
Rear suspension..........aluminium-plate swinging fork with Öhlins
shock absorber, fully adjustable
Rear wheel travel..........110 mm
Front brake..........double floating disc, 320 mm, 4 pads radial
caliper
Rear brake..........Sigle disc, 220 mm, double piston caliper
Rims..........forged aluminium 5 arms
Front rim..........3,50 x 17"
Rear rim..........5,50 x 17"
Front Tyres..........120-70/17"
Rear Tyres..........180-55/17"
Electrical equipment
Battery..........12 V 8 Ah
Dimensions
Length..........2.010 mm
Width..........780 mm
Height..........1.180 mm
Seat height..........820 mm
Footboard height..........400 mm
Handlebar height..........850 mm
Dry weight..........192 Kg
Fuel tank capacity..........20 litri
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