MOTO GUZZI 1000 SP III (1988-1992) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Moto Guzzi 1000 SP was a sports-touring motorcycle produced by Moto Guzzi from 1977 to 1985. The bike was part of the same family as the Moto Guzzi V1000 I-Covert and Moto Guzzi V1000 G5.

The bike was designed to run long journeys, delivering excellent time, but it also had a commercial objective: to respond to BMW's R100RS, which was attacking the market by storm.

The SP model was followed by the Moto Guzzi 1000 SP II, which packed the innovation of the square finning of the cylinders and numerous technical and visual modifications, such as new colors, a more modern front fender, a die-cast plate for the footrests, and a 16-inch front wheel to improve handling.

The Moto Guzzi 1000 SP II was followed by the Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III, a motorcycle that had similar tank lines as the Guzzi 850-T5 and 750, medium valve heads as the Le Mans 850, PHF36 carburetors, a Motoplat electronic ignition, and a full fairing fixed to the frame.

The Italian manufacturer installed a reverse warning light in the instrument cluster, which, at the time, only a few motorcycles were fitted with this option, not even the more expensive ones.

As for performance, the 1988 Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III had installed a 949cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine underneath its fairing, delivering 67 hp at 6,700 rpm and 72 Nm (53 lb-ft) torque at 5,750 rpm.