Moto Guzzi MGX-21 vs. Victory Magnum X-1 - COMPARISON TEST

What we have here is a pair of character-rich factory custom V-twin cruisers vying for a slice of the lucrative bagger market. Introduced this past year, the Victory Magnum X-1 infuses its sibling model with a hard-rocking 16-speaker (!) 200-watt (!!) sound system, and louder…styling. The new-for-2017 Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress is based on the California 1400 cruiser platform and delivers a payload of features with a distinct Italian take on the popular bagger theme. As both machines stand out in the segment with eye-catching 21-inch-diameter front wheels, we figured this similarity alone begs for comparison.

They share more similarities though. Each features sculpted integrated hard bags, bar-mounted half fairing with low-cut windscreen, cruise control, and ABS brakes. The Guzzi also comes with an on-board sound system. Both bikes are powered by big-inch, four-valve-per-cylinder, air-cooled V-twins; the Magnum’s cylinders conventionally arranged in a 50-degree vee with crankshaft across the frame, while the Guzzi’s iconic configuration splays its cylinders outboard in a perfect-balanced 90-degree vee with the crank longitudinally mounted.

It’s no surprise the general sound and feel of these twins are oceans apart—the Guzzi’s smooth-revving 1,380cc engine a stark contrast to the throbbing beat of the Magnum Freedom 106 (1,811cc) coffee-can-size pistons. Our Victory testbike came fitted with an accessory exhaust lending it a voice of authority and mild bump in performance. If the audible difference in exhaust note isn’t clue enough, the enduring characteristic torque-induced side rocking motion felt when blipping the Guzzi’s throttle (or changing gears) would tip a deaf man in a blind comparison.

Both bikes produce abundant bottom-end torque, allowing easy low-rev leaves from stops followed with relaxed short-shifts up through their respective six-speed gearboxes. Shift action on both was refined in feel, and the Guzzi shaft final-drive arrangement causes none of the chassis jacking fuss of old. Comparing dyno graphs shows the Victory makes 103 pound-feet torque at 2,500 rpm with a flat plateau reaching out beyond 4,000 rpm. The Guzzi also comes on early, nearly matching its peak value by 2,500 rpm, but a shallow dip follows before climbing to the 77 pound-foot peak at 3,820 rpm.

On the open road the Magnum is content hammering along at basement revs, pulls with exceptional linearity to its 5,500-rpm rev limit, and finds no gear too tall for thundering roll-on acceleration. You would be hard-pressed to feel any flux in the MGX’s bottom response, as its throbbing low-end rumble churns into a creamy quality beyond 3,000 rpm. Given this engine’s ultra-smooth nature, we unwittingly found ourselves stretching a gear close to its 7,200-rpm rev limit at times even though there was no need. Both have tall overdrive top cogs to provide pleasant freeway cruise. At 75 mph the Magnum strums to a beat of 2,800 rpm while the Guzzi purrs 1,000 revs higher.

Posh seats and relaxed cruiser ergos are the norm here. The Victory saddle cradles you in one spot while the broad, more rounded Guzzi perch allows fore/aft movement. The opposite holds true for foot placement, the Guzzi having you pegged while the Magnum has roomy floorboards that are also two-position adjustable.

Wind buffeting at helmet level is taxing on the Magnum at freeway speed; even its powerful sound system can’t compete with the rumbling roar. While looking like something Alfred conceived, the double-bubble windscreen atop the Guzzi batwing fairing creates very little turbulence by comparison.

Feature packed, the MGX dash illu­minates like a Christmas tree with a myriad mix of LCD and info/warning lights when powering on the ignition. There are plenty of electronic gizmos at play here. Its Weber-Marelli ride-by-wire fuel injection offers a trio of selectable ride modes labeled “Pioggia” (rain), “Tourismo” (touring), and “Veloce” (fast), the latter of which we settled upon as a general preference. Touring mode retains full output with slightly tempered throttle response, a good choice when carrying a passenger. It also has three levels of traction control and allows TC to be turned off. The Magnum makes due without any such wizardry, yet on dry pavement keeping the rear tire hooked at the modest cornering bank angles either bike can achieve raised little cause for concern.

We found low-speed maneuvering notably easier on the Magnum despite its tiller-style bar presenting a long outside reach during full-lock U-turns. Taxing the Flying Fortress demands added attention to nose wheel control, feeling heavy steering at a parking-lot pace with its more raked front’s tendency to flop in when making slow turns. The sensation fades at normal road speed with a hint of steering input maintaining a consistent line through turns. The Magnum is blessed with a more neutral, agile handling feel that hides the fact it weighs more. It’s also notably easier to lift off the sidestand and roll around the garage.

Sitting a bit taller, the Guzzi’s longer-travel suspension provides superior bump absorption, has better damping control, and its chassis provides more cornering clearance than available on the Victory. While measured stopping distance was essentially a dead heat, we give the Guzzi the nod for requiring less effort at the controls and having more initial bite.

A major appeal of the bagger genre is the ability to pack a light load for day trips or weekend runs. The Magnum is a clear victor in this regard with top-loading, lockable bags offering far more capacity and practical convenience. Fitting a backpack containing a slim laptop had the MGX bag’s clamshell lid bulging, not to mention the need to use a key to gain entry each and every time.

So here we have two baggers approach­ing a common goal, both at a right angle. They are similar in outright acceleration and braking performance, offer a good degree of comfort and custom style, and come well equipped to rock ’n’ roll down the highway. Choosing a character winner is evident. If you weigh the uniqueness of style, powertrain personality, and exclusivity, the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress is the bomb. Picking the bike I prefer having in my hangar is just as straightforward. The Victory Magnum X-1 may not break the sound barrier as did its namesake, but it fits the bagger mold without reinventing the wheel. Even if that (front) wheel is of an unconventional size.

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