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Posted: 7/15/2016 2:12:01 AM EDT
[#1]
Good bikes, but all my info is second hand
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Posted: 7/15/2016 2:13:31 AM EDT
[#2]
Meh... get a BMW.
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Posted: 7/15/2016 5:32:38 PM EDT
[#3]
Used to be a beast to work on, had to do your own gaskets and stuff, but that was pre-internet. I know a buddy of mine used to be able to get 3 on his 750back in H.S. A guy I know has one with a side car that they ride in parades and stuff, he loves it!
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Posted: 7/15/2016 5:35:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Pretty expensive to maintain just like most European bikes.
They use similar ECU's as some of the Ducatis I have worked with, and thus you can use some software to help you work on your bike if need be. Other than that I don't know much about them. |
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Posted: 7/15/2016 5:36:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Jay Leno likes them, me less so
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Posted: 7/15/2016 5:36:52 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a '15 griso, I love it as a power cruiser. working on it is really simple, there's really nothing fancy about them mechanically. They are few and far between everyone wants to know what kind of Harley it is.
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Posted: 7/15/2016 5:43:28 PM EDT
[#7]
Owned by Piaggio, Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer.
Quality has vastly improved since Piaggio's ownership. Lot's of torque, not a lot of HP. The bike will torque to the __________ on acceleration. 
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:15:49 PM EDT
[#8]
hmmm
thanks! |
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:26:24 PM EDT
[#9]
I've had a couple of them..'88 Le Mans and '05 Breva. The Le Mans was a basketcase, but the Breva was a solid bike. I enjoyed them both.
My favorite motorcycle shirt is one that the dealer gave me when I bought the Breva. "Moto Guzzi. Going out of business since 1921." 
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:30:39 PM EDT
[#10]
I would love to see one in person and give it a ride. But there are not any dealers nearby.
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:32:44 PM EDT
[#11]
It's no Hodaka Wombat
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:49:25 PM EDT
[#12]
Nor a Combat Wombat, Dirt Squirt, Road Toad, Rat, Super Rat....
I KNOW I missed a few names...... |
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:51:10 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted: Good bikes or crap? How much do you want to know? What era? (FWIW, I have owned most of them from the 1960s-on, worked in a Guzzi shop for 5 years, and have written a book on them.) |
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Posted: 7/19/2016 11:58:19 PM EDT
[#14]
I have a V7 Stone. I got tired of all the shit BMW keeps adding to their bikes, and bought the Guzzi. It is simple as hell to maintain, reminds me of an older airhead BMW. It isn't fast, but it is a lot of fun to ride.
The new Eldorado, and California cruisers are unique, and very striking to look at. Handle much better than Harleys as well. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:00:51 AM EDT
[#15]
Key factors to consider are include parts availability, service cost, and resale value.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:03:46 AM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've had a couple of them..'88 Le Mans and '05 Breva. The Le Mans was a basketcase, but the Breva was a solid bike. I enjoyed them both. My favorite motorcycle shirt is one that the dealer gave me when I bought the Breva. "Moto Guzzi. Going out of business since 1921." That's pretty funny. Chris |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:06:39 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Key factors to consider are include parts availability, service cost, and resale value. Guess it depends on where you live. Here in buttsuck OH I have 3 stocking dealers within 2 hours. Parts are no longer a problem since Piaggo bought them. I could care less about resale, mine will be in the garage when I croak. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:07:22 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That's pretty funny. Chris Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I've had a couple of them..'88 Le Mans and '05 Breva. The Le Mans was a basketcase, but the Breva was a solid bike. I enjoyed them both. My favorite motorcycle shirt is one that the dealer gave me when I bought the Breva. "Moto Guzzi. Going out of business since 1921." That's pretty funny. Chris And pretty much true . . . |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:07:38 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Guess it depends on where you live. Here in buttsuck OH I have 3 stocking dealers within 2 hours. Parts are no longer a problem since Piaggo bought them. I could care less about resale, mine will be in the garage when I croak. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Key factors to consider are include parts availability, service cost, and resale value. Guess it depends on where you live. Here in buttsuck OH I have 3 stocking dealers within 2 hours. Parts are no longer a problem since Piaggo bought them. I could care less about resale, mine will be in the garage when I croak. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:12:41 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No offense intended. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Key factors to consider are include parts availability, service cost, and resale value. Guess it depends on where you live. Here in buttsuck OH I have 3 stocking dealers within 2 hours. Parts are no longer a problem since Piaggo bought them. I could care less about resale, mine will be in the garage when I croak. None taken  It is a blast to ride, even with only 45hp. Only weighs 410 pounds.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:18:02 AM EDT
[#21]
My wife has a V7 racer, she doesn't ride it a whole lot but it's easy as hell to maintain.
I've ridden it a few times, lots of torque, smooth as hell, rides well and the most important part, she likes it ( I've ridden her a few times too  )
I know.....rules. 
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:19:30 AM EDT
[#22]
I briefly owned an '02 V11 LeMans a couple of years back. It was my dream bike when it was new, so I was extremely happy to obtain it.
Now, I am a mechanical idiot, but if I had to bring bikes to dealers for oil changes, valve adjustments, gasket changes, other "simple" things, I couldn't afford to have them - and with that, the V11 was the easiest to perform those duties on. Parts were cheap enough, through the main US places. The ride was simply amazing, and the sound, even better. I sold her to someone who is also deeply in love with her, so I feel good about it. Of course, being Italian, there were some quirks, nothing ever really broke on me, but things like the shifter and random bolts, footrest would simply fall off while riding. I would keep a full set of tools, and bolt stuff back on after walking back to find the parts. Also, make sure to get the high zinc oil. Edit - ha, post 1100, how appropriate |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:20:13 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Owned by Piaggio, Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer. Quality has vastly improved since Piaggio's ownership. Lot's of torque, not a lot of HP. The bike will torque to the __________ on acceleration. Not really. All the early (2009-2012) 8v engines had exploding tappets. Piaggio owns that fiasco. Make sure any 2009-20012 8v-powered bike you buy has the upgraded tappets. Also, make sure the tappets were replaced before the old tappets grenaded, as the main bearings in the Piaggio-designed 8v blocks are not replaceable. (Main bearings on the earlier Guzzis were replaceable.) I worked at the local Guzzi shop during the transition from Moto Guzzi importation by Moto America, to Aprilia, and finally to Piaggio, and Piaggio was absolutely horrible to deal with. They have improved, or so I am told because (thank God) I no longer have to deal with those assholes. Aprilia similarly compromised the reputation of Guzzi engines when they added hydraulic lifters and single-plate clutches to the 2V engines in 2003/2004 and fucked both up in truly Italian fashion. Every other engine company on earth long ago figured all of this shit out, but Aprilia and Piaggio somehow fucked it up and put a big hit on the reputation of Moto Guzzi. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 12:49:08 AM EDT
[#24]
I had a quota I rode for about a year or so, it was a solid bike without any issues but dropping the oil pan to change the oil filter was a pita. It took a little while to get used to the motor feeling like it had marbles rolling around in the crankcase, but I liked it.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 1:09:59 AM EDT
[#25]
Want
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Posted: 7/20/2016 1:10:51 AM EDT
[#26]
The Harley Davidson of Europe.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 1:21:22 AM EDT
[#27]
I have had a 2006 Breva 1100 for five Yeats. It is a great bike with better build quality than my former 2004 BMW 1150R. It is also simpler to service. I have only done regular service on it. No problems at all. Parts are no problem. I think of it as a cross between a BMW and a Harley. It has the performance, ride and handling of a BMW with the more mechanical character of the Harley. Mine is a keeper, long with the 73 BMW R 75in the garage.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 1:23:07 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Harley Davidson of Europe. I have long made that very same observation. Guzzi made its bones in America by taking on H-D in the police market, with good success. I have a 1973 police Eldorado. It's a phenomenal motorcycle. It now has about 200,000 miles on it and surprises the fuck out of people on more recent bikes in the twisties. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 1:26:46 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryThat's basically a V11 Sport with a cat-in-heat tailpiece and Ohlins. I have a 2004 V11 Coppa Italia with Ohlins on both ends. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 5:57:59 AM EDT
[#30]
I don't know anything about the newer ones. I've had an Eldorado, and currently own two 850T3s.
They're incredibly easy to work on, and parts are readily available. Get a copy of Guzziology, and bookmark Greg Bender's website This Old Tractor . Bender makes inexpensive replacement wiring harnesses of excellent quality; if you need trans or final drive work, contact Charley Cole at Zydeco Racing . I love mine, and am currently trying to coax the owner of a V1000 Convert to sell it to me. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 6:08:40 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My wife has a V7 racer, she doesn't ride it a whole lot but it's easy as hell to maintain. I've ridden it a few times, lots of torque, smooth as hell, rides well and the most important part, she likes it ( I've ridden her a few times too )
I know.....rules. <a href="http://s168.photobucket.com/user/Pinepig/media/IMG_20160708_122116_zpskvj7u9zh.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u197/Pinepig/IMG_20160708_122116_zpskvj7u9zh.jpg</a> Looks like it fits her well. I almost got one but went with a CB1100 instead. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 6:24:00 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have had a 2006 Breva 1100 for five Yeats. I only gave two Walt Whitmans for mine. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 7:28:45 AM EDT
[#33]
What's not to like..I would have one if there was a good dealer close to me. Ride what trips your trigger. I am not a hater.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 8:22:08 AM EDT
[#34]
Another Quota owner. Love it. Bought it new in '02. Never been in the shop in 14 years except for PCIII dyno tune. Easy to work on. Great 2 up touring on the highway or in the twisties. OK offroad on forest roads and jeep trails but not suitable for the deep sugar sand down here. Great bike, mine still runs like a scalded cat.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 9:13:54 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nor a Combat Wombat, Dirt Squirt, Road Toad, Rat, Super Rat.... I KNOW I missed a few names...... Super Combat! Gotta love the simple things in life. Those little Hodie motors were about as simple as they come. Couple pics of a rebuild I did for a friend. 
Sorry for the threadjack, now back to the Guzzi's. They are a bit of an oddball but they most certainly have a following. I have several friends who have owned them over the years and while they had their quirks I never remember any horror stories. |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 4:00:26 PM EDT
[#36]
 |
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Posted: 7/20/2016 4:03:04 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Harley Davidson of Europe. You can probably get more HD parts in Italy than you can get Guzzi parts in Milwaukee. 
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Posted: 7/20/2016 4:34:20 PM EDT
[#38]
Not my favorite Italian make, but still a fan. Anyway, I am on a Triumph kick right now and dumped my Italian GF's.
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Posted: 7/20/2016 4:46:38 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Not my favorite Italian make, but still a fan. Anyway, I am on a Triumph kick right now and dumped my Italian GF's. After test riding the 2016 Striple and Speed Triple S last weekend, so am I!! 
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Posted: 7/22/2016 3:59:55 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I don't know anything about the newer ones. I've had an Eldorado, and currently own two 850T3s. They're incredibly easy to work on, and parts are readily available. Get a copy of Guzziology, and bookmark Greg Bender's website This Old Tractor . Bender makes inexpensive replacement wiring harnesses of excellent quality; if you need trans or final drive work, contact Charley Cole at Zydeco Racing . I love mine, and am currently trying to coax the owner of a V1000 Convert to sell it to me. I second the above, especially the Guzziology recommendation. I worked with Dave Richardson for 5 years at Moto International. |
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Posted: 7/22/2016 4:01:02 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Super Combat! Gotta love the simple things in life. Those little Hodie motors were about as simple as they come. Couple pics of a rebuild I did for a friend. http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_014_927550.jpg http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_015_251823.jpg http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_004_953675.jpg Sorry for the threadjack, now back to the Guzzi's. They are a bit of an oddball but they most certainly have a following. I have several friends who have owned them over the years and while they had their quirks I never remember any horror stories. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Nor a Combat Wombat, Dirt Squirt, Road Toad, Rat, Super Rat.... I KNOW I missed a few names...... Super Combat! Gotta love the simple things in life. Those little Hodie motors were about as simple as they come. Couple pics of a rebuild I did for a friend. http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_014_927550.jpg http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_015_251823.jpg http://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/10/18/Hodaka_rebuild_004_953675.jpg Sorry for the threadjack, now back to the Guzzi's. They are a bit of an oddball but they most certainly have a following. I have several friends who have owned them over the years and while they had their quirks I never remember any horror stories. I used to race a Hodaka-powered Alsport with a leading-link fork. It was a weird little bike. |
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Posted: 7/22/2016 4:02:52 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's no Hodaka Wombat I learned to ride on my dad's 73 Combat Wombat 125 when i was ~10, restoring it slowly right now... |
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Posted: 7/22/2016 4:07:03 PM EDT
[#43]
Is it you, or your parents in this income tax bracket?
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Posted: 7/22/2016 4:08:08 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The Harley Davidson of Europe. 
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Posted: 7/22/2016 4:14:40 PM EDT
[#45]
All motorcycles are sold with instruction for the "break-in" period, i.e. "do not exceed 50mph for the first 500 miles, 60mph for the next 1000 miles, etc.".
When Moto Guzzi's get to the end of the production line at the factory, an old man starts the brand new bike and winds it up to redline and keeps it there for 60 seconds, then shuts it off. It's then crated and shipped. That's their break-in period. My brother went on Moto Guzzi's factory tour when he was in Italy a few years back. He's always been a BMW rider, but owned a Guzzi also for about ten years. He rode the hell out of that bike and never had a problem with it. |
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Posted: 7/23/2016 4:14:30 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: All motorcycles are sold with instruction for the "break-in" period, i.e. "do not exceed 50mph for the first 500 miles, 60mph for the next 1000 miles, etc.". When Moto Guzzi's get to the end of the production line at the factory, an old man starts the brand new bike and winds it up to redline and keeps it there for 60 seconds, then shuts it off. It's then crated and shipped. That's their break-in period. My brother went on Moto Guzzi's factory tour when he was in Italy a few years back. He's always been a BMW rider, but owned a Guzzi also for about ten years. He rode the hell out of that bike and never had a problem with it. I'm not sure what they do today, but until the recent past, they were all taken to the Guzzi test track and flogged really hard for a few miles. Guzzi use Nikasil cylinders, so they break in really fast if you flog them hard from the get-go. |
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