(05-29-2015, 03:38 AM)buttaknife_imp Wrote: My other bike is a Guzzi V11cafe sport. Great bikes especially if you like to tinker. Saying from the 60s was, " Moto Guzzi, turning enthusiasts into mechanics one owner at a time. " Congratulations!

(05-28-2015, 03:56 PM)JustPassinThru_imp Wrote: I like the V-engine layout...but Moto Guzzi...I know they've been around since 1921. They're not familiar to ME. Italian cars are; Fiats were sold in this country when I was a kid. Let's just say I'd proceed with caution...there is more to ownership than thrilling operation and good looks.

But my point is: Honda HAD its own Moto Guzzi, the CX. And they let it go. It was, if not that exciting, about as reliable as dawn; a big vee-twin and shaft drive...yes, and water cooling, which adds complexity but also eases operation in traffic and in heat.

Why they didn't continue with that, build on it...just astounds me. CXs still pop up as kids' first bikes...I've never heard anyone talk negatively about them. I had a GL500, with the same V-engine and shaft, briefly; couldn't get parts to do needed brake service and didn't have a shop to fix it or store it, so it had to go. But a GREAT ride.

(05-29-2015, 02:46 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: Guzzi's are a niche bike (well duh, if they weren't there would be a lot more of them around). I've had a Quota (2000) and now the Griso, Kinda miss the legroom of the Quota, but love the power of the Griso.

If you own a Guzzi, be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself. Which is pretty easy if you have some skills. Not a lot, just some. In the days past it typically took some sorting to get them to settle in; then they'd run (or could run) to well over a quarter million miles if you did your part. The last few years it seems they need or demand much less sorting as they come from the factory - if you have a good dealer.

Great bike to have if you don't want to see yourself everywhere. So is the CB1100.....

(05-28-2015, 08:22 PM)Motogeezer1949_imp Wrote: I had a Moto Guzzi Jackal. The stripped down, no extras, retro look (hmmmm, the retro theme again!).
I bought it new in October of '99.
I sold it in 2012 with about 75k miles on it.
I took it to the mountains and to track days. Wore the ends of both foot pegs down to a 45 degree angle. Took it to bike night and the drag strip - 13.28 @ 101.5 mph. Not bad for a "cruiser". I led many a sport bike ride on it. I put on a Power Commander, K&N and LaFranconi exhausts.
It was one of the most fun bikes I ever had with never a lick of trouble. I or Lee did all our own work, 'cause their wasn't a dealer around. Never had a problem getting parts, but only needed routine maintenence ones,
I adjusted my own valves, which took about 5 minutes per side
Guzzi's are tons of fun, have their own mystique and lots of character. Their have been nothing but good reports on the 1400. I rode the first one brought to the U.S. the black and white one all the magazines tested and since then, demo'do several at this year's Bike Week. Torque Monsters! I predict you're going to love it. Keep us posted on your adventures

(05-28-2015, 08:22 PM)Motogeezer1949_imp Wrote: I had a Moto Guzzi Jackal. The stripped down, no extras, retro look (hmmmm, the retro theme again!).
I bought it new in October of '99.
I sold it in 2012 with about 75k miles on it.
I took it to the mountains and to track days. Wore the ends of both foot pegs down to a 45 degree angle. Took it to bike night and the drag strip - 13.28 @ 101.5 mph. Not bad for a "cruiser". I led many a sport bike ride on it. I put on a Power Commander, K&N and LaFranconi exhausts.
It was one of the most fun bikes I ever had with never a lick of trouble. I or Lee did all our own work, 'cause their wasn't a dealer around. Never had a problem getting parts, but only needed routine maintenence ones,
I adjusted my own valves, which took about 5 minutes per side
Guzzi's are tons of fun, have their own mystique and lots of character. Their have been nothing but good reports on the 1400. I rode the first one brought to the U.S. the black and white one all the magazines tested and since then, demo'do several at this year's Bike Week. Torque Monsters! I predict you're going to love it. Keep us posted on your adventures

(05-29-2015, 03:38 AM)buttaknife_imp Wrote: My other bike is a Guzzi V11cafe sport. Great bikes especially if you like to tinker. Saying from the 60s was, " Moto Guzzi, turning enthusiasts into mechanics one owner at a time. " Congratulations!

(05-29-2015, 10:18 AM)Rboe_imp Wrote: The other one, Moto Guzzi, going out of business since 1921.