07-07-2013, 02:48 AM
(07-06-2013, 04:23 PM)Guth_imp Wrote: I like Guzzis. But a word of caution. Last year the local dealership that carries Aprilia amongst thei offerings told me that Piaggio (Aprilia's parent company) was making things miserable for them (primarily from a service/parts standpoint). They were contemplating dropping the brand. Shortly afterwards I noticed that the local Triumph / MG dealership that has a good reputation, dropped the Guzzi line (a new dealership has recently started up elsewhere in this area.) While Piaggio might have done good things for the Guzzi brand, I'd be concerned about what they might be doing to their dealers.Yea, you can't give Piaggio too much credit for keeping the brand alive in the US. It's the handful of great dealers the deserve the credit. When I lived in Charlotte I'd visit Union Cycle (now closed) in Matthews a lot. Talking with Carl (the owner, now retired) He'd talk about some of the crazy things Piaggio would do that dove him nuts. Honestly, I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did without dropping Guzzi.