Compared to the classics .....

[jamboa_imp]

Lol don't buy a Ducati then. It is an irritating noise.

Yep it is the biggest reason I never bought a Ducati. They have wised up and Ducati has much longer valve checkup intervals and got rid of the dry clutch on some models.

[Buffalohead_imp]

All of this talk about Moto Guzzi's has prompted me to ask you guys a few questions. I started out riding Hondas and Kawasaki's. I currently have a Suzuki and soon a CB1100. All were extremely reliable (my most important requirement). But, over the last 35 or so years I have ridden BMW's. The older BMW's were extremely reliable as well but since the early 90's. the reliability of BMW's has dropped greatly, in my opinion (and Consumer Reports). It's like they are a whole different company compared to what they used to be. I figure it's bad management.

But, I have always been interested in the possibility of a Moto Guzzi but I have never known anyone who has owned one. I have never heard anyone testify or give an opinion as to the reliability of a Moto Guzzi. They really seem like a great bike. They would have to be pretty darn good to be as reliable as a Honda (or an OLD BMW). I would love to hear any experiences any of you have had, or any of your friends have had. Thanks!

[oldyaler_imp]

All of this talk about Moto Guzzi's has prompted me to ask you guys a few questions. I started out riding Hondas and Kawasaki's. I currently have a Suzuki and soon a CB1100. All were extremely reliable (my most important requirement). But, over the last 35 or so years I have ridden BMW's. The older BMW's were extremely reliable as well but since the early 90's. the reliability of BMW's has dropped greatly, in my opinion (and Consumer Reports). It's like they are a whole different company compared to what they used to be. I figure it's bad management.

But, I have always been interested in the possibility of a Moto Guzzi but I have never known anyone who has owned one. I have never heard anyone testify or give an opinion as to the reliability of a Moto Guzzi. They really seem like a great bike. They would have to be pretty darn good to be as reliable as a Honda (or an OLD BMW). I would love to hear any experiences any of you have had, or any of your friends have had. Thanks!

Check out http://wildguzzi.com. I believe you'll find all the answers you're looking for. I just read a thread about an owner parting out one of his bikes after 400,000 miles. But, just like any other European brand they have their quirks i.e. dry clutch chatter, sometimes hinky electronics, etc. I demo'd a Griso several years ago and the performance was awesome. The transmission shifted so smoothly and quietly I had to keep checking the gear indicator to make sure I actually shifted to the next gear.

[rboe]

Guzzi build quality has greatly improved that few years since Piaggio (sp?) took over. In the old days they took a bit of sorting the first year or so and then were good for 400,000+ miles.

They have a poor dealer network so you if prefer dealer support you need to be near one of the good ones. If you don't mind wrenching a bit you don't need no stinking dealer. Other than online parts ordering. Valve adjustment are quick and easy. Tranny and engine oil are separate.

The whole new V7 line is selling very well and the new 1400 California has come out of the gate with very good press and it appears good selling numbers (I think Honda makes more in a week that Guzzi sells world wide in a year); good numbers are relative mind you.

My first Guzzi was a Quota, sold it just after I got the Griso (fellow guzzi guy wanted it).

They are not for everybody, but they are a hoot, and it's nice to be on a bike you won't see everywhere.
This thread is a bit ironic as there is a CB1100 thread over on wildguzzi; some don't get it (they are Guzzi guys) but most do and at least one other guy besides me bought a 1100. Over half seem to own another brand of bike and just appreciate good iron.

[Guth_imp]

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.

[the Ferret]

When my brother bought his we were a Guzzi dealer. I could have had an original v7 for cost lol
Anyhow he put several universals in his but he was rough on it, pulling wheelies and burnouts. Wasn't made for that....and the car like exterior distributor drowned out on us in Georgia on a trip to Florida once, but they no longer have external electrics.

Funny the other day my brother asked where the nearest Guzzi dealer was, as he wanted to go look at them. I went to Guzzis website to their dealer locator and typed in my zip code. The website could not tell me where the nearest Guzzi dealers is..but I can tell you this..its not close!

[darmahman_imp]

I compare these 2 all the time. The KZ900 has been completely redone and runs fantastic and is close to as fast as the CB to 80 but then the CB takes over. The KZ is also just as smooth till ~ 7000 RPM's, maybe smoother. It's sound tho... the CB is left way behind. The Kaw just sounds amazingly mean.

[oldyaler_imp]

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.

[jamboa_imp]

Guzzi build quality has greatly improved that few years since Piaggio (sp?) took over. In the old days they took a bit of sorting the first year or so and then were good for 400,000+ miles.

They have a poor dealer network so you if prefer dealer support you need to be near one of the good ones. If you don't mind wrenching a bit you don't need no stinking dealer. Other than online parts ordering. Valve adjustment are quick and easy. Tranny and engine oil are separate.

The whole new V7 line is selling very well and the new 1400 California has come out of the gate with very good press and it appears good selling numbers (I think Honda makes more in a week that Guzzi sells world wide in a year); good numbers are relative mind you.

My first Guzzi was a Quota, sold it just after I got the Griso (fellow guzzi guy wanted it).

They are not for everybody, but they are a hoot, and it's nice to be on a bike you won't see everywhere.
This thread is a bit ironic as there is a CB1100 thread over on wildguzzi; some don't get it (they are Guzzi guys) but most do and at least one other guy besides me bought a 1100. Over half seem to own another brand of bike and just appreciate good iron.

I agree with everything said except I think Honda makes more in one day than Guzzi sellsall year.

I compare these 2 all the time. The KZ900 has been completely redone and runs fantastic and is close to as fast as the CB to 80 but then the CB takes over. The KZ is also just as smooth till ~ 7000 RPM's, maybe smoother. It's sound tho... the CB is left way behind. The Kaw just sounds amazingly mean.

beautiful Kaw!

[Randy B]

This is my good friends 1980 KZ1000 MK II that I get to ride when I'm in Chicago. It's been a while (a few years) but if my memory serves me it is a bit faster than the CB but that would have a bit to do not only with the Kerker pipe, but the sprocket he has on it. Yes it's a tad loud, but damn it's a kick to ride!