Advice on buying

[Pterodactyl_imp]

Thanks again for your advice - it is helpful. I know people like to know what happens after they have posted their pearls of wisdom; I now have a test ride of the bike on Monday - I will keep you posted!

You will see from the above that I have base concerned with weight - that has two main elements:

1. Manoeuvrability in the garage: I have seen bike 'dollies' that make this much easier on the net - does anyone use them?

2. I have a gravel drive...think I'm just going to have to suck that one and see, but does anyone else have the same challenge?

Thanks

Beerman

This bike rides well on dirt or gravel. Just take the usual precautions with slow speed work. Cormanus has (had) a gravel/dirt/grass drive, uphill and about 50 meters long that in the wet would be as slippery as a steeple in a sleet storm. And he didn't drop it. At least if he did he didn't tell me .

Cheers

[Beerman_imp]

Two days to go until I test ride the CB1100. After all I've read about this bike I'm really looking forward to it. I'm also testing the Moto Guzzi V7 later in the week; I know this is a much travelled road, but if anyone is interested to share experiences of the two - or, to make it three, the Triumph Street Twin, it's interesting to me.

Beerman

[redbirds_imp]

I've ridden the V7 and it's a very nice bike but a bit under powered in my estimation and not in the same league as the CB1100. The V7 was tested in Dahlonega, GA at Rider's Hill. The V7 handles nicely and feels light but lacks power especially in the mountains where I test rode. Much down shifting was required to keep a reasonable speed on uphill grades. Overall, I liked it and would have it maybe, as an around town ride.

[LongRanger_imp]

I've owned two V7's. Lovely bikes and easily some of my favorites of all time, but individual preference comes down to owner expectations. They obviously aren't as powerful as the CB, but on a twisty two-lane road, they are very engaging and satisfying and provide a lovely viceral riding experience that the CB can't match (in my opinion). On the same road, the CB is poised, confident, smooth, solid. It really depends on where you ride and how you ride.

My issue with ownership was the dismal state of US Guzzi dealers. It proved to make for an unacceptable and unsustainable long-term relationship. Rider's Hill, a highly regarded and respected dealer, as well as several other dealers across the US, have recently dropped the Guzzi line due to continued frustrations dealing with Piaggio. (Edit: Rider's Hill is now closed.)

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

I thought Riders Hill closed.

[redbirds_imp]

I was just looking for their website, Rider's Hill has closed it's doors. This is a real pity as it was about as fine a dealer as you might find anywhere. Anthony, the owner of Riders was badly injured in a fall from a ladder a while back and I wonder if this had a bearing on the closing. I will really miss these folks. They were a regular stop for us when headed for the mountains.

[Frulk_imp]

Beerman, I have both a V7R and a CB1100 sitting in the garage. I'll echo everything LongRanger said and add a couple.

The CB is a better bike in almost everyway, yet if the dealership issue wasn't a factor, presented with the choice of only being able to keep one I'd go with the Guzzi. That says something coming from me as I hold the CB in very high esteem. That choice is based on the riding experience, not the raw numbers in HP, torque, weight of bike and so forth.

If you can find a 2015V7 for a good deal consider it. While the 2016s have a six speed transmission I think one of the strong points of the older models is the superb gear spacing. I really believe that in the V7's case the sixth gear will just result in more shifts vs increased efficiency or power/torque delivery. Of course, there's ABS on the newer models but you have to decide if that is worth having.

Regardless of your choice, either bike will probably make you pretty happy...

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

Guzzi's are fine and fun, regardless, imo. I bought my Jackal (sold a couple years ago with 78k or some such) in October of '99, when there were no dealers anywhere close to me. Never were. Moto Guzzi has always had, and likely always will, dealer issues.

[DaSwami_imp]

The V7 was a "checklist" bike. It had it all, air/oil cooled, fuel injection, cast rims/tubeless tires, huge fuel tank, stunning good looks, lightweight, shaft drive!!

I was so enamored on my test ride I took it home.

I neglected to notice or care that the bike was too small for me, not in power but in ergos. The tops of my legs were nearly parallel when riding. I really noticed the difference when I rode a Triumph Scrambler. The Scram has much more room.

The long throw shift lever on the tranny became second nature but paled in comparison to the Scram and the CB1100. And the rear shocks were abysmal.

Sold the V7, but took the plunge with the V7 II. Got a great deal on one, traded in my SR400.

The V7 II has better shocks, way better tranny and slightly better ergos. Plus ABS and traction control. I am going to get a seat modified to raise my arse an inch and it should be perfect.

A great complement to the CB, and like said above, a real visceral riding experience. Let us know your impressions!

[Pterodactyl_imp]

I guess if you like the Guzzi's that's fine. I just don't like those big ugly cylinder heads sticking out in the wind. Same with those Boxer BMs. Must be a way of getting round that.

Cheers