pretty Guzzi

[the Ferret]

On today's ride I was coming down a hill in a set of curves and I see a silver motorcycle with fairing and bags coming toward me and turn right on one of my favorite roads. I was planning on taking that road as well and wanted to see what kind of bike it was as at first glance I didn't recognize it. It looked faintly like a Yamaha FJR. He had a pretty good lead on me, but since he wasn't aware, or didn't care, that I was trying to catch him, I was able to finally reel him in about 2 or 3 miles up the road. The guy rode well, and the bike was apexing pretty good and carrying some decent speed. The guy knew how to ride.

The closer I got I noticed the wide hard bags on the rear, a single exhaust on the left side and a shaft drive hub, and some kind of fairing on the front, but my view from behind was pretty limited.

As we come up to the only light in the next town, it turns red and I pull up beside him on the CB and flip my shield open. We exchange greetings and I see he is riding a Moto Guzzi Norge. It was really a pretty bike. I was attracted immediately. He let go of the bars at one point and I noticed at idle the bars were kind of wobbling back and forth from the throb of the Guzzi transverse V twin mill. I asked how he liked the Guzzi and he replied affirmatively. He asked if mine was the new CB and how I liked it. I replied the same. Before the light changed I asked where the nearest Guzzi dealer was (as I always like looking at them), and he said "Toledo". For those not familiar with my home state of Ohio that is on the northern end of the state, 220 miles from where we were sitting.LOL

In that case, I don't think I will be looking at any new Guzzi's soon and don't think I'd own a model of motorcycle with such a sparse dealer network, but it sure was pretty.

[redbirds_imp]

I agree Micky, the Norge is a beauty and a very fine touring mount. Moto Guzzi is much in need of a better dealer network. Nearest one to me is in Jacksonville, FL about 100 miles away.

[emptysea]

I agree on both points...great looking bike and I want my dealer closer. Even here in Chicago, the Guzzi dealer is uncomfortably far away from me. Keep in mind, though, that my Honda dealer is about 3 miles from my house. <spoiled>

[Elipten_imp]

Yea well when Guzzi sells 300 million there might be a larger dealer network to go with that number sold. The joy of an exotic! That was the one thing that caused me to pause about BMW.


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[the Ferret]

Cincinnati is a fairly large American city..has a professional football team, professional baseball team, world renowned zoo, a widely recognized symphony, museums etc..

And no authorized BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia or KTM dealers... I can't figure it out, and certainly wish that weren't the case.

[hondahoarder_imp]

Guzzi's are an addiction I am finding. They are very Mechanical especially after riding the CB1100, but tons of torque and pull like tractors. The get in your blood. The Norge is a pretty bike. We now have two in our family. 1990 Cali III and a V7 Special. My wife is a full on addict.

[rboe]

Having a good Guzzi near by is even harder. Most Guzzi owners do their own wrenching. They used to need some sorting when first bought, this seems to be less so now, then ride forever if you do your part. And don't crash.

They can be addicting. Typically you don't see your bike everywhere - that said, I see four to five other Griso's at the coffee meet, and only one other CB.

[hondahoarder_imp]

Mickey Lil bird tells me there may soon be a Guzzi dealer in Cincy, stand by :-)

[kevbroce_imp]

There's a guzzi dealer a couple miles from me... A Norge would compliment the CB well!

[the Ferret]

Mickey Lil bird tells me there may soon be a Guzzi dealer in Cincy, stand by :-)

Hey cool.

BTW there is a dealer that took over the VW dealership in Loveland that put up a big Indian sign. I'm going to ride over there today and check it out.