M-G Stelvio TT Touring

[beemerdons]

https://picasaweb.google.com/beemerguyRT/eu...ay2007pictures# It is coincidental that you mention the property that the factory sits on Stef. In the photo album above taken by my Israeli friend Uri, who is a real estate developer here in Phoenix, Uri was raving about the property and how we Americans would jump at the chance to buy condos on that spot!

With a view directly across to George Clooney's villa and those gorgeous mountains behind it: Mandello del Lario is Heaven!!!

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I like Guzzis. I don't know why, though. I guess I have a soft spot for them because they keep doing what they do despite the fact that everyone else knows better. But an adventure tourer? Owning one is adventure enough if you live on the same block as the dealer.

Ohh, come now..., is it really that bad?

We're talking about a company that had World Championships in road racing when Harley-Davidson was still trying to keep most of the bike's engine oil off the rider's clothes -- had a V-8 racer (fastest in the world) when H-D was still trying to pump most of the oil back to a supply tank.

I mean..., Guzzi has been a major world force in motorcycling. Dr. Ing. G. C. Carcano's designs still impact us today.

In defence of M-G (I've never before felt the need to defend them...), the S.O.'s early '80s V-65SP (M-G's last completely new engine design) went border-to-border and coast-to-coast with no major problems. It also had that one thing that alot of distance riders really like -- and probably most Guzzis still have -- a really tall top gear.

My experience with Moto Guzzi has not been catastrophic/horrendous/bleak, etc. -- quite the contrary, in fact.

 

[Bungie]

I'll admit I was mildly interested so I went to the Guzzi website to read up on it.. Wow, the marketing prose is awesome. So much so that I wouldn't touch one with a 10' pole. When marketing has to work overtime, you can bet something is wrong with it.

 

[bikesniffer]

In fact, Guzzi closed down its historic factory at Mandello del Lario in December. The new owners claimed the facility needed structural work and would reopen at the end of January. This is probably BS. They'll move the machinery to Piaggio's scooter works in Pontedera (that's a few hundred miles away near Pisa of Leaning Tower fame) and that'll be a new era for MotoGuzzi (not necessarily a good one).

:blink: ?!!!?

My wife and I will be going to the Lake Como area in late April (unfortunately, not a bike trip) and I was planning a visit to the Mandello del Lario factory. Thanks for ruining my day, Stef. Seriously, I'm really disappointed to hear about the shut down but glad you shared the info.

Despite my warnings about parts availability, my brother-in-law bought a Guzzi last summer. And .... get this ... he lives in an area with little dealer coverage.

I stand by my earlier comments in this thread. The Stelvio appears to be an interesting bike but at this time it's just not worth the risk of getting stranded.

We have a place about 50 miles away from Como, if you'd like to get together for a glass of Prosecco, Merlot or beer or coffee, let me know...

Alfred

 

[mdisher]

When marketing has to work overtime, you can bet something is wrong with it.

LOL so true... Our products are actually pretty good and we can't market worth a ****.

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/19...I-V750-88016870 Check it out Stef. You could have your old bike!

 

[DucatiSSsp]

For Stef:

https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14269

BTW, Guzzi plant reopens Feb. 2, 2009 :fans:

Cheers,

Bryce

PS

If my Guzzi dies and I can't get parts, it'll still look good in my family room! B)

 

[teerex51]

Bryce

The note from that M-G dealer echoes the original Piaggio Group press release, :huh: but I'd be delighted to see M-G reopen in February.

I do not have an issue with MotoGuzzi as a brand and I used to love the 2 Guzzis I owned. It'd be a sad loss if the brand were to be

swallowed by Piaggio and watered down (like AlfaRomeo after Fiat picked it up for a song).

I am highly suspicious of Mr Colaninno as his track record here is well known. Or should I call it MO? :angry:

I guess we'll have to wait and see

Stef

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.sportscarmarket.com/auctions/do...as_01-10-09.pdf Stef, check it out from Las Vegas.

I'd mentioned to you that I am always keeping an eye out for a Moto-Guzzi Falcone. Coming back from Death Valley on 1/25 we met up with three of them and their owners in Bouse, Arizona. They were members of the Moto-Giro Italy Club Phoenix.

I had heard of a "cherry" 1952 Moto-Guzzi Falcone Sport 500 being auctioned off in Nevada. It went for $40,280! Mama Mia!

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I had heard of a "cherry" 1952 Moto-Guzzi Falcone Sport 500 being auctioned off in Nevada. It went for $40,280! Mama Mia!

Here it is:

Wow..., it looks like it might, actually, be worth it?

 

[Fred W]

Seems like a shame to me, to have a side hack on such a nice bike...

 

[MotorToad]

Seems like a shame to me, to have a side hack on a bike...

Fix'd

 

[Fred W]

Seems like a shame to me, to have a side hack on a bike...

Fix'd

Nah. IMO, I had it right.

Some bikes are such dogs they deserve to have another wheel attached...

But that one looks like it would be better without it.

 

[Spook]

I like Guzzis. I don't know why, though. I guess I have a soft spot for them because they keep doing what they do despite the fact that everyone else knows better. But an adventure tourer? Owning one is adventure enough if you live on the same block as the dealer.

Ohh, come now..., is it really that bad?

We're talking about a company that had World Championships in road racing when Harley-Davidson was still trying to keep most of the bike's engine oil off the rider's clothes -- had a V-8 racer (fastest in the world) when H-D was still trying to pump most of the oil back to a supply tank.

I mean..., Guzzi has been a major world force in motorcycling. Dr. Ing. G. C. Carcano's designs still impact us today.

In defence of M-G (I've never before felt the need to defend them...), the S.O.'s early '80s V-65SP (M-G's last completely new engine design) went border-to-border and coast-to-coast with no major problems. It also had that one thing that alot of distance riders really like -- and probably most Guzzis still have -- a really tall top gear.

My experience with Moto Guzzi has not been catastrophic/horrendous/bleak, etc. -- quite the contrary, in fact.

I was at a motorcycle rally in Germany, we were camping right next to a MG club probably 30 or 40 of the needless to say it was raining like hell the morning we were all packing up to leave and not one of the MG's would start, that was back in the late 80's

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>.... a MG club probably 30 or 40 of the needless to say it was raining like hell the morning we were all packing up to leave and not one of the MG's would start

That sure is a pretty detrimental testimonial to the marque....(especially for a 'Club' of the brand...)

I'll offer another anecdote:

Back in the mid-sixties I was at the U.S. importer of Guzzi (Berliner, Hasbrouck Hts. NJ) when the two, very first, V-700 models returned from their 4-Corners test-ride. Berliner had received the first crates a few weeks before and set-up 2 bikes, at random; got 2 riders; and sent them off on an around the U.S. 4-Corners ride.

Needless to say, the ride was a resounding success and the Guzzi V-Twin touring bike was here to stay.

 

[MotorToad]

Ohh, come now..., is it really that bad?We're talking about a company that had World Championships in road racing when Harley-Davidson was still trying to keep most of the bike's engine oil off the rider's clothes -- had a V-8 racer (fastest in the world) when H-D was still trying to pump most of the oil back to a supply tank.

I mean..., Guzzi has been a major world force in motorcycling. Dr. Ing. G. C. Carcano's designs still impact us today.

In defence of M-G (I've never before felt the need to defend them...), the S.O.'s early '80s V-65SP (M-G's last completely new engine design) went border-to-border and coast-to-coast with no major problems. It also had that one thing that alot of distance riders really like -- and probably most Guzzis still have -- a really tall top gear.

My experience with Moto Guzzi has not been catastrophic/horrendous/bleak, etc. -- quite the contrary, in fact.

I don't think they're all that bad. Like I said, I like the bikes despite them being old, fat, slow, and of questionable aesthetic value (erm, am I talking about me or the bike...?). The last racing M-G I know of was this cat-***-trophy.

That poor bike was lucky to manage last place. I don't have even anecdotal evidence of reliability, but I wouldn't bet on an Italian bike with a sparse dealer network. Thinking about that... I've never actually seen an M-G dealer.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>...The last racing M-G I know of was this cat-***-trophy. (see pic) That poor bike was lucky to manage last place.

'That poor bike' isn't even a Moto Guzzi -- it's a Laverda (different company) - 'Toad'....! Laverda is known for some fine big twin 'SFCs' and triple 'Jotas' -- but is mainly known, in Italy, for their farm machinery -- like, International Harvester...!

It's also an endurance racing 'prototype' -- prototypes are not usually the most dazzling examples of the engineer's/designer's art. It does have a V-6 engine, tho, (arguably the most popular engine style on American roads...?).

...but I wouldn't bet on an Italian bike with a sparse dealer network.

Sounds 'ideal' for FJR Forum members who encourage everyone to "do your own work...."! :blink:

I've never actually seen an M-G dealer.

Maybe you should search-out one -- I don't think they're that hard to find?

Here, 'Motor Toad', is a racing Moto Guzzi:

 

[JRO]

Believe it or not, there are Moto Guzzi dealers. I have a friend who deals Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. Brookside Cycle, in Tulsa. What he says, is Moto Guzzi isn't going anywhere, except onto a new assembly line. He recieved two Stelvios, and sold one the other day, when I was over there. If you like adventure bikes, you'll like the Stelvio. I haven't ridden one, yet, but it looks like an 'adventure' bike, to me, and I'd consider one, if I was in the market.

I might prefer the Griso or Breva Sport, though. In real life, the Sport is impressive. I've ridden the Norge, and although it's extremely comfortable, it doesn't compare well with the FJR. It's sort of an ST, sort of an adventure bike. I liked the suspension, the weight, and it's shorter-handling than the FJR, but the V-twin is too vibey, for me. At $15,000 vs. $12,000, I couldn't see the extra money for a bike with only 95hp 100ft/lbs torque, compared to the FJR. Still, it's a credible alternative, especially for someone wanting a more comfy ST, who isn't worried about hot-dogging, but likes to spend more money.

Last year, my Daughter-in-Law decided she wanted her own motorcycle, after she had the baby. I was totally against it, but my son was going to get her one, and there's not much you can do with grown-up kids. Of all the bikes we tried out for her, the Breva 750 was the best beginner street bike I think I've ever been on. 400lbs and 48hp, and the thing has got to be the easiest-handling bike made. I highly recommend one, to anyone wanting a beginner bike, especially for women/girls. It has carbs and a choke, and doesn't start as well on cold days as an F.I. bike, but we haven't had any trouble with it. She had the predicable mishaps, and we had no problem getting parts - two weeks for a mirror, some chrome and a side cover (knock wood?). In any event, she got her bike, had time to learn to ride it, but now she's expecting (again), and my guess is, her 'motorcycle' career is over (for a year-and-a-half, at least).

I have an Uncle who rode a Guzzi for years. It never broke down. Had a pal who also used one - same story. I thought they were known for dependability; it's the V-twin and lack of power that keeps me away. I wouldn't be too worried about parts availability, if I owned one... But then, I am friends with a dealer.

 

[Bungie]

I haven't got to it yet, but they test one in this month Cycle Canada. All I've seen of it so far was $17K. Pffft.

 

[Bungie]

I haven't got to it yet, but they test one in this month Cycle Canada. All I've seen of it so far was $17K. Pffft.

Okay, read the review. They liked it, a lot. Mind you, it sounds like they tested it during the last of the rideable days this past fall. Fridged temps = not many miles.

Their biggest nits were the panniers - they stick WAY out there, and, they have no carrying handles on them.