For Stock Rigs Only

Nice going Mike and Carol and congrats !
Say hello to Carol for me.
So glad I met you guys last year.

 

TY.
It was a wicked fun time..
Long road trip for sure..

 

Outstanding big guy!

 

I'm rethinking that donuts and bowling meet up idea... talk about getting whooped on!

Way to go Mike, glad to hear you guys are kicking ass and having fun doing it.

 

She says hi and hope all is well..

 

Are all Moto Guzzi done with the Flying V and shaft drive? How much does the rotation of the engine want to pull the bike in one direction or the other while riding and at a stop? I've heard they don't feel like normal bikes because of this and some say it is unsettling. Thoughts?

That's awesome for both of you! Also, the Minus One pic in your signature is sweet too.

 

since 1967, yes. There were a couple benellis in the 70’s that were rebadged as Guzzi but we don’t claim them. prior to 67 they were known mostly for bombproof fast singles, and of course in 1955, the first V8 motorcycle. 500 cc V8 that did 171 mph. the Hayabusa of its day.

Yes the lateral twin feels different than longitudinal twins or inlines. When stationary you feel it when you blip the throttle, the whole bike lunges. But that’s not what I spend my time doing on a bike. At speed in the corners it’s sublime. Makes the bike feel completely planted. Think of the motion of a Harley, 50% of the mass is running against inertia. Not so with the Guzzi. Also both cylinders are cooling evenly. It’s a proven design. I’ve seen several go 300k miles. My G5 has 106k and the heads have never been off. It’s all I ride so it couldn’t feel more normal. I do hop on friends ducatis/triumphs and beemers and they all feel like sewing machines.

the times, they are a Chang in’ tho. In ‘23 they came out with their first ever liquid cooled machine, V100 Mandello, and now they’re looking at a repackaged Shiver as a Guzzi. They’re owned by Piaggio and Piaggio wants to push more of Aprilia technology into the Guzzi line.

 

I don't mean the lunges with a throttle blip. The rotation of the engine (idk which way the crank spins) would perpetually twist the bike to one side, wouldn't it?

I imagine it feels very different to parallel or boxer twins, for sure. Honestly, if the V88 TT were liquid cooled and about $8k cheaper I'd consider it heavily. The only drawback at that point would be lack of dealer network, especially in my area. I very much prefer shaft drive, but I like the seating position of the ADV bikes. Staying sub $15K basically puts me at a used Super Tenere as the only liquid cooled option. Don't get me wrong, I love the Super Tenere, but I don't need a liter+ bike. If somebody came out with a liquid cooled 700-900cc shaft drive ADV bike I'd love to give it a shot.

EDIT: Well, just looked it up and the V88 TT isn't as expensive as whatever that first site I saw was. I guess it's really just the lack of dealers and liquid cooling that stops me.

 

Dammit. I'm having to really dig into the V85. If I can find one to give a test ride on I might change my tune.... The reliability is the biggest hang up, because I'm a shit mechanic and don't want to have to try and figure it out. I prefer stuff that just works, so I'll be hunting for some long term reviews and pro/con lists.

 

@50Buck, the V85TT is right in your wheelhouse, but air cooled. They are coming out with a liquid cooled liter adv this year, probably $17k

Wyoming huh? Could be an issue if you need to have a dealer nearbye. I suggest you don’t ride one…the lust will eat you up!!

so if you look at the diagram I posted in the post with photos, that flywheel is spinning clockwise and directly spinning the shaft which is attached to the rear drive. No twisting at all. I think you just need to get on one to satisfy your curiosity.

Italian. Mechanical engineering is solid. It’s electric shit that will cause problems. But all my bikes are older, once those niggles show themselves and get addressed, it’s just miles and smiles. Oil changes and valves, which is a 20 minute super simple task with the heads where they are.

 

Good morning every buddy!

 

TGIF, Morning, weather watching

 

Yeah, I'm starting to look to see where they are located in case I want to sit on one. I'd definitely have to ride it and the Super Tenere before to really make sure.

I've at least sat on the Yamaha, reliability is their bread and butter, and their network is better for my location. Whichever I might eventually wind up with, it'll live outside most of the year until it gets real cold and then it goes into a storage unit. Basically, my bikes live a bit harsher life due to the weather and my elevation's beating sun, so reliability/durability are big for me. Someday I hope to have a garage/shop, but that's a long way out.

 

Back when I was younger, my buddies bike. I had a 69’ R50, sold it to his brother. Bought it for $800. sold it for $850.
Back before Beemers were cool. I think the bike in the pic is a R90 , mid 1970s bike, I think he still has it.

 

Alright, I know this isn't a Tacoma, or stock, but I can't be the only person to see this on the internet today. They're only a set of extra long lug studs and offset wheels away from a dually Yaris!

 

Here we go again...

 

Morning stockers winter has begun, drinking coffee and looking at whole house generators I really want/need one.

 

Mornin stockers. Just stopped for coffee and a bagel on my way downstate to pick up some stuff from a friend. Drove right into the storm we're getting, went from perfectly clear road with nothing in the air to covered roads and near white out gusts in less than a mile.