Rideapart on MG's Future - and On Rubbish Models

[Kristian]

In support of my militant stance on MG's lazy lineup, populated by some rubbish models (V9, MGX-21) and others with poor execution (V7s, little power, cheap suspension, dodgy build), here's Rideapart on the very same issues. This is all done out of love for the brand, mind you, and serious disappointment regarding where it's headed. My repeated fear is that MG is becoming a lifestyle accessory brand that makes cutesy city runabouts. Tough for a brand that used to make terrific roadburners.

Please. If you have any of the aforementioned models, great if you love them. That's OK. I don't . That's OK too. The hope is to get MG fans fired up to make demands.
https://rideapart.com/articles/lets-tell-moto-guzzi

[HDGoose]

I'd rather have an older, pre-computer, model than any new model with dodgy dealer support. I personally know 4 people who bought new Guzzi's in the past 5 years that are no longer riding Guzzi's. One fellow spent $17,000 on a new bike out the door. Some people expect to be able to ride it without having to trailer it back to the dealership the same day with less than 200 miles on it. Out of the remaining 4, 2 used lemon laws and 2 traded it in to the dealer on something besides a Moto Guzzi. All of these people have hundreds of thousands of miles on Guzzi's. 3 are now on Harley's because of the aftermarket and dealer network. The other 3 now ride Honda's.

[Lannis]

In support of my militant stance on MG's lazy lineup, populated by some rubbish models (V9, MGX-21) and others with poor execution (V7s, little power, cheap suspension, dodgy build), here's Rideapart on the very same issues. This is all done out of love for the brand, mind you, and serious disappointment regarding where it's headed. My repeated fear is that MG is becoming a lifestyle accessory brand that makes cutesy city runabouts. Tough for a brand that used to make terrific roadburners.

Please. If you have any of the aforementioned models, great if you love them. That's OK. I don't . That's OK too. The hope is to get MG fans fired up to make demands.
https://rideapart.com/articles/lets-tell-moto-guzzi

What's the writer of the article on about with the Stelvio with "electronics that don't work" and "overheating on a spring day"?

I'll bet he's never ridden a Stelvio; he's just repeating urban legend.   If he wanted to romp down on a Stelvio, he could at least do it about something real like flat tappet failures.    I've never had any real trouble with the electronics on the bike, and it runs as cool as any Guzzi in any sort of weather or traffic.

I don't think the writer knows much about Guzzis, and most of what he says about "styling" is just opinion anyhow.

Lannis

[blackcat]

What's the writer of the article on about with the Stelvio with "electronics that don't work" and "overheating on a spring day"?

I'll bet he's never ridden a Stelvio; he's just repeating urban legend.   If he wanted to romp down on a Stelvio, he could at least do it about something real like flat tappet failures.    I've never had any real trouble with the electronics on the bike, and it runs as cool as any Guzzi in any sort of weather or traffic.

I don't think the writer knows much about Guzzis, and most of what he says about "styling" is just opinion anyhow.

Lannis

I agree.

The writer is correct in some of his points, but the Stelvio overheating comment makes him lose credibility.

[guzzisteve]

It's all about the crap most riders don't need on a motorcycle these days. One reason I retired, I don't want to be a dash mechanic. They won't listen they sell Aprillia's & scooters. Way too many electrical glitches.

The new crap won't be around in 50yrs like my (REAL) V7 is today, it's sad.

[Chuck in Indiana]

It's all about the crap most riders don't need on a motorcycle these days. One reason I retired, I don't want to be a dash mechanic. They won't listen they sell Aprillia's & scooters. Way too many electrical glitches.

The new crap won't be around in 50yrs like my (REAL) V7 is today, it's sad.

Unfortunately, I've gotta agree with you, Steve. I'm definitely part of the problem..but my older bikes are repairable indefinitely. Why would I want a new one? They are just a rehash of the old ones with electronic problems. 

[oldbike54]

                                           Moto Guzzi
                                        Established 1921
                             Going out of business since 1922

 Dusty

[HDGoose]

Is Guzzi dealer support better in Europe?

[Chuck in Indiana]

   
                                                             Moto Guzzi
                                             Making electricians out of Riders
                                                             Since 1921

-KR-

[kidsmoke]

Stelvio overheating? Fuel erupting lava style from a MGX21 tank? front end lifting at 80mph? Why have I never heard of these issues?
NO mention of CARC, Norge, and a passing mention of Griso,   when he contradicts the previous 6 paragraphs and calls it a valid competitor in a current segment of the market.  huh?


This is trolling. straight up.

[oldbike54]

 ^^^

 Yep .

 Dusty

[twowheeladdict]

I was going to go look at the '18 V7 IIIs tomorrow, but after reading posts by the Guzzi experts trashing the brand and the V7s I might just have to stick with my Yamaha FZ-07 and it's performance and reliability and just put up with the cheap plastics and crappy chain adjuster.

Maybe I will trade the V7 Cafe Classic in on a nice reliable Sportster.

[bad Chad]

 I'd like to see some new bikes with a more sporting edge as welL.   That being said my 11-year-old CARC bike has been nothing but utterly 100% reliable and I expect it will continue to be for years to come.

[Tusayan]

My repeated fear is that MG is becoming a lifestyle accessory brand that makes cutesy city runabouts. Tough for a brand that used to make terrific road burners.

That die was cast the day Piaggio took over.   

[Kristian]

I'd rather have an older, pre-computer, model than any new model with dodgy dealer support. I personally know 4 people who bought new Guzzi's in the past 5 years that are no longer riding Guzzi's. One fellow spent $17,000 on a new bike out the door. Some people expect to be able to ride it without having to trailer it back to the dealership the same day with less than 200 miles on it. Out of the remaining 4, 2 used lemon laws and 2 traded it in to the dealer on something besides a Moto Guzzi. All of these people have hundreds of thousands of miles on Guzzi's. 3 are now on Harley's because of the aftermarket and dealer network. The other 3 now ride Honda's.

A true horror story, one amply supported by your personal knowledge of the facts in it. MG should really take note.

[oldbike54]

A true horror story, one amply supported by your personal knowledge of the facts in it. MG should really take note.

 Seems you have an ax to grind . Maybe this isn't the best place for that .

 Dusty

[Toecutter]

(Deleted)

You know what? F-It. No point.

[nc43bsa]

Maybe it's the Luddite in me, but I don't want a motorcycle that has:

a) a solid-state electronic instrument panel that can't withstand rain and can't be repaired

b) an engine management system that is manufactured in lots of hundreds, rather than hundreds of thousands

c) throttle-by-wire

d) plastic bits where metal is called for;  ie., sensors (Chrysler/Jeep is guilty here, too)

e) a dealer network that is here today, gone tomorrow, back again somewhere else next month (maybe)


About the only thing I want on my MilleGT that I don't have is an electronic ignition system that is crank-triggered.

[beetle]

I have a strong urge to write something gleefully brusque, bit I think Toecutter's right. What's the point?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I have a strong urge to write something gleefully brusque, bit I think Toecutter's right. What's the point?

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Hey!! How did you get that beating a dead horse emoticon to work?  :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
 

[Steve Scott]

'Had to go back and check the date on this thread. I think I read the same stuff when I bought my (then new, now 135,000 mile) Y2K Jackal 20 years ago.

[bad Chad]

Indeed, the year has moved on, but the "I want a bike from 1976" hasn't!

[pete roper]

RBW allows much finer control of fueling and thence emissions than a conventional system and like it or not that’s where the world is heading. If you want big twin cylinder engines, especially air cooled ones, then it’s going to be needed.

As for things like dashboards? I think I’ve replaced three in twelve years.

It’s not the *New* stuff that generally lets the side down. It’s the obsolete designs and crappy, cheap componentry. I’m really glad that people are happy with their V9’s and the like, really, but I couldn’t be and judging from the sales figures few others are likely to be either.

[beetle]

Hey!! How did you get that beating a dead horse emoticon to work?  :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
 

It's a secret.

 

[JeffOlson]

I feel a bit like a traitor, but I just put down a deposit on this bike (well, one that looks like that bike):


Why?

Comfort over long-distances at high speed
Weather protection
Power
Water-proof panniers
Panniers that open and close easily
No head buffeting (at least for my height)
Being able to field telephone calls while riding is a plus (my helmet setup is not great for that)

I love my Norge, but it is just not up to the task at hand. Its element is 40-60 miles per hour, on twisty, scenic roads. I need an Autobahn stormer for my 300-mile, 80 MPH roundtrip commute.

[rodekyll]

Seems you have an ax to grind . Maybe this isn't the best place for that .

 Dusty

Which rule does this break?  All I see is agreement with someone else's post.

[oldbike54]

Which rule does this break?  All I see is agreement with someone else's post.

 Huh ? Read back over the entire thread .

 Dusty

[twowheeladdict]

I feel a bit like a traitor, but I just put down a deposit on this bike (well, one that looks like that bike):


Why?

Comfort over long-distances at high speed
Weather protection
Power
Water-proof panniers
Panniers that open and close easily
No head buffeting (at least for my height)
Being able to field telephone calls while riding is a plus (my helmet setup is not great for that)

I love my Norge, but it is just not up to the task at hand. Its element is 40-60 miles per hour, on twisty, scenic roads. I need an Autobahn stormer for my 300-mile, 80 MPH roundtrip commute.

Sure hope you are working 24 on 48 off. 4 hours a day commuting would get real old.

[JohninVT]

Rideapart was started by Wes Siler.  He was a narcissistic tool but it was a free site and had a ton of good content.  He left in a huff and the site exploded with ads while content quantity and quality plummeted.  It�s usually not worth surfing because it�s mostly clickbait.  Guzzi has made some mistakes.  God knows I had trouble with my 1200 Sport but I�m excited about the V85 because I see it as the basis for the next generation of models.  A standard or 1000S styled bike with that power train would absolutely end up in my garage.  I will buy one new.  Despite having a ton of trouble with my Sport, there�s a California Touring in my garage right now.  I�ve at peace with the fact I�m going to end up broken down on the side of the road with it someday.  Oh well.  It�s an Italian motorcycle built in an antiquated factory by a bunch of weirdos.  What the hell else would anyone expect?