V7 Racer Production Numbers

[BozoNightmare]

Hello All,

I just picked up a 2014 V7 Racer last weekend, anyone in the SoCal area want to go for a ride through the Malibu Canyon's?

Anyway, on to my main question:  Does anyone have any production figures on the racers?  The number on my handlebar plaque is 1398, out of how many? Did they reset the numbers back to 0 every year, or do all V7 Racers 2014 and below share the same number "lineage" until they changed to the V7 II in 2015?  To break it down further, does anyone have any idea how many were sold new in the US market? I am just curious how uncommon/common these are.

[Perazzimx14]

In 2011 I think there were 50 V7R's in the USA as a "limited" one time edition. With lots of interest Guzzi again decided to produce the "limited" V7R in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and probably until then end of time.

The Italian translation of limited is "produce it in higher numbers than normal"

My 2012 V7R is number 192 or 195. I think then number starts at 001 every calendar year.

[Kev m]

OK, this is all a huge guess...so it might be ALL WRONG. But let's think about it.

I WOULD have presumed Peraz was correct that the reset the numbers each year.

But if there were 50 in 2011, then 195 being somewhere in the middle of the run for 2012 would be a fair guess.

In that time frame Guzzi was making what, we think 5000 bikes per year give or take, and ramping up to maybe double that today.

Do we really think that by 2014 they were making 1400+ V7 Racers per year - not just Stones and Specials they would be extra.

So maybe 2000 V7Rs, plus 2000 Stones and 2000 Specials too. So by 2014 Guzzi was selling 6000 smallblocks each year by itself, not counting CARCs and Calis?

I guess it's possible.

So I don't have the answer, but I'm curious.

Ohh, here's a question and maybe you guys could help solve this. Does the number on the plate correspond to the last digits of the VIN?

Look at Todd's registry:

http://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/v7-registry-picture-thread-add-your-bike.9108/

V7 (Mk1) registry numbrers:

V7 Racer:

VIN#ZGULWC023BM100021 - Steve Swan - Ft. Collins, CO - D.O.P.: 7.21.12 - Pics soon
VIN#ZGULWU02XDM100034 - Pat Williams - Keene, CA - D.O.P. 11.2.12. - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWC022BM100043 - @0Dogg - Lexington, KY - D.O.P. 3.22.16 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWC029CM100090 - @ElHatton - Calgary, AB - D.O.P. ? - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWC028CM100145 - GT-Rx® - Malibu, CA :: O.O. Kevin Libby - Warren, MI - D.O.P.?
VIN#ZGULWC021CM100181 - Greg Brown @lucydad - Sugar Land, TX - D.O.P.? - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100208 - Barry Baxter - Brea, CA - D.O.P. 5.14.13 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWC029CM100266 - N.O.? - O.O.: John Erickson - Long Beach, CA - D.O.P. 9.1.12 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWU023DM100304 - David Aronson - NorCal - D.O.P. ? - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWB002BM100312 - Dennis Fisgus - Worms Germany - D.O.P 7.15 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWB001BM100320 - Erin @McBean - Queenstown, New Zealand - D.O.P. 12.14 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100331 - Paul S - L.A., CA - D.O.P. ?
VIN#ZGULWU02XDM100347 - Pat Williams - Kern Co, CA - D.O.P.?
VIN#ZGULWU02?DM100352 - Dave Brantley - ?, VA - D.O.P. ?
VIN#ZGULWU022DM100357 - Ernest Q. - Long Beach, CA - D.O.P. 1.13
VIN#ZGULWU027DM100372 - @Blair Beavers – Columbus, OH - D.O.P. 10.17.15 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100393 - Andy Maracini - Appleton, WI - D.O.P. ?
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100409 - Matthew C. - Los Angeles, CA - D.O.P. 9.2.15 - P.O.: GT-Rx®/RentAGuzzi.com - Malibu, CA - D.O.P. 3.18.14
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100412 - Donald Goodwin - Longmont, CO - D.O.P. ?
VIN#ZGULWC001DM100415 - Jason Whitefield - Nashville, TN - D.O.P. 6.19.13 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWU024DM100425 - Todd Bolivar - Ontario, Canada - D.O.P. 1.7.13 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWB008BM100444 - Gary Strangman - Queenstown, NZ - 12.15.13 Pic HERE- O.O. ? O.D.O.P. 11.16.11
VIN#ZGULWU026DM100491 - Carlos Gubbins - Long Beach, CA - D.O.P. 2.13
VIN#ZGULWH006CM101564 - @entreq8 - Dubai - D.O.P. ? - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWH007DM2000?4 - @Robebop - Waikato, New Zealand - D.O.P. 5.20.17 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWU023DM200015 - Aaron Alduenda aka @Biscuit - O.C., CA - D.O.P. 9.27.14 - Pic HERE - O.O.?
VIN#ZGULWH003DM200036 - @Mozz - BaldHills Queensland - D.O.P. 12.12.14 - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWUA28EM200091 - Totalled/Salvage - O.O. ? - San Diego, CA
VIN#ZGULWUA24EM200105 - Carlo Recio @carval23 - City?, CA - D.O.P. 9.23.15 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWUA27EM200115 - Kate Morrison - L.A., CA - D.O.P. 3.17
VIN#ZGULWUA24EM200136 - Totalled/Salvaged - O.O.? NorCA
VIN#ZGULWU025DM200145 - @barlichj - Minot, ND - D.O.P. 11.10.15 @Adventure Motorsports, Pensacola, FL - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWUA25EM200159 - @Nashou66 - West Seneca, NY - D.O.P. 4.15 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWUA21EM200174 - Bob Ponticelli - Tampa, FL - D.O.P. 3.24.15 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWU027DM200194 - @tonupman55 - Las Vegas, NV - D.O.P. ? - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULWH029DM200205 - @dabrucru - Malta - D.O.P. ? - Pic HERE
VIN#ZGULW300XFM200220 - @GEO - Athens, Greece D.O.P. 6.16.15 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWU024DM200234 - Gordon Price - Calgary, Alberta, Canada - D.O.P. 6.15.13 - Pics HERE
VIN#ZGULWU020DM200280 - @Hugo Vose (#812) - Phoenix, AZ - D.O.P. 02.06.15 - Pics HERE

If the answer is YES, the numbers correspond, then we have our answer. They undoubtedly reset each year as I can see lower numbers in later production years.

If the don't correspond we're still guessing. IT could be a linear production of just that year, or it could be an unbroken linear production. We need other people with racers to say what their plaques say. If we can find one with an earlier number in a later year we've got the answer.

[rocker59]

So basically, there are a few thousand V7 Racers on the road.

Plentiful by Guzzi standards.  Rare by all other standards.

[ponti_33609]

OK, this is all a huge guess...so it might be ALL WRONG. But let's think about it.

I WOULD have presumed Peraz was correct that the reset the numbers each year.

But if there were 50 in 2011, then 195 being somewhere in the middle of the run for 2012 would be a fair guess.

In that time frame Guzzi was making what, we think 5000 bikes per year give or take, and ramping up to maybe double that today.

Do we really think that by 2014 they were making 1400+ V7 Racers per year - not just Stones and Specials they would be extra.

So maybe 2000 V7Rs, plus 2000 Stones and 2000 Specials too. So by 2014 Guzzi was selling 6000 smallblocks each year by itself, not counting CARCs and Calis?

I guess it's possible.

So I don't have the answer, but I'm curious.

Ohh, here's a question and maybe you guys could help solve this. Does the number on the plate correspond to the last digits of the VIN?

Look at Todd's registry:

http://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/v7-registry-picture-thread-add-your-bike.9108/

V7 (Mk1) registry numbrers:

If the answer is YES, the numbers correspond, then we have our answer. They undoubtedly reset each year as I can see lower numbers in later production years.

If the don't correspond we're still guessing. IT could be a linear production of just that year, or it could be an unbroken linear production. We need other people with racers to say what their plaques say. If we can find one with an earlier number in a later year we've got the answer.

Mine is the 174 ending vin on the list.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kev m]

Mine is the 174 ending vin on the list.

I thought that might be you - THANKS.

So we know the  VIN and the "limited edition" #'s are not linked.

And you also have a 2014 same as the OP - so we know there were at least 400 or so in 2014.

Now if anyone with a later year has numbers lower than you guys we know it starts over. But if we can't find anyone with a lower number on a bike made later, we might start to think they're all one sequence.

 

[tonUPRacer]

My VIN last digits 393 match my Racer No. 393. So who knows, maybe for those with 000 they grabbed another number. In the end, I just don't take too much stock in the number. As others' have said plentiful in Guzzi numbers, rare by other manufacturers standards. Will you get a highly collectible motorbike because of it? Methinks not. Ride it, enjoy it sell it for 4 or 5K when done, repeat.

[Kev m]

My VIN last digits 393 match my Racer No. 393. So who knows, maybe for those with 000 they grabbed another number.

Good point, but also good data point thanks. Here's what we have so far:

2012: #~192 (Peraz)

2013: #362 (Jay)

2013: #393 (Ton)

2014: #1000 (Ponti), #1398 (OP, BozoN)


Let's get some more....

[Kev m]

I added Jay's number since he's out riding today.

I know it's an infinitesimally small sample so far, but nothing has broken the trend yet. Let's get some more numbers.

[BozoNightmare]

Found some more scouring the interwebz and stealing some info I found on guzzitech

nashou66 - 2014 n1013
yodastien - 2014 n1005
heyzeus - 2012 n236 (black tank)
dennis F - 2011 n312
biscuit - 2013 n565 -
tonupman55 - 2013 n741
hugo vose - 2013 n812
volloy - 2012 n118 (black tank)
GT-Rx - 2013 n304
fireflyr - 2013 n347
wisconsin v7racer - 2013 n502
craigslist find - 2012 n268 (black tank)
craigslist find - 2013 n775
cycletrader find - 2013 n409
craigslist find - 2013 n719
ultimate motorcycling.com - 2013 n316
themotorcycleshop.c om 2014 n940
capitalcitytoystore 2011 n84

I should also note, I can't confirm the VIN/model year on all of these so these aren't definitive samples.  Just going off of pictures and what people have posted, purchase dates, etc.

[jas67]

As Kev stated above, I have a 2013, #362.  My VIN ends in 362.   It's looking like maybe they matched the VIN #'s through 2013, then didn't bother starting in 2014.

I guess I should get on that registry.   I didn't know that there was one.

[V7Record]

I think my 2013 is #472 but the dealer also had a 2013 #007 when I bought mine... it was spoken for.

[Frulk]

2014 V7R with #1015 on the plaque and  164 as the last 3 of the Vin. True story: I was at my buddies coffee shop last year and me and some friends were talking about bikes. General stuff mostly and one of my buds says “ the thing with that Guzzi is you’ll never see another one on the road in your lifetime like it”. Just then a V7R motored by with a couple of other bikes. We all laughed.

[Kev m]

Found some more scouring the interwebz and stealing some info I found on guzzitech

Awesome thanks - so integrated them into what we had and look:


2011:

#84 (capitalcitytoystore 2011)
#312 (dennis F)


2012:

#118 (volloy - black tank)
#~192 (Peraz)
#236 (heyzeus black tank)
#268 (craigslist find - black tank)

2013:

#07   (V7 Record Saw at Dealer)
#304 (GT-Rx)
#316 (ultimate motorcycling.com)
#347 (fireflyr)
#362 (Jay)
#393 (Ton)
#409 (cycletrader find)
#472 (V7 Record)
#502 (wisconsin v7racer)
#565 (biscuit)
#719 (craigslist find)
#741 (tonupman55)
#775 (craigslist find)
#812 (hugo vose)


2014:

#940 (themotorcycleshop.c om)
#1000 (Ponti)
#1005 (yodastien)
#1013 (nashou66)
#1015 (Frulk)
#1398 (OP, BozoN)


So IF #312 Denis reported correctly that he has a 2011 (and lord help me but we all know that some people even get that wrong about their own bike), and/or if V7Record is sure about the year of #007 (and I have no reason to doubt him), then it looks like they have started over in 2012 and 2013 or MAYBE in every year.

But looking at the rest of the numbers I'm still thinking they stopped starting over at some point. Maybe it was 2013?

But that could be wrong, so let's find even more numbers!

[Roebling3]

2017 V7 III Racer Purchased 08/07/17.  sn:ZGULDUB00HM000040. Top steering head clamp 0087. Dull silver & black. 
Top clamp is painted wet black, like a Verde Legnano. Numbers stamped(?) nicely and filled with white paint. R3~

[Kev m]

2017 V7 III Racer Purchased 08/07/17.  sn:ZGULDUB00HM000040. Top steering head clamp 0087. Dull silver & black. 
Top clamp is painted wet black, like a Verde Legnano. Numbers stamped(?) nicely and filled with white paint. R3~

AWESOME! Thanks for posting!

OK, that's the final nail in my theory's coffin!

They must renumber each year.

So damn they're making a lot of them. Good for them!

 

[tonUPRacer]

AWESOME! Thanks for posting!

OK, that's the final nail in my theory's coffin!

They must renumber each year.

So damn they're making a lot of them. Good for them!

 

a lot for Guzzi about 2 hours for other manufacturers

[BozoNightmare]

2017 V7 III Racer Purchased 08/07/17.  sn:ZGULDUB00HM000040. Top steering head clamp 0087. Dull silver & black. 
Top clamp is painted wet black, like a Verde Legnano. Numbers stamped(?) nicely and filled with white paint. R3~

I still believe years 2011-2014 (V7 I) share the same number lineage.  Years 2015-2016 (V7 II) share the same lineage.  And 2017 (V7 III) shares the same lineage. 

V7 I


V7 II


V7 III



I think the couple we have seen out of the ordinary people must have been mistaken on the bikes actual year. 

[Steve Swan]

i realize this thread is old, but not dead and neither am i although it's been a long time since i last posted.  i am Steve Swan who still owns the 2011 V7R, #21.  one detail i don't see mentioned in this thread is for 2011-2012, the R's had the old style valve inspection covers.  2013 had the modern style covers; the old style covers on the '11's and '12's make these machines unique to subsequent year R models.  i worked for the local MG dealer from 2007-2012; as early as 2009 that a red-framed V7 was being talked about going into production.  originally, the V7R was to be a one-year-only machine, was so popular, the production run of these R's with the old style valve covers carried through 2012, and as i understand it, the numbers on the plates on the steering head were continuous through the 2011-2012 production period; in other words, for 2012, the number on the steering head plate did not restart at 1 and if i remember correctly, approximately 1,400 of these "old style cover" bikes were produced.  2013, the R models had the modern looking valve covers and started a #1.

2011, i attended the MGNOC rally, #12 was there.  my dealer friend called me while i was at the meet that he had just removed #21 from it's crate.

OK, this is all a huge guess...so it might be ALL WRONG. But let's think about it.

I WOULD have presumed Peraz was correct that the reset the numbers each year.

But if there were 50 in 2011, then 195 being somewhere in the middle of the run for 2012 would be a fair guess.

In that time frame Guzzi was making what, we think 5000 bikes per year give or take, and ramping up to maybe double that today.

Do we really think that by 2014 they were making 1400+ V7 Racers per year - not just Stones and Specials they would be extra.

So maybe 2000 V7Rs, plus 2000 Stones and 2000 Specials too. So by 2014 Guzzi was selling 6000 smallblocks each year by itself, not counting CARCs and Calis?

I guess it's possible.

So I don't have the answer, but I'm curious.

Ohh, here's a question and maybe you guys could help solve this. Does the number on the plate correspond to the last digits of the VIN?

Look at Todd's registry:

http://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/v7-registry-picture-thread-add-your-bike.9108/

V7 (Mk1) registry numbrers:

If the answer is YES, the numbers correspond, then we have our answer. They undoubtedly reset each year as I can see lower numbers in later production years.

If the don't correspond we're still guessing. IT could be a linear production of just that year, or it could be an unbroken linear production. We need other people with racers to say what their plaques say. If we can find one with an earlier number in a later year we've got the answer.

[Tkelly]

Don’t know anything about Racers but BozomNightmare is the best online name I’ve ever seen.

[Kev m]

i realize this thread is old, but not dead and neither am i although it's been a long time since i last posted.  i am Steve Swan who still owns the 2011 V7R, #21.  one detail i don't see mentioned in this thread is for 2011-2012, the R's had the old style valve inspection covers.  2013 had the modern style covers; the old style covers on the '11's and '12's make these machines unique to subsequent year R models.  i worked for the local MG dealer from 2007-2012; as early as 2009 that a red-framed V7 was being talked about going into production.  originally, the V7R was to be a one-year-only machine, was so popular, the production run of these R's with the old style valve covers carried through 2012, and as i understand it, the numbers on the plates on the steering head were continuous through the 2011-2012 production period; in other words, for 2012, the number on the steering head plate did not restart at 1 and if i remember correctly, approximately 1,400 of these "old style cover" bikes were produced.  2013, the R models had the modern looking valve covers and started a #1.

2011, i attended the MGNOC rally, #12 was there.  my dealer friend called me while i was at the meet that he had just removed #21 from it's crate.

What you're calling valve covers is more significant a difference.

2011-12 (12 in NA only) meant the old dual throttle body model. Some of these might have gotten the larger and all metal 5.5 g fuel tank (but I believe earlier ones should all have the slightly smaller plastic tank).

2012 (in the EU and much of the world) and 2013 (in NA) means "new valve covers" and the new MkI  - the single throttle body motor and chassis - there are differences (mostly small) in the motor, throttle body, ECU, wheels, and and multiple other components.

Can't help with numbers - haven't thought about it again in half a decade. Truthfully it's silly for us to think they mean anything to value. ALL Guzzis are arguably limited (production/edition) anyway. Same with our Carbon Dark and half a dozen other numbered models.

[WHY]

2011 owner here in Canada, bought the bike new back then, number #061, Europe launch the V7 racer before us and all the North America V7 racer number starts from 001 (AF1 at Texas has the 001 at one point)  so there should be duplicated number at least for the first hundred or so. all 2011 NA racer comes with black plastic tank with 2 TB motor. 2011 EU comes with chrome plastic tank with 2 TB motor, 2012 EU switch to chrome metal tank with new 1TB motor, 2012 NA got the Black metal tank with old 2TB motor.

[maciejman]

Hello Guzzi enthusiasts!  New member here who found this thread as I'm about to go look at 2011 V7 racer #24.  This has been quite a helpful and informative thread- thank you!

I realize this thread is old by any standards, but with it recently being resurrected I thought I'd reach out with a question or two.  In keeping with the theme of the thread, you can add V7 racer #24 (black tank) to the 2011 list from above..

1) What should I be looking for when looking at my first Moto Guzzi?  As mentioned I'm going to go look at 2011 V7 Racer #24 with 750 original miles.  I confirmed it has the plastic tank (black), which has me pause slightly given the documented issues those plastic/Nylon tanks had.  Not a deal breaker at all but that's why I'm here- for info on what I should be looking for when I check it out.

2)  Any issues with the 'older' motor on this 2011 compared to the newer motor they started putting in the 2012+?

3)  General thoughts on pricing/value?  Currently we all know the market has softened considerably compared to a year ago or so.  Please share your thoughts on what you think this would be valued at currently.  Low miles (750), showroom condition- never dropped.

Thank you all so much for any and all help as I'm new to Moto Guzzi.

[Kev m]

I wouldn't worry much about the tank. The worst that happens with the Guzzi tanks is they swell a little and are hold to bolt back on after removal. Besides you can always get an OEM metal tank if you really wanted.

The older 2TB motor is fine. It's far from a powerhouse but should be sturdy. It takes a little more effort to maintain between little things like harder air filter access or actually having to synchronize/balance the throttle bodies once in a while. But those are hardly big deals.

My biggest concern would be how it was stored for that extreme length of time. If the seals and rubber bits are all dried out it could be a lot of work to replace.

Value - there's nothing special or limited past the name. That old, plastic tank, sitting so long. I say $4k.

[maciejman]

Thanks so much Kev for the response!

I'm hardly an expert when it comes to mechanics, but I am fairly handy around motorbikes having owned 20-30 different old Honda's over time (mostly 70's era).  So the maintenance things you mention below are not a deal breaker for me but great to know!  I'll be sure to check out the rubber bits as best I can. 

I was told the bike was stored dry for years, used as a display piece in a Ferrari dealership of all places.  I'll look it over best I can for any signs of neglected storage. 

As for the tank, I did do a quick check to see how much a black metal tank would cost me and I was unable to turn up any results- figured it must be difficult to obtain at this point.  But with your statement I assume I can find one relatively easily, I just don't know the right places to look yet.  This forum will be helpful in that regard should I make the purchase and decide I'd like the metal one.

The guy is asking $5k for it, but it's been listed for quite awhile.  It's also the end of the riding season where I'm at (Minnesota), so perhaps he'll have a bit more room/incentive to move.  I'll let you know if I end up with it.  Again my many thanks for the reply!

Andy

[Frulk]

I have a 2013 V7R with 8,000 miles with the chrome tank. I’m NOT in the market to sell but if I was I’d expect to get 4-4.5Kfor it. It’s pretty clean and has new tires put on 1.5 years ago. They might have 300 miles on them.

I think low mileage not withstanding he’s a little on the high side. More than likely needs new tires and tubes. There’s the cost of the tank you’re considering. Kev pointed out rubber bits that may need to be replaced. I noticed last year my fork boots/gaiters are cracking and should be replaced. Consider my bike is 1-2 years newer than what you’re looking at.

Other issues may be waiting to be discovered. Plastic fuel filter vs metal? Don’t know if that was an issue for that year. Use search on this site. There is a bit of history with these bikes having leaking rear seals. Mine had it x2. Might need to install a newer fuel map. Mine has original and occasional surging issues which pop up and then disappear on their own.

Fun bike to ride. Unique appearance. A fair amount of them around. Don’t feel you have a unicorn on your hands forcing you to buy now.

One more thing to consider. How close is your nearest dealer should you need support you can’t resolve in your garage.

PS: Having a plastic tank may not be a problem. I have one on an HDXR1200. These are well known for swelling issues. HD never did make it right. Mine has had nothing but ethanol free in it and has had zero issues. Not sure if that’s an option for you to run it 24/7 or if you’re planning taking trips/commuting etc. my XR is a strictly around town proposition due to small tank range and better options in garage for longer hauls.

[Kev m]

I'm pretty sure it has the half plastic fuel filter. Of course, so does my 2018 still. And my 2018 has been using E10 fuel for 5 years now.

Hopefully the dealership was a nice, climate controlled environment, and it was stored properly without fuel.

The rubber bits that worry me most are the seals - a rear main or rear driveshaft seal isn't an expensive part. It's just a lot of work to replace. But indoor storage could be a huge plus.

Tanks come up on EBAy etc. One thing to keep in mind is that I'm pretty sure you can use any year - or at least any year through MKI or MKII - but probably MKIII too. BUT, and this is a big butt (pun intended), I'm pretty sure you would also need a fuel pump assembly.

Now DON'T think a metal tank is a MUST EITHER - it's a "might want in the future if I want the additional gallon capacity and/or the plastic is annoying me".

And, IF you're not certain about this one - walk, no big deal, there are TONS of them out there.

For instance -

(EDIT - ooops, forgot the link):

https://www.xps-usa.com/default.asp?page=xAllInventory&at=atv|motorcycle+/+scooter|utility+vehicle|snowmobile#page=xAllInventory&make=moto%20guzzi

2023's new for $8390

2021's new for $6490

But if money's tight or you're set on the "Racer" variant - this could be a good one - I'd still hardball low - seriously, start at no more than $4k.

[maciejman]

Thank you both so much for the replies!  Lots of great info in both posts!

I took a look at it today.  Very clean, all rubber bits seemed in good shape- I believe that it was stored indoors at a dealership as described.  Really no wear or rubber decay to be found, at a surface level anyway.  There are 2 paint splits on either side of the fuel cap, an indication that the tank has swelled.  They're not bad, hard to notice unless you are looking very closely.  All in all, it presents very well- near showroom clean.  New tires also installed in preparation for the sale.

Guy would not budge from the 5K however.  I said thanks for showing it to me but no thank you.  He thinks it's a rare bird even though I explained a bit about how it may be presented as limited, but they made thousands of them in the end.  He still made a reference to the effect that he couldn't just go out and buy another one.  I'll keep my eyes open.

Frulk- I do have access to non-ethanol fuel and it's the only thing I use in all my 'toys'- motorcycles included.  I also have a dealer within about 30 minutes- so service outside of my mechanical abilities is pretty close.  My current daily by the way is also an HD 1200- the Forty Eight with that peanut tank.  So I believe I have an even smaller tank than you lol!!  That's about the only thing about that bike I don't like, it's on the potential chopping block short list as a result..  Fuel light comes on after only about 65-70 miles- gets pretty annoying.  I guess I didn't know they made plastic tanks on some of the HD's, my 2014 is metal.  Thanks for all the info!

Kev- thanks for the additional reply and info.  I agree that the metal tank is more of a want than a need.  I'd likely check Ebay every so often and grab a nice metal one just to have on the shelf as a back-up if the price was reasonable.  As mentioned above, I did end up walking.  I had cash in hand and was comfortable going 4500 given the condition and very low miles, but with no room for negotiation at all I was out.  I'll be keeping my eyes open, and I told him to call me if/when he has room to budge on the price.

I do quite prefer the racer variant.  It's as much art to me as a fun backroad rider.  I can see myself storing it over the winter in the basement office where I work from home most days to look at it daily.  And I'm not at all a flashy kind of guy- this is not a bike that any of my friends or family would guess me owning but there's something about the look of the racers that just has me drool a bit.  The search continues.

Thanks again to you both for the replies and info- super helpful.  All the best!

[cliffrod]

Nothing wrong with having a bike that speaks to you as art and makes your life more pleasing simply because it is what it is.

[maciejman]

Nothing wrong with having a bike that speaks to you as art and makes your life more pleasing simply because it is what it is.

Cheers to that my friend- well said!