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« Last post by wirespokes on March 19, 2026, 11:02:39 PM »
Thanks Ncdan. That's about the same experience I've had as well.
I ride year-round and have had no issues riding in the rain in Portland Oregon, on old worn out tires - down to the wear bars. In a straight line, it hasn't made much difference through puddles, and in the turns, the grooves are deeper to shed water. My tires wear down in the middle first.
Because they're cheap, guys tend to think they're an inferior tire. They're not. They're actually very good quality. I guess the writing on the sidewalls isn't real classy, but they are very good tires.
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« Last post by Ncdan on March 19, 2026, 10:36:46 PM »
I’ve ran the Shinko brand for over 20 years on everything from older goldwings, Harley full dressers, Harley sport bikes and 4 moto Guzzi cruisers.
I average 7k on the rear and 10-12 on the front.
I never run a tire down to the wear bars simply because its not safe in the rain.
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« Last post by John A on March 19, 2026, 10:02:54 PM »
“ I had to lay her down “ = I screwed up.
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« Last post by wirespokes on March 19, 2026, 09:35:09 PM »
I think I've gotten something like 10K out of the front tires in the past. Rears are less usually.
I've been riding Shinkos ever since Bridgestones doubled in price. What's that - 15 or 20 years? I had a GSPD with a Michelin Anakee that ran 20K miles, about the longest I've ever had a tire last, especially a rear.
This particular front tire gripped just fine up to the end. It did make the steering a little heavy, worn as it was, but it didn't cup and wore smooth and evenly.
Age doesn't necessarily deteriorate tires. There are other factors involved. A durometer (tool to test elasticity) often shows old tires to be as supple as new ones. Just because the tire was 7 years old when I got it was no reason for me to toss it. It looked fairly new and wasn't cracked or hard.
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« Last post by wirespokes on March 19, 2026, 09:10:07 PM »
I like that viewpoint, Charlie!
You know, rather than a full restoration, a refresh might be a better option. Fix What's funky. Make things right. Leave the patina - it's gorgeous as is. No need to replace any bearings, bushings or seals, unless needed.
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« Last post by TN Mark on March 19, 2026, 09:01:56 PM »
Are you using a VPN? If so, try turning it off. The links work fine for me.
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« Last post by guzzisteve on March 19, 2026, 08:56:12 PM »
2 of mine smell like moth balls, have to spread some on them in storage space cause of varmints.
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Ab opportune moment, as a few of my riding buddies were over for a bench racing session on just this subject tonight. In essence, to restore on not restore?
Since it is not an original paint bike the freedom to give it a proper restoration would not raise any eyebrows amongst the originality police.
It is old enough, rare enough, and special enough to more that deserve a correct high end restoration.
As nice as the bike is, there are plenty of "shortcomings" that would need to be corrected during a full-on restoration.
If any bike deserves the "full Monty" this one certainly does.
There is also something special about the way it is in its current state. Undefinable, but it just has that something special in its current flawed state.
Do I leave it to the next caretaker to make this decision or do I give it the love it deserves?
I'd leave it. The wabi sabi is strong with it.  Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. It centers on embracing flawed, rustic, and weathered objects, seeing them as authentic reflections of life’s transience. It finds value in simplicity and the "patina of age".
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« Last post by Gliderjohn on March 19, 2026, 08:46:34 PM »
Maybe due to the T-3 being with carbs and the crankcase vented straight to the air the garage always smells of Guzzi after a ride. That is a good thing.
GliderJohn
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« Last post by DC950 on March 19, 2026, 08:46:22 PM »
I live in what we call North Lou. There are a ton of very good riding roads around here and even more gravel ones. No, it's not the mountains (and you can no longer take a vehicle to the top of Driskill Mountain) but they are very good and generally in good shape.
We have a casita at our place that is just about ready for visitors. We're going to put it on Bunk A Biker later this year. You're welcome to come on down and stay here in Ruston. I can show you some good roads or at least map them for you.
We also have one of the best parks in the state and it's within walking distance of our house. Lincoln Parish Park.
Oh yeah, we have a fire pit.
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