Author Topic: Leaving MG for a bit...  (Read 3519 times)

Offline ToddK

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Leaving MG for a bit...
« on: August 18, 2021, 01:18:24 PM »
Well, much as I have serious misgivings about it, I've decided to part ways with MG for a while. I DO plan to return to the fold at some point down the road! As much as I really do love the Milano on so many levels, I find that I am craving something more agile. Not that I am any fantastic rider, by any stretch, but having come back to riding after a 12-year hiatus, and with 2 seasons of riding now, I find that I am looking for a bit more fun handling more than I thought I would, and I really can't justify 2 bikes at the moment. Who knows, I may recant this entire idea in the next 20 minutes... but I think I'm going to look at something a bit more flickable.

I suspect my next goose, unless I buy some previous gen, will be a TT-85, or it's offspring!

SUPER psyched to have met some of you at the annual! My FIRST mc rally of ANY kind!

Obviously this terse little raving was jotted quickly off the cuff, please forgive the shoddy prose, lol...

Cheers all, enjoy the ride!
Todd, aka wildroamer

Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2021, 01:22:16 PM »
Forget about the middle ground and go right to Ducati.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2021, 01:51:07 PM »
Forget about the middle ground and go right to Ducati.



Do they still make a super motard?  Ah, they make a hypermotard.  A lot of bike!

That would be what I would recommend for flickable, but with ample suspension for less than smooth roads and a street version of a bike that works your way towards the V85TT.

https://www.ducati.com/us/en/bikes/hypermotard/hypermotard-950

The KTM 690 looks like an awesome supermoto.  https://www.ktm.com/en-us/models/supermoto.html  Met a guy on one in WV and he really liked it.

The KTM duke 690 will provide a little more comfort on the seat, but less suspension travel.  The new 790 looks awesome on paper.  https://www.ktm.com/en-us/models/naked-bike/ktm-790-duke-2020.html

I am really enjoying my Kawasaki KLX300SM but 300cc isn't for everybody.  You have to be precise in any passing you do if the car ahead goes slow through the curves and exceeds the speed limit on the straights.  https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/klx/supermoto/klx300sm  It is a very engaging ride that requires you to work for everything you get out of it.  No lazy riding just keeping it in top gear like you can on more powerful bikes.

Hard to get anymore flickable that the above bikes. 

2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
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Offline ToddK

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2021, 02:30:06 PM »
Very cool bike! Yup, would like to keep it mid-weight. Not really after adv or dual-sport at the moment. Really intrigued by the Aprilia Tuono 660 right now. Might very well order one when the 2022's are released.

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2021, 02:30:06 PM »

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2021, 02:48:45 PM »
I'd save the $ and look for a used 750 Dorsoduro, long tested motor. A real hoot to ride.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2021, 03:37:34 PM »
I'd save the $ and look for a used 750 Dorsoduro, long tested motor. A real hoot to ride.

 :thumb:
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2021, 04:47:19 PM »
Yep.  Buy a brand new bike and get KILLED in a few years when you sell it-especially an Aprilia.
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Offline Muzz

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2021, 05:23:23 PM »
I must say that, along with the charm and presence of the Guzzi, it is the ease of maintenance that keeps me with Guzzi.  The Breva has enough "agility" for me, piddles around town but still tours great and with comfort.

I look at the "modern" motorcycles, look at how buried the motor is and think yeah nah;  I just couldn't be stuffed doing a regular maintenance on that.
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2021, 05:57:31 PM »
701 Husky Thumper.
        .....Drop the mic.


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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2021, 06:13:22 PM »
You’ll be back.

THEY ALWAYS COME BACK HA HA HA!!!

…or wish they could ;)
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #10 on: August 18, 2021, 06:16:58 PM »
Todd, follow your bliss and have fun.

But personally I'm having problems understanding what isn't agile about a V7. If anything it's more agile than our Monster.

There are faster and more aggressive sporting bikes, but more agile?!?
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #11 on: August 18, 2021, 07:46:14 PM »
Yep.  Buy a brand new bike and get KILLED in a few years when you sell it-especially an Aprilia.

Some see the depreciation the same way as spending money for a vacation. The cost to make memories and gain experiences.  If no one bought new, there would be no more bikes made.
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #12 on: August 18, 2021, 07:57:16 PM »
Some see the depreciation the same way as spending money for a vacation. The cost to make memories and gain experiences.  If no one bought new, there would be no more bikes made.

Agreed — let those with the money to do it do it.
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Offline kingoffleece

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #13 on: August 18, 2021, 09:27:40 PM »
Twowheel is spot on.  Then again, SOMEONE must be buying new (even me from time to time) but it never seems difficult to get a good used motorcycle.
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #14 on: August 18, 2021, 09:37:58 PM »
A new agile bike is so tempting. I really like the 701 Vitpilen. But then I ride three miles to work and back and attitude is so much more important.  Please keep in touch with your hunt and impressions of a new bike.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline Shorty

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #15 on: August 18, 2021, 09:42:22 PM »
"You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."    :grin:  Have fun shopping . Be sure to tell us what you got and bring pics and info back to the campfire.
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Offline Dimitri_Harkov

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #16 on: August 19, 2021, 02:37:38 AM »
As much as I love my V7 III, I have to agree with ToddK.

It's certainly not agile.
My next bike (if there will ever be one) will certainly be a lighter one again.

How I wish MG would do one in addition to those 200+kg trucks.

Someone ever rode a current Fantic Caballero 500? Now that is agile!
~160 kg and the same performance as the V7 III.

It's pretty too IMHO, but not nearly as versatile as the V7 III.

Anyway: Yeah, let us now what you picked up instead!

Cheers,
D.
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Offline greer

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #17 on: August 19, 2021, 05:45:04 AM »
Everybody here understands where you're coming from Todd, good luck with the shopping and keep us posted, please.

Sarah
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #18 on: August 19, 2021, 07:04:17 AM »
As much as I love my V7 III, I have to agree with ToddK.

It's certainly not agile.
My next bike (if there will ever be one) will certainly be a lighter one again.

How I wish MG would do one in addition to those 200+kg trucks.

Someone ever rode a current Fantic Caballero 500? Now that is agile!
~160 kg and the same performance as the V7 III.

It's pretty too IMHO, but not nearly as versatile as the V7 III.

Anyway: Yeah, let us now what you picked up instead!

Cheers,
D.

* Scratches head *

Never ridden one (never actually seen one until I just googled it).

But that's a dirt bike for all intents and purposes? Isn't it.

I mean my Honda Ascot 500 VT was arguably more agile than the V7 but it was a useless distinction cause even in my late 20's I couldn't ride it 50 miles without standing at every light for relief. If THAT'S your definition of agile, I don't want it.

Not poo pooing the OPs desire for something else. Have at it that's all good. I just don't agree with the characterization.
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Offline egschade

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #19 on: August 19, 2021, 07:07:42 AM »
As much as I love my V7 III, I have to agree with ToddK.

It's certainly not agile.
My next bike (if there will ever be one) will certainly be a lighter one again.

How I wish MG would do one in addition to those 200+kg trucks.

Someone ever rode a current Fantic Caballero 500? Now that is agile!
~160 kg and the same performance as the V7 III.

It's pretty too IMHO, but not nearly as versatile as the V7 III.

Anyway: Yeah, let us now what you picked up instead!

Cheers,
D.

As it comes from the factory the III does push a little when you turn in. Drop the forks 1/2" or install longer shocks then put some decent tires on it and it IS quite agile.
The elder Eric in NJ

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #20 on: August 19, 2021, 08:50:39 AM »
Riding my V7lll after getting off my 1400 Audace is the epitome of agility.    :evil: 
kk
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Offline ToddK

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #21 on: August 19, 2021, 10:40:59 AM »
Great replies everyone, appreciate all of the different points of view!

Kev, perhaps "agile" was a poor choice of words. Maybe quicker steering, faster stopping, etc are what I'm looking for. I don't know... Likely will be a next Spring deal anyway.

Love the looks of those Husqvarnas! Look like a blast!

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #22 on: August 19, 2021, 12:35:21 PM »

...Love the looks of those Husqvarnas! Look like a blast!

Yes :thumb: I figure if the GRiSO was needing a more agile partner,
this Husky would be my current choice.
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #23 on: August 19, 2021, 01:00:01 PM »
* Scratches head *

Never ridden one (never actually seen one until I just googled it).

But that's a dirt bike for all intents and purposes? Isn't it.

I mean my Honda Ascot 500 VT was arguably more agile than the V7 but it was a useless distinction cause even in my late 20's I couldn't ride it 50 miles without standing at every light for relief. If THAT'S your definition of agile, I don't want it.

Not poo pooing the OPs desire for something else. Have at it that's all good. I just don't agree with the characterization.

Even as heavily modified as my V7III is, it will never be as agile, or flickable as my KLX300SM. 

Guzzi: rake (26.4), trail (4.2"), wheelbase (56.8"). Weight (425 lbs)
Kawi:  Rake (25), trail (2.8"), wheelbase. (56.5"), weight (304.3 lbs)

That makes for a more agile and flickable package, and I can attest to the differences.  Then when the roads become less than perfect the SM style bike has the ability to absorb the hits and avoid more than the Guzzi could at the same speeds.

2022 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2018 V7 III Carbon Dark #0009 of 1921
2018 Road Glide Special
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2017 Suzuki Van Van 200
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Offline bettythebear

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #24 on: August 19, 2021, 02:02:40 PM »
I'm quite smitten with my Husqvarna 401 recently. There's still a ton of guys out there who think only the 701 should be considered, but how often can you use every single one of those 70 ponies? The 401 already has me becoming a better rider. I liken it to the way that racing my Sunfish is making me a better sailor than spending ten years on a keelboat every could have.
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #25 on: August 19, 2021, 02:36:51 PM »
Even as heavily modified as my V7III is, it will never be as agile, or flickable as my KLX300SM. 

Guzzi: rake (26.4), trail (4.2"), wheelbase (56.8"). Weight (425 lbs)
Kawi:  Rake (25), trail (2.8"), wheelbase. (56.5"), weight (304.3 lbs)

That makes for a more agile and flickable package, and I can attest to the differences.  Then when the roads become less than perfect the SM style bike has the ability to absorb the hits and avoid more than the Guzzi could at the same speeds.

And your KLX will never be as agile as a bicycle.

I just see the mission of a KLX or that 500 whatever, or honestly even that Ascot I referenced as different than the mission of a V7 or a slew of other bikes.

Again I'm not pooing on other choices. Those Husqy's look pretty damn cool and I bet they're a ball for instance. Just different.

And I have to admit maybe my size and strength have something to do with it because I don't feel the steering is in any way slow on the V7. Personally I find it nimble to the point of occasionally twitchy.
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Offline Dimitri_Harkov

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #26 on: August 19, 2021, 04:12:59 PM »
Well let's just take a Mash 400 for example.

Definitly the same 'mission'.
28 HP, 160kg.

Very agile and a lot of fun - but of course the 28 HP are a bit lacking.
I would still have bought it, but it lacks character too compared to the V7.
Has no V2, no shaft drive...
But then again... it costs next to nothing.

Ah well - some people like the battlecruisers, some the frigates.
But that's one of the best things about motorcycles - there's one for every taste :)

Cheers,
D.
« Last Edit: August 19, 2021, 04:13:55 PM by Dimitri_Harkov »
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #27 on: August 19, 2021, 05:12:56 PM »
I ask, have you dropped the forks 15mm and installed good radials along with EBC hh pads.  Might same you a bunch of money!
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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #28 on: August 19, 2021, 05:36:37 PM »
I'm quite smitten with my Husqvarna 401 recently. There's still a ton of guys out there who think only the 701 should be considered, but how often can you use every single one of those 70 ponies? The 401 already has me becoming a better rider. I liken it to the way that racing my Sunfish is making me a better sailor than spending ten years on a keelboat every could have.
The 701 puts out almost twice the torque of the 401.
Personally, I need torque to get my 230lbs motivating.
Now, pass me the donuts!  :drool: :boozing:
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Offline bettythebear

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Re: Leaving MG for a bit...
« Reply #29 on: August 19, 2021, 05:38:54 PM »
The 701 puts out almost twice the torque of the 401.
Personally, I need torque to get my 230lbs motivating.
Now, pass me the donuts!  :drool: :boozing:

haha. it gets my 230lbs moving! it's fun to have a bike where I can keep the throttle wfo, and not be in too risky of a situation.
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