New Member - 1st Street Bike?

[Kev m]

Well awesome. Good luck with your quest.

Have fun.

[Perazzimx14]

Many thanks.  Checked them out today; especially the V7's, V9 and Griso. 
Even being slightly tall the V7 was perfect.  Just fit better as is (although all three were remarkable with the Griso just a little more aggressive).
There were also some unique V7 variations, but just liked the basic Stone the best.
The dealership seemed to really understand that it's my first bike, that I really don't know what I'm doing and that there's nothing wrong with that.  Sort of helped to guide me exactly where it seemed like I wanted to go.
Can't say a bad thing about anyone, but I think I was maybe being too much effort at one place.  It was like when I call up a company for some customer service and no one's available because they're in a meeting about customer service.  There's always a chance that I'm just ****** up, but nothing wrong with that either.
The other shop would be more convenient although both are pretty inconvenient.  Just happened to have an appt. in Denville so a quick shot across Rt. 80 and I was there.
Not entirely ruling out a Suzuki SV650 or the soon-to-be US release of the XSR700, but I think it'll be worth the hassle to go with the Moto Guzzi rather than just getting a bike to get a bike.

If your not ruling out Suzuki's check out DL650's. Great do all bikes that can be had well equipped on the secondary market for super cheap. Reliable as anvils.

My 1st touring rig was a Moto Guzzi Quota. It was replaced by a Suzuki DR650 (yep a DR650) as my next touring rig for 2 years and that was replaced with a DL650. The DL's are easy on fuel handle well and little 650 is a great motor to flog the piss out of and know to be bullet proof.

[slopokes]

So Cory what did you settle on???

[twowheeladdict]

Many thanks.  Checked them out today; especially the V7's, V9 and Griso. 
Even being slightly tall the V7 was perfect.  Just fit better as is (although all three were remarkable with the Griso just a little more aggressive).
There were also some unique V7 variations, but just liked the basic Stone the best.
The dealership seemed to really understand that it's my first bike, that I really don't know what I'm doing and that there's nothing wrong with that.  Sort of helped to guide me exactly where it seemed like I wanted to go.
Can't say a bad thing about anyone, but I think I was maybe being too much effort at one place.  It was like when I call up a company for some customer service and no one's available because they're in a meeting about customer service.  There's always a chance that I'm just ****** up, but nothing wrong with that either.
The other shop would be more convenient although both are pretty inconvenient.  Just happened to have an appt. in Denville so a quick shot across Rt. 80 and I was there.
Not entirely ruling out a Suzuki SV650 or the soon-to-be US release of the XSR700, but I think it'll be worth the hassle to go with the Moto Guzzi rather than just getting a bike to get a bike.

The Suzuki and Yamaha are nice bikes.  I have a FZ-07.  They are both budget bikes with a lot of plastics.  You have to maintain the chain and deal with a radiator.

The Moto Guzzi V7 is air cooled, drive shaft, easy maintenance because everything is easy to get to.  The specials really are special as well.  If you don't have the money, buy what you can afford and be happy that you are riding. 

I don't know why there are guys here trying to push you into more bike than you are interested in. 

[bad Chad]

Stick with a new or newish Guzzi small block.  It doesn't make sense to me to get a 500lb plus bike to start out with, yes many have done it, but I don't think its ideal, not when you have the option of sweet v7, v9 available.  Good luck!

[Guzzi Gal]

The Moto Guzzi V7 is air cooled, drive shaft, easy maintenance because everything is easy to get to.  The Specials really are special as well.  If you don't have the money, buy what you can afford and be happy that you are riding.   

What he said.   

[Perazzimx14]

The Suzuki and Yamaha are nice bikes.  I have a FZ-07.  They are both budget bikes with a lot of plastics.  You have to maintain the chain and deal with a radiator.

The Moto Guzzi V7 is air cooled, drive shaft, easy maintenance because everything is easy to get to.  The specials really are special as well.  If you don't have the money, buy what you can afford and be happy that you are riding. 

I don't know why there are guys here trying to push you into more bike than you are interested in.

I will say the addition of a Scottoiler to my DL650 and in the last 8,000+ miles I have done zero chain maintenance other than top up the oil reservoir every 1500 miles or so with a couple ounces of ATF. Chain is clean as a whistle and if reports are even remotely it will extend chain life out to easily 30,000 miles and more likely 40K+.

Having both chain and shaft driven bikes the Scottoiler really leveled  the maintenance playing field.

As for having to deal with a radiator that technology has been around for a few years now. Maintenance is also easy. Every couple of years pull a drain plug and drain old coolant. Reinstall plug and then refill with fresh coolant. Really the only thing easier on the Guzzi's are valve lash inspection/adjustments because of the way the motor is arranged.   

[blu guzz]

If you are looking at a bike to follow a passion, you will just be disappointed with one of the oriental makes as fine as they are on reliability.  I have had my share and basically can't remember anything about them once they are out of the driveway to the next owner.  With that said, MG has not been exactly trouble free, so I recommend a new or very near new one with the 2 year warranty.  The bikes I remember are my Harleys (say what you want, but they leave an impression), my airhead beemer, and this MG.  They seemed like they were put together by people with a specific goal and a real passion.  Just my humble opinion, and good luck.

[Cory]

If you are looking at a bike to follow a passion, you will just be disappointed with one of the oriental makes as fine as they are on reliability.  I have had my share and basically can't remember anything about them once they are out of the driveway to the next owner.  With that said, MG has not been exactly trouble free, so I recommend a new or very near new one with the 2 year warranty.  The bikes I remember are my Harleys (say what you want, but they leave an impression), my airhead beemer, and this MG.  They seemed like they were put together by people with a specific goal and a real passion.  Just my humble opinion, and good luck.

Thanks and for those reasons already decided on a new V7.  Already assembling my safety gear.

[kidsmoke]

OP, your path mirrors mine. Lots of time hopping suzukis about in Asuza canyon before I turned 20. Developed coordination of the machine, but spent no time on asphalt ever. Fast forward 25 years and HAD to be on a bike. Ended up on a well sorted big block guzzi with +20k miles on it as my first road bike. It's been a blast. I respect all of Pete's points regarding technology, but in some ways, having missed the last 3 decades of technological development in real time, being on a machine that is entirely rudimentary, yet eminently soulful and sexy, seems a great way to re-engage the sport. I'm constantly looking for excuses to ride, and I can chase down any issues as they arise. As I said, my machine had been sorted and well maintained, so I've had no real issues. As I've learned what it is, I'm realizing what it's not and I'll compensate on my next bike. Going for a Griso or a spine or a loop or a V*, I've got a wonderful frame of reference.

I'm certain a V9-V7 would stir your soul, give you and your bride a wonderful baptism in a manageable package. Then move it when you've discovered how motorcycling will be fitting into your lives long term....move up to a milemuncher with luggage, or a firebreather, or a classic town bike.

Be sure to check the swap meet here on the board. There are a couple of low mileage Stones.

another suggestion for a bang for the buck Guzzi baptism

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=88125.0

[Guzzi Gal]

Thanks and for those reasons already decided on a new V7.  Already assembling my safety gear.

Fantastic!  👍🏻  I have had my V7 III for 11 days now, and could not be happier.  She is a dream to ride.     Welcome to the tribe! 

[MMRanch]

Cory

I like my V-7II Stone .   Had to make my Memphis Shield mounts , but me and the wife ride it together just fine .   I'm 5'11" / 195# wife is 5'7" 150# , and the comfort level is just fine (wife don't even start wiggling around for the first hour and a half)  .   

I did add a luggage rack , saddle bags , and trunk w/padded rest.   

 

[wittangamo]

Got here too late to influence the decision, but as someone who has owned all three I think the V9 Roamer is the pick of the litter.

My V7 felt small and occasionally left me wanting more power, though the III is sportier. The Griso had loads of power but was heavy and tall in the saddle for me at 5-foot-9.

The V9 is the perfect compromise; long legs for touring, handling is fine unless really pushing the limits, and the ergos after the footpeg relocation are just right for me. The wide power band makes it easy to ride in all conditions and easy to get used to. It also has ABS and traction control for those “what have I gotten myself into” moments, features the Griso lacks.

That said, a new V7 is a fine get-back-in-the-saddle bike, and you will have a ball with it.