Dan, I was waiting for that. I'm attaching comments I sent to a fellow Guzzi rider:
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Not sure about the Wrangler. It is a beast of a machine. Felt like (aside from no OD Green paint) that I was back in the Army Reserves. Put roughly 100 miles on it today, and will do more before returning tomorrow at noon.
It's not a bad machine at all ....... all kinds of levers and things to keep one's interest. My rental had the 8 speed automatic transmission and V6 engine ..... plenty of punch!
The ride was sort of ok ....... I drove it out to Burton on the roads I typically ride on the bikes, and it did fine. What I'm not sure about is the steering. Seemed to require (on some roads) keeping a close eye on the road, since the Jeep required fairly regular steering correction inputs. Don't know whether that is characteristic of all of them, or just my rental unit. It was a 2021, with only 14,000 miles on it.
It isn't something one can take the doors off of in 5 minutes, for summertime fun. The rear top is removable, but it would take (a) either two persons, or (b) a lift, which is available, that would have to be installed in my garage to lift the rear section of the top off the Jeep. The front section of this particular model had a removable front section that can be stored in the 'trunk.' Others have "T" tops, similar to the pony car tops during the 1970s.
I think if I was younger, and was buying instead of leasing, it might be ok. There's lots of aftermarket stuff available for the Wranglers. Their resale seems to be good.
But I think to fully appreciate this vehicle would require dedication (which translates to $$$$.) I think these vehicles might require the dedication I've had with my bikes, and I don't think I'm willing to put that much into yet another hobby.
I will say that it is an interesting machine. Though I'm questioning if I would want it for my one and only vehicle. It'd be one hell of an Arizona car, where one could leave the doors and roof off for most of their 'cold' season (Oct thru Apr.) Problem is ..... I live in NE Ohio, not Arizona!
Damn, I must be getting old!!! And way too practical!
Bob
PS - Wrangler not totally ruled out, but the Mazda CX 30 is probably the right way to go ......... in-line 4 with 220hp++ turbo, and AWD ..... and sunroof. I'm familiar with the drivetrain, since the turbo engine is identical to the one in my 2018 Mazda6. It's a nice drivetrain.
Maybe the most practical option is to buy out my 2018 Mazda6. Nice car, in great shape.
