Rideapart on MG's Future - and On Rubbish Models

[Kev m]

The entire �character� question has little to do with one�s bike and everything to do with the rider. We like what makes us feel good about ourselves. Certain choices help us to emulate folks we admire and be the person we wish others to see. Does anybody really think that George Patton needed a pair of Colt S.A. Army revolvers and jodhpurs to effectively command the Seventh Army? Take image out of the equation and there would probably be a much smaller collection of motorcycles to choose from in this world...

I almost completely disagree with you.

It doesn't have to mean a damn thing to anyone else.

Hell, MOST of what I said wasn't about aesthetics anyway.

I would argue that in most  cases it has to do as much with the bike as the rider, in specifically how the bike matches the rider's desires/expectations. I cited examples from performance and maintenance to vibration and suspension, but it could equally include comfort, ergonomics, braking, etc.

[Tusayan]

Modern?  The SV/DL has been in production since 1999.  It's been club racing since 1999.  it's cheap, reliable and fun.  It's a modern classic.  The only drawback is that most are still on road and not collectable like an Italian bike that's been the barn for years due to mechanical malady.  Nothing against a Guzzi but you won't catch an SV with any small block, perhaps not on my Greenie. 

After writing most of what follows I remembered that on my last SV ride I passed a 2000 V11 Sport (which is what I interpret to be a 'Greenie') on a well known twisty road,  with my wife on the back of the SV (its actually not too bad with a small passenger)  Regardless, I think a good rider on a  V11 Sport could keep up with an SV650 of the same year on a twisty road, 10 more horsepower helps.  The Guzzi rider would have to be well in tune with his mount because the Suzuki handing is less intimidating and more secure. 

The same question in relation to any small block Guzzi is a non-starter, the small block bikes are not in the same handling or performance class.  A 900 air cooled Ducati will keep up, no question, and is a bit more stable when pushed, but also a bit more physical effort.

My SV is a great compliment to my Ducatis and Guzzis.  It's different enough to be interesting in its own way,  and has character that comes from optimizing 'old tech' (carbs on mine, no ABS etc) and showing in that way that modern, seamless performance does not actually require complexity.  I like it for that reason, and enjoy riding it when I'm in the mood for simplicity and honesty over 'caps on' drama and flash.  I also appreciate that it has a durable steel gas tank and the very elegant frame design used from '99 - '02.

[Lannis]

We like what makes us feel good about ourselves. Certain choices help us to emulate folks we admire and be the person we wish others to see.

I agree completely with that.   Despite many people saying "I Don't Care What Other People Think!", their behavior, their clothes, their speech, and even their motorcycles betrays them every minute that they DO care what other people think.    The "persona" that they present to the world is too consistent for it just to be coincidence that so many things are directed the same way.

I've met a few people that honestly didn't care what other people thought of them, but there was always a degree of personal hygiene, rancid behavior, and awful speech that didn't encourage me to stay around them too long ....

Lannis

[kingoffleece]

Don't think I'd ever agree that on the STREET a bike makes a difference as to how or what may be "quicker" or anything else in the twisties.
It's ALWAYS  the rider's skill-on the road.  And, usually on the track, too.

[SmithSwede]

Does anybody really think that George Patton needed a pair of Colt S.A. Army revolvers and jodhpurs to effectively command the Seventh Army?

Sheepdog, I can tell you are a Patton fan.  Well, to further confuse this discussion of character, I will say I do not think Patton had a pair of Colt SA Army revolvers at the time he commanded the Seventh Army.  Think it was one Colt SA .45, and one S&W "Registered Magnum" DA .357, both with ivory grips.  Could be wrong about that.

Patton was also known to openly carry a Colt Woodsman .22 target automatic in a special holster.    Go figure.

Patton did invade Sicily with the Seventh Army, which is part of Italy, where Moto Guzzis are made.  So this all ties together. 

[twowheeladdict]

curious about your Trophy.  what model year and how many miles until the rotors went?

10,000 miles. 2014.

[Lannis]

10,000 miles. 2014.

Mine's a 2014 and got 9500 miles ... I'll keep an eye on them!

Lannis

[rocker59]

  it was one Colt SA .45, and one S&W "Registered Magnum" DA .357, both with ivory grips.  Could be wrong about that.
 

Yep.  One Colt SAA and one S&W DA.  Ivory grips.  Pearl handles are for pimps, and such, you know?!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Hoowee! I'd give a hunnerd bux for that Colt. (Guzzi content)