Author Topic: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes  (Read 4982 times)

Offline nighthawk

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 65
  • Location: Mason City, IA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #60 on: June 06, 2021, 08:48:10 AM »
My most well remembered is the '89 Cali III that I bought kind of unexpectedly from a local seller's shed. 40 some thousand miles later it was regrettably sold and I've been searching for its replacement ever since. The search has included a very nice and well done '90 full fairing Cali III that I thought was going to be "the one" but wasn't due to its tendency to run poorly in heavy rain (Was it the fairing channeling water to where it shouldn't be? Maybe, because my unfaired '89 never had rain issues until I put a H&H on it) and the issues with fairing bikes and our heavy Midwest crosswinds (Who knew, right? On my only trip to Cedar Vale, that last easterly leg had me fighting to stay in my lane). Quota, Jackal and a beautiful '06 35th anniversary Dyna Superglide that I couldn't make a silk purse. All hopefuls but not able to fill the bill.

So now, i am surprised to read all the way down to Wayne's post that an EV was a contender, after lurking on WG and reading many anecdotes of how well their EVs have treated them with many enjoyable miles logged. I think an EV is in my future to fill the hole left by the '89 Cali III. Meanwhile, I grow older....

Health, Steve
 
'89 Cali III(gone but not forgotten)
2000 Red Quota(gone-too tall)
2006 Kawasaki Concours(gone)
1990 Cali III Tour(gone)
2001 HD 1200 sportster(gone)
2000 Jackal(gone)
2006 HD 35th Anniv. SG(gone)
1999 Blue EV

Offline nighthawk

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 65
  • Location: Mason City, IA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #61 on: June 06, 2021, 08:56:01 AM »
Missed F-Fred's FZ1 comment and have to agree, another case of "they don't make 'em like that anymore". Great bike.
'89 Cali III(gone but not forgotten)
2000 Red Quota(gone-too tall)
2006 Kawasaki Concours(gone)
1990 Cali III Tour(gone)
2001 HD 1200 sportster(gone)
2000 Jackal(gone)
2006 HD 35th Anniv. SG(gone)
1999 Blue EV

Online Luap McKeever

  • Owner, WildGuzzi.com
  • Administrator
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3668
  • Lead, follow, or get out of the way!
    • Wildgoose Chase Moto Guzzi
  • Location: Mountain, Missouri
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #62 on: June 06, 2021, 09:02:57 AM »
#1 - 98 EV. I put 87,XXX trouble free miles on it, many of them dragging a camper. The last 30K or so on a salvage title after totaling it in 2003 on the way to Italy, Tx. Still ran and rode great when I sold it.
#2 - 1973 Eldo - Should have never sold it. I put almost 60K miles on that old girl before I got the EV. Then, I rarely rode it and ended up selling it to pay bills.
#3 - 1980 Honda CB650 custom. My main ride until I switched to Guzzi's. The thing was bullet proof.
Founder, Wildguzzi.com (est. 1998)
2021 V85TT Centenario E5
2001 California Special
2001 California EV
2020 Indian Challenger Limited
2021 TaoTao TBR7

Online cliffrod

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2170
  • AC Button II
    • Carolina Sculpture Studio
  • Location: Spartanburg, SC USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #63 on: June 06, 2021, 09:07:21 AM »
1. My old btdt hammered V7 Sport.   Whenever I see a perfect V7 Sport, it makes me sad to think about the prison it must live in while my bike runs wild and free.   It is the end of my ruler.  It is MY bike.

2. My old 1974 HD FLH.  If my V7 Sport is my favorite sports car, my shovel is the pickup truck that does everything else.

3. My best friend's 1987 Ducati F1B.  It isn't mine yet, but...
1973 V7 Sport  "Now THAT'S a motorcycle!"-  Master Sculptor Giuliano Cecchinelli
1967 V700 Corsa Record
1981 Lemans CX100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExX3YmQel_Q
http://carolinasculpturestudio.com/
Carolina Sculpture Studio YuoTube Channel-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzSYaYdis55gE-vqifz

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #63 on: June 06, 2021, 09:07:21 AM »

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4245
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #64 on: June 06, 2021, 02:24:58 PM »
My 1974 Honda CB750 was my first bike and was the "greatest" of all because it introduced me to the wonderful world of motorcycles and was heaven on wheels for a 19 year old back then.

The 1973 V7 Sport introduced me to the great Moto Guzzi marquee and started a passion for the bikes that is still raging unabated. 

My 69 Harley FLH introduced me to the interesting and fun world of classic Harleys.  The 69 is still my sentimental favorite. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Offline Testarossa

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 3309
    • Skiing History
  • Location: Paonia, Colorado
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #65 on: June 06, 2021, 04:48:51 PM »
I'm sort of impressed at the number of people who agree with me about the mid-'70s T-series Tontis. Long may they roll.
70 Triumph TR6R, 74 850T, 74 Yamaha TA125, 89 Mille GT, 99 F650, 2013 Yamaha XT250
Gone: 59 Piper Comanche 250, 69 Harley/Aermacchi 350SS, 71 Honda CB500/4, 74 Laverda 750 SF2, 91 Suzuki VX800, 50cc two-stroke scoot, 83 XR350R

Online Scout63

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2682
  • Location: Orleans, MA USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #66 on: June 06, 2021, 06:57:57 PM »
I'm sort of impressed at the number of people who agree with me about the mid-'70s T-series Tontis. Long may they roll.

I hope so since I’m about to ride one for the first time when my G5 is done. If it’s anything like the V50 I won’t be disappointed.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline alanp

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1737
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #67 on: June 06, 2021, 08:14:27 PM »
Currently this T7 Yamahammer is the one I'm diggin' the most.

Looks and sounds good.  But I wish I knew what a “T7 Yamahammer” actual is...
Niwot, Colorado
'08 1200 Sport - Black
'16 V7II Stone - Black
Previous Guzzis
'07 Griso, '07 Norge, '03 California SS, '02 California SS, '02 V11 Lemans,  '83 Lemans III, '77 Lemans

F-Fred

  • Guest
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #68 on: June 06, 2021, 08:26:10 PM »
Looks and sounds good.  But I wish I knew what a “T7 Yamahammer” actual is...

Yamaha Tenere 700:

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/adventure-touring/models/tenere-700



Offline old head

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1568
  • Location: Prairieville, LA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #69 on: June 06, 2021, 08:56:52 PM »
1983 Yamaha xt175 enduro...  So many memories in the woods with my brothers, mud holes, sand hills, trails, logging roads, and that 2 stroke smell.....

1980 FT500 Ascot, the bike I regret selling the most.  Sold in 92, over 50k when I finally sold it. 

2006 Breva 1100, have owned this one longer and more miles than any other bike. 

I don't think I have ever owned a bike that was bad, or didn't like, but some just seem to fit me better.
I would absolutely own these all over again, without question.

Have been thinking hard about a new XL650L dual purpose bike, If it just had a kick starter as a backup....

Old Head
06 Breva 1100
Hepco-Becker crash bars
Givi A620 screen
Garmin GPS

Offline Phil/TX

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 474
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #70 on: June 06, 2021, 09:40:56 PM »
NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR. While I have had some great bikes, in my 59 years of riding. Old bikes are just what they are, old. New Retro bikes are the best of both worlds, like new Triumphs, Royal Enfield, R nine T’s and so forth. I will give you my current favorites. MG V 85 tt, R nine T, KTM 390 Adventure.
Honorable mention, R 1100RS, R 1200S, R 1200 RS, RC 51, Aprilia Tuano, 125 Puch MX, 1969 Ossa MX.and many more including a great 1100 Sport.





"You will seldom regret what you have done, but you will always regret what you have not"
2014 V7 Special
20 Guzzi V85TT Coast Guard (super chicken)
23 V100 S Mandello ( wing man)
1973 Puch 175 Enduro
2003 BMW R 1150 RS
1972 R75/5 with sidecar

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #71 on: June 06, 2021, 10:07:19 PM »
  Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .

 Dusty

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #72 on: June 06, 2021, 10:26:07 PM »
  Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .

 Dusty
United Associated Press..?

Online Dave Swanson

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 4245
  • Northern Illinois USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #73 on: June 06, 2021, 10:56:24 PM »
United Associated Press..?

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena   :laugh:
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

oldbike54

  • Guest
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #74 on: June 06, 2021, 11:13:37 PM »
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena   :laugh:

 Will the latest generation sport bikes do the ... looking for a slang term for FTL travel ..."megatonne"? Maxitonne? Oh , I've got it , the unbelieveatonne :laugh:

 Sorry , I can't take it anymore anymore anymore  :shocked: Gork and his wife Glerka who live across the street have given me permission to out them, since they are firing up their 2019 model galaxy cruiser in 20 minutes and leaving for their home planet Gesundheidt in the Blurkas nebula . Will miss them , Glerka made an excellent 17 cheese lasagna using cheese from their home planet . They have promised to say hi to the Conehead family .


 Dusty

Offline LowRyter

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 16685
  • Location: Edmond OK
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #75 on: June 07, 2021, 12:48:36 PM »
My goodness, someone really has an axe to grind.   :police:
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19634
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #76 on: June 07, 2021, 12:53:33 PM »
My goodness, someone really has an axe to grind.   :police:

Sounds to me like Dusty might need a long and uninterrupted "ROAD TRIP" in................. ................... ................"The Flyer Camper!!"    :laugh: :grin: :wink: :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:







Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Online Zenermaniac

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 234
  • Location: Armpit of Ohio, USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #77 on: June 07, 2021, 05:48:37 PM »
A Yamaha 100 twin jet 2 stroke street bike - my first bike.
A Yamaha XS650 - my first big bike back when 650 was considered big.
My current V9 Roamer - my first Guzzi.

Offline ScepticalScotty

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1426
  • Banjo pickin' bagpipe playin' fool
    • South East Massive
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #78 on: June 08, 2021, 11:22:31 AM »
Its all about the memories. My SRX600 was a bit of a dog, but there are some awesome memories associated with it. My first road trip. Going to the Phillip Island GP in 1998. Riding around Scotland for the first time. Laps of Bathust. Doing the ton between Orange and Parkes for the first time... 
Scotty

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.
Thomas Paine

Offline twodogs

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 704
  • Location: ia
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #79 on: June 08, 2021, 02:49:50 PM »
1963 Sears Allstate scooter that put the bug in me, my dad had no idea what he created  :boozing:
1969- SL100 that I did anything and everything for 3 years for money to buy it.$480 and they threw in a helmet.
1992 HD FXRS-SP Finest riding and handling bike Harley ever built back then, stop making them in 93.wish I could find another that wasn't all switch around. Saw 2 in the wild and a member here said he had a 87, so did I before the 92, really miss that one.
Honorable mention.
2008 1200 Sport
2-2023 Yamaha TW200
2022 Triumph 850 sport

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #80 on: June 08, 2021, 07:01:55 PM »
Well then, here’s a different way to ask the question.
Of all the bikes you’ve ever owned, if you could have any ONE back for the rest of your time..?
Which ONE... :popcorn:

Online Gliderjohn

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 6559
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #81 on: June 08, 2021, 07:14:23 PM »
The T-3 would be the keeper.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

Offline Huzo

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 13202
  • Location: Creswick Australia
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #82 on: June 08, 2021, 07:27:56 PM »
Norge.

Offline guzzista

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1048
  • Location: SF Bay Area
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #83 on: June 08, 2021, 07:42:01 PM »
1980 Ducati 900SS
1991 Ducati 900SS
1975 Moto Guzzi 850T now a 750S Tribute bike
1975 750S Tribute bike, 1994 Cali 1100, 2007 Ducati GT1000, 1983 SP1000, 1973 V7Sport project, 2017 California1400 Touring

Online SIR REAL ED

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2250
  • uh.... it's personal....
  • Location: Forest, VA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #84 on: June 08, 2021, 07:51:25 PM »
  Would trade every motorbike I have ever owned for one that could take me somewhere folks don't believe in UAP .

 Dusty

Dusty,

You don't need a BSA, or a NSU, or a DKW, or a BMW, or a SWM, only a UAP, or a late model, used UFO will get where you want to go!

Talk about a real conundrum.......
"If reading shite on the internet will trigger your head exploding, please wrap your head in Gorilla tape before logging on.  Thanks!!!"

2019 Beta EVO 250
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
1994, 2001, & 2002 MZ Skorpions
1992 YAMAHA TDM850

Online SIR REAL ED

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2250
  • uh.... it's personal....
  • Location: Forest, VA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #85 on: June 08, 2021, 07:55:08 PM »
Based on what I've owned, it would depend on where I live, and my physical state.

For now, almost any trials bike, 1972 Suzuki TS 185, and probably a DR 650.  That's for riding.  For tinkering and garage ogling, the list gets a lot longer.
"If reading shite on the internet will trigger your head exploding, please wrap your head in Gorilla tape before logging on.  Thanks!!!"

2019 Beta EVO 250
1999 Suzuki DR 650 w/790cc kit
1994, 2001, & 2002 MZ Skorpions
1992 YAMAHA TDM850

Offline Kane

  • New Egg
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 96
  • Location: The late, great, Golden State
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #86 on: June 08, 2021, 10:53:07 PM »
As was mentioned before, it sure is telling how many Tonti frame bikes are at the top of people’s lists and memories.

To answer Huzo’s question, if I could bring back one from the past it would be my old Harley FXRS-SP. That answer is qualified by the fact that I currently have an 850-T3 that is close to my old fave 850-T, plus I have yet to posses my bucket list bikes of a Griso, a cool loop frame, a Norton Commando, Ducati 900SS, or slab side Shovelhead, so I can’t draw from those. However, if the T3 was not at home it would be the 850-T! For as cool and unique as the old pre-unit Bonneville was, those bikes are just too buzzy at highway cruising speeds.
2001 V11 Sport
1978 850-T3
2009 Ducati 1100 Hypermotard

Offline alanp

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 1737
Niwot, Colorado
'08 1200 Sport - Black
'16 V7II Stone - Black
Previous Guzzis
'07 Griso, '07 Norge, '03 California SS, '02 California SS, '02 V11 Lemans,  '83 Lemans III, '77 Lemans

F-Fred

  • Guest
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #88 on: June 09, 2021, 10:34:01 AM »
Thanks!  that IS a nice looking bike

I need to ride one.  Supposedly that's a fine motor too.

Online Scout63

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 2682
  • Location: Orleans, MA USA
Re: Your 3 “Greatest of All Time” bikes
« Reply #89 on: June 09, 2021, 11:13:20 AM »
Well then, here’s a different way to ask the question.
Of all the bikes you’ve ever owned, if you could have any ONE back for the rest of your time..?
Which ONE... :popcorn:

 If you mean I could only own one bike, I refuse to go there. If you mean getting only one back that I sold, it would be the CBX.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

 

***Wildguzzi Official Logo High Quality 5 Color Window Decals Back In Stock***
Shipping in USA Only. Awesome quality. Back by popular demand. All proceeds go back into the forum.
http://www.wildguzzi.com/Products/products.htm
Advertise Here