Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: blackcat on February 16, 2024, 09:25:00 PM
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“A sad day indeed! 😢
"Chester County resident Dr. John Wittner, a one-time dentist who sold his practice and decided to go racing motorcycles around the country has died. He was a talented and passionate guy who loved racing and the engineering of them to winning standards. John hit his stride in 1985 when his racers won National Endurance Championships. Racer Doug Brauneck rode the much-modified racer and won the AMA Pro Twins Championship in 1987. John was lured to Italy by Alejandro DeTomaso as an R&D engineer leading to the Daytona 1000, the “Dr. John Replica”and other machines like the Sport 1100 for Moto Guzzi."
Copied from my friend, John Lawless.”
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RIP Dr. John.
Thank you for the spine frame bikes.
:bike-037:
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RIP Dr John, nobody who loves Guzzis will ever forget how an amateur fielding a tractor beat the Honda factory in endurance racing, then became the de facto chief designer in Mandello for a few years.
The internet indicates he was 78.
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Wow. Godspeed- there's a bunch of people that appreciate your dedication and creativity.
John Wittner left this world a better place.
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“A sad day indeed! 😢
"Chester County resident Dr. John Wittner, a one-time dentist who sold his practice and decided to go racing motorcycles around the country has died. He was a talented and passionate guy who loved racing and the engineering of them to winning standards. John hit his stride in 1985 when his racers won National Endurance Championships. Racer Doug Brauneck rode the much-modified racer and won the AMA Pro Twins Championship in 1987. John was lured to Italy by Alejandro DeTomaso as an R&D engineer leading to the Daytona 1000, the “Dr. John Replica”and other machines like the Sport 1100 for Moto Guzzi."
Copied from my friend, John Lawless.”
Very true Tom. Distinctly a part of Guzzi history.
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RIP Dr. John- Guzzi
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Wow. Godspeed- there's a bunch of people that appreciate your dedication and creativity.
John Wittner left this world a better place.
"Amen...." R.I.P. Dr. John, and Godspeed....
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Never met him, though I rode by his house hundreds or thousands on times in a Guzzi.
He had a very modest (by Chester County standards) place just miles from my place in Kennett Square.
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RIP Dr John - Guzzi legend.
Thoughts and prayers with his family.
And, more broadly, hoping the mothership pays fitting tribute.
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Never met him, though I rode by his house hundreds or thousands on times in a Guzzi.
He had a very modest (by Chester County standards) place just miles from my place in Kennett Square.
You never know who may be living near you. I lived a couple of miles away from a multi times world champion sailing champion in the El Toro class. I don't think the locals even knew. Just down the road from him lived a guy who was on the team planning the invasion of Japan during WWll. One of the designers of the B1 bomber lived a few blocks from me. I wouldn't have met any of these guys if it weren't for the unique job I had. Small world.
kk
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I consider myself lucky to have met and talked with John on two occasions - Summit Point in '85 and at the Moto Guzzi importer's open house in Lillington, NC in '92(?). Very enjoyable and informative conversations both times. Sad to hear that another of my "Guzzi heroes" has passed.
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Met him once at a local Motorcycle gathering back in the late 90’s. Pretty nice guy, chatted a bit about my Sport1100.
He contributed a lot to Moto Guzzi development, especially the spine frames.
RIP
https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1986/7/1/drjohn-and-the-guzzi-gang
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(https://i.ibb.co/v3wccLT/dr-john.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v3wccLT)
Gleaned from Facebook.
RIP Dr. John. Thank You!
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I can't believe that I can't read an obituary because I have an ad blocker.
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I couldn't either but I got a feeling it had a virus itself. It was fishy.
kk
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RIP Dr John - Guzzi legend.
Thoughts and prayers with his family.
And, more broadly, hoping the mothership pays fitting tribute.
Don’t bet on it, this is Piaggio. After Aprilia and then subsequently Piaggio took over they restrained themselves from immediately destroying Guzzi’s technical independence and capability but only until Umberto Todero died, he being John Wittner’s engineering partner and roughly 65 year Guzzi employee. I guess that does show a modicum of respect, but after that it was no holds barred, everything since 1921 erased with zero appreciation or regard. Guzzi’s prior engineering as an independent company is for Piaggio something to use as a superficial marketing tool, but the people once involved are not something they want to celebrate - ‘not invented here’ is a big factor.
Wittner was also the project engineer for the Quota ES, as well as the spine framed chassis that he originally developed independent of Guzzi, strongly influenced by a pre-existing Tony Foale design. He did a lot for Moto Guzzi at a time when they needed technical leadership. Winning back to back AMA endurance championships and the Pro Twins championship was incredible, and taking the Daytona into factory production as an American far from home was a monumental achievement.
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Always curious about what he did after his glory years developing his MG race bikes. It is a major commitment to get a dental degree.
Wonder if he ever went back and practiced dentistry. Obviously he was a very smart and focused individual in multiple disciplines.
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FYI Guzzi posted a tribute on their FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/bXfBJgHrzLnv939F/?mibextid=oFDknk
Always curious about what he did after his glory years developing his MG race bikes. It is a major commitment to get a dental degree.
Wonder if he ever went back and practiced dentistry. Obviously he was a very smart and focused individual in multiple disciplines.
We're close friends with a couple of doctors who mentored my wife through med school and who started touring the country on a pair of Sportsters once they became empty nesters.
And since we were all from Chester County maybe it wasn't too much of a coincidence that THEIR dentist told them about the dentist who trained/mentored him... This "guy who raced Moto Guzzis."
So yeah, he practiced...
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Emily Banks posted this photo on Facebook. Blaine Paulus Jr. is to the left, then Dr. John, unknown, the late Fred Heistand, another unknown, then me (looking very "yuppy"). :azn:
(https://i.ibb.co/P6gBgkX/Dr-John-Lillington-NC-93.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P6gBgkX)
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Godspeed and RIP Dr. John. :sad:
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Does anyone have a clean obituary for John Wittner or date of passing? The obits posted seem to be suspect and full of virus.
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I do not know where this is from but found it on ADVRider.
February 17, 2024
John Wittner Obituary, Death Cause – It is with a heavy heart that the motorcycle community, particularly Moto Guzzi enthusiasts, mourns the passing of Dr. John Wittner. Dr. Wittner, a renowned Moto Guzzi race bike engineer based in Pennsylvania, USA, left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle engineering and racing. His legacy, built over 77 years of a life well-lived, will be remembered with both sadness and admiration. Dr. John Wittner’s contributions to the Moto Guzzi racing scene were nothing short of legendary. As a race bike engineer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the performance and success of Moto Guzzi motorcycles. His expertise, dedication, and innovative approach elevated Moto Guzzi to new heights, earning him recognition as a pioneer in the field.
Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Maestro
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wittner’s workshop stood as a testament to his passion for motorcycle engineering. For decades, he crafted, modified, and fine-tuned Moto Guzzi race bikes, earning a reputation that extended far beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. His workshop became a hub for enthusiasts seeking the touch of a master craftsman. Dr. John Wittner’s journey with Moto Guzzi was more than a career; it was a lifelong dedication. From his early years in the motorcycle industry to becoming a revered engineer, his love for Moto Guzzi was evident in every aspect of his life. The motorcycles he worked on were not just machines; they were a canvas for his artistic engineering prowess.
The Man Behind the Machines
Behind every Moto Guzzi race bike that roared down the track, there was the genius of Dr. John Wittner. His intricate understanding of motorcycle dynamics, engineering, and performance set him apart as a master of his craft. Moto Guzzi enthusiasts marveled at the precision with which he balanced power, speed, and reliability in each machine he touched. Dr. Wittner’s impact on the Moto Guzzi racing legacy is etched in the annals of motorcycle history. The race bikes he meticulously designed and fine-tuned raced into history, leaving an enduring mark on the sport. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance made him a figurehead in the Moto Guzzi racing community and a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers.
The Ageless Enthusiast: 77 Years of Passion
At the age of 77, Dr. John Wittner’s passion for Moto Guzzi remained undiminished. His unwavering dedication to the craft showcased not just his technical prowess but also his enduring love for motorcycles. Even as the years advanced, Dr. Wittner continued to be a driving force in the Moto Guzzi community, demonstrating that passion knows no age. The news of Dr. Wittner’s passing reverberated through the Moto Guzzi community, leaving many in mourning. The loss of such a revered figure is felt deeply, not only for his contributions to motorcycle engineering but also for the warmth and camaraderie he shared with fellow enthusiasts. Dr. Wittner’s workshop was not just a place of mechanical innovation; it was a gathering point for a community bound by a shared love for Moto Guzzi.
Honoring a Moto Guzzi Legend
As the Moto Guzzi community comes to terms with this profound loss, there is a collective effort to honor Dr. John Wittner’s legacy. Tributes pour in from riders, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the impact he had on the world of Moto Guzzi and the lives he touched along the way. The outpouring of grief is accompanied by a deep appreciation for the mark he left on the hearts of those who shared his passion. In honoring Dr. Wittner’s memory, the Moto Guzzi community will continue to resonate with the roar of the race bikes he meticulously crafted. Each engine rev will carry the echoes of his expertise, and every Moto Guzzi that graces the track will be a tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. Dr. John Wittner may have departed this world, but his spirit will forever live on in the thunderous applause of Moto Guzzi engines, a testament to a life devoted to the art and science of motorcycle racing.
Posted in: Obituary
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RIP Dr. John.
Thank you for the spine frame bikes.
Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Tony Foale we should thank . . .
But yes, sad news.
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Thanks for all you did for the brand, sir! RIP
If anyone has a link to pics of the doc in racing form, would love to see them.
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Rest in Peace, sir.
Our most sincere condolences to the family of the good Dr.
He was such an amazing influence on the Worldwide Guzzi community.
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Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Tony Foale we should thank . . .
We all know that Dr. John adapted Tony's design to Guzzis.
Without Dr. John, there would be no Daytona 1000, Sport 1100, V11 Sport, V11 LeMans.
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We all know that Dr. John adapted Tony's design to Guzzis.
Without Dr. John, there would be no Daytona 1000, Sport 1100, V11 Sport, V11 LeMans.
Wittner’s history with Guzzi is one on the most remarkable, if not the most remarkable stories in modern motorcycling history.
Here is a link including photos the relates to the Guzzi spine frame and Tony Foale’s pre-existing Guzzi chassis design:
https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/topic/12301-late-model-pork-chop-to-engine-brace/page/6/
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I do not know where this is from but found it on ADVRider.
February 17, 2024
John Wittner Obituary, Death Cause – It is with a heavy heart that the motorcycle community, particularly Moto Guzzi enthusiasts, mourns the passing of Dr. John Wittner. Dr. Wittner, a renowned Moto Guzzi race bike engineer based in Pennsylvania, USA, left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle engineering and racing. His legacy, built over 77 years of a life well-lived, will be remembered with both sadness and admiration. Dr. John Wittner’s contributions to the Moto Guzzi racing scene were nothing short of legendary. As a race bike engineer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the performance and success of Moto Guzzi motorcycles. His expertise, dedication, and innovative approach elevated Moto Guzzi to new heights, earning him recognition as a pioneer in the field.
Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Maestro
Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wittner’s workshop stood as a testament to his passion for motorcycle engineering. For decades, he crafted, modified, and fine-tuned Moto Guzzi race bikes, earning a reputation that extended far beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. His workshop became a hub for enthusiasts seeking the touch of a master craftsman. Dr. John Wittner’s journey with Moto Guzzi was more than a career; it was a lifelong dedication. From his early years in the motorcycle industry to becoming a revered engineer, his love for Moto Guzzi was evident in every aspect of his life. The motorcycles he worked on were not just machines; they were a canvas for his artistic engineering prowess.
The Man Behind the Machines
Behind every Moto Guzzi race bike that roared down the track, there was the genius of Dr. John Wittner. His intricate understanding of motorcycle dynamics, engineering, and performance set him apart as a master of his craft. Moto Guzzi enthusiasts marveled at the precision with which he balanced power, speed, and reliability in each machine he touched. Dr. Wittner’s impact on the Moto Guzzi racing legacy is etched in the annals of motorcycle history. The race bikes he meticulously designed and fine-tuned raced into history, leaving an enduring mark on the sport. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance made him a figurehead in the Moto Guzzi racing community and a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers.
The Ageless Enthusiast: 77 Years of Passion
At the age of 77, Dr. John Wittner’s passion for Moto Guzzi remained undiminished. His unwavering dedication to the craft showcased not just his technical prowess but also his enduring love for motorcycles. Even as the years advanced, Dr. Wittner continued to be a driving force in the Moto Guzzi community, demonstrating that passion knows no age. The news of Dr. Wittner’s passing reverberated through the Moto Guzzi community, leaving many in mourning. The loss of such a revered figure is felt deeply, not only for his contributions to motorcycle engineering but also for the warmth and camaraderie he shared with fellow enthusiasts. Dr. Wittner’s workshop was not just a place of mechanical innovation; it was a gathering point for a community bound by a shared love for Moto Guzzi.
Honoring a Moto Guzzi Legend
As the Moto Guzzi community comes to terms with this profound loss, there is a collective effort to honor Dr. John Wittner’s legacy. Tributes pour in from riders, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the impact he had on the world of Moto Guzzi and the lives he touched along the way. The outpouring of grief is accompanied by a deep appreciation for the mark he left on the hearts of those who shared his passion. In honoring Dr. Wittner’s memory, the Moto Guzzi community will continue to resonate with the roar of the race bikes he meticulously crafted. Each engine rev will carry the echoes of his expertise, and every Moto Guzzi that graces the track will be a tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. Dr. John Wittner may have departed this world, but his spirit will forever live on in the thunderous applause of Moto Guzzi engines, a testament to a life devoted to the art and science of motorcycle racing.
Posted in: Obituary
Am I the only one who noticed that this obit was written by AI?
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Am I the only one who noticed that this obit was written by AI?
Just curious, what did you notice that makes you believe that?
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Sorry to hear. His work influenced me to buy my one and only "New" motorcycle from Dave's Cycle in Mesa, AZ. '93 Daytona 1000 #2. All the rest of the Moto Guzzis in the garage were purchased used.
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The multiple obit links out there that I looked this weekend past, all appear basically the same. It's murderous to try and get through the pop up ads. No mention of family? Education? Date of birth? Where in Pennsylvania, note the writer had to say "Pennsylvania" more than once, and note that it is in the USA. Yeah, we know it's Pennsylvania. 77 years old how many times? With duplicity and a writing style that looks, well, "hokie". Foreign. I met him at Lawton's Cycle outside of Milwaukee, on a Tuesday after the Elkhart Lake races, I'd guess in '86 or '87. I was there looking for parts for my T3. He was working on the bike in the Lawton brother's shop, and asked if I could give him a hand. He was finishing up, and when we were done, I helped him load up the bike and his tools and other gear. In what was a somewhat dated Chevy van. He wanted to go out and look at my bike. He was very likable and chatty, and our conversation wasn't strictly limited to Moto Guzzi. He seemed to me to be a man of many other facets and experiences. Obits placed by funeral homes and such don't read like these, with information always mentioned in other obits, non existent. Maybe not AI, but absolutely suspect, made up like click bait.
TdF
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I agree. When I started reading all the different ones, they weren't exactly quite the same but very similar in the language used. Seemed very strange.
kk
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Here is the actual obituary from Donohue Funeral Home.
https://www.donohuefuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-wittner
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Here is the actual obituary from Donohue Funeral Home.
https://www.donohuefuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-wittner
Thanks. I'm posting the text from the link:
John A. Wittner
A legendary innovator for Moto Guzzi and driving force in the motorcycle community, Dr. John A. Wittner, DMD, age 78, of West Chester, PA, passed away on February 15, 2024. He was the son of Howard Wittner and Victoria (Shenker) Wittner, and brother to Ken Wittner, who pre-deceased him. “Dr. John,” as known to friends, colleagues, patients, and members of the motorcycle community, was intensely dedicated to his craft, whether it was complex dentistry without pain — or mechanical innovation and next-level mastery in motorcycle engineering.
Studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University (always with a love of fixing things), he applied his inherent talent and skills to help improve human performance, and graduated from University of Pennsylvania Dental School, as DMD, and was partner to Dr. Bill Deal, in Deal-Wittner Dental Health Group for many years. But for decades, he kept on building engines for motorcycle racing, channeling the magic into Moto Guzzis that won and won and won.
One day, he reached a turning point while working on a friend and patient in the dental chair – who encouraged him to take motorcycle racing from the local to the big time. And that’s how the legendary Dr. John’s Team Moto Guzzi was launched and went from an experienced, dominant group of regional racers to winning and dominating the 1984 AMA National Endurance Racing Championship at the Daytona Firecracker 400. And went on to design and engineer unique marques for Moto Guzzi in Italy, leaving an historic legacy for motorcycle racing.
Dr. John was a Vietnam veteran, loyal friend, and independent individual who always rose to a challenge and who’d rather be burning rubber than anything else.
Services and Interment are Private.
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The multiple obit links out there that I looked this weekend past, all appear basically the same. It's murderous to try and get through the pop up ads. No mention of family? Education? Date of birth? Where in Pennsylvania, note the writer had to say "Pennsylvania" more than once, and note that it is in the USA. Yeah, we know it's Pennsylvania. 77 years old how many times? With duplicity and a writing style that looks, well, "hokie". Foreign. I met him at Lawton's Cycle outside of Milwaukee, on a Tuesday after the Elkhart Lake races, I'd guess in '86 or '87. I was there looking for parts for my T3. He was working on the bike in the Lawton brother's shop, and asked if I could give him a hand. He was finishing up, and when we were done, I helped him load up the bike and his tools and other gear. In what was a somewhat dated Chevy van. He wanted to go out and look at my bike. He was very likable and chatty, and our conversation wasn't strictly limited to Moto Guzzi. He seemed to me to be a man of many other facets and experiences. Obits placed by funeral homes and such don't read like these, with information always mentioned in other obits, non existent. Maybe not AI, but absolutely suspect, made up like click bait.
TdF
AI is some insidious shyte, isn't it?
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Studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University (always with a love of fixing things),
Aw hell, I didn't know he was a fellow Lehigh grad....
@jas67 he was one of us.
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Ah yes. That link is more like it. Thanks folks, for getting the real information out.
Yes, insidious. Spooky.
TdF
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https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/moto-guzzi-racebike-designer-john-wittner-dies/
Nice obit my Kevin Cameron.
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Just curious, what did you notice that makes you believe that?
I was certain it was AI written by the end of the first paragraph. Hard to analyse why precisely.
Some pointers
It's highly repetitive
Many sentences, although long, actually convey no factual information
If you were to replace the main nouns, in this case John Wittner, Moto Guzzi motorcycles and Pennsylvania with two other names and another place name, the article would still make just as much (or as little) sense.
Frankly, an AI obituary is probably the most soulless thing I've encountered in a long time.
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I was certain it was AI written by the end of the first paragraph. Hard to analyse why precisely.
Some pointers
It's highly repetitive
Many sentences, although long, actually convey no factual information
If you were to replace the main nouns, in this case John Wittner, Moto Guzzi motorcycles and Pennsylvania with two other names and another place name, the article would still make just as much (or as little) sense.
Frankly, an AI obituary is probably the most soulless thing I've encountered in a long time.
:thumb:
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I was certain it was AI written by the end of the first paragraph. Hard to analyse why precisely.
Some pointers
It's highly repetitive
Many sentences, although long, actually convey no factual information
If you were to replace the main nouns, in this case John Wittner, Moto Guzzi motorcycles and Pennsylvania with two other names and another place name, the article would still make just as much (or as little) sense.
Frankly, an AI obituary is probably the most soulless thing I've encountered in a long time.
I came to the same conclusion but I couldn't quite articulate why. Your description nailed it. :thumb:
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:thumb:
Wish I could articulate it as well as you cats did. I looked at it and thought: Keep Pennsylvania, sub Ducati and Eraldo Ferracci.
Something tells me we are going to see shit tons of this kind of dreck going forward.....
TdF
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I came to the same conclusion but I couldn't quite articulate why. Your description nailed it. :thumb:
You saw and said what I couldn't. Excellent. :thumb:
kk
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https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-news/moto-guzzi-racebike-designer-john-wittner-dies/
Nice obit by Kevin Cameron.
A very nice obituary, with one major factual error: Umberto Todero designed the Daytona’s 4V heads in Mandello before Wittner was on the scene and was developing them on the dyno when Wittner came to visit. When pressured to give Wittner a set for the US race program he was not happy, and gave him a worn out set. Wittner rebuilt them, used them successfully to win races and eventually Todero and Wittner became partners working in Mandello.
It took a long time however to get the 4V heads into serial production. The belt drive on the front means they run hot and were prone to crack in prototype testing. The metallurgical solution was I understand developed with the help of a (German?) outside company referred to Guzzi by TRW, who was the US Army prime contractor for the Guzzi powered Hunter UAV and therefore in regular contact with Guzzi. I’ve read Wittner eventually worked for TRW after his return to the US. The only problem with the production heads was that the stronger alloy was harder to cast and sometimes led to faulty castings. I remember one faulty Centauro cylinder head that was replaced under warranty because it cracked in half in the first few miles of use.
Wittner did have the 4V heads ported in the US by somebody knowledgeable (Axtell? I can’t recall) and that port configuration was used on the production heads. Other Wittner inspired US engineering input was from Crane cams (their profile was used on the 1100 Sport etc), Carrillo connecting rods used on the Daytona RS, Centauro and Sport Corsa, and maybe the first use of AGM batteries on a production bike - an Odyssey AGM battery on its side was used starting in 1997 to replace the awkward twin battery setup on the earlier carb Sport.
The Guzzi engineering department was just a few people in the 90s but they did a lot. Its last post-Wittner hurrah under Aprilia was bringing in Giuseppe Ghezzi, who had done the MGS-01 under contract, but Guzzi’s engineering capability was subsequently disbanded by Piaggio instead of being reinforced.