Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Clifton on April 12, 2025, 11:22:38 AM
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Hard not to notice so much new inventory is aged and discounted at the (PA) dealer I frequent, I'm sure it's depressing to them. Is this typical for Guzzi dealers? There seems to be some interest in the new V7 Sport but if you were a dealer with V7's in stock, and not selling, would you order new ones?.
They show only (2) 2025 models which are V85TT. After them:
(8) 2024 models including 3 Stelvios, Mandello, and 4 V7 Stones
(4) 2023 models including V7 Specials, V9 Bobber, and a V85 Travel
(1) 2022 V9 Bobber that's marked down to $7K (about the same as a KLR 650).
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To make it worse the floorplan financing from Corp is awful. And they are constantly pressuring dealers to carry more bikes, more inventory, all while not delivering on parts, or paying warranty claims. The way MGNA treats dealers in the US if criminal. I'm shocked that any continue to even carry the brand.
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I imagine dealers would be eager to take more bikes........ if they sold within a few months, up to a year tops.
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Hard not to notice so much new inventory is aged and discounted at the (PA) dealer I frequent, I'm sure it's depressing to them. Is this typical for Guzzi dealers? There seems to be some interest in the new V7 Sport but if you were a dealer with V7's in stock, and not selling, would you order new ones?.
They show only (2) 2025 models which are V85TT. After them:
(8) 2024 models including 3 Stelvios, Mandello, and 4 V7 Stones
(4) 2023 models including V7 Specials, V9 Bobber, and a V85 Travel
(1) 2022 V9 Bobber that's marked down to $7K (about the same as a KLR 650).
What dealer are you referring to?
Publicity may help sales.....
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The V85 TT seems to be selling well as is the V7 Corsa. Why? 'Cuz they look great!
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The motorcycle industry as a whole is in a slump.
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Hard not to notice so much new inventory is aged and discounted at the (PA) dealer I frequent, I'm sure it's depressing to them. Is this typical for Guzzi dealers? There seems to be some interest in the new V7 Sport but if you were a dealer with V7's in stock, and not selling, would you order new ones?.
They show only (2) 2025 models which are V85TT. After them:
(8) 2024 models including 3 Stelvios, Mandello, and 4 V7 Stones
(4) 2023 models including V7 Specials, V9 Bobber, and a V85 Travel
(1) 2022 V9 Bobber that's marked down to $7K (about the same as a KLR 650).
"All this has happened before, all this will happen again".
Or stated another way, this is nothing new, it's business as usual.
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I rode to Reno today. I stopped in the Harley dealership as I had to pee and it is convenient. For mid-day on a Saturday there weren't very many people in the store. It was packed with bikes though. They even had a 500 on the floor in the hallway to the john. It looked new. Just up the street an accessory shop was going to have a party there was hardly anyone there but I don't think it had gotten started yet. I didn't go to the Guzzi store as they probably couldn't care less if I darkened their doors.
kk
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I didn't go to the Guzzi store as they probably couldn't care less if I darkened their doors.
kk
...or their toilet.
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JMHO, I stopped by the new Guzzi, Aprilia, Cf moto, dealer in Blairsville Ga. yesterday. They had their grand opening and a demo day. Unfortunately, the demos were Aprila only and they don't interest me. He built a beautiful store that if he plays his cards right could be a destination shop just like Riders hill used to be.
But, I left with the feeling that Aprilia is doing everything in their power to kill Guzzi. Looking at all of the new bikes from them and CF moto they are brilliantly shinney paint that catches your eye! All the Guzzi's but one v85 were flat F N ugly eye sores! I know somebody here will take offense but seriously, can you really expect a WWII olive drab and flat black V7-850 to sell? Or could you even give away a totally flat black V85 at any price. In addition, looking at the Aprilia RS457 at about 1/3 less than a V7 it looks to have great forks, shock, brakes instead of the cheapest crap on the market along with nice paint!
I then went to TWO campground to BS and I looked at two versions of the Triumph 400. Both have brilliant paint, chrome, nice forks and overall look to be much higher quality at 1/2 the price of a v7.
Somebody in marketing needs to get their head out of their AZZ and make the Guzzi's sparkle again!
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In my opinion MG will continue to decline at a faster rate than other brands until they start back designing motorcycles that appeal to all motorcycle enthusiast other than the sport riders. Yes I’m referring to the riders that like cruiser type bikes such as the Vintage, 1400, and EV models and offer a touring model with the appropriate equipment for touring.
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In our area lack of dealers is a major roadblock to seeing more Moto Guzzi's.
The closest dealer we have is 6 1/2 hours away so things as simple as getting the engine service light reset don't happen.
In turn resale for Moto Guzzi in this area is very difficult with no dealers around.
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What dealer are you referring to?
Publicity may help sales.....
https://www.kissellmotorsports.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventory#page=xNewInventory&make=moto%20guzzi
I have to agree with Vagrant regarding the overall "dullness" of finish on many models. Flat paint on bodywork and even exhaust systems may save money but it also looks it.
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I sound like a skipping record, "Kev is right". For 26 years I have been ridding and following closely what Moto Guzzi does, and for 26 years I have heard the same complaints. I'm not commenting of the validity of the complaints, although some are clearly incorrect, just that the complaints don't change over the years, at least on this outlet.
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I agree with Vagrant, Guzzi needs to kick up the "bling" of their new bikes. The drab paint schemes, dont do much in the showroom, when parked next to bright, blingy bikes, with bold new graphics, that catch your eye. A good observation!
Rick.
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Going out of business since 1921.
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Here in the lower mainland , the large Indians and MV Agustas have basically gone unsold with $4000.00 + discounts and there are literally rows of them between their 3 stores . Let's not mention KLM :evil: .
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HD dealers in at least some geographic areas are reportedly awash in new unsold inventory.
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JMHO, I stopped by the new Guzzi, Aprilia, Cf moto, dealer in Blairsville Ga. yesterday. They had their grand opening and a demo day. Unfortunately, the demos were Aprila only and they don't interest me. He built a beautiful store that if he plays his cards right could be a destination shop just like Riders hill used to be.
But, I left with the feeling that Aprilia is doing everything in their power to kill Guzzi. Looking at all of the new bikes from them and CF moto they are brilliantly shinney paint that catches your eye! All the Guzzi's but one v85 were flat F N ugly eye sores! I know somebody here will take offense but seriously, can you really expect a WWII olive drab and flat black V7-850 to sell? Or could you even give away a totally flat black V85 at any price. In addition, looking at the Aprilia RS457 at about 1/3 less than a V7 it looks to have great forks, shock, brakes instead of the cheapest crap on the market along with nice paint!
I then went to TWO campground to BS and I looked at two versions of the Triumph 400. Both have brilliant paint, chrome, nice forks and overall look to be much higher quality at 1/2 the price of a v7.
Somebody in marketing needs to get their head out of their AZZ and make the Guzzi's sparkle again!
I don’t reckon V85’s look drab at all…
(https://i.ibb.co/zTyCR3dn/IMG-1838.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zTyCR3dn)
(https://i.ibb.co/zVxRDS4j/IMG-2833.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zVxRDS4j)
(https://i.ibb.co/yGjv32z/IMG-1519.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yGjv32z)
I wonder how he’d go selling this one… :popcorn:
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But, I left with the feeling that Aprilia is doing everything in their power to kill Guzzi. Looking at all of the new bikes from them and CF moto they are brilliantly shinney paint that catches your eye! All the Guzzi's but one v85 were flat F N ugly eye sores! I know somebody here will take offense but seriously, can you really expect a WWII olive drab and flat black V7-850 to sell? Or could you even give away a totally flat black V85 at any price. In addition, looking at the Aprilia RS457 at about 1/3 less than a V7 it looks to have great forks, shock, brakes instead of the cheapest crap on the market along with nice paint!
I then went to TWO campground to BS and I looked at two versions of the Triumph 400. Both have brilliant paint, chrome, nice forks and overall look to be much higher quality at 1/2 the price of a v7.
Somebody in marketing needs to get their head out of their AZZ and make the Guzzi's sparkle again!
Your personal preference for chrome/paint aside, no one who was going to buy an Aprilia is going to buy a Guzzi cause it's bright.
No one who was gonna buy a Guzzi buys an Aprilia instead for the same reason.
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Sadly for our hobby, it is not immune to economic forces. When people feel insecure about their economic future, they usually stop spending money on non-necessary ( I know, I hear you) larger purchases. The RV industry is going through this right now as well and some would say they are even less necessary and generally far more expensive than a motorcycle and many people have to pay even more money each month to store them. I don't know anything about the boat industry, but I imagine they are feeling the same impact. I think it will be a tough few years for hobby spending. If and when we get the V7 with cruise control, I will spend some of my money in spite of the doom and gloom of the economy as it will be time to give up my large and heavy bike. But given the sluggishness of MG's time table and that there are a fair number of new 2024s, that likely won't be until next spring. For me, that would be good timing. If there is a silver lining in this, there will lots of bargains on used bikes, rv's and boats, but less dealers around to service them.
Sorry for the doom and gloom but it is Monday morning and I have to go to work.
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From my understanding Piaggio is famous for making dealerships take on far more inventory than they want or can reaslitically sell. This is eveident in that almost every MG dealership has NOS sometimes several year old NOS stagnating on the showroom floor. Its how I got my 1st Guzzi. In 2011 a local MG dealership had 2 leftover 2007 Griso's they had listed on eBay for thousands off MSRP. I made an even lower offer and they accepted just to get the bike off their bank statment. Good for me bad for the dealership that took a financial bath.
Couple satruating dealers with levels they can not sell in good times and the motorcycle market in steady decline post pandemic and you have a recepie for lots of dealers being stuck with NOS and new units arriving further burdonening the dealership.
Other manufacturers are guilty of this too and I get it. Thier job is to manufacturer and show growth year to year but overproducing to keep production numbers up to look good on paper can only last so long.
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In my opinion MG will continue to decline at a faster rate than other brands until they start back designing motorcycles that appeal to all motorcycle enthusiast other than the sport riders. Yes I’m referring to the riders that like cruiser type bikes such as the Vintage, 1400, and EV models and offer a touring model with the appropriate equipment for touring.
What Guzzi "sport models" are the "sport riders" buying" ?
I don't see a single "sport bike" in Guzzi's lineup. They have a sport-touring bike (V100 Mandelo), two ADVbikes (V85TT and V100 Stelvio), then an endless parade of V7 variants which are small standards.
I don't disagree with you that Guzzi needs a full size standard and a full size touring cruiser. The lack of California variants in the line is a gaping hole. However, the Cal14 sold in the hundreds and was a top notch sales dud. Too big and cumbersome.
Piaggio need to develop a replacement for the V11EV California series. If it's powered by some version of the new V100 mill, then all the better.
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Hard not to notice so much new inventory is aged and discounted at the (PA) dealer I frequent, I'm sure it's depressing to them. Is this typical for Guzzi dealers? There seems to be some interest in the new V7 Sport but if you were a dealer with V7's in stock, and not selling, would you order new ones?.
They show only (2) 2025 models which are V85TT. After them:
(8) 2024 models including 3 Stelvios, Mandello, and 4 V7 Stones
(4) 2023 models including V7 Specials, V9 Bobber, and a V85 Travel
(1) 2022 V9 Bobber that's marked down to $7K (about the same as a KLR 650).
If you look at Cycle Trader, you'll see it across the industry.
Triumph dealers are still offering new 2023 and 2024 models for sale. And despite being on the rise with several of their offerings, you can find leftover Royal Enfields such as the Continental GT and INT650 from 2022, 2023, 2024.
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If you look at Cycle Trader, you'll see it across the industry.
Triumph dealers are still offering new 2023 and 2024 models for sale. And despite being on the rise with several of their offerings, you can find leftover Royal Enfields such as the Continental GT and INT650 from 2022, 2023, 2024.
KTM will probably be offering 2024 models for decades to come.
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Huzo, your bike would sell before anything they now offer. It's a eye popper!
Somebody please start a survey for flat paint instead of shiny, so Kev finds out he is in the minority.
Since 2016 I have bought three new V85's and two new v7's. All shiny! None would have been bought if flat. I also picked up a used 16 v7II stone that was flat silver but it was at a very good price.
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Huzo, your bike would sell before anything they now offer. It's a eye popper!
Somebody please start a survey for flat paint instead of shiny, so Kev finds out he is in the minority.
Since 2016 I have bought three new V85's and two new v7's. All shiny! None would have been bought if flat. I also picked up a used 16 v7II stone that was flat silver but it was at a very good price.
If I'm in the minority there are a lot of brands making styling mistakes right now.
No I think it's the old guys who are dying off that are in the minority.
But I don't care either way as long as someone still makes something without (or at least with less) chrome.
Ick
Either way you missed my point. Sport bike riders buy sport bikes, because they ARE SPORT BIKES. They don't buy them INSTEAD of a Guzzi because they are shiny.
Similarly, no one buys a Sport bike when they WANTED a Guzzi.
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I bought a shiny! :grin:
TBF, the Carbon Dark is kinda Marmite/Vegemite(if you must!). You either like a red head with plain (matte paint) allure, or you don't. [Unless like me you might compromise 'cos of the carbon fibre.]
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I have had 3 Aprilia's ,and 3 Guzzi's .I think color had very little to do with owning any of them.. I believe I do land on the shiny side of things if possible.. So I think Kevin is probably correct... One flat/satin black Aprilia, and one Guzzi in the same color.
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included in the recent email I got from Moto Guzzi.
"Produced in the new factory at the historic Mandello Del Lario site, the V7 Sport ignites Moto Guzzi's sporting DNA with new grit and character.
Are you ready to experience it?"
doesn't sound like a company being shut down.
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HD dealers in at least some geographic areas are reportedly awash in new unsold inventory.
Harley has the problem of too many dealerships. Moto Guzzi has the exact opposite.
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Your personal preference for chrome/paint aside, no one who was going to buy an Aprilia is going to buy a Guzzi cause it's bright.
No one who was gonna buy a Guzzi buys an Aprilia instead for the same reason.
Well.
I owned an MV Agusta F4 then a Guzzi, so where does that reasoning land ? The blacked out Guzzi’s are just fine if you like that look, but they do look like military vehicles, or something that came from a Bulgarian state owned supply warehouse.
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included in the recent email I got from Moto Guzzi.
"Produced in the new factory at the historic Mandello Del Lario site, the V7 Sport ignites Moto Guzzi's sporting DNA with new grit and character.
Are you ready to experience it?"
doesn't sound like a company being shut down.
Grit…!
Probably because the airbox doesn’t seal properly, I prefer my bikes not to have “grit…”
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If I'm in the minority there are a lot of brands making styling mistakes right now.
There are, have you heard of KTM ?
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Well.
I owned an MV Agusta F4 then a Guzzi, so where does that reasoning land ? The blacked out Guzzi’s are just fine if you like that look, but they do look like military vehicles, or something that came from a Bulgarian state owned supply warehouse.
Sometimes you play dumb so well you make me wonder if it's an act.
I've owned different types of bikes too.
But I never went shopping for a sport bike and bought a retro classic.
And before you say it, sure I'm sure that's happened, but it's the overwhelming minority.
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Bulgarian state owned warehouse. Priceless! Bravo!
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Grit…!
Probably because the airbox doesn’t seal properly, I prefer my bikes not to have “grit…”
I think it is a John Wayne reference. "True Grit".
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Sometimes you play dumb so well you make me wonder if it's an act.
I've owned different types of bikes too.
But I never went shopping for a sport bike and bought a retro classic.
And before you say it, sure I'm sure that's happened, but it's the overwhelming minority.
You’re unusually tetchy today Kev…
But under the circumstances I guess it’s understandable.
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I'm doing my part. I bought the Corsa last June from Hamlin's, added Matris fork internals, Shock Factory shocks, Mistral pipes, Dunlop Mutant tires, and now it is balanced, controlled and fantastic! And it is shiny! And picking up a Nero grey Stelvio next week from Jim Hamlin. It is flat grey paint but still really good looking. My existing and exiting V Strom 650 Adventure is flat paint so no biggie at this point. I think bike sales, in general, are off in the USA, due to whatever reason you prefer. They even have leftover shiny Mandello's, and that is a fantastic bike for the price. Moto Guzzi is a niche bike, and I like it that way. I was waiting for the Honda NT1100 to come in and then Honda blew it and is only bringing in the DCT version, and it is a relatively boring bike anyway. Honda doesn't care about the USA market any more IMO. At least Guzzi comes out with interesting bikes and is improving them. But if the tariffs on EU goods is enforced, it is going to hurt sales further, of course. This is why I grabbed the Stelvio now.
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Recently visited local Triumph dealer and was shocked to see a low mileage loaded 15 year old Electra Glide for 8 grand.Now that I’m too old and weak they are affordable.Too many good and cheap used bikes out there .
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I am not a fan of shiny gray paint and strangely enough not a fan of satin or flat paint. BUT I own a Navale which is both gray and flat finish and to me it pops. When I walked into the dealership showroom it stood out from all the rest of the bikes. Now I get to look at it everyday and I still love the look.
kk
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I am not a fan of shiny gray paint and strangely enough not a fan of satin or flat paint. BUT I own a Navale which is both gray and flat finish and to me it pops. When I walked into the dealership showroom it stood out from all the rest of the bikes. Now I get to look at it everyday and I still love the look.
Flat paint on ceilings fine, but not on automobiles or motorcycles. In 2022 I wanted a Goldwing and unfortunately the only color was flat dark blue. I bought it in spite of the paint and still hate the dull finish. But it's more of a point A to point B machine for me with lots of plastic so it works for its intended purpose.
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Harley has the problem of too many dealerships. Moto Guzzi has the exact opposite.
Except in Georgia. I have two within an hour and two more around 2.5 hr.
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Seem to be doing OK in the UK - more and more members in the club, and I see more and more Guzzis around - particularly the V7s. There's a reason for that I think. They are an "authentic" bike, they are made in Italy, they look good and "it does what it says on the tin". No cooincidence that 650 Enfields are big sellers - they do the same job. Sometimes people don't want to pretend to be a racer, either on a track or in the desert, don't need to embrace a "lifestyle"......they just want to go for a ride. V7s are great for that.
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I'm glad they're selling well there, Scott. And I'm with you 100% on the V7's, they're classic motorcycles that Guzzi has done a nice job of modernizing and improving. The V85's seem to have a cult as well. I just wish my dealer was able to turn his Guzzi inventory a little quicker. BMW is their main line and he turns them over faster, but he said it's taking BMW incentives like rebates or subsidized interest to do so. The MC market here in general has been soft since last year. It's a good time to buy, new or used, but selling the one you have could be a little difficult.
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I suppose when I buy my new V7 850 Sport I wont be thinking of selling it - after all this is my 21st year on a Breva 750, and I'm a 1 bike person. I expect to keep it until its too heavy for me to manage - 15 or 20 years.
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I am not a fan of shiny gray paint and strangely enough not a fan of satin or flat paint. BUT I own a Navale which is both gray and flat finish and to me it pops. When I walked into the dealership showroom it stood out from all the rest of the bikes. Now I get to look at it everyday and I still love the look.
kk
Put some cool stickers on it, like fake bullet holes!!!
Or get it wrapped!!
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Seem to be doing OK in the UK - more and more members in the club, and I see more and more Guzzis around - particularly the V7s. There's a reason for that I think. They are an "authentic" bike, they are made in Italy, they look good and "it does what it says on the tin". No cooincidence that 650 Enfields are big sellers - they do the same job. Sometimes people don't want to pretend to be a racer, either on a track or in the desert, don't need to embrace a "lifestyle"......they just want to go for a ride. V7s are great for that.
Well said! My standard reply for when i tell people I ride motorcycles, and they ask why I don't ride a Harley Davidson is: "Because I wanted to buy a motorcycle, not buy into a religion!"
It's nice to belong to a group, as long as the requirements of membership aren't too severe...
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Sometimes you play dumb so well you make me wonder if it's an act.
Careful buddy!
There's a lot more of us dumb people out there than there are of you smart people!!!
:wink:
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You’re unusually tetchy today Kev…
But under the circumstances I guess it’s understandable.
About 4 days each month, I get testy too.....
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Put some cool stickers on it, like fake bullet holes!!!
Or get it wrapped!!
I never thought of fake bullet holes. Great idea I'll have to look for some. :thumb:
kk
Edit: Most people wouldn't understand the significance.
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I never thought of fake bullet holes. Great idea I'll have to look for some. :thumb:
kk
Edit: Most people wouldn't understand the significance.
Helping people get over the big hurdles in life.... it's what I do!
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bullet+hole+stickers+realistic&language=en_US&adgrpid=1234751903605913&hvadid=77172161903781&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=82811&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-77172272790555%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=23459_13598667&mcid=fd315d997967394a9c85c6dd59f3c090&msclkid=5bbafa5881491033fe69925caf9c1d5b&tag=txtstdbgdt-20&ref=pd_sl_937loy98m7_p
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I never cared for flat paint on a bike or car, but decided to give it a try with my second V85. It lasted one month and I couldn't stand it. Paint was the cure and now I love it. In fact when Enzo saw it he snapped a picture and sent it to Piaggio saying" This is how you should have painted it." Here is a before and after;
(https://i.ibb.co/Q3vmp4ZQ/0-D182-CCB-E339-4-F96-976-E-32-C99-A8-E2719-1-105-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q3vmp4ZQ)
(https://i.ibb.co/6RhqVNVj/A5-C7562-B-FE93-4-C7-D-8-DC9-3346041-AAA3-A-1-105-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6RhqVNVj)
Again with my Stelvio, it was a satin finish. This time I already knew when I picked it up from Kissell's that I would be painting it gloss. The day I got it home I started tearing off the pieces to be altered. Again the results were totally gratifying and I still get compliments anywhere I go. Here is the before and after;
(https://i.ibb.co/ksszHzfx/DB82-E465-CD28-4821-88-C8-4-C6-EA989-E630.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ksszHzfx)
(https://i.ibb.co/Fqs77FLR/5-BD96246-581-E-407-A-84-D4-2116-C776042-E-1-105-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Fqs77FLR)
It's ONLY PAINT. If you don't like it - change it!!!
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Helping people get over the big hurdles in life.... it's what I do!
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bullet+hole+stickers+realistic&language=en_US&adgrpid=1234751903605913&hvadid=77172161903781&hvbmt=bp&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=82811&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-77172272790555%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=23459_13598667&mcid=fd315d997967394a9c85c6dd59f3c090&msclkid=5bbafa5881491033fe69925caf9c1d5b&tag=txtstdbgdt-20&ref=pd_sl_937loy98m7_p
I ordered some from ebay. I don't do Amazon, long story.
kk
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It's ONLY PAINT. If you don't like it - change it!!!
It's ONLY MONEY. If you don't have it - can't do it!!!
:evil:
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I think there is a lot of doom and gloom on this thread. V7 and V85TT has been a sales success (well for a Moto Guzzi that has been struggling for decades). V7 is the best selling naked/standard in Italy and seems to do pretty well in other markets as well. The real question is how well the new Mandello/Stevio is selling. I'm a millenials who has bought 3 new Guzzis in my time but haven't pulled the trigger on the new water-cooled models yet. Honestly it would probably be a proper sporting Guzzi that would get me excited.
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In 2024 Piaggio had world wide losses. Three models however sold above expectations: That Aprilia 457, the Guzzi Stelvio and the V85. Here in Germany Guzzi had an increase in sales of 35.1% in 2024. My Guzzi dealer, who also sells Aprilia, Vespa, Kawasaki and Royal Enfield beside others, tells me, the Guzzis sell like "sliced bread".
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I never cared for flat paint on a bike or car, but decided to give it a try with my second V85. It lasted one month and I couldn't stand it. Paint was the cure and now I love it. In fact when Enzo saw it he snapped a picture and sent it to Piaggio saying" This is how you should have painted it."
rl]
(https://i.ibb.co/6RhqVNVj/A5-C7562-B-FE93-4-C7-D-8-DC9-3346041-AAA3-A-1-105-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6RhqVNVj)
It's ONLY PAINT. If you don't like it - change it!!!
STILL the most purdy v85 I've seen yet! Bravo! :thumb:
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.....The real question is how well the new Mandello/Stevio is selling.....
Kissell seemed pretty disappointed in sales of the Stelvio. He thought at around $10K less than the new R1300GS it would sell well, but it hasn't. The basic design is good but IMO Guzzi needs to update the Stelvio. Get rid of the awful clunk going to first gear, it's an adventure bike so widen the gear ratios, give it a nice compliant suspension, fix the wobbly shield, offer some striking gloss paint colors and maybe charcoal or black drivetrain.
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Obviously the total lack of a dealer network keeps US sales low. Even where they have dealers, in my neck of the woods (Wisconsin) they tend to be weird used/"exotic" Euro-car outlets.
But a constant can't explain a change.
I think the overall market explains a lot. Harley is in the dumps. For kind of the opposite reason as MG, but also kind of the same. Limited selection of models. Harleys are all massive touring gargantuan, MGs are all light. Neither has a proper sport bike.
Maybe Harley and MG should merge? I guess the TT & PA couldn't both survive--interesting to think who would win--but imagine the V7 as the new Sportster...
I know this is crazy BS, but...
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Kissell seemed pretty disappointed in sales of the Stelvio. He thought at around $10K less than the new R1300GS it would sell well, but it hasn't. The basic design is good but IMO Guzzi needs to update the Stelvio. Get rid of the awful clunk going to first gear, it's an adventure bike so widen the gear ratios, give it a nice compliant suspension, fix the wobbly shield, offer some striking gloss paint colors and maybe charcoal or black drivetrain.
That awful clunk is there to stay unless MG is willing to totally redesign everything rear of the cylinders. Which I'm sure they're not going to do considering how few of the water-cooled engines they sell. They will just refer to that clunk as character and try and sell as many of them as they can, while they can.
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Plenty of people admire my current bike, the public really seemed to admire my V85 when I had it (riders and non-riders alike). The next question is "is there a dealer around here?" I have ridden my 3 geese far and wide, but I either have an inflated opinion of my crisis-handling skills or I have been extremely lucky. I ride in West Virginia every year and they have no dealer. This was also true when I rode BMW's btw. When I had my Harley and would travel, I did feel a certain comfort that there was never a dealer too far away. Of course, these days, many of the HD dealers are closing up, so the lots of dealers rationale is less true today, but still there are multiple dealers in all states.
If you have plastic, you can get out of most situations.
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That awful clunk is there to stay unless MG is willing to totally redesign everything rear of the cylinders. Which I'm sure they're not going to do considering how few of the water-cooled engines they sell. They will just refer to that clunk as character and try and sell as many of them as they can, while they can.
If they're not going to address the flaws they should not waste the money bringing new V100 models out such as a California. Just be content selling fewer Mandellos and Stelvios than they anticipated and concentrate on the V7 and V85 models.
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If you have plastic, you can get out of most situations.
Not in Southern Romania you can’t…
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It's a shame that everyone who REALLY KNOWS how to run a motorcycle company is too busy posting to bike forums... :wink:
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No................. . Harley has already screwed up too many other smaller companies. Like Aermacchi, Benelli, Buell and probably others I can't think of. MG has been trying to go out of business for over 100 years now and has failed why quit now? :grin:
kk
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It's a shame that everyone who REALLY KNOWS how to run a motorcycle company is too busy posting to bike forums... :wink:
Exactly!
:thumb:
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I take it this is directed to me.
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That awful clunk is there to stay unless MG is willing to totally redesign everything rear of the cylinders. Which I'm sure they're not going to do considering how few of the water-cooled engines they sell. They will just refer to that clunk as character and try and sell as many of them as they can, while they can.
I'm not knowledgeable about transmissions but always assumed the Guzzi clunk was part of being a non-unit construction with a dry clutch? Why does the V100 motor have a clunk?
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Transmissions with dry clutches don't clunk because they don't drag (unless improperly adjusted). Those with wet clutches typically drag and therefore a clunk when going from neutral to first, some worse than others. Harley Twin Cams are bad about it and the V100, for a couple reasons, really is. OTOH on many bikes with wet clutches it's barely noticeable.
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The clutch is a different design.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/moto-guzzi-centenario-v100-mandello.1517279/page-312
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The Twincam Harley I had left skid marks all over my garage floor. Some were still there 4 years later. I tried several different oils to minimize the drag but Syn3 turned out to be the best, I guess Harley knew best. It was recommended for the trans as well but BelRay Vtwin trans fluid worked the smoothest. The drive line in that bike was crude, makes my V100 smooth by comparison.
kk
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Not that far fetched, they did own an Italian motorcycle company back in the day...Aermacchi!
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From the MGNOC May newsletter Piaggio's veiw of the market. If your having trouble reading it, doiwnload the image and then blow it up.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KgCXDcx/0/MPmGQHpp5hPgdfvhGmdc2DWWp7TCb5LtkMK7g8mhV/XL/i-KgCXDcx-XL.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/Forum-Post/n-zvp7tH/i-KgCXDcx/A)
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I take it this is directed to me.
That's the problem with the internet. 7+ billion people out there, and any one can assume something is directed at them...... :wink:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNir1anaVu4