Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HardAspie on June 17, 2015, 07:44:55 PM
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Hi folks. :bow:
My name is Laura and I am an autistic adult. I am functional enough to have worked my entire adult life, and smart enough to know that my rate of pay has been good only if the quantities measured are fear and anxiety and pain. Imagine being Sheldon Cooper sans his large and competent pit crew, that’s me. The dollars brought home mostly sucked by way of their conspicuous absence. I have owned a great many motor vehicles during this time; do not currently own one, but am thinking. Soon I will be sixty two years of age! How time flies when you’re not having fun!
Most of my vehicles have been cars; very few of them have been any good at all. Well, only two were new. One side effect of autism is chronic poverty. Poverty hell, I aspire to poverty! Most of my cars have been used, used up, circling the drain; I give them costly hospice. My motorcycles have been far better. But then, for the price of a not so great car I could afford to buy – good lord does this date me? – a new motorcycle. They have all been sake sippers.
And the last good one was bought by me in 1980. It was a brand new Honda CB 750F, the S2 twin cam, and the year the swingarm bushes got replaced by needle bearings. I replaced it with a GL 1100; the most benighted motorcycle I have ever known. Handled like a wounded water buffalo, leaked every fluid it was supposed to contain, was the first bike I owned that vibed so badly it came home with less than a full inventory of parts, and had to be what happens when Honda puts all it’s flaws in one place – and probably after having borrowed a few more from Triumph.
When I turn sixty two I get social insecurity! No being wealthy here, but by my standards I will be okay. And I am planning a vehicle. I want to get a new one with a (gasp!) warranty. The most I can feel good about committing to is about ten thousand. Hmm…car or bike? Well, in California I have seen signs for Nissan Versas for that. I don’t want one. Cars are the things that hide in my closet and scare me at night, there’s one rattling dangerously at the door right now. Not only have I had a plethora of bad ones, but also the only vehicle accident that actually hurt me was in my best car ever, a 1987 Yugo GV, that left me with a whiplash that harshed my buzz for two decades.
Yeah, but my last good bike was a 1980 Honda. I truly don’t want any more bikes from the land of the rising sun. This is only partly emotional. I do not need a liquid cooled multi cylinder DOHC with four valves – all shim adjusted – per cylinder, and all shrink wrapped in plastic that hides the essential horror if its mechanicals. I cannot afford to take any big chances.
I am thinking Moto Guzzi v7 Stone. It is simple and lightweight and looks like the better bikes from my era. And now, and within context, and thanking all who wade though this turgid introduction for any answers given, some questions.
1. This will be my only vehicle, it must be a grocery getter as well as a (in the decades old sense) open road tourer and day cruiser. I plan at least 15K miles per year. What do you think?
2. Are Guzzis reliable? Could an ancient single hag point the front wheel in a random direction and figure to get a hundred out and back without mechanical trauma?
3. How long might I expect a well serviced and not abused V7 ( Probably a 6 speed 2016 by the time I am in position to buy ) to last before major issues arise?
4. If it needs a clutch at some point in the future, about how much dinero ought I be prepared to part with?
5. About what can I expect to pay for service (to keep in warranty ) at 1K, and thereafter every 7.5K miles?
6. Are the valves really that easily adjusted? ( if so a big, “Yippie!” )
7. Are you angry at me for this long and inquisitive first post yet?
8. Will it cruise the I State at 80 MPH? ( bear in mind I do not mind if it beats me up a bit, I do not want to beat it up )
9. Anyone have any ideas about stability in quartering and cross winds? ( minimal windscreen at most )
10. I may venture downslope sometimes to where Satan hides in the shade. How does a V7 deal with heat?
And that is about it, for now. I may wish to further interrogate ya’all on a later date. Thanks for reading this. I am considering writing a novel about a great whale.
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HA , that might be the most honest, interesting introduction ever . I will let others more well versed in the V7 answer your questions , but whatever you purchase , please stick around WG and grace us with your presence :bow:
Dusty
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Hi there, and welcome.
I gots me a touch of the Asperger's myself. It helps me focus on complicated detail work, but it doesn't help me make friends or influence people.
It would help to know more about you -- physical condition, general size, etc. before making any recommendations. A big block is better suited to 80mph cruising and long distance riding. A small block is scaled down with the predictable limitations. But if you're not up to the weight and heft of the BB, the SB is still a viable option. No shame either way. We have a lot of members approaching social insecurity who are trading in their Norges and Cali's for V7's. I'm among them in a way, but I got in touch with my inner autism and welded up a trike instead. that way I don't have to worry about balancing the weight -- and it has reverse.
Doesn't make much sense to ask about things like clutch and other work that might be needed in the future. Prices change. What we tell you today won't be true in a year.
My daily driver is 40 years old and just ticked 195,000 miles. I'll be cruising the Alcan and Klondike highways in a couple weeks. So yes, this solitary hag thinks they're reliable. Though if you thought your Yugo was good, I wonder what yardstick you measure reliability by.
As far as service -- there is no standard service that a youngster like yourself shouldn't be able to do under the shade of a rusting yugo. With a couple of thoughtful mods, you can reduce the periodic maintenance on a BB, especially a hydro, to almost "0".
A lot of very good guzzi's can be had for much less than $10k. Personally I have a buy ceiling of $500. For $5000 you can buy a lot. But don't come on here like you've got money. The mark of a true guzzisti is how many miles of copper wire he can squeeze from a penny, and how much bitching about it he can do in the process.
Your basic guzzi is wasted cruising 80 on the interstate. Even a bagger guzzi cruises 80 in the twisties . . . that's part of the appeal.
That's it. Feel free to PM if you want to know more about how autism and guzzis feed each other.
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Hey HardAspie,
WELCOME! Can't help you much with your questions, my only Guzzi 'sperience is with old crappy '80's LeMans bikes. But I will encourage you to not be a stranger, you'll fit right in with this eclectic bunch of peckerwoods! We need more people here with a sense of humor. So keep it comin!
John in the show me state
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Howdy, and welcome to the forum. I've got a 2013 V7 Stone. It's my favorite bike, and I've been riding for 35 years on lots of different bikes.
As to your questions.
1). Sure. Why not? My daily commute is 100 miles round trip. I plan to put 15 to 25K on my bike for years and years to come.
2). Mine has been reliable. Warranty is 2 years, unlimited miles. I've been on multi thousand mile trips. Would not hesitate to take it anywhere.
4) don't know about clutch. I figure it's good for 75 to 100k. I'll replace when needed.
5). Dunno. Did it myself.
6). Valve adjustment is dead simple. Could not be easier or more convenient.
7). No. Of course not. But paragraphs make it easier to read. :)
8). I routinely cruise at an indicated 80 to 85. Hours on end. No problem.
9). No problem. Personally, I think this is more a rider issue. Keep loose, don't let the wind add I unintended inputs to the bars.
10). I live and ride daily in Texas. Been to Louisiana and Florida in serious summer heat. At 80-85 mph. Heat is not an issue.
Try to test ride one. They are quirky. If it appeals to you, go for it.
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There a number of us that work in the industry that could really lend a hand getting a low milage used bike that could really save a bundle of money.
What area do you live in?
Walt
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Thanks to everyone who has replied thus far and I am hoping for more yet. Seems like friendly waters here, thank you for welcoming me aboard. Gonna replay to replies a bit. Hmm...meta replies!
Methinks I erred in typing in MS Word and pasting! The word processor and the website did not shake hands nicely. I had nice paragraphs and everything and then the dataverse ate them. Such is life.
Oh yeah, I know that 80 on the wide boring is not what the V7 is built for. In Aridzona we have a lot of miles that are a lot of miles. So sometimes a person simply must use them. I truly like the idea of the small block. I like the roughly 400 lb weight. I'm old and have a neurological in remission. I was never quite a weak as I looked, but now am. This is the reward I get for not having died young? And I recall from earlier days that a tiny narrow road twisting and winding to wonderful sights looks one way from the saddle of a 400 - 500 lb machine but so different from one that is 700! On the Moldwing I felt claustrophobic.
Oh, and I might have gotten the only good Yugo built. I even got a goodly speeding ticket with it.
And finally, another Aspie sort here. Awesome! I have long thought motorcycles and autism go well in hand.
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To Waltr
I live in central Arizona. Whoa! Thank you so much for the consideration! Beyond thanks I have not words.
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Great intro. Welcome to the forum, though 62 does NOT qualify for old here. No Stone experience but your reasoning sounds valid to me. I grew up in Phoenix and had many great riding experiences up north and over into northern New Mexico back in the '60's & '70's. Looking forward to more of your posts and adventures.
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So when do we get a photo of the young hag?
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Well, if you want to risk it ( I consider myself a gar activist in that the mere sight of me turns men homo ) I have a website. http://lauranagle.net/ Do not stare long at the medusa!
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UH OH Laura , now you are just being modest . Hmm , wasn't Einstein probably autistic ?
Dusty
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Ma'am: You mention your strength is not enough to manage a heavier "big block" Guzzi and that is understandable. A "small block" should fit your abilities just fine. However, it may not be long before the small block Stone is pushing your physical limits. As I have done for myself (I was 16 when you were born), I strongly recommend you do strength conditioning, both to keep what you have and perhaps to add some strength. Perhaps membership in a gym, or a small selection of light weights and aggressive hiking to keep the legs strong.
I was once told, "Never grow old gracefully--fight it all the way!". I do, and so I hope will you.
You are a very welcome addition to this forum.
Ralph
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You are right! I currently have two modes of transportation: boots and bicycle ( I need 2 wheelers ). Walking I can do about 10 miles easily depending on weather and carried load. With my bicycle I can easily reel in 20. I fight it at every turn.
And thank you for the advice. This getting old is not easy, I don't think young people could handle it.
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I have heard it said that old Albert was an autie... but one can't diagnose dead dudes! :-)
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I don't know about Al Einstein, but my shrink told me that prince albert was so autistic he lived in a can. His point was that PA lived in a can, not a can't, but only the first part was funny.
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Not hag, welcome, nice to meet you!
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So when do we get a photo of the young hag?
We should warn our new member about Jim . He has a thing for attractive young ladies :shocked: :grin:
Dusty
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Hi Laura,
Welcome to the forum. You are likely to get lots of help here, and much from those of us who seem to be sensitive to to the costs of our passions, if I may put it delicately.
Amongst other bikes. I have a 2010 V7 Classic (bought new, now 75k miles on the odo) & a 2014 V7 Special (secondhand).
As to your questions, I'll have a go too:-
1.) I do all my grocery shopping on the bike, with a small backpack & rok straps on the guzzi rack. 15k miles a year is not a problem. I've put 75k miles on the V7C over the last 5 years and around 145k miles on all bikes in that period, mostly touring. The V7 work very well around town, and are more than adequate for long trips.
2.) Reliability? Mostly guzzis are reliable. Some have been reported as 300k miles without major problems, but others a lot less. I've had some issues with my V7C over the time, but I still regard it as a reliable bike. And it's fun to ride. That being said, most modern bikes appear to be reliable, but the guzzi, by tradition & design, is built for longevity.
3.) How long before a major issue? Can't really say (see above). The couple of major issues I've had seem to have been abnormal, and there's still not enough history on the V7's after only 6 years to make generalisations.
4.) The clutch. My V7C now needs a new one at 75k miles. The parts are easily available and reasonably cheap, say about $75 - 100, but the labour is not - the engine has to come out. I was quoted $AUD650. My advice, make friends. There's likely to be a few people around who won't mind (and may well enjoy) teaching you how to go about it and have access to the tools. You have a few years to build up relationships.
5.) Services? I don't know what they charge over there in your area - a couple of hundred dollars? Others here are likely to know. And I don't know what the warranty requirements are in your country either. Most of us seem to do the services ourselves. It's pretty easy & straightforward, and it would help if you have someone to walk you through it the first time or two. I ndid every second service myself while the bike was under warranty & that was OK with the dealers here.
6.) The valves ARE really that easy to adjust! They are pointing out at you. Feeler guage, spanner & pliers, plug spanner, and the allen keys to remove the rocker cover. Easy. You may have to raise the fuel tank for access - the same allen key.
7.) Angry? No way. It gives a chance to spruik about stuff we know something about. (Unlike some of our other ramblings).
8.) 80mph on the I States? If your Interstates are like our Motorways, no problem at all. The bike will do that all day (if it can avoid the speed cameras - the speed limit here is 70 and the motive is revenue raising). On the A & B roads, I am more comfortable sitting on 75mph myself, although others prefer it faster; besides, over 80mph the fuel consumption increases slightly. I do find that installing the rear sets (from the V7 Racer) tends to incline the trunk a little more forward, so at 80 & 90mph - there is less wind pressure on the arms and it's much more comfortable.
9.) Stability in cross winds? The V7 handles cross winds pretty well; better than a California, 'tho not as well as the 1100 Sport. The only time I had a concern was at night, in the pouring rain, with really strong gusts, on a country road with trucks coming the other way. A bit of a worry. In daytime, not a problem. Mind you, running into a headwind for 2 days did increase the fuel consumption by 20%, but handling wasn't a problem at all.
10.) Heat? Never been an issue - at least for the bike. The rider, on the other hand .... Stopping at lights in the cities can get pretty warm, and parking & wandering around town in leathers can be uncomfortable in the heat of summer. For day trips & overnight you can dress appropriately, but for longer trips I tend to dress for the colder conditions, the desert at night, for example, then suffer a little by day. The heat I can handle, even the furnace-like temperatures, but nothing's worse than being too cold.
Whatever you end up doing, good luck. And I'll repeat what has been said before - get a bike that "speaks to you", that is exciting to just get on, that gives you pleasure, either slow or fast. Test ride everything you can.
Good hunting, and enjoy the process,
Mal
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Thank you all! A wonderful crew here.
I will not be in market for a bike until social insecurity hits, late this year perhaps early next. I am an Aspie and so do not do anything without good information. I plan to mine this site for all it is worth during that time. Thus far it looks like a V7 is the bike I need. There is a dealer in Chandler and another in Prescott. In Aridzona miles not too far!
I was just this evening recounting on Twitter one of my worst rides ever ( twas horrid! ) and so dreaming of my next motorcycle!
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Welcome HardAspie.
I have the precursor to the V7, a 2003 Breva. They are a fun machine; a trip in the hills will give you face-ache from all the grinning. The small block engine can run at reasonably warm temperatures, and some in really hot climes fit a sump extender to increase the oil capacity. They only hold about 1.8 litres, so it pays to check the oil level reasonably regularly.
If you want to sit at 80mph, then sit at 80. We have a 100kph limit (about 60mph) out here. On a long trip I will usually sit behind a car doing the limit because without that restraining influence I will be doing 80mph. It just sings doing 5000rpm at that speed.
I have done a 2600 mile trip on mine , and would do another at the drop of a hat. Beatifully comfortable.
Bikes vary. I had some gearbox problems due primarily to an incorrectly hardened gear. I fixed the box and kept the bike. I could not imagine any other bike taking the place of the Guzzi. Don't know of any other person to have had that problem.
Yes, they can have their wee foibles, but they do have soul for want if a better term.
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Welcome, I hope you are getting good answers. I do not own a V7 but find them to be a great bike. Two of my friends who previously road full dress HD's and Big block Guzzis each have them they are north of 75yo. They are having a ball with the V7's they handle well and they pack em up for multi -day trips. I'm a believer!
Good Luck shopping and if the Guzzi interests you...you are in the RIGHT PLACE!!
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Welcome,
My stepson has Autism, but has a good job (IT) and does fine, just not good socially.
I think you will find a home with this forum, I happened on it sorta by accident, didn't own a Guzzi. I did purchase a Griso a while back but since sold, so now I am without a Guzzi, but I enjoy reading about all the others troubles and the internet diagnostics that go on.
I have test ridden the V7 and see lots of potential for a around town and short trip bike. The Guzzis are a different breed for sure.
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This will be my only vehicle, it must be a grocery getter as well as a (in the decades old sense) open road tourer and day cruiser. I plan at least 15K miles per year. What do you think?
~ second season on my 2013 V7special:just about to pass the 15k mark. Easily a daily rider.
2. Are Guzzis reliable? Could an ancient single hag point the front wheel in a random direction and figure to get a hundred out and back without mechanical trauma?
~ absolutely. 1000 km days are well within reason.
3. How long might I expect a well serviced and not abused V7 ( Probably a 6 speed 2016 by the time I am in position to buy ) to last before major issues arise?
~ once it is sorted out you can expect (at least I expect) a long period of issue free riding.
4. If it needs a clutch at some point in the future, about how much dinero ought I be prepared to part with?
Have no idea but at 15K a year I figure I have 5 years to plan ahead.
5. About what can I expect to pay for service (to keep in warranty ) at 1K, and thereafter every 7.5K miles?
~ Do it yourself. I have no basic mechanical aptitude and have managed everything with nothing more than guidance from members of this board.
6. Are the valves really that easily adjusted? ( if so a big, �Yippie!� )
~ Yes. After you give yourself permission to crack the engine open the rest is very straight forward.
7. Are you angry at me for this long and inquisitive first post yet?
~ No. I am perfectly fine with closing a book I don't want to read. I think you'll bring some good thoughts to the table.
8. Will it cruise the I State at 80 MPH? ( bear in mind I do not mind if it beats me up a bit, I do not want to beat it up )
~ yes. almost anywhere anytime.
9. Anyone have any ideas about stability in quartering and cross winds? ( minimal windscreen at most )
~ all good. There isn't a lot of bike to catch cross winds.
10. I may venture downslope sometimes to where Satan hides in the shade. How does a V7 deal with heat?
~ can't answer that one. I live north of 60. 25C is very hot by my standards.
Welcome aboard. I've found this forum to be the most interesting and helpful group of people around; hope you will as well.
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HardAspe,
:1: on all the comments above. One thought to add: the '13, '14, and '15 V7 are all basically the same bike with only some color changes...except for the wet alternator that came with the '14 and '15. If you find a lightly used '13 you get the dry alternator. This means that when you do your own valve check/adjustment you can remove the plastic front cover and then use a socket wrench to turn the engine over and find TDC. This is much easier than putting the bike in gear and using the rear wheel to do the same thing, particularly if you are doing the tune-up by yourself. You can probably pick up a '13, with some desirable add-on stuff like center stand and hard bags, for half your budgeted amount.
The '16 will have ABS and the 6 speed tranny. I think ABS is a big deal but not everyone agrees. The 6 speed might be a more modern transmission but, remember, the existing 5 speed is darn near bulletproof and has almost identical (final) ratios for 1st and the top gear.
Welcome aboard! It's good to have more young people talking Guzzi.
Peter Y.
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Welcome. You will find much good info and many friends here. Let me add a little personal experience with the "small block" Goose.
I have personally put almost 30,000 new miles on my 2004 Breva 750 since I bought it used in early 2013. My personal favorite of all the bikes I've owned (see signature).
Never a mechanical problem. The light weight is much appreciated by this old (75) geezer.
Gives me 55-60 mpg depending on speed and wind.
It is a great touring bike. Got me a pair of Hepco-Becker soft bags + a tank bag. Throwing a duffel bag on the back carries all the stowage I need (including a CPAP machine) for long distance trips of a week or more.
Regularly see these 750s on Craigslist & eBay around $4,000
I keep a log (frequently updated) on 750 maintenance here:
http://www.dansher.com/bikepix/Guzzi/_V7_fyi.txt (http://www.dansher.com/bikepix/Guzzi/_V7_fyi.txt)
The baby Breva cruises easily at indicated 80 mph fully loaded. Tops out at over 100 mph with a little left over:
(http://www.dansher.com/bikepix/Guzzi/BrevaDoesTon.jpg)
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Smallblocks have been around long enough that the (originally many) bugs have been worked out. If you thrive on adventure and uncertainty, get an old one. Preferably a Lario :evil: Or V50 or V65…
The (new) V7 is physically a bit larger and heavier than its ancestors, but still reasonable. If I had money for a "new" bike a 13 would be near the top of the list. Valve adjustment is easy, screw and locknut just like a VW Bug or airhead Beemer but you can comfortably sit on a milk crate instead of being underneath with oil dripping down your arm. Single throttle body is a wonderful idea, no throttle-body sync necessary. Amongst Brit twins, the single-carb models are better everywhere except wide open.
750 Breva wouldn't be a bad idea, either. I'm, um, vertically-challenged and can get both feet flat on the ground on my Monza and V50. V7 that I tried was a bit higher but not bad. Baby Breva seat is a bit lower than the V7, I think.
Clutch -- 25+ years ago I had a girlfriend who had one of the original R80GSes. She replaced the clutch. Was not a good idea to be near her at the time… lol, after having the Monza apart for gearbox problems a few times I know the feeling. The good news is that getting a Guzzi apart is not that hard. Do buy a copy of Guzziology (from the source, Moto International in Seattle) if you're seriously thinking Guzzi. If you can maintain an old air-cooled VW, a Guzzi will be no problem.
Wind stability depends not only on the bike design but tires and tire pressures and fairing. Especially handlebar-mounted fairings.
cr
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I have a '13 V7 Stone and I'm a big guy but it has been great to tour on.
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a189/RickFi/Trip%20two/maptrip_zpsc80c4311.jpg) (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/RickFi/media/Trip%20two/maptrip_zpsc80c4311.jpg.html)
Last summer trip around a bit of California
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a189/RickFi/Trip%20two/P1010192_zps41504e6d.jpg) (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/RickFi/media/Trip%20two/P1010192_zps41504e6d.jpg.html)
Total mileage from that trip, no issues at all.
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a189/RickFi/Trip%20two/P1010050_zps8f6db9a5.jpg) (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/RickFi/media/Trip%20two/P1010050_zps8f6db9a5.jpg.html)
It may not be Az hot but I rode the V7 all day in temps like this 105 deg pic, no oil used and the bike was fine, not much stop and go stuff in the heat though as it was mostly running at 70+mph on Ca-395.
(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a189/RickFi/Trip%20two/P1010180_zps427214df.jpg) (http://s11.photobucket.com/user/RickFi/media/Trip%20two/P1010180_zps427214df.jpg.html)
I like my V7 a lot!
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Thanks to all you good Guzziphiles!
The replies that I am getting here make be believe that a Guzzi is just what I need. It will be a while. No funds will be available til the end of the year. I am autistic and have not only generally low self confidence - funny, with a good bike in the garage or yard (under a cover!) I can take off solo for long distances; that sort of confidence I do have), but also I have time to adjust to any change. See how it all works? I do. It could be that somewhere in Mandello someone is about to breathe the spark of life into a V7 destined to live with me!
Another thing, you guys here are wonderful. Kinda off plumb, but then I carry a little right rudder. Feels at home here.
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First, welcome to the forum. And remember, there are no dumb questions--just dumb people. :grin:
I will risk huge flames by suggesting the dull-as-paper used Honda NT700V as a daily rider that can be used for longer distances when necessary. OF COURSE I would love to suggest a Guzzi to you, but based on your (excellent) summary above, I have to toss that out as an option. Inexpensive, very reliable, lots of storage.
Even if you don't choose a Guzzi, stick around the forum. You seem like are an interesting person.
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I really just wanted to say "Welcome Ahoy Aspie!" Some of the posts can get rough with different personalities, but we are all in it for the Guzzi. Have you tried the V7's on a ride yet? They have a low center of gravity which is great for slightly smaller people.
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Laura,
First, welcome here! If you are interested in a Moto Guzzi, this is the right place to come, ask questions and get real answers. Several years ago I did the same thing, and bought my V7R. No regrets.
As to your questions, surely they have been answered. Not much to add.
I think the Stone would be a perfect fit for your needs, as long as you either have a good dealer for initial set up, or are pretty good at mechanics yourself.
The bikes are wonderfully fun, adaptable for many uses, and just well built.
My only thought--why buy new? There are a lot of good used ones out there.
(http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y495/lucydad1/garage2_zps464e6f9e.jpg) (http://s1277.photobucket.com/user/lucydad1/media/garage2_zps464e6f9e.jpg.html)
Go for it! If I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Wow! More replies to reply to!
I've not ridden a V7. I am about 120 miles from a Guzzi dealer and currently commute on a bicycle! There is time to come to a decision. I think I will love the log CG and the light weight. Still, there is no way to be certain before trying one on. Motorcycles. like bicycles are part machine and part clothing; they must fit.
I have had Hondas. I find them too complex and too distant. I don't want plastic bodywork, radiators, DOHC, shim adjusted valves...actually I think I have not only logical reasons for my prejudices but also just do not like the gestalt of modern machines. They seem hugely capable but cold. Cylinder find and pushrods and 400 pounds, I can hug that thang!
I would figure that it would have to have the tube type cylinder guards, just in case; and a rack, and possibly a very tiny windscreen being just enough to keep some of the rush of air off me while not being a great handle for the cross winds to yank me all over the place. Probably tour old style with leather throw overs and a couple of waterproof (yeh, I kno) duffels - one duffel just behind me as a backrest. Primal.
Gah. my age is showing!
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The myth of the large windscreen pulling you around in a crosswind isn't really true. The wind is going to pull on whatever stick up. If not the windscreen, then you.
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I am not sure of that. My Mold Wing was yanked all over by a fork mounted Plexifairing. And my most recent bike - oh do I have to admit that I had a bloody scooter, yes I must - a 400 lb Honda Reflex had a big fairing / screen and was dangerous in cross winds. I think I will take a small one. Been wailing in boats and on two wheels. Boats are fun.
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I understand that. But did you make the same run in the same wind with the windscreen removed? I'm not trying to talk you out of the windscreen of your choice. I'm just saying that in a wind, if you remove the screen, you become the screen. The net effect is about the same, but much less comfortable. Add some rain, bugs, cold, or hail and you have a miserable ride.
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From my experience there is a huge difference between frame and fork mount. But also a large matter of surface area to bike weight. Yeah, I know of the wind forcee with no screen. I hope to find a happy place.
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I have the Dart flyscreen on my V7R: extremely effective at 80 mph. Bike tracks wonderfully in high winds, and we have a lot of that here on the Gulf Coast. Not twitchy at all, bike of choice for crummy weather over the new Triumph STRX. Little Goose just plows ahead no matter what the weather. Do wish it had ABS brakes though.
If you buy a small block, be careful about the notorious kick stack sticky issue. Add a knob or something. Also I think the extra oil capacity is a good thing for very hot climates.
I am outta here on a long ride.
Veloce!