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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: ohiorider on July 15, 2015, 08:05:11 PM

Title: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: ohiorider on July 15, 2015, 08:05:11 PM

Obviously, the high mileage bike will have more normal wear on all  components, so this post is tongue in cheek.  However, my 1200 Sport, which turned 57,000 miles this beautiful summer afternoon, continues to run better and better.  The engine, which when new had to be over 3000 rpm before she'd pull away without quivering, is now a much more flexible power unit.  5000-6000rpm shift points under moderate throttle are common.  The tranny, always a slick shifter for a shaft drive bike, continues to impress.  PR3 tires make this heavyweight handle like a much lighter bike.

At 3pm this afternoon, I headed out for a short ride, ended up in the NE Ohio Lake Erie wine country.  Sky was robin egg blue with a few fine clouds.  Beats me how the highest temp I saw on the dash thermometer was 68 degrees ..... and this is the middle of July!

60 mile round trip ended up as a slightly longer 140 mile ride, with a stop at Ferranti's winery for a good jug of vino.  A mile before arriving at the winery, Sport and I enjoyed crossing the Grand River via an old covered bridge.

NE Ohio + 1200 Sport = great combination!

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: oldbike54 on July 15, 2015, 08:11:05 PM

 Good job Bob old buddy  :thumb:

  Dusty

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: canuguzzi on July 15, 2015, 08:13:45 PM

A high mileage rider beats a low mileage bike and new rider any day of the week. :thumb:

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: kevdog3019 on July 15, 2015, 08:44:45 PM

High mileage Guzzi= proven reliability.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy one.

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: SED on July 15, 2015, 09:31:30 PM

Yes!  I'm too cheap to buy new :cool:  so I always look at old bikes.  Sometimes restored bikes claim "zero miles!" and I think: there is a project.  Even the professionals think this way - one expensive restorer of old British bikes won't deliver the bike until they've put 300 miles on it. 

However there are limits, 57,000 miles on a newer Guzzi = well sorted and reliable.  57,000 miles on an Ariel = clapped-out.   :boozing:

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: nunzio on July 15, 2015, 10:34:57 PM

I just bought a '84 1000SP with 75,000 miles.

Talked to several 1000SP owners with over 100,000 miles on theirs

I'm going to put a new timing chain and tensioner on and ride it!!

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: Arizona Wayne on July 15, 2015, 10:46:40 PM

A Guzzi from `84 on is not high mileage @ 57K miles.........it's finally broken in and ready to roll for over 200K miles.  They all have Nigusil cylinders and things like cam chain, u-joints, brake pads, clutches are what wear out before 200K miles if taken care of properly.  :wink:   

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: ohiorider on July 15, 2015, 10:59:24 PM

Quote from: Arizona Wayne on July 15, 2015, 10:46:40 PM

A Guzzi from `84 on is not high mileage @ 57K miles  it's finally broken in and ready to roll for over 200K miles.  They all have Nigusil cylinders and things like cam chain, u-joints, brake pads, clutches are what wear out before 200K miles if taken care of properly.  :wink:

I'm up to it if the bike is!

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: Don Ivey on July 16, 2015, 07:10:18 AM

Same with cars.  I'd much prefer buying from someone who has used the car/bike regularly over
the years, rather than someone who kept it as a garage queen or put all the miles on it the first year,
then let it sit for five.  Machines need use.

Title: Re: Maybe a good higher mileage bike is better than a lower mileage model
Post by: acogoff on July 16, 2015, 07:33:22 AM

    I think the term is "well sorted".