Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: MadMike on May 24, 2016, 09:57:31 AM
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So I'm thinking not many non-riders have heard of Aprilia or their limited racing heritage. Why bother building this brand up as a racing/ tech heavy arm of the Piaggio Group when Piaggio already owns a brand with tremendous racing history. The Moto Guzzi singles, the fore and aft V-twins and the mighty V8 are all legendary. There is no reason a Moto Guzzi has to be a Port to Starboard V-twin engined motorcycle. Polaris purchased a legendary brand and now they are giving Harley a run for their money. Piaggio Group owns a legendary brand with tremendous racing heritage but has decided to turn the flying eagle into a retro cruiser product tailored for bearded hipsters.
I say release Moto Guzzi from the pigeon hole yoke of the sideways V-Twin and reintroduce the brand as a cutting edge motorcycle back in the business of winning trophy's. Relegate Aprilia to scooters and mopeds. Piaggio group can surely win races under the Aprilia banner but no matter how much marketing they throw at a scooter manufacturer who up until a couple decades ago was using Rotax engines, Aprilia will never be able to build a heritage equal to Moto Guzzi.
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Problem is , how many people know what a Moto Guzzi is ? :rolleyes:
Dusty
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It's time the world learned. Again!
:bike-037:
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Aprilia is well known in Europe...
Personally, I don't care for Aprilias. Never have. If Piaggio started rebranding Aprilias as Guzzis, I'd be out of here...
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Aprilia is well known in Europe...
Yeah , and followers of SBK or GP racing from the 1980's are familiar with Aprilia . Moto Guzzi not so much .
It's time the world learned. Again!
:bike-037:
We're tryin' dude :laugh:
Dusty
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How many people knew of MV Augusta 10 years ago? They reinvented themselves and did quite well outa the chute.
Heritage is heritage and is fairly easily resurrected if given a solid foundation.... Indian?
A guzzi need not be a v-twin nor even a flat single. Hell, they were innovation rolling for a long time. No need to go "full Harleytard" now!
Todd.
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How many people knew of MV Augusta 10 years ago? They reinvented themselves and did quite well outa the chute.
Heritage is heritage and is fairly easily resurrected if given a solid foundation.... Indian?
A guzzi need not be a v-twin nor even a flat single. Hell, they were innovation rolling for a long time. No need to go "full Harleytard" now!
Todd.
Agreed.
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>There is no reason a Moto Guzzi has to be a Port to Starboard V-twin engined motorcycle
Stick a fork in Aprilia and bring back the Guzzi V-8.
M
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How many people knew of MV Augusta 10 years ago? They reinvented themselves and did quite well outa the chute.
Heritage is heritage and is fairly easily resurrected if given a solid foundation.... Indian?
A guzzi need not be a v-twin nor even a flat single. Hell, they were innovation rolling for a long time. No need to go "full Harleytard" now!
Todd.
I seriously doubt if very many non-enthusiasts have heard of MV Agusta either . I have never ever heard someone say "yeah , I had one of them there MV Agustas back in 1972" :rolleyes:
Dusty
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I am a long time guzzi enthusiast, but how many Aprillias sold vs Guzzi, and what was the mix? I really like the Mana , and it seems to be Aprillias turd in the punchbowl. I don't know what to think of Guzzi now that they are appealing to an entire different market, seems that owners of CARC models will have classics soon that are still great bikes.... (Bill Ross, sell me back my Griso :) )
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Like the rebadged Benelli's like that worked!
No. Guzzi's are made in Mandello de Lario, that's it, full stop, end off, punto, finalle.
It's kind of like Parma Ham. The factory's small MG production will never top 10,000p.a.
Ok I know Harleys are now made in India but it's not quite the same Indian's really wanted Harleys, that was like when Pepsi went to the USSR.
There you have it. MG Parma Ham, HD Pepsi.
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Like the rebadged Benelli's like that worked!
No. Guzzi's are made in Mandello de Lario, that's it, full stop, end off, punto, finalle.
It's kind of like Parma Ham. The factory's small MG production will never top 10,000p.a.
Ok I know Harleys are now made in India but it's not quite the same Indian's really wanted Harleys, that was like when Pepsi went to the USSR.
There you have it. MG Parma Ham, HD Pepsi.
Isn't Parma ham made in Ohio :huh: Seriously Mr Piki , your assertion makes perfect sense , although modern Bonnevilles are made in Thailand and sell like hots cakes . (Lisa Douglass reference}
Dusty
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Isn't Parma ham made in Ohio :huh: Seriously Mr Piki , your assertion makes perfect sense , although modern Bonnevilles are made in Thailand and sell like hots cakes . (Lisa Douglass reference}
Dusty
Ohio, quite probable and Birmingham Alabama too but NOT Birmingham UK.
You see there are EU rules on these things:
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/parma-ham-welcomes-the-european-court-ruling-on-slicing-and-packaging-pre-sliced-155440065.html (http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/parma-ham-welcomes-the-european-court-ruling-on-slicing-and-packaging-pre-sliced-155440065.html)
(Asda is Walmart UK branch)
Personnaly I don't much like these hard written down rules makes you want to go out and brake 'em. But the unwritten rules I go along with and I think there's an unwritten rule now Guzzi's are made in M'Lario
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It would make no sense at all in my humble opinion. Two totally different platforms, targeting totally different consumers. Furthermore, I think a lot more people know Aprilia than MG and that includes riders and non riders.
Guzzi may have a racing heritage and I see nothing wrong with using that as part of their marketing a retro style bike, but I don't think anyone is assuming that means they are competitive by modern sportbike standards.
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No.
Also, the term "hipster" needs to die. It's lost all meaning and become ironic in it's use. "I liked this before that guy did... he's such a hipster for liking it now".
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No.
Also, the term "hipster" needs to die. It's lost all meaning and become ironic in it's use. "I liked this before that guy did... he's such a hipster for liking it now".
Hipster must die :laugh:
As for playing on racing heritage , it doesn't work , especially based on heritage from what , over 50 years ago now . Don't bring up the Dr John bikes , hell , that was 30 years ago , no one cares . If racing success breeds huge sales , why hasn't Aprilia sold in huge numbers ? Or why hasn't HD made more than a token attempt to go racing ? Heritage sells motorcycles , and badging V4's as Moto Guzzis isn't heritage . As for the legendary V8 , show me a race it ever won . The V twin is the Moto Guzzi heritage , at least since 1967 , way more built than any other engine configuration. If you want to go fast , buy a Ducati , or a Honda , or do like so many here have done , buy an older hot rod Guzzi and update it .
Dusty
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And call the new company Muto Gozzilla!
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Quote a difference in a heritage here (Indian) and trying to resurrect an Italian one in the US where it never really existed. That isn't to say the US market is all important but when you compare a resurrected Indian brand to Moto Guzzi it doesn't work.
What works, heritage or not is making bike people want to buy. It doesn't matter what the heritage is, if the bikes don't appeal to buyers it makes no difference.
Look at HD. It had to change to get new buyers, it was stomped on by Honda and everyone else. If they kept making the same bikes in the way they put them out, HD would be the Moto Guzzi of the market instead of a leader.
If Piaggio wanted to use a name to affect perceptions it could simply call itself "MOTO" and then have divisions:
Moto Aprilia
Moto Piaggio
Moto Guzzi
More people probably know about Piaggio from buying scooters than know about Aprilia and Guzzi combined.
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But they are working on a shaft drive Aprillia!
So there wont be a Norge/St..io but there will be an equivilent Aprillia (if there isn't already)
http://www.morebikes.co.uk/scoop-shaft-driven-aprilia-on-the-way-patents-show-radical-plan/ (http://www.morebikes.co.uk/scoop-shaft-driven-aprilia-on-the-way-patents-show-radical-plan/)
So this spells a shrinking use of Guzzi brand not an expansion.
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When I tell bystanders my MP3s are made by Piaggio their faces go blank, but then I tell them Piaggio makes Vespas too. They go Ahhhh :azn:
I like that: Moto Aprilia
Moto Piaggio
Moto Guzzi
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When I tell bystanders my MP3s are made by Piaggio their faces go blank, but then I tell them Piaggio makes Vespas too. They go Ahhhh :azn:
The MP3 is an under utilized model line. Saw one the other day outfitted for distance. It was the 500 model. Looked like the rider was headed across the country.
So add Moto Vespa to the above.
Moto Guzzi would become the GMC of MOTO. A brand with a loyal following but not in the limelight all the time.
Isn't it time for 850 MP3 , motor out of the Mana?
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Hmm , maybe the smart business move would be to just badge every product built under the Piaggio umbrella as Vespa :laugh:
I can hear on of those breathless British announcers for SBK . " Sylvain Guintoli on the Vespa goes to the lead" :grin:
Dusty
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Moto Gilera? No I think that one must be Gilera-Moto.
Don't know about the MP3 being under utilized. They have really tried, 125,350,400,500, Hybrid elecric, wide track, narrow track,Fuocco just hasn't had the market impact although I here they sell well in France?
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But they are working on a shaft drive Aprillia!
So there wont be a Norge/St..io but there will be an equivilent Aprillia (if there isn't already)
http://www.morebikes.co.uk/scoop-shaft-driven-aprilia-on-the-way-patents-show-radical-plan/ (http://www.morebikes.co.uk/scoop-shaft-driven-aprilia-on-the-way-patents-show-radical-plan/)
So this spells a shrinking use of Guzzi brand not an expansion.
Here's your answer on CARC replacement, Aprilia's V4 With a shaft for the new Griso.
Coming to your local showroom next summer :boozing:
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Moto Gilera? No I think that one must be Gilera-Moto.
Don't know about the MP3 being under utilized. They have really tried, 125,350,400,500, Hybrid elecric, wide track, narrow track,Fuocco just hasn't had the market impact although I here they sell well in France?
Mp3s are very popular in Europe, not much here. I ride my 400 all over the west and most every biker waves to me now. I call it a poor man's trike that leans. :smiley:
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The MP3 is an under utilized model line. Saw one the other day outfitted for distance. It was the 500 model. Looked like the rider was headed across the country.
So add Moto Vespa to the above.
Isn't it time for 850 MP3 , motor out of the Mana?
On the MP3 the single motor is literally right under your seat. If the Mana motor was added there would be no step thru any more and that is part of what's great about a scooter for us oldsters. Really I don't feel a need for more power on my 400(39 hp) MP3. With the CVT it does just fine, even up 6% grades I can still maintain 65 mph or higher fully loaded, cruise @ 80 mph if I want to on level ground. Top speed is 90 mph. There are faster maxi-scooters, but when you are on 1 that's not your mindset. Mine is comfort, load capacity, mpg, weather protection.
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Aprilia have been making excellent 50, 125 & 250cc bikes for years so they have a bit of a cult following amongst younger riders here in the UK who often progress onto their bigger bikes.
I think I'd go for either an Aprilia or KTM if I was looking for a sportsbike.
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If you really want to help, patronize the fine Guzzi dealers and parts suppliers who are part of this forum, deal with Guzzi dealers for new bikes and warranty service, and rescue any stray Guzzi you can...now that my CARC bike is a 'classic', I'm going to start saving for a parts Norge...Piaggio is going to do whatever the hell they want to do, so supporting the brand is up to YOU...otherwise, contact Piaggio and tell them you have a couple of billion you want to invest and I'm sure they will listen to your ideas then.... :grin:
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You might recall that I was advocating that we could share some Aprilia hardware and Guzzify it.
I thought a big bore Tuono set up for Sports and Sport Touring would be a hit. With classic styling rather than the folded paper bodywork.
Now Aprilia has already come out with an 1100 (vs the 1000 sportbike).
And I was thinking the GP version would be a Guzzi and the Superbike would be an Aprilia.
Anything to update the Guzzi product from cruisers.
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Anything to update the Guzzi product from cruisers.
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There are more cruisers on the road than any other style of MC. If MG had more dealers with competent mechanics they would sell more MCs. But at the same time a dealer has to sell more brands than just Moto Guzzi to survive. Now maybe the Piaggio family of scooters, Guzzis, Aprilias is a good combination. A little something for everyone.
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About selling more bikes: It only takes one thing to sell more bikes, and that's commitment to a good business plan.
Anyway, my impression is that Guzzi is both better known and sells more bikes than Aprilia.
But I might get things mixed up, as I probably am closer to Guzzi's target group than to Aprilia's, and then numbers I (think) I've seen may be only for big displacement bikes.
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About selling more bikes: It only takes one thing to sell more bikes, and that's commitment to a good business plan.
Anyway, my impression is that Guzzi is both better known and sells more bikes than Aprilia.
But I might get things mixed up, as I probably am closer to Guzzi's target group than to Aprilia's, and then numbers I (think) I've seen may be only for big displacement bikes.
I'm sure Aprilia sells more units with all their scooters for starters. Guzzi doesn't even sell 10K units a year. I'll bet more MP3s were sold than Guzzis last year.
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Who has more US dealers?
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At least in the UK Aprilias are very popular for the male 20-30's age group, they know they will never afford a Panigale, so an RSV4 is the next best thing.
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Who has more US dealers?
A quick check of both marque's websites showed:
California
Aprilia 17
Guzzi 13
Texas
Aprilia 10
Guzzi 7
Florida
Aprilia 9
Guzzi 7
I'm not going to look at all the States, but those are some biggies, and show a trend.
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So I'm thinking not many non-riders have heard of Aprilia or their limited racing heritage. Why bother building this brand up as a racing/ tech heavy arm of the Piaggio Group when Piaggio already owns a brand with tremendous racing history. The Moto Guzzi singles, the fore and aft V-twins and the mighty V8 are all legendary. There is no reason a Moto Guzzi has to be a Port to Starboard V-twin engined motorcycle. Polaris purchased a legendary brand and now they are giving Harley a run for their money. Piaggio Group owns a legendary brand with tremendous racing heritage but has decided to turn the flying eagle into a retro cruiser product tailored for bearded hipsters.
I say release Moto Guzzi from the pigeon hole yoke of the sideways V-Twin and reintroduce the brand as a cutting edge motorcycle back in the business of winning trophy's. Relegate Aprilia to scooters and mopeds. Piaggio group can surely win races under the Aprilia banner but no matter how much marketing they throw at a scooter manufacturer who up until a couple decades ago was using Rotax engines, Aprilia will never be able to build a heritage equal to Moto Guzzi.
Not going to happen, and doesn't need to. Guzzi is a niche manufacturer, and niche manufacturers can't afford racing efforts. Guzzi's storied racing history is just that, history. Aprilia, for its part, has some relatively recent racing success, and they're not about to put a Guzzi label on it. But they don't need to. I'm cautiously optimistic that Guzzi is doing exactly what they need to: improving their products for the non-race replica market. The V7 line has clearly been a success (witness the justified enthusiasm here) and the California 14s are reportedly the second best selling line (they really are, by most objective metrics, better than their H-D competition). The new V9s look like winners to me, at a very attractive price point. I suspect that Guzzzi will take their new big block in a non-cruiser direction in the near future, so they are offering a pretty comprehensive selection of machinery, that I think will appeal to a lot of riders. Guzzi will probably remain a niche product, but that's worked out OK for 95 years, and well, isn't that part of what we like about our chosen steeds?
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Yeah , and followers of SBK or GP racing from the 1980's are familiar with Aprilia . Moto Guzzi not so much .
We're tryin' dude :laugh:
Dusty
Have to contradict you, Dusty. In Belgium and around us, it is not. I never understood why Piaggio drew the Aprilia card and left Guzzi bleed to death with their 'custom' line.
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Anyway, my impression is that Guzzi is both better known and sells more bikes than Aprilia.
Yes, in Belgium anyway. Around us, too. I would love to sit in the marketing board of Piaggio, to understand what they are thinking...
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Guzzi may have a racing heritage and I see nothing wrong with using that as part of their marketing a retro style bike, but I don't think anyone is assuming that means they are competitive by modern sportbike standards.
Guzzi could, if they so wished, make a bike that is. And if they chose not to style it like a demented insect but in a more traditional sport bike or cafe race way, who knows...
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I think what needs to be remembered is that Guzzi fills a niche in Europe, especially in Italy.
They're the European Harley. It lives on it's heritage, as it should.
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Yes, in Belgium anyway. Around us, too. I would love to sit in the marketing board of Piaggio, to understand what they are thinking...
I saw figures for the German market a few years ago, Europe's biggest. Twice as many Guzzis as Aprilias sold. Probably only big bikes.
And a striking observation from many visits to Italy itself: I see a few Guzzis, but no Aprilias at all.
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I saw figures for the German market a few years ago, Europe's biggest. Twice as many Guzzis as Aprilias sold. Probably only big bikes.
And a striking observation from many visits to Italy itself: I see a few Guzzis, but no Aprilias at all.
Interesting . Still I doubt if changing the Aprilia badge to Moto Guzzi will help sales of either one . Racing success from 1950 doesn't sell bikes .
Dusty
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Well Dusty, it appears that fifties racing history sells better than present-day ;-)
Seriously, it takes much more than racing success to sell bikes.
As Frans said, one must wonder what the Piaggio marketing people are thinking. (if at all)
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Well Dusty, it appears that fifties racing history sells better than present-day ;-)
Seriously, it takes much more than racing success to sell bikes.
As Frans said, one must wonder what the Piaggio marketing people are thinking. (if at all)
Well I mentioned earlier that modern racing success doesn't help much either . Honda and Yamaha's involvement has more to do with corporate ego than boosting sales . Not sure why Ducati is spending all that money .
Dusty
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What they're thinking is simple.
They wish to cut costs and maximize profits. They will do so by eliminating what they see as redundancy. Why build a Griso, when there are bikes in the Aprilia range that do the same job?
Why build the Griso when the market isn't supporting it, but is buying the V7 and the California?
Now, I'm not necessarily saying i agree with the thought, but... they are a business, and they want to make money.
Guzzi is Europe's Harley. Nostalgia, emotion and old tech in modern clothing. That's why they sell. That's why they need to make some changes... just like Harley, that market only has so much to give.
It will cost less to crank out a few models that sell well, rather than a few more that sell not so well.
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By any standard you want to use to measure sales, Guzzi has a tiny market share and Aprilia is huge in comparison. Whatever racing heritage Guzzi had it is past history and should stay there. It's a short and painful road to financial disaster to even comtemplate going racing, just ask Mr Buell. Aprilia as some wonderful bikes that are very competitive, but I'm sure it costs them greatly but they're sell bikes and funding it and they are still here. The RSV4 is a huge leap forward from anything Guzzi has.
I've just bought a V2 Tuono, easy to ride and doesn't appear to have any issues. I still love my Sport 1100, but the Tuono is a supercomputer and the Guzzi is an abacus in comparison.
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I believe Aprilia road racing is being supported by Aprilia, Piaggio, Vespa scooter sales.
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I doubt seriously if Aprilia sells more than 30,000 bikes world wide a year, it may be considerably less. In north america, I suspect sales are pretty close between the two brands.
One, completely nonscientific measure is the number of followers each has on Face Book.
Moto Guzzi has 137,000. Aprilia has 438,000
Moto Guzzi America has 14,700 Aprilia America has 13,970
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4th guzzi (one bought new), whats a face book? :evil:
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No unsolicited comments from the peanut gallery :violent1:
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No unsolicited comments from the peanut gallery :violent1:
So you had the experience ?
Dusty
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My 2cents.... They should leave the badges as is.. With Moto Guzzi, I like the history, the simplicity, and the big-ole engine on display. With aprilia I like the sportiness and forward thinking design..(our 2002 Futura still looks current).
What they should take care of (both marques that is) is take care of the little "idiosyncrasies" of the latest models they're pushing out.
You can read the purple paragraph for our bikes and thoughts....or not.
I've had 2 aprilias and 2 Guzzis. 1st bike was/is our 2002 Futura. The Fut has 65,000 miles on it and needed a rec/reg replacement in the beginning(Fut's were spec'd with a weak rec/reg). . The OEM's charged at 12v at 4k? That's about it for idiosyncrasies of the Fut. The valves, although checked every so often, never needed adjustment.
Our 2nd bike was our 2006 Breva 1100 that we absolutely loved, loved, loved.. It was to be our backup bike to the Futura. It took over as the trip bike and we put 53,000 miles on it. It needed the "startus interuptus" mod and that's all I can think of. I did some routine stuff out of guilt. Speakers kept the valves in check. The 3rd bike was the Stevlio NTX. After the B got "up there" in mileage, we decided to get a fresh new tourer. Since we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Breva 1100, we found a 2015 Stelvio. From the start, I didn't personally care for the clutch. It worked fine when warmed up, but we had traded our wonderful clutch rattle for clutch groan. Our Stelvio also had "the list" of stupid fixes. Aux light fuses, indicators and mirrors mod, plug caps, front end fairing fasteners falling out from new. A tail light bolt was stripped from the factory(no biggie). We ended up selling the NTX at 19,000 miles to get our current ride that is the aprilia Capo 1200. It has a couple of things that are small pains, but make you think "What the heck were they thinking?" Dash is weird...fuel gauge is worthless when you get low on fuel, and the discrepancy of the real and actual speed and trip is about 8%. And the trip mileage resets to zero at 600 miles (I'm guessing that's a 10k reset). And the thing is geared to the moon! Makes for a jerky ride at low speeds, but hey....you look down and your going 60 in 4th. Two more gears left.. Oh...the rare Capo will shut off for no reason. We've logged 12,000 since last July. She's in for a valve check currently. We're loving the Capo so far, aside from "idiosyncrasies". She sounds great and looks the part.
richy
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I doubt seriously if Aprilia sells more than 30,000 bikes world wide a year, it may be considerably less. In north america, I suspect sales are pretty close between the two brands.
One, completely nonscientific measure is the number of followers each has on Face Book.
Moto Guzzi has 137,000. Aprilia has 438,000
Moto Guzzi America has 14,700 Aprilia America has 13,970
That's an interesting, and telling stat.
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A book used by an old GF to whack you in the face ?
Dusty
:grin: :grin: :grin: Look at that! You've gone and done it again Dusty!
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I've had 2 aprilias and 2 Guzzis. 1st bike was/is our 2002 Futura. .
Our 2nd bike was our 2006 Breva 1100 that we absolutely loved, loved, loved.. It was to be our backup bike to the Futura. It took over as the trip bike and we put 53,000 miles on it. It needed the "startus interuptus" mod and that's all I can think of. I did some routine stuff out of guilt.
richy
I think Richy, that if I had a bike that I felt about as you did your Breva, I would have done work as needed due to rising millage and kept that bike.
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OK, why would I want to buy an Aprilia/Moto Guzzi? Just let me have the V-twin.
Dean
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I think Richy, that if I had a bike that I felt about as you did your Breva, I would have done work as needed due to rising millage and kept that bike.
The decision to move on was more of a "Piece of Mind" thing than anything. Well...maybe toss in a little of the want for something new also. I felt it was time to get into something newer or at least with lower mileage for our longer trips. Since we ride 2up about 100% of the time and do quite a few long distant trips per year, I had to make a decision about the higher mileage of the B. I wish I would have been able to keep the Breva, but due to garage space and finances, we had to sell to help with the purchase of the Stelvio.
:cool: I'm still keeping an eye out for a used 2006-2008 Breva though...
The Futura and the Breva.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/g0F0Qa/bike2b.jpg) (http://ibb.co/g0F0Qa)
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Racing improves the breed which is why Honda and Yamaha engaged . Many of their technologies were proved on the race course and found their way into production bikes.
Sure there was corporate ego involved by that wasn't the reason they did it.
Besides, if winning races doesn't sell bikes, for sure losing them doesn't.
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I own a Guzzi and an Aprilia. I certainly don't think the brands should merge. Aprilia is aimed at the younger riders that want performance, handling, newer technology and maybe edgy style. They are shopping Aprilias for how they work. Moto Guzzi now seems aimed at people that want their bike to make a statement about them. Performance is not important.
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I would like to see Moto Guzzi spruce up their offerings with some more innovative (modern) equipment. There are a few key design features that I do hold dear that are the precise reason why I am drawn the the marque. The cylinders jutting up and out to the side were an elegant design easing the maintenance while providing fantastic cooling for a simple air cooled engine. I don't see any reason not to keep this design while adding liquid cooling to either a push-rod motor or an overhead cam, either way ease of maintenance is preserved.
The dry clutch nestled between the motor (with proper motor oil) and the transmission (with proper gear oil) is an other allure.
The convenience of the shaft final drive is also an unquestionable attraction, especially the CARC, which in my humble opinion is the most superior on the market.
These designs are what attract me to Moto Guzzi but they are not what define Moto Guzzi. They represent the evolution of a line of great motorcycles.
I will continue to devoutly support Moto Guzzi, with what ever products the provide so long as they continue to provide products that meet my discerning taste. However, I will not be interested in a re-badged Aprilia, but I am open to more designs so long as they are rolling out of the red gates of Mandello de Lario.
Skippy
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Well, if they go liquid-cooled... that makes fins obsolete. So, they either get kept as un-needed lipstick, or they get lost and turn the bike into a modern CX500.
Guzzi *isn't* a modern bike. That IS it's appeal. I hate to say it, but it absolutely, 100% IS a heritage company. That's what they're about. I think Piaggio gets it, and I think that's the direction they're taking it. Let Aprilia fill the go-fast/ look-fast market. Let Guzzi sell bikes to dudes that like shaky, simple machines.
I like shaky, simply machines.