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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Matteo on November 24, 2016, 11:08:05 AM

Title: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: Matteo on November 24, 2016, 11:08:05 AM
The rest of the story, looks like a custom Cali 1100, I like!

https://motorbikewriter.com/billy-joel-built-bruce-springsteens-moto-guzzi/


(http://thumb.ibb.co/eRPaAa/IMG_0447.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eRPaAa)
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Yeahoo Whoyah on November 24, 2016, 11:23:01 AM
From the article:
Quote
The Boss also has a long association with various motorcycle brands and was the lead act at the 105th Harley-Davidson anniversary in Milwaukee in 2008.

Bruce, what's your plans for 2021? Maybe bring your band to Italy and perform at the Moto Guzzi 100-year gathering?
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bad Chad on November 24, 2016, 11:51:32 AM
Its a California Vintage, with a Loop frame tank and side cases.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: CPRMan on November 24, 2016, 12:29:34 PM
 Wow, this means I've two things in common with the Boss, riding a CalVin and breaking down because the battery went flat.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Cam3512 on November 24, 2016, 12:39:54 PM
Someone should tell him to ditch the 50W spotlight bulbs!

Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Kev m on November 24, 2016, 06:08:00 PM
Someone should tell him to ditch the 50W spotlight bulbs!
Right, and how sad that Billy Joel's custom shop didn't know that when they "built" it.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bad Chad on November 24, 2016, 06:23:25 PM
I wouldn't go tossing the shop under the bus boys.  It's certainly possible that indeed that's what took place, and if I were going to bet money on it that's were I would put it.  However, it may have been something else.  The claim is the battery went flat, maybe it did, or maybe it had nothing to do with the battery.  I'm just saying I wouldn't be surprised if there were another cause.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Kev m on November 24, 2016, 07:40:15 PM
This isn't an issue of national security that needs to be vetted that well. The harm of throwing the shop under the bus is about zero since it's supposedly not open to the general public anyway. That said the report of a flat battery certainly is believable. Not that it matters.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: giusto on November 24, 2016, 08:04:39 PM
The rest of the story, looks like a custom Cali 1100, I like!

https://motorbikewriter.com/billy-joel-built-bruce-springsteens-moto-guzzi/


(http://thumb.ibb.co/eRPaAa/IMG_0447.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eRPaAa)


yeah and if wasn't for that darn Yoko
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Matteo on November 24, 2016, 08:12:57 PM
yeah and if wasn't for that darn Yoko
:afro:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Cam3512 on November 24, 2016, 08:37:38 PM
My buddy Danny is his band's photographer, and I told him to tell Bruce to replace the spot bulbs with PIAA 35W bulbs.  Bet that was it, combined with him lugging the engine.  The charging system blows.

Regardless, the bike looks great with those tins and Craven bags.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: arveno on November 25, 2016, 12:08:33 AM
http://www.motoguzziclassics.com/mgccustom5.asp


Was not built at motoguzziclassics ?

Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Huzo on November 25, 2016, 12:11:31 AM
My buddy Danny is his band's photographer, and I told him to tell Bruce to replace the spot bulbs with PIAA 35W bulbs.  Bet that was it, combined with him lugging the engine.  The charging system blows.

Regardless, the bike looks great with those tins and Craven bags.
What's the reason that lugging the engine adversely affects the charging system ?
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Kev m on November 25, 2016, 02:08:14 AM
What's the reason that lugging the engine adversely affects the charging system ?

Low out put, crankshaft mounted alternator (stator/rotor) assembly doesn't make peak power until higher in rev range. But I believe those spotlights are known to be above output anyway.


http://www.motoguzziclassics.com/mgccustom5.asp


Was not built at motoguzziclassics ?
They look pretty similar at a glance, but the more I compare the pics the more differences I see which include:

1. Engine cases look black on Bruce's.
2. Front fenders are different, Bruce's has the chrome support rail.
3. Turn signals and spotlights in opposite positions.
4. Different side covers. No tool kits on Bruce's.
5. Bruce's has lower fairing on front crash bars.
6. Bruce's has rear crash bar, other one has chrome rear grab handles that are missing from Bruce's.
7. Different grips.
8. Different color rear turn signals (yellow on Bruce's).
9. Different rear fenders.
10. Bruce's has large chrome throttle body covers.
11. Different seat covers, Bruce's has Moto Guzzi lettering on back.
12. Bruce's has black handlebar clamp and triple trees, while the other has silver.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on November 25, 2016, 05:50:15 AM
Pehaps it was just out of tune :weiner:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Rough Edge racing on November 25, 2016, 05:51:30 AM
 I didn't know Joel was a bike guy....And I would have thought Springsteen would ride a Harley ... :wink:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: giusto on November 25, 2016, 06:34:49 AM
There's a pretty funny OCC show about a Billy Joel build...

The Boss is Italian American and too old for a Duc lol
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Cam3512 on November 25, 2016, 06:50:09 AM
Billy Joel's shop on Long Island.  A bunch of us Guzzi guys spent all day there hanging and talking to his mechanic/caretaker Alex.  He was working on a Tonti Eldo for Billy several years ago.  Bruce's is definitely a Calvin with custom tins.  They don't sell any of their bikes, but Alex did mention letting a custom Harley go to Bruce in years past.  Springsteen INSISTED on going for a ride on it in mid February at 25*F.  This is where I got the idea for the Brown sidestand on a Tonti Guzzi.  Joel's guy does it on all his.

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: elvisboy77 on November 25, 2016, 06:53:08 AM
I posted a comment as to the model on the website with the story.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: steven c on November 25, 2016, 08:04:51 AM
 I never understood why Guzzi never made this bike like this. Would have been so easy.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Murray on November 25, 2016, 08:14:57 AM
I never understood why Guzzi never made this bike like this. Would have been so easy.

They have its called the 1400 Eldorado.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: elvisboy77 on November 25, 2016, 08:55:30 AM
They have its called the 1400 Eldorado.

 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Arizona Wayne on November 25, 2016, 01:53:25 PM
If you lug a Guzzi motor like you do a Harley motor, yeah, the battery isn't going to get enough juice to be happy.  Then if you add more 50W lights than the charging system was designed for to boot............the battery dies.

I remember back in `99 during Daytona Bike Week I was on the beach @ Daytona and a guy was on a new Ducati poking along on the beach sand until his bike battery died and he wondered  why?   Maybe if the bike had a volt meter he could have seen why.   :rolleyes:  Had he been in a car maybe he would have been OK.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: twowings on November 25, 2016, 02:08:40 PM
There exists a hilarious video of Billy Joel being interviewed about selling and buying his bikes and how much the price increases if he can assure the buyer "Christie sat on it".... :grin:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: steven c on November 26, 2016, 10:42:16 AM
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Not really. A Tonti frame with Loop like sheet metal.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Lesman on November 26, 2016, 04:32:28 PM
Billy Joel has a looper with USD forks from a Guzzi Bilbao? Just beautiful setup. Retained loop gauges.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on November 26, 2016, 04:43:23 PM
Billy Joel has a looper with USD forks from a Guzzi Bilbao? Just beautiful setup. Retained loop gauges.

No, but Greg Field does.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: rodekyll on November 26, 2016, 09:23:52 PM
Iirc, Billy Joel was photographed sitting on Greg's loop.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Cam3512 on November 27, 2016, 06:06:09 AM
Iirc, Billy Joel was photographed sitting on Greg's loop.

Correct!
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: rodekyll on November 27, 2016, 10:26:47 AM
That's the only thing I got right all day.   :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Murray on November 27, 2016, 10:54:23 AM
Not really. A Tonti frame with Loop like sheet metal.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu Anyone after and Eldorado doesn't really give a rats what's underneath it they are after a particular aesthetic or at least they shouldn't. Guzzi has put forward a bike thats better appointed and more refined within the constrains of modern production parameters (despite it turning like a boat and stopping like a train). Yet this is still not good enough for some people TBH these people are not going to or ever going to buy a new bike off Guzzi no matter what is put forward it won't ever be right so why should Guzzi care what they think?
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Cam3512 on November 27, 2016, 10:57:37 AM
Iirc, Billy Joel was photographed sitting on Greg's loop.


(http://thumb.ibb.co/mP1fAa/IMG_2790.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mP1fAa)

photo hosting (http://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: rodekyll on November 27, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
Can you imagine the resale value if Christy had been in the pic instead?   :evil:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 01:12:26 PM
AZ Wayne touched on it.  Not enough rev's for the charging system.  Bruce hasn't ridden the bike.  He was parading it.  Low rev's with all the lights on.  He should carry a back up battery pack and the battery on board needs a full charge before the parade. 

Bruce needs some ride time with the NJ guys!  NO PARADES!!!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bad Chad on November 27, 2016, 01:47:53 PM
Why do you think he was "parading"?
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 01:58:57 PM
After reading the thread, why do you think he wasn't???  Right back at you.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Roebling3 on November 27, 2016, 02:08:55 PM
I was visiting a rather obscure mc shop/museum (Hugh's Bultaco, Craryville, NY), many years ago. A fellow was spending lots of time gawking @ the Daytona. He turned out to be one of Billy's ex-wives' attorney. He had only seen one other MG b4 and quite obviously was not a fan of Mr. Joel. R3~ 
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bigbikerrick on November 27, 2016, 02:22:25 PM
Billy Joel's shop on Long Island.  A bunch of us Guzzi guys spent all day there hanging and talking to his mechanic/caretaker Alex.  He was working on a Tonti Eldo for Billy several years ago.  Bruce's is definitely a Calvin with custom tins.  They don't sell any of their bikes, but Alex did mention letting a custom Harley go to Bruce in years past.  Sprinsteen INSISTED on going for a ride on it in mid February at 25*F.  This is where I got the idea for the Brown sidestand on a Tonti Guzzi.  Joel's guy does it on all his.

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com
Its a  damn good thing you got the idea for the "browns sidestand" Cam....I dont think I would have kept my LeMans IV, were it not for the browns sidestand from Boxerworks. The original Guzzi "flip stand" scared me to death anytime I got near that bike !
Rick.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bad Chad on November 27, 2016, 02:54:48 PM
   Because their is no evidence he was.    What we know, he was apparently out for a ride on his somewhat  customized Cal  Vintage, and it qiut.  He or the guys who  stop to help him thought it might be the battery,  though according to the article they never access the battery.

 I just think it's interesting that some have diagnosed the problem without having much in the way of facts.    It might be exactly what several have assumed,  however I think it's equally likely its not.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: Tom on November 27, 2016, 06:05:15 PM
   Because their is no evidence he was.    What we know, he was apparently out for a ride on his somewhat  customized Cal  Vintage, and it qiut.  He or the guys who  stop to help him thought it might be the battery,  though according to the article they never access the battery.

 I just think it's interesting that some have diagnosed the problem without having much in the way of facts.    It might be exactly what several have assumed,  however I think it's equally likely its not.

What do you think it was that malfunctioned on his bike?
Title: Bruce Springsteen
Post by: mcdammitt on December 02, 2016, 03:35:12 PM
Folks,
 I got a question. If Billy Joel worked on your bike, would you ride it? Does anyone know what was wrong with Bruces bike?
Title: Re: Bruce Springsteen
Post by: guzziownr on December 02, 2016, 03:49:19 PM
Mr. Joel does not work on his own bikes.  He has a full time restorer/mechanic on premises:

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com/
Title: Re: Bruce Springsteen
Post by: arveno on December 02, 2016, 03:51:52 PM
Yes , and i would have him singing a song and have good glass of bourbon............ ...
Title: Re: Bruce Springsteen
Post by: bad Chad on December 02, 2016, 03:52:34 PM
Oh yes, most definitley.  There is a group of experts here who have completely diagnosed the problem, and assigned fault.  I'm sure Tom and Kev will be checking in to confirm their findings promptly. :grin: :laugh:
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: oldbike54 on December 02, 2016, 03:57:01 PM
  Seems he had a dead battery due to running lights and riding around at low RPM's . Besides , do we know for sure if Billy Joel doesn't possess some modicum of mechanical talent ? Hell , he may be a member here and might have been asking questions all along  :laugh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: Kev m on December 02, 2016, 04:54:46 PM
Folks,
 I got a question. If Billy Joel worked on your bike, would you ride it? Does anyone know what was wrong with Bruces bike?
All we think is the battery went dead while riding it (and that from the newspaper report).

If true that strongly suggests a known issue on the model, but no one here knows for sure (or they're not talking).

And some people are butt hurt over the speculation. <shrugs>
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: mcdammitt on December 02, 2016, 06:04:02 PM
Where the hell did my Bruce Springsteen site go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: oldbike54 on December 02, 2016, 06:07:05 PM
Where the hell did my Bruce Springsteen site go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Merged with this one , it never hurts to actually "read" the board . We don't need more than one thread on this topic .

 Dusty

Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: mcdammitt on December 02, 2016, 06:14:39 PM
Dusty,
 How the F@@k do you merge?
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: Kev m on December 02, 2016, 06:16:21 PM
Dusty,
 How the F@@k do you merge?
The answer is either a talk about the birds and bees, OR an explanation that Dusty is a moderator...
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: oldbike54 on December 02, 2016, 06:19:59 PM
The answer is either a talk about the birds and bees, OR an explanation that Dusty is a moderator...

 Yeah , mods have magical powers , some I still don't fully understand , like what that big red button actually does  :laugh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: mcdammitt on December 02, 2016, 06:40:04 PM
Billy,
 If you are having issues with any of your bikes, we in northern Michigan will gladly help you with your issues during our Moto Guzzi rally in Michigan on August 18-19 and 20th , in the Interlochen area. Actually bring your piano, we need a band.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: bpreynolds on December 02, 2016, 09:05:47 PM
Dead battery?
Only the Guzzis die young?
Title: Re: Bruce Springsteen
Post by: Cam3512 on December 03, 2016, 06:00:28 AM
Mr. Joel does not work on his own bikes.  He has a full time restorer/mechanic on premises:

http://www.20thcenturycycles.com/

And last time we were there, WE were advising Alex (his mechanic) on some of the quirks associated with certain Guzzi models.  He was a BMW mechanic when he rescued Billy stranded on the side of the road...on a GUZZI.  Got offered the job, moved to Long Island, and the rest is history
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: sib on December 03, 2016, 07:15:58 AM
Yeah , mods have magical powers , some I still don't fully understand , like what that big red button actually does  :laugh:

 Dusty
The big red button is labeled SMITE.
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike merged threadfest
Post by: Sheepdog on December 03, 2016, 07:25:26 AM
Those Craven bags look really nice on that bike. I had a neighbor in Albuquerque that did a V7 Sport homage that was based on a Cali 1100i. You could not have distinguished it from the original, but for the heads and throttle bodies. That old Tonti frame gives a custom builder some great options...
Title: Re: Billy Joel built Springsteen Bike
Post by: bpreynolds on December 03, 2016, 10:01:07 AM
:Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu Anyone after and Eldorado doesn't really give a rats what's underneath it they are after a particular aesthetic or at least they shouldn't. Guzzi has put forward a bike thats better appointed and more refined within the constrains of modern production parameters (despite it turning like a boat and stopping like a train). Yet this is still not good enough for some people TBH these people are not going to or ever going to buy a new bike off Guzzi no matter what is put forward it won't ever be right so why should Guzzi care what they think?

I beg to differ.  I've now bought 2 new Guzzis and many others as well so my clamoring here can't really be put away as just the rantings of a guy with no intentions to buy anyhow.  The new 1400s have just never been my cup o tea visually nor specifically with all that weight.  I think Bruce's bike here is stunning and I would buy it in a heartbeat any day of the week over a 1400.  Personally, I always thought a 550lb 8V 1200 California would not sit too greatly in competition to the 1400 and could "possibly" exist under the same banner.  I've always said this and do wish the company would have made it instead of the 1400.  But oh well.   :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu