Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: TN Mark on August 16, 2018, 12:25:43 AM
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I've been a B to B manufacturers rep for a long time. I greatly enjoy what I do. Though I can't imagine being a manufacturer rep for the Piaggio Group, Moto Guzzi line. I bought my first Moto Guzzi in 1977. It was a silver 1976 Convert with a Vetter fairing. I love the Converts and had three of them over the years. But I've been a fan of the Moto Guzzi brand since that first Convert in 1977.
Anyway, about a month and a half ago I started looking around at current Guzzi offerings in the 1400 line. I've followed them somewhat remotely through magazines, websites and internet forums since 2012/2013 when the 1400 was first coming out. In the 1400 line, the Eldorado is, to me, 'the one'. I first saw it up close at RPM in Dallas several weeks ago. I thought the designer did a great job with the bones he had to work with. In addition to the aesthetics, the ergonomics of the seat, handlebars and floorboards on the Eldo seem best suited to me. Especially good looking to me is the Eldorado in black and red. For me it's like the EV and the Bassa. I thought the EV was aesthetically a bit awkward looking. And that awkwardness was smoothed over with the Bassa fenders and rear tail light. Others must have agreed since the later EV's used those items from the Bassa/California Special to finish out the EV Touring line.
I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far. Only two of the five had an Eldorado in stock. But only one of them, RPM, had the bike prepped so it could be ridden. The three dealers without an Eldorado (or much of any 1400) in stock all said "they sell well when we have them on the floor.". To which the obvious question was "Then why don't you keep them on the floor"? Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado. I should be back in Dallas next month and will take RPM up their offer for an extended demo ride. Their version of extended is all the way home to Chattanooga, TN. My version is about 30 minutes in varying traffic conditions.
My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi. The Eldorado couldn't replace my Victory Cross Country Tour due to the Vic's luggage and two up capabilities. Therefore I'd really have to justify a second one up motorcycle. I really do love the Victory in any riding condition I've ever been in with it so it's difficult to justify a second bike.
So, as has been discussed at length on Wildguzzi for many years; what's Piaggio to do with Moto Guzzi? From my sample of 5 dealers, 4 of them need to know about the bikes. I'm thrilled Piaggio has done all they have with Moto Guzzi. The V7 and now the V9 lines seem well rounded. From a manufacturing standpoint, it's very difficult to justify utilizing somewhat limited R&D resources without a reasonable expectation of a 2 or 3 year return on that investment. I don't mean that as Piaggio has limited R&D resources. But that they likely have to charge the cost of R&D to a specific division and model line. Piaggio has clearly been putting money into the Guzzi line for a while now.
I 'was' hoping the Eldorado would be further developed into maybe a 'touring' version. Though an Internet search turns up nearly a dozen Eldorados currently at dealers around the country. The exact number could be a bit higher. They're priced anywhere from $11,600 to $16,800. Obviously the OTD prices would all need to be verified. Plus the Piaggio warehouse seems to still have Eldos available. So I've now mostly given up hope of an Eldorado touring version. Yes, I know the CA Touring saddlebags can be mounted to an Eldorado and that Guzzi and Hepco Becker have saddlebag options available.
Decisons, decisions. Yes, no or not now are really the only options.
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You keep going back and looking at them and one will be sitting beside that Victory and when wife's not ridding, the Goose will be your choice for the day. Just my two cents;)
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Mark, here are my thoughts. There is no bike that compares to your cross country tour in all the things you desire in motorcycle transportation. Victory is not made anymore and there is no replacement for your bike in the future. Why not add the Eldorado to the stable and use it to ride the fine roads on Lookout mountain and signal mountain and save the Victory for the two up riding and touring?
I love my Road Glide Special and can ride it anywhere, but the V7 is just a blast to ride the narrow curvy roads near my house plus I love looking at it when I walk into my shop.
The Eldorado looks like a bike that you can not only enjoy owning and riding, but enjoy showing off. What aftermarket accessories do you need that you can't get?
I bought my Vulcan Voyager in 2010 which was the 2nd year and I was able to add everything I wanted from Kawasaki and the limited aftermarket.
Harley has a huge aftermarket support and I haven't dropped one penny on anything from the aftermarket because I negotiated a 30% discount on all the Harley accessories I wanted to add to my Road Glide Special.
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I certainly understand that the dealer situation gives pause. Cadre in Cincinnati, Blue Ash, actually is half the distance that RPM is. While I don't know that they have a Eldo on hand, they have had a 1400 right along, and are crazy responsive/service oriented. I've dealt with them on parts and have been witness to remarkable service to others. I hope they're under consideration.
I'm led to believe he has a 2016 NOS Eldo (Black) on the floor right now, as well as an Audace (the Most Victory of the 1400 line, if I may suggest such a thing), and is looking to move them.
do eeet.
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:thumb: +1 On kid smoke
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I'd like to see a little bit more from the 1400 series as well. Certainly agree the Eldo needs a touring package with hard bags and trunk.
I'd like to see a standard/sport 1400 with mid-mounts myself.
Lots of potential.
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I love the Converts and had three of them over the years.
Instead of a new Eldorado, get another Convert? :thumb:
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I feel your pain. I wish there would be more dealers. I'd venture to say some non MG dealers wouldn't mind carrying the brand if they didn't hear all of the horror stories of dealing with Italy, Piaggio, slow boats, etc. Heck, I found out about a recall on the MGX usb port on the internet, called the dealer and they had absolutely no clue about it. This is wrong. The dealers should be the first to know about things like that. Sad situation, and I've been saying it for years...when enough dealers have had "enough", they'll pull up stakes and there will no more MG-USA. They'd better get their crap together if they really want to be competitive.
But on the other hand, they are a small company that still builds their motorcycles by hand, one at a time and I'd venture to say the USA doesn't get as many bikes as other countries.
The old adage still applies I reckon...Moto Guzzi - Going out of business since 1921.
Luckily, they are very easy to work on for the most part, and extremely reliable.
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I've been a B to B manufacturers rep for a long time. I greatly enjoy what I do. Though I can't imagine being a manufacturer rep for the Piaggio Group, Moto Guzzi line. I bought my first Moto Guzzi in 1977. It was a silver 1976 Convert with a Vetter fairing. I love the Converts and had three of them over the years. But I've been a fan of the Moto Guzzi brand since that first Convert in 1977.
Anyway, about a month and a half ago I started looking around at current Guzzi offerings in the 1400 line. I've followed them somewhat remotely through magazines, websites and internet forums since 2012/2013 when the 1400 was first coming out. In the 1400 line, the Eldorado is, to me, 'the one'. I first saw it up close at RPM in Dallas several weeks ago. I thought the designer did a great job with the bones he had to work with. In addition to the aesthetics, the ergonomics of the seat, handlebars and floorboards on the Eldo seem best suited to me. Especially good looking to me is the Eldorado in black and red. For me it's like the EV and the Bassa. I thought the EV was aesthetically a bit awkward looking. And that awkwardness was smoothed over with the Bassa fenders and rear tail light. Others must have agreed since the later EV's used those items from the Bassa/California Special to finish out the EV Touring line.
I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far. Only two of the five had an Eldorado in stock. But only one of them, RPM, had the bike prepped so it could be ridden. The three dealers without an Eldorado (or much of any 1400) in stock all said "they sell well when we have them on the floor.". To which the obvious question was "Then why don't you keep them on the floor"? Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado. I should be back in Dallas next month and will take RPM up their offer for an extended demo ride. Their version of extended is all the way home to Chattanooga, TN. My version is about 30 minutes in varying traffic conditions.
My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi. The Eldorado couldn't replace my Victory Cross Country Tour due to the Vic's luggage and two up capabilities. Therefore I'd really have to justify a second one up motorcycle. I really do love the Victory in any riding condition I've ever been in with it so it's difficult to justify a second bike.
So, as has been discussed at length on Wildguzzi for many years; what's Piaggio to do with Moto Guzzi? From my sample of 5 dealers, 4 of them need to know about the bikes. I'm thrilled Piaggio has done all they have with Moto Guzzi. The V7 and now the V9 lines seem well rounded. From a manufacturing standpoint, it's very difficult to justify utilizing somewhat limited R&D resources without a reasonable expectation of a 2 or 3 year return on that investment. I don't mean that as Piaggio has limited R&D resources. But that they likely have to charge the cost of R&D to a specific division and model line. Piaggio has clearly been putting money into the Guzzi line for a while now.
I 'was' hoping the Eldorado would be further developed into maybe a 'touring' version. Though an Internet search turns up nearly a dozen Eldorados currently at dealers around the country. The exact number could be a bit higher. They're priced anywhere from $11,600 to $16,800. Obviously the OTD prices would all need to be verified. Plus the Piaggio warehouse seems to still have Eldos available. So I've now mostly given up hope of an Eldorado touring version. Yes, I know the CA Touring saddlebags can be mounted to an Eldorado and that Guzzi and Hepco Becker have saddlebag options available.
Decisons, decisions. Yes, no or not now are really the only options.
I've owned a lot of Guzzis since the early 80's and the 1400 Eldorado in my garage is the best of the bunch. It's a great bike that has been trouble free.
I did not worry about the fact that the nearest dealer was 2-1/2 hours away and new to the Guzzi fold. I have learned over the years that Guzzi seems to be a niche product and always will be that. As I have told lots of folks over the years, if you want local service and parts, by a Harley or Japanese bike. I suppose setting your expectations correctly is an important part of a motorcycle purchase. For me, I made the right decision but the things you are worried about - dealer support, proximity, accessories, etc etc are something that a Harley or Honda rider should expect, not Guzzi. In spite of that I choose Guzzi time and again, because they are WORTH IT.
Good luck with your decision.
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I'd like to see a little bit more from the 1400 series as well. Certainly agree the Eldo needs a touring package with hard bags and trunk.
I'd like to see a standard/sport 1400 with mid-mounts myself.
Lots of potential.
I love the Eldo. My dealer has a few years old one for sale that has been a demo. I've never seen a red one in the flesh (Thank god!) otherwise I'd probably own one. I think the bike would be great with a solo or Police :copcar: saddle and a luggage rack instead of a pillion. The softbags look nice but for the price they should be rigid and waterproof. It really needs a package with windscreen & heated grips! I just wish the fenders were steel.
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Just thought I'd leave this here.
(https://i.imgur.com/ek4skgY.jpg)
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Just thought I'd leave this here.
(https://i.imgur.com/ek4skgY.jpg)
She is a beauty! I would love to see a ride comparison between this and the new 1200 Bonneville cruiser.
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Mark,
I understand your pain. I own a 2013 Goldwing F6B. Which serves as a long distance two up. I did own a 2016 Triumph T120. I've owned many bikes in my life and I always purchased a bike based on need and riding style. I'm 70 now and riding a 500 lb. T120 on NJ roads was hurting me. So I was searching for a one up ride that was around the 700 lb. mark that could give me the comfort and performance that I wanted. One test ride on the Eldorado was all I needed. I purchased it in 2017 for $13,000 as a one year leftover.
I agree that Piaggio does not understand the USA market. They obviously are trying to build the brand with the V7 line. Just like Triumph did with the Bonneville. If you love the Eldorado, buy it and forget about Piaggio. Plus you will get a great deal.
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Well maybe consider this beautiful white CalVin instead of that '16 Eldorado... http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=96515.0
All ready to roll and really all things considered, a good buy at the price he is asking for it...despite that it hasn't sold yet, a very nice bike...
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I don't think Mark wants a motorcycle with less than a 100 hp and associated torque.
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I don't think Mark wants a motorcycle with less than a 100 hp and associated torque.
I was thinking that if Mark was unsatisfied with the 1400, the 1100 would be even further from the "mark".
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I've had the privilege of hanging out with Mark in the flesh and I can attest that when it comes to his motorcycle, the man LOVES HORSE POWER!!!😂
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I certainly understand that the dealer situation gives pause. Cadre in Cincinnati, Blue Ash, actually is half the distance that RPM is. While I don't know that they have a Eldo on hand, they have had a 1400 right along, and are crazy responsive/service oriented. I've dealt with them on parts and have been witness to remarkable service to others. I hope they're under consideration.
I'm led to believe he has a 2016 NOS Eldo (Black) on the floor right now, as well as an Audace (the Most Victory of the 1400 line, if I may suggest such a thing), and is looking to move them.
do eeet.
What Kip sez. For sure, if I were in the market, I'd be heading to talk to Enzo. Tell him we sent ya.. :smiley:
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I don't think Mark wants a motorcycle with less than a 100 hp and associated torque.
Then he won’t want the Eldo. 96 hp.
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
You made the best motorcycle decision there is. Well done, sir.
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
Is selling the Victory an option and replacing it with the goose set up for touring?
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NCDan,
No sir, selling or trading away the Victory is most definitely, not on the table or a even consideration of any kind.
PS - I just sent you a PM.
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:thumb: +1 on TN Mark
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I've been a B to B manufacturers rep for a long time. I greatly enjoy what I do. Though I can't imagine being a manufacturer rep for the Piaggio Group, Moto Guzzi line. I bought my first Moto Guzzi in 1977. It was a silver 1976 Convert with a Vetter fairing. I love the Converts and had three of them over the years. But I've been a fan of the Moto Guzzi brand since that first Convert in 1977.
Anyway, about a month and a half ago I started looking around at current Guzzi offerings in the 1400 line. I've followed them somewhat remotely through magazines, websites and internet forums since 2012/2013 when the 1400 was first coming out. In the 1400 line, the Eldorado is, to me, 'the one'. I first saw it up close at RPM in Dallas several weeks ago. I thought the designer did a great job with the bones he had to work with. In addition to the aesthetics, the ergonomics of the seat, handlebars and floorboards on the Eldo seem best suited to me. Especially good looking to me is the Eldorado in black and red. For me it's like the EV and the Bassa. I thought the EV was aesthetically a bit awkward looking. And that awkwardness was smoothed over with the Bassa fenders and rear tail light. Others must have agreed since the later EV's used those items from the Bassa/California Special to finish out the EV Touring line.
I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far. Only two of the five had an Eldorado in stock. But only one of them, RPM, had the bike prepped so it could be ridden. The three dealers without an Eldorado (or much of any 1400) in stock all said "they sell well when we have them on the floor.". To which the obvious question was "Then why don't you keep them on the floor"? Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado. I should be back in Dallas next month and will take RPM up their offer for an extended demo ride. Their version of extended is all the way home to Chattanooga, TN. My version is about 30 minutes in varying traffic conditions.
My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi. The Eldorado couldn't replace my Victory Cross Country Tour due to the Vic's luggage and two up capabilities. Therefore I'd really have to justify a second one up motorcycle. I really do love the Victory in any riding condition I've ever been in with it so it's difficult to justify a second bike.
So, as has been discussed at length on Wildguzzi for many years; what's Piaggio to do with Moto Guzzi? From my sample of 5 dealers, 4 of them need to know about the bikes. I'm thrilled Piaggio has done all they have with Moto Guzzi. The V7 and now the V9 lines seem well rounded. From a manufacturing standpoint, it's very difficult to justify utilizing somewhat limited R&D resources without a reasonable expectation of a 2 or 3 year return on that investment. I don't mean that as Piaggio has limited R&D resources. But that they likely have to charge the cost of R&D to a specific division and model line. Piaggio has clearly been putting money into the Guzzi line for a while now.
I 'was' hoping the Eldorado would be further developed into maybe a 'touring' version. Though an Internet search turns up nearly a dozen Eldorados currently at dealers around the country. The exact number could be a bit higher. They're priced anywhere from $11,600 to $16,800. Obviously the OTD prices would all need to be verified. Plus the Piaggio warehouse seems to still have Eldos available. So I've now mostly given up hope of an Eldorado touring version. Yes, I know the CA Touring saddlebags can be mounted to an Eldorado and that Guzzi and Hepco Becker have saddlebag options available.
Decisons, decisions. Yes, no or not now are really the only options.
Hey Mark, good luck with your search. Of the very fine 1400 line, in truth the Eldo is the only one of those that appeals to me visually. I think Guzzi likely and understandably figures their 1400 Touring is the "touring" bike in that range, so I'm not sure whether Guzzi would ever develop the Eldo's touring end much since there sits the Cali Touring probably right across the floor, also unsold, from it.
For the 14 or so years I've owned my 11 different Geese, I've just accepted that dealers will be far and few, and then the lot of them will know little specifically about the bikes. But then I find this is no different from pretty much any dealer. Go ask your local mega dealer if the Kawi Z900 has tubeless tires and the 19 year old salesman will likely have to run for consultation. Enzo and the guys in Cincy know their bikes and if you're going to buy, they are a great option.
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
My wife and I have our hobby budgets. x amount of money goes into each budget every pay period and we get to spend that as we please without any comments. We will be married 33 years in a couple weeks. Every couple has to figure out what works for them. Now any purchases that are outside of our hobby that affect the household budget are discussed and compromises made.
Why not buy a 25 year old or older Guzzi and then you can put a vintage one time only plate on it and cheap insurance. Then you have a Guzzi that you can work on and ride sparingly when you want to do the urban ride into Chattanooga and have the local hipsters and old guys admire your ride.
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
My wife doesn't ride with me and barely listens when I talk motorcycles but every time I mention a new Guzzi she says, "don't you remember the one you bought when we were first married?" in the 80's!
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I wouldn't describe having a spouse dictate what motorcycles can or can't be in the garage a"healthy relationship "! 😎
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I've been to five Guzzi dealers so far.
Only one of the five had a clue about Eldorado accessories or even if the CA Touring windshield, driving lights or the heated grips would fit on the Eldorado.
My heart says: buy that beautiful motorcycle. Then my head reminds me of the somewhat spotty dealer network, the limited factory accessory list, the even more limited after market support and how to price a 3 model year old brand new Moto Guzzi.
Guzzis are super low volume motorcycles, even for Guzzi specific dealers. Nothing new, here. The staff at the shops can't know what they can't know. They're not selling enough bikes to sell enough accessories to know what's what. That's what we Guzzisti have the internet for.
There are many accessories available for the Cal 14s, and things like seats, driving lights, and windshields cross over sub-model to sub-model.
Guzzis require owner involvement. You have to do the research. You have to use AF1racing, and Agostini's, and MotoMachines, and all the other sources out there to get the bits and pieces you want to slather on your new Moto Guzzi. Everything you want is a credit card and a UPS/DHL truck ride away from your front porch.
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NCDan,
No sir, selling or trading away the Victory is most definitely, not on the table or a even consideration of any kind.
PS - I just sent you a PM.
I could NEVER sell my Victorys. I don’t mind adding bikes to the harem. But never sell the Vics...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180823/9cbc6fa96f8e0633c3c07c5c1c3b8fd9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180823/a5ab7d70421d96c421b3995e3efaeef4.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I would absolutely love to have the black & red Eldo modified with mufflers so it sounds like an air/oil cooled V-Twin, the CA Touring windshield, CA Touring driving lights and the passenger backrest/luggage rack as shown in the old Guzzi show video. Apparently that passenger backrest/luggage rack combo could be coming out through an alternate source. Anyway, an Eldorado, or literally any Moto Guzzi is simply not going to happen at this point. Try as I did over the last couple of months to talk to my wife about it, she is in no way what so ever on board. Certainly not with having a Moto Guzzi, any Moto Guzzi in our garage. We've only been married for 32 years and we fully intend to go another 32 and many more after that. So, I know when to say when as I value a healthy relationship with her more than just about anything. The Moto Guzzi signs will however, remain hanging on the garage wall.
After 32 years you might be able to invoke the Forgiveness vs. Permission rule and just go get the bike.
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40 years plus of marriage here and there has never been any long lasting negative effects from buying a motorcycle.
I don't think most wives would admit it, but my theory is if you willingly give away your nads they loose respect. :thewife: :laugh:
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so you can't buy the bike because your wife wont let you, and you already have a motorcycle in the same 'touring cruiser' class that you like better... how does that make the Eldorado frustrating? sounds like a great bike that you don't want and cant buy.
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In my best southern church voice, "Tell it brother, tell it!"
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Sure wish I could "Like" some of these posts. :grin:
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I could NEVER sell my Victorys. I don�t mind adding bikes to the harem. But never sell the Vics...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180823/9cbc6fa96f8e0633c3c07c5c1c3b8fd9.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180823/a5ab7d70421d96c421b3995e3efaeef4.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, I totally agree, do not get rid of a Victory. The Eldo would have been a solo bike as to me it wouldn't make sense to try and make it a 'touring' bike. Certainly not when you own and love a Cross Country Tour like I do. Nothing, and I mean nothing on the market from any manufacturer can, IMHO, hold a candle to my CCT as a 'touring' motorcycle. It also handles the mountains and the hills beautifully.
I love the idea of adding another Victory for solo duty which is why something like a 2014 Victory Highball in black and white with the mag wheels could likely be the Eldorado replacement. When the right bike, at the right time and with the right deal comes along, a second Victory is very likely.
What some Moto Guzzi owners don't seem to know is that the Victory 106 based bikes are an excellent 'big' bike alternative for the Guzzi fan. There are a fair amount of Victory owners on the Victory forums that either still are or used to be Moto Guzzi owners. In fact every Moto Guzzi mention I've ever read on the Victory forums is very well received. Like me, other Victory owners appreciate the Guzzi bikes for being unique and marching to their own music.
I recently picked up a Moto Guzzi coffee cup which is front and center on a shelf in my office. I'll continue to watch what Piaggio does with the Moto Guzzi line. There will come a time where I'll have another Guzzi.
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Literally I have no idea what the purpose of this thread is :huh:
Dusty
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Literally I have no idea what the purpose of this thread is :huh:
Dusty
TN Mark is venting his frustration that Victory is a dead brand, yet Moto Guzzi just keeps going out of business since 1921
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Literally I have no idea what the purpose of this thread is :huh:
Dusty
He wants an Eldorado but his wife won't let him have one.
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having had a victory and now a guzzi, i understand. as good as the victory is, and it is very good as in the most reliable, trouble free bike i ever owned and handily outperformed the harley wide glide i traded for it in all performance catagories except one and that one was intangible - call it character, personality or some other humanizing trait, i respected the victory and its awesome engineering, but did not really love mine. the guzzi reminds me of the harley in that it feels like something alive, more than the sum of its parts so to speak but at the same time, it too outperforms the harley in every significant performance matrix. to some but not all riders, this resonates, others could care less. i think the op gets this too, hence the guzzi love when he already owns a bike he loves. btw - this cali custom can tour with the best of them. the original honda valkyrie was 90 horse and 90 pounds of torque and no one called that inadequate.
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As much as I love my Victory’s, and I sure do, I still want a Moto Guzzi very badly. As matter fact, I’m going this Saturday to look at two of them.
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having had a victory and now a guzzi, i understand. as good as the victory is, and it is very good as in the most reliable, trouble free bike i ever owned and handily outperformed the harley wide glide i traded for it in all performance catagories except one and that one was intangible - call it character, personality or some other humanizing trait, i respected the victory and its awesome engineering, but did not really love mine. the guzzi reminds me of the harley in that it feels like something alive, more than the sum of its parts so to speak but at the same time, it too outperforms the harley in every significant performance matrix. to some but not all riders, this resonates, others could care less. i think the op gets this too, hence the guzzi love when he already owns a bike he loves. btw - this cali custom can tour with the best of them. the original honda valkyrie was 90 horse and 90 pounds of torque and no one called that inadequate.
Well said.
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As much as I love my Victory�s, and I sure do, I still want a Moto Guzzi very badly. As matter fact, I�m going this Saturday to look at two of them.
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Fantastic. I wanted to love the two 1400’s I test rode. But they just didn’t move me like the CCT does. Guzzi is getting there so time is on their side.
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The more I ride my 1400 tourer the more I like and respect the technology that went into its design. If it can just not possess any of the guzzi GERMLINS they are usually plagued with I think this may end up being my favorite bike of all time.
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I could NEVER sell my Victorys.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180823/a5ab7d70421d96c421b3995e3efaeef4.jpg)
I always liked the Vision. I just kept waiting for a second generation without sooo much swoop on the saddlebags and maybe a little less angle on the fairing. It's a great do it all!
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TN Mark is venting his frustration that Victory is a dead brand, yet Moto Guzzi just keeps going out of business since 1921
He wants an Eldorado but his wife won't let him have one.
Mark seems a decent bloke , but I am unable to decipher most of his posts .Thanks for the explanations .
Dusty
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Y’all should back off with the “your wife won’t let you" thing.
TN Mark is a great guy and not wanting to sow discourse in a marriage over a motorcycle is a noble thing imho.
I bet if he really wanted it he could buy it and his wife would live with his decision.
The thread is about MG1400’s and particularly the Eldo.
The Vic is a great bike and while all owners are saddened at their demise he sure doesn’t sound bitter about it. (be warned Indian lovers) Parts and such are available for the Vics so ride on.
It’s not like other brands haven’t come and gone and MG had discontinued bikes along the years too.
Ride what you like and like what you ride.
RideOn!
inditx
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Why, he clearly said his wife won't allow it? That's just the fact, has nothing to do with how great a guy Mark is. I disagree with many of his conclusions throughout this thread, but I will give him props for restraint, he has taken a few hits and didn't fire back in anger.
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Hey badchad,
Just to clarify, my remarks weren’t in anger either as I'm pretty sure Mark’s not angry, even tough "he has taken some hits" in your words. Some of the other remarks were just much more crass and I was simply pointing out that there is/was no need for machismo comments about his manhood or other such nonsense.
Sometimes we say things like “the wife won’t let me” as a figure of speech not literally. Although I can't presume to know if that is/was the deal breaker in this case.
No worries
Cheers
inditx
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Jenn had a particularly bad day (tough patient) yesterday, I think it might have been a full termer or close, but there was meconium aspiration. X-rays of the lungs made it look like solid blocks of it, probably in utero. But it was one of those when the apgars go the wrong way and they hit road blocks with every treatment they try...
... So she got home late and frustrated/upset.
Meanwhile, Kev finished up work a few hours earlier and should have started dinner. Instead he showered and checked on the kids to find them both lying down in Seamus's room, lights off, fan on, saying they were tired.
Sounded good to Kev, he crawled in between them for a snuggle.
Woke up an hour after Jenn should have been home to find Jenn standing over them and the unanswered text messages on his phone.
Worst part, for Kev, yup, that dinner she was expecting...
Fast forward 30 minutes he's standing at the counter of a local Italian joint picking up a pizza, mussels and shrimp over linguini fra diavalo, and some buttered noodles and meatballs for the kids. Seamus is with him and says "you sure saved Daddy."
Kev adds "yeah, wife got home pissed after a bad day at work and instead of finding dinner on the table she found me and the kids taking a nap, so you guys are saving my ass"
Waitress draws air in slowly and dramatically through pursed lips.
Dude at the register looks at the ground, shakes his head and says "good luck."
None of them knew Kev would be telling Jenn that story over dinner and a bottle of Cab and she'd be cracking up at the thought.
Yeah, sometimes things at home aren't as dramatic as we make it out to be. She thought finding us all asleep was pretty damn cute.
So endeth the lesson.
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If I wrote she won�t �let� me, that was an error on my part. My wife absolutely doesn�t want me to get another Moto Guzzi. But i could if i really wanted too. Her position, and she�s correct, is because I all too often spend way too much money completing them to my liking from where Guzzi left off with the design. Therefore, in some of the ones I�ve had, they end up as a money pit. Could I get an Eldorado, sure. It would be a solo rider for me anyway, not for us as the Victory handles two up perfectly. But knowing how she�s against it, why would I when there are so many wonderful alternatives available. You can run your lives how you see fit and I�ll do the same if that�s ok.
There are a lot of solo bikes I can be very happy with. A Victory Highball or even an older H-D Wide Glide. I�m not married or infatuated with any particular motorcycle brand. I�ve owned and enjoyed five different brands so far. So, if I find the right Highball at the right time at the right price and it�s the right deal i�ll bring it home and everyone will be happy. If I find something else altogether, that�s fine as well.
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Y�all should back off with the �your wife won�t let you" thing.
TN Mark is a great guy and not wanting to sow discourse in a marriage over a motorcycle is a noble thing imho.
inditx
Yes, I enjoy TN Mark's posts and I don't have a problem understanding them.
But we cannot play favorites here. Whenever a member includes "My wife doesn't let ..." or "My wife doesn't think ... " or "She really doesn't ..." in a post about buying motorcycles, then there's only one possible action that can be taken .... :wink:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/General/i-WJvPrw2/0/2110815e/O/revoked-man-card_zps505e0016.jpg) (https://lannisselz.smugmug.com/General/i-WJvPrw2/A)
Lannis
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I always liked the Vision. I just kept waiting for a second generation without sooo much swoop on the saddlebags and maybe a little less angle on the fairing. It's a great do it all!
Some people have grafted the Cross bike saddlebags, rear fender and the trunk onto a Vision. IMHO, had Polaris done that they could revitalized the Vision line. But they stopped any and all Vision R&D soon after it debuted.
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Jenn had a particularly bad day (tough patient) yesterday, I think it might have been a full termer or close, but there was meconium aspiration. X-rays of the lungs made it look like solid blocks of it, probably in utero. But it was one of those when the apgars go the wrong way and they hit road blocks with every treatment they try...
... So she got home late and frustrated/upset.
Meanwhile, Kev finished up work a few hours earlier and should have started dinner. Instead he showered and checked on the kids to find them both lying down in Seamus's room, lights off, fan on, saying they were tired.
Sounded good to Kev, he crawled in between them for a snuggle.
Woke up an hour after Jenn should have been home to find Jenn standing over them and the unanswered text messages on his phone.
Worst part, for Kev, yup, that dinner she was expecting...
Fast forward 30 minutes he's standing at the counter of a local Italian joint picking up a pizza, mussels and shrimp over linguini fra diavalo, and some buttered noodles and meatballs for the kids. Seamus is with him and says "you sure saved Daddy."
Kev adds "yeah, wife got home pissed after a bad day at work and instead of finding dinner on the table she found me and the kids taking a nap, so you guys are saving my ass"
Waitress draws air in slowly and dramatically through pursed lips.
Dude at the register looks at the ground, shakes his head and says "good luck."
None of them knew Kev would be telling Jenn that story over dinner and a bottle of Cab and she'd be cracking up at the thought.
Yeah, sometimes things at home aren't as dramatic as we make it out to be. She thought finding us all asleep was pretty damn cute.
So endeth the lesson.
God bless you and your house Kev.
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God bless you and your house Kev.
He sure does.... And to you and yours as well!
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Nice Kev m!
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I am on several motorcycle forums and this thread is the strangest I've ever seen. TN Mark asks for advice on buying an Eldorado and then tells us he can't. I really don't care what the reason is it's his call. But for him to feel that he has a need to tell us why? I give up. Call we talk about something more important referring to motorcycles.
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But for him to feel that he has a need to tell us why? I give up. Call we talk about something more important referring to motorcycles.
It's a Discussion Board. We discuss things related to Motorcycles, and Moto Guzzis sometimes.
Sometimes we talk about our feelings, sometimes about our opinions, sometimes about how our wives feel about motorcycles, sometimes about that it might be time for us to quit riding.
Sometimes we complain about what a hassle it is to own too many motorcycles.
I'm not sure who gets to decide what's More Important. As you've noted, everyone has an opinion on that ....
Lannis
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I am on several motorcycle forums and this thread is the strangest I've ever seen. TN Mark asks for advice on buying an Eldorado and then tells us he can't. I really don't care what the reason is it's his call. But for him to feel that he has a need to tell us why? I give up. Call we talk about something more important referring to motorcycles.
I merely tried to relay my current Moto Guzzi experiences with an Eldorado and some dealers. I in no way sought any forum members advise on how to procure one if it came to that. I�m sorry you read things into what I posted. I also participate on a few forums. I�ve not found any thread compulsory reading though. Well, except for whatever Pete Roper posts. I do feel compelled to read anything and everything he posts. I love his wit, wisdom, humor, technical expertise and of course his writing (speaking) style. It�s been that way for many, many years. Carry on.
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If Moto guzzi comes out with a V85 Eldorado I would be very tempted.
I just had a 125 mile curvy road blast on my V7. Once I get the suspension sorted it will be amazing!
I don't need or want a 1400 cc Moto Guzzi.
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If Moto guzzi comes out with a V85 Eldorado I would be very tempted.
I don't need or want a 1400 cc Moto Guzzi.
Me, too
I don't NEED any motorcycle and I WANT them all!
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When you want a shiny new toy, buy the wife something nice first.
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Me, too
I don't NEED any motorcycle and I WANT them all!
Oh, I NEED a motorcycle!
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Just looking at photos of the Victorys and my knowledge of the 1400, I would say the Guzzis is more a rider's bike given the extreme forward controls on the Vics.
Just my 2 cents
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Just looking at photos of the Victorys and my knowledge of the 1400, I would say the Guzzis is more a rider's bike given the extreme forward controls on the Vics.
Just my 2 cents
[emoji849][emoji849][emoji849]
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Just looking at photos of the Victorys and my knowledge of the 1400, I would say the Guzzis is more a rider's bike given the extreme forward controls on the Vics.
Just my 2 cents
You got that wrong. Bikes with forward controls are for those who know how to ride. :evil: It does take more skill and confidence to go through the curves fast when you have forward controls.
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You got that wrong. Bikes with forward controls are for those who know how to ride. :evil: It does take more skill and confidence to go through the curves fast when you have forward controls.
:kiss:
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You got that wrong. Bikes with forward controls are for those who know how to ride. :evil: It does take more skill and confidence to go through the curves fast when you have forward controls.
Yep! That's why every racing, competition, and Iron Butt bike is built that way .... ! :kiss:
Lannis
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:kiss:
Here is my Mean Streak with Jardine Forward Controls installed. The Mean Streak runs sport bikes wheels/tires, USD forks, and good brakes. I shocked a few people on this bike. LOL!
(https://thumb.ibb.co/ib5m2p/Meanstreak_03.png) (https://ibb.co/ib5m2p)
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Yep! That's why every racing, competition, and Iron Butt bike is built that way .... ! :kiss:
Lannis
What does that have anything to do with being "built for a rider"?
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You got that wrong. Bikes with forward controls are for those who know how to ride. :evil: It does take more skill and confidence to go through the curves fast when you have forward controls.
Oh, that must be why all the top MotoGP, Superbike, Supercross, motocross, and enduro riders use highway pegs! :rolleyes:
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Yep! That's why every racing, competition, and Iron Butt bike is built that way .... ! :kiss:
Lannis
and
Oh, that must be why all the top MotoGP, Superbike, Supercross, motocross, and enduro riders use highway pegs! :rolleyes:
You both realize that was poor logic.
He said it takes more skill to ride em, which translates into it's harder.
Why would anyone build a race or endurance bike etc. and design it to be HARDER to ride?!?
So your posts basically support his supposition.
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So your posts basically support his supposition.
Well, that's nice then ... everyone's happy!
Lannis
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Well, well, well, I'm back in the Moto Guzzi Eldorado 1400 hunt. But, now it's an all black one please. I'm looking at one this week that's as modified as a 1400 gets regarding Hp and Trq. Still small numbers from what I'm used to on my Victory bikes. Yes, bikes, I added a second Victory instead of buying the Eldorado a couple years ago. That Victory, a 2013 Hard-Ball, is For Sale, It's drop dead gorgeous, sounds amazing and is quite powerful. It's on eBay (TNVicMan) as I write this.
Anyway, a fellow Wildguzzi member and I talked and I was reminded of the 2016 issue regarding the Demand Sensor (TPS). I know the 2017 ECU firmware can be downloaded in the 2016 ECU but the systems will still be somewhat different. From what I understand, the 2017 to 2020 TPS and related systems don't have the issues of the 2016 and earlier bikes.
So far, every Eldorado I've found is a 2016. If a 2016 with 2017 firmware and the GTM fuel management system can be reliable, I'll have another decision to make. Yes, I know a PCV is 'old' technology. But the PCV on my 2012 Victory is still 100% reliable 100% of the time after 100K+ miles. That, and the Guzzi ECU can't be directly re-written like my Hard-Ball and most Harleys.
And, yea, my wife is onboard now for a Guzzi to be in the garage along side my 2012 gloss pearl white Victory Cross Country Tour. Of course it's had all the usual Victory Go faster stuff since 2013. Even 112 RW Hp and 114 RW FtLbsTrq can get 'boring' after a while. The only way to get to 135 Hp and 135 Trq on the Victory is to make the 106" into a 117". Which frankly costs more than either the Victory I'm selling or buying a used Eldorado. So, the Eldorado search is back on.
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it is interesting to skim back through this 7 year old thread and see some of the names we don't see anymore. I have a 2016 black with 32,000 miles. It had 18,000 when I bought it 2 seasons ago. It has been trouble free in that time. I have an aftermarket screen by Parabellum and the previous owner installed hard cases on it and they are very large and useful. I had a custom seat made and Mattris rear shocks and Ago exhaust but that is all it needed in my opinion. I keep getting tempted by the lighter weight of the 850 V7, but that goes away once I am on the road on the Eldo. It has such charm and character. It is very smooth on any length trip you want to take.
(https://i.ibb.co/4R9TRJhy/IMG-20250903-172900852-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4R9TRJhy)
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it is interesting to skim back through this 7 year old thread and see some of the names we don't see anymore. I have a 2016 black with 32,000 miles. It had 18,000 when I bought it 2 seasons ago. It has been trouble free in that time. I have an aftermarket screen by Parabellum and the previous owner installed hard cases on it and they are very large and useful. I had a custom seat made and Mattris rear shocks and Ago exhaust but that is all it needed in my opinion. I keep getting tempted by the lighter weight of the 850 V7, but that goes away once I am on the road on the Eldo. It has such charm and character. It is very smooth on any length trip you want to take.
(https://i.ibb.co/4R9TRJhy/IMG-20250903-172900852-HDR.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4R9TRJhy)
Thank you for the post! All too often most of what is posted are problems. A Grok session on a 2016 Eldorado returned issues and problems posted here and the GTM site.
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I know the 2016 and earlier 1400’s are/were somewhat prone to Demand Sensor/TPS problems. But, I’m reading where the design change and the firmware upgrade in 2017 mostly (completely) removed that concern.
Question: does the 2017 firmware update downloaded to the 2016 ECU mostly take care of the Demand Sensor/TPS problem?
Even though the 2016 and 2017 systems remain mechanically different.