Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Luap McKeever on February 20, 2019, 06:16:13 AM
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There's too many posts about dealers closing their doors. This is bad news for sure. In fact, a quick check shows me that dealerships are down in the US by about 20% over just 5 years ago.
My dealer is one that closed their doors (Brookside in Tulsa). So, I'm in the market for a new dealer myself, when and if the time comes. Looks like a trip to Flying Tiger in St Louis is in order for me soon. It "appears" that they are my closest dealer that actually has....Moto Guzzi's on the floor.
So, I thought it'd be a good idea for you all to give your preferred dealer a "plug". Maybe someone will learn something they didn't know.
Dealers, chime in too if you like. Without you all, we have no toys.
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I do ALL my own repairs to my three Guzzis as well as my wife's and several other local owners. My "plug" is for MG Cycle & Harpers. That's where I deal for parts. I feel that both are reputable, honest and upstanding. As far as a local dealer goes, I'm not sure where the closest one is or who they are. I haven't stepped in to a dealer's facility in several years. I guess that makes me "part of the problem".
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Loop Tonti EV beat me to it.
Don't forget places like MG Cycles and Harpers for parts and folks like Charlie Mullendore who can and will work on older Guzzi's no dealer will touch. Those three entities alone are responsible for keeping a lot of the older Guzzi's on the road.
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Loop Tonti EV beat me to it.
Don't forget places like MG Cycles and Harpers for parts and folks like Charlie Mullendore who can and will work on older Guzzi's no dealer will touch. Those three entities alone are responsible for keeping a lot of the older Guzzi's on the road.
I must say that if I needed a Guzzi mechanic it would be Charlie Mullendore. He gives up lots of his time on here with free advice. I have known him for many years, probably since the early eighties. He's quite knowledgeable and very friendly too. ***** Five stars.
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All of the above are part of the solution... As far as new bike dealers go, I'm happy with Moto Richmond in Virginia. Good deals on new bikes and excellent fix-it skills.
Lannis
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I bought my 16 stornello from xtreme in accident Md. Very smooth transaction and no hidden fees. I've also dealt with cadre in Cincinnati. They have had many good reviews on here. I would recommend both of them.
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Respondents may want to mention where they're at, generally. I know some will cover many miles for 'their' dealer. Hamlin in CT comes to mind in this regard.
My dealer would be Cadre Cycles in Cincinnati OH. Definitely all in on the Guzzi line. Stocks the full line. Has an active repair shop. Delivers for free within 200 miles of Cincy. Stand up dude.
I buy all my goodies from MG Cycle and Harpers.
blessed to have Chuck and Andy in my 'neighborhood'
I live in Indianapolis.
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My local dealer will be in Accident, MD also. (still love that town name).
I've dealt with them for my aprilia Futura and Caponord without issue. They're about 120 miles away.
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Just a reminder to those in the midwest that Harpers still works on Guzzis old or new.
GliderJohn
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Jim Knaup's POWERSPORTS Outlet in historic Prescott, AZ.
Northern Arizona's ONLY official Moto Guzzi dealer and this is a photo of his new shop near downtown.
Matt and the rest of the crew told me recently they will be in there by next month (March)! :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/4Kws2h5/Screen-Shot-2019-02-20-at-6-33-24-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/4Kws2h5)
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My local dealer will be in Accident, MD also. (still love that town name).
I've dealt with them for my aprilia Futura and Caponord without issue.
Hard to argue with them for their pricing and they seem to care about the customer too.
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Three of the four Guzzi dealers I've used are now closed. The nearest effective dealer to me is a five hour drive away. The last time my bike was checked out by anyone apart from me was when Rodekyll visited last year (he checked the TB's balance and the TPS...both were spot on).
Guzzi service departments must be akin to Maytag repairmen. No wonder they can't stay open...
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45 miles from me is Flying Tiger Motorcycles in Maplewood (St. Louis) Missouri.
Purchased two new motorcycles from them - a V7 III and a 1400 Cali Tour.
They started in the motorcycle restoration business and then "Genuine" scooters and also Royal Enfield. They added the Moto Guzzi line - maybe three years ago. Small shop, but good inventory.
What you see is what you get. No BS, no hidden fees. The owner is a motorcycle enthusiast. You can schedule service work online or just call or stop by. :thumb:
CADRE Cycles - Cincinnatti - lol, Enzo is 400 miles from here but it was a good road trip and a pleasant experience to purchase a leftover V9 at blowout pricing. THis is a small shop with a family atmosphere. The staff treats you like you're their only customer - AND there were free donuts. :grin: They have a lot of nice "formerly loved" motorcycles, also.
I didn't know that Harper's (Greenwood, Missouri - SE of KC) worked on bikes.
Donaldson Cycles in St. Ann, MO (St.Louis) will work on some Moto Guzzi,. They used to sell them.
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Im new to the Guzzi world, and only have been there once but my most local dealer is Hamlin in CT. Im just southeast of Albany NY, so its not close.... a little under 2 hours away, but they seem to be a real class operation. Nice friendly old school motorcycle dealer, that has a showroom full of bikes... not PWC, quads, and snowmobiles...Been a log time since ive seen one.
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I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned taker care of. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrenched thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.
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I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrench thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.
Ive worked on a lot of bikes, and a TON of cars... and really the Guzzi's are just another motor driven vehicle.. Wires, hoses, nuts, bolts... its really the same thing.. TON of info out there thanks to all of you guys and others... dealing with the FI system is really no harder then all the automotive work ive done, and frankly if you can tune up a lawnmower you can do maintenance on the thing.
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I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned taker care of. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrenched thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.
If your Guzzi is pre fuel injection a hit-and-miss motor mechanic is more than adequate. A bastard rasp, 13mm wrench, hammer and test light is all you need tool-wise for diagnosing or fixing most issues.
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If your Guzzi is pre fuel injection a hit-and-miss motor mechanic is more than adequate. A bastard rasp, 13mm wrench, hammer and test light is all you need tool-wise for diagnosing or fixing most issues.
Not sure that "pre fuel injection " is even a deal breaker. Many guys here can help diagnose a problem with a lap top and narrow it down to the part which needs replacing, like my recent TPS sensor which my mechanic replaced.
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I've bought my parts from Harper's getting my '02 CalStone sorted and back on the road. Special thanks to Chuck for helping me with his GuzziDiag and pointing me in the right direction with the TPS and throttle body balancing. Haven't been to a dealer yet, but I have spoken with Enzo and James at Cadre in Cincy. I have come away impressed with them so far. Here in East Central Indiana, I'm about 120 miles away from their shop.
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I've always been pleased with Ace Mallot in St Joeseph, Missouri but I haven't spoken with him since I saw him at a rally a few years ago and I don't know his current situation. I like Scrambler Cycle near Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He's a one man shop and is very capable, but not a dealer, someone I trust. Charlie Mullendore at Antietam cycle is a good one too. In Lake Crystal , MN there is Judsons who used to be a dealer so he has a bunch of new old stock. Ron is still a BMW dealer, another good one.
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Little drift here, but there seems to be a bit of a disconnect with guys who think working on a Guzzi is no harder than tuning a lawnmower.
First off there are lots of folks who don’t have the skills to tune a mower. I see this all the time from folks who have the skills and can’t wrap there mind around the fact that there really are people who can’t adjust valve lash without a high degree of screwing it up. Don’t assume because you can do it in your sleep, everyone else can!
On to the next level. I can tune an old school mower, I think, haven’t had to in a long time! I can change fluids, adjust valves and such, but I don’t have the skills to dig in the FI system. The level of complexity and accuracy is well beyond my comfort level and dexterity. Thank heavens there are dealers and shop who can confidently to such problem solving.
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Hamlin's in Bethel, CT is only 120 miles from me and my son & daughter in law live in the same town. Many owners travel much further, for that shops skills, focus and honesty.
Being at the stage of too old to learn the only thing that scares me is all that digital boogie woogie that goes on (or off), sight unseen. R3~
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Little drift here, but there seems to be a bit of a disconnect with guys who think working on a Guzzi is no harder than tuning a lawnmower.
First off there are lots of folks who don’t have the skills to tune a mower. I see this all the time from folks who have the skills and can’t wrap there mind around the fact that there really are people who can’t adjust valve lash without a high degree of screwing it up. Don’t assume because you can do it in your sleep, everyone else can!
On to the next level. I can tune an old school mower, I think, haven’t had to in a long time! I can change fluids, adjust valves and such, but I don’t have the skills to dig in the FI system. The level of complexity and accuracy is well beyond my comfort level and dexterity. Thank heavens there are dealers and shop who can confidently to such problem solving.
I brought that up not meaning that every rider, can, or even should do their own work.... But that odds are they know someone that can handle those tasks. Ive been in the auto biz since day one.. and I can do most things, but know many that cant, and thats fine.. But all those have friends, relatives, coworkers, buddys, or that good repair shop they bring their car to that are more then able to.
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I've used A-J cycles in Gill Ma. For many years. Bought 3 BMW's & my current Guzzi there, no games, no gltz ,no drama .
I do most service myself . They have been more than fair to fault almost. Especially with the few (thankfuly) warranty issues.
Still have my R1200r & the V7II is the "new bike" . In short I'll miss them greatly if any thing we're to happen .
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Luap, Although I've never done business with Reno, (I like Harper's) this is another dealer that's always overlooked here. I'd rather drive to Martin City than St. Louis.
https://www.renospowersportskc.com/
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Chad, I hear ya as I also am in that category. That being said, I've had ECU issues with my last two Guzzis, a CalVin and now a 1400. In both bikes and situations I had guys on this very forum to offer their assistance and patiently took their time to walk me through the computer process of fixing the problems. However I must, in all fairness, add that without the assistance of my dear wife with her understanding of computer working, could not have accomplished the task. That being said, these days most any of our grandchildren can do the same thing, it's just basic computer knowledge which most all people in the generation after ours are familiar with. We'll be ok:)
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Well the closest dealer is gone --- butt --- I've never let that bother me in 50 years on cars, motorcycles or anything else.
Now I have a new dealer to investigate --- and they rent Guzzies!
Euro Cycle Windsor, Ca
So for my 65th I'm going to take #3 son, rent a Stelvio and 1400 California for a true test ride / run to Jenner, Ca and beyond. Just for a day.
I probably should bring a camera.
Mark
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Hamlin Cycles in CT. As good as you'll find anywhere.
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Here in the midwest, Cadre is King! For sales and service, can’t say enough good things about Enzo and the guys. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
I have had a couple of bikes serviced at Renos in KC MO., but they are not continuing with the Guzzi line so, not good.
Alas, I always have Harpers for parts and maybe service but haven’t had them do the latter for any of my bikes yet.
inditx
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Luap, Although I've never done business with Reno, (I like Harper's) this is another dealer that's always overlooked here. I'd rather drive to Martin City than St. Louis.
https://www.renospowersportskc.com/
I have had only good experiences with Harper's. However, Reno's does not want to sell Guzzis. They were forced to sell them in order to sell Aprilia. I have not been able to find a Moto Guzzi on their website for some time. But their service dept did do the one recall on my Griso with no issues. (That was prior to me knowing that Harper's could do the work.) I will take my bike to Harper's or even Flying Tiger from now on.
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Jim Knaup's POWERSPORTS Outlet in historic Prescott, AZ.
Northern Arizona's ONLY official Moto Guzzi dealer and this is a photo of his new shop near downtown.
Matt and the rest of the crew told me recently they will be in there by next month (March)! :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/4Kws2h5/Screen-Shot-2019-02-20-at-6-33-24-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/4Kws2h5)
Is Encore Performance still selling Guzzi's in Prescott?
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Powersports Outlet is the old Encore Performance in Prescott.
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Hamlin Cycles, Bethal ct.
#1
TOMB
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They're new, but I like Optimum Performance Motorsports so far. They're the new dealer in the Seattle WA area after Moto International shut their doors. Genuine and treat the customer well. The shop already has mechanics certified with Guzzi.
They carry both Guzzi and Aprilia. Have a fair number of new V7s on the floor and they'll have several V85's around May including one for Test rides.
They come from a track background and have been around as a business for several years. If you're in the area, I'd give them a shot.
https://opmotorsports.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OptimumPerformanceMotorsports/
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Although they are more "pro" triumph & Husky since it was their main biz before Guzzi comes along, there are a few guys in there makes you feel welcome when you want to talk about Guzzi...
Not too bad of guys to deal with...just still lots of parts still need to order in instead of in stock..again, more "pro" triumph & Husky.
International Motorsports
https://www.internationalmotorsports.com/
Two locations, one in Vancouver BC, and one in Langley BC.
This is up in Canada, eh
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Powersports Outlet is the old Encore Performance in Prescott.
Yes, that's correct, and they are an official Moto Guzzi dealer.
They also carry SYM, Genuine motorcycles / scooters, and Hyosung. They used to carry Royal Enfield, but no more...
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Don is the owner of Motiv Cycleworks. He fixed the transmission leak on my Greenie by welding the case, fab'd a brace for it and put the mess back together.
He's now a Guzzi dealer here in OKC. He's the best wrench I know here and wish him luck with the Guzzi business. He shares space with Covlin Cycle who build performance bikes and vintage flat trackers. They developed slip-ons for V7/V9.
http://www.motivcycleworks.com/
EDIT: I do as much work as I can as most here do. That includes all the basic service stuff, fluids, valve adjustments. etc. I use this forum and Lemans forums for the "how to's". For parts I go to MG and Harper's.
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Is Jim at Rose Farms totally out of the Guzzi servicing business?
Bob
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Your positive attitude is appreciated, but my "local" dealers all closed.
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I too appreciate the sentiment, but no dealers near me. A long time ago I looked for a part for the T at Erico in Denver, and they laughed at me. Moto Italia in Fort Collins has a good inventory of new bikes but it's a six-hour drive.
Since 1984 I've had to do all my own work -- a steep learning curve! -- buying parts as available from (in order of preference) Harper's, MGCycle, Stein Dinse and members of this board. Only one bad experience, with a member who sent me chrome cylinders after promising iron liners.
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Can't say enough good about Cadre in Cincinnati. Enzo and the crew are great to work with and are true enthusiasts. I live in SW Ohio and I am very fortunate to have Cadre only about 7 miles from my house. Love stopping up there just to look and visit.
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I have had only good experiences with Harper's. However, Reno's does not want to sell Guzzis. They were forced to sell them in order to sell Aprilia. I have not been able to find a Moto Guzzi on their website for some time. But their service dept did do the one recall on my Griso with no issues. (That was prior to me knowing that Harper's could do the work.) I will take my bike to Harper's or even Flying Tiger from now on.
Hmmm too bad, I had no reason to go there except I'd been to Jess & Jim's for a steak. I just went in and kicked some tires <shrug>
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I don’t have the skills to dig in the FI system. The level of complexity and accuracy is well beyond my comfort level and dexterity. Thank heavens there are dealers and shop who can confidently to such problem solving.
Fwiw, I suspect strongly that you have the skill, just not the experience/confidence. There's nothing more exact or mysterious about EFI that someone with the touch to adjust valves or the patience to change jets, adjust needles or screws etc can't do.
I would argue EFI is even easier in that sense. It's less by feel and more by math.
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You may be right. :undecided:
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Fwiw, I suspect strongly that you have the skill, just not the experience/confidence. There's nothing more exact or mysterious about EFI that someone with the touch to adjust valves or the patience to change jets, adjust needles or screws etc can't do.
I would argue EFI is even easier in that sense. It's less by feel and more by math.
Great statement ^^^ people are intimidated by injection...Need to spend a few bucks on tools and read...
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You may be right. :undecided:
Well it would be a first, but I'm hopeful! :boozing:
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Well nobody has mentioned Greg Bender yet. He is a dealer of a kind. As most of us know he is the go-to for electricals on most older Guzzis, he has a wealth of knowledge and is an absolute allround gentleman and nice guy and his looms are the best, as his website for a huge amount of info.
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/
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I have been happy with Leo’s South in Lakeville, MN. I also had Kevin at Scrambler Cycle in Cameron WI lace two wheels for a CB550F and was very happy with his work and customer service. Great dude!
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Fwiw, I suspect strongly that you have the skill, just not the experience/confidence. There's nothing more exact or mysterious about EFI that someone with the touch to adjust valves or the patience to change jets, adjust needles or screws etc can't do.
I would argue EFI is even easier in that sense. It's less by feel and more by math.
Im kinda on the other end.. Ive not kept up with the tech world for a good bit, and reading through all the stuff like Guzzidiag kinda scares me... But really I showed it to my wife, and a friend that are tech savvy, but know NOTHING about mechanical things... and they feel its a breeze... so mix my mechanical aptitude, with their tech skills... your good to go. In this day, im sure ANYONE can find a tech savy person to get a old school guy up and running..
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+1 for Greg Bender. Good products, great MC knowledge and a very easy to deal with.
While we are mentioning other types of shops, I have found Charlie Mullendore's Antietam Classic Cycle shop to be a very good alternative to MG dealers. Excellent work at more than fair rates. I believe that Antietam Classic Cycle is primarily for vintage Guzzi's and other older machines.
Well nobody has mentioned Greg Bender yet. He is a dealer of a kind. As most of us know he is the go-to for electricals on most older Guzzis, he has a wealth of knowledge and is an absolute allround gentleman and nice guy and his looms are the best, as his website for a huge amount of info.
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/
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Is Jim at Rose Farms totally out of the Guzzi servicing business?
Bob
Yes, I don't think he has retired yet, still wrenching.
Here's a plug for GA's only dealer. Hey Wade!!! Great folks at Marietta AND parts warehouse is here in the area so, no waiting. I'd still be working there if the drive wasn't a bitch. 2hrs for 50mi and the exposure to it has cost me a crashed LM3 in 07(had to learn how to walk again for 3rd time) and a Jeep.
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Hi all,
Whether or not you are a wrench turner, it's always comforting to have a dealership as an option. Mine is Matthews Fun Machines, Matthews, NC. My $.02.
Be well,
Doug G.
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Is Jim at Rose Farms totally out of the Guzzi servicing business?
Bob
He's there every day, but generally is building/restoring kool machines for customers. I imagine he'd do Guzzi service work, though. He got fed up with dealing with.. oh you know what he got fed up with. :smiley:
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Jim Knaup's POWERSPORTS Outlet in historic Prescott, AZ.
Northern Arizona's ONLY official Moto Guzzi dealer and this is a photo of his new shop near downtown.
Matt and the rest of the crew told me recently they will be in there by next month (March)! :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/4Kws2h5/Screen-Shot-2019-02-20-at-6-33-24-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/4Kws2h5)
Matt Kellerman at PowerSports Outlet in Prescott AZ did excellent work on my Norge 1200 2-Valve when it needed the CARC rear drive replaced. At the same time he discovered multiple fissures in the "Y-Pipe" connector. It was leaking fresh air into the exhaust stream which in turn gave bad O2 readings to the ECU.
The bike runs perfectly now and the bill was fair. Good job, guys!
I have to ride about 100 miles each way to get to them, but it's through some beautiful AZ mountain country.
'Geezer
http://www.epfguzzi.com/ (http://www.epfguzzi.com/)
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Hi all,
Whether or not you are a wrench turner, it's always comforting to have a dealership as an option. Mine is Matthews Fun Machines, Matthews, NC. My $.02.
Be well,
Doug G.
U can't sleep so late! They are gone.
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U can't sleep so late! They are gone.
LMBO, well at least I informed him of this in a PM😂😂😂😂
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Out here in Oregon territory, is Aprilia MotoGuzzi of Portland. Nice folks, great deli down the street, big inventory and they have V85's on order!
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Nothing even close to me now that Kustomwerks dropped Guzzi.
I think the closest dealership to me now would be NYC.
I live in a Guzzi desert.
That said, I will give another shout out to both Harpers and MG Cycle. Good folks that have been more than willing to take my money and send me important motorcycle bits.
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Jeremy of Dunn's Imports middleton WI is competent and honest.
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Hi,
Thanks NCDAN and Vagrant for the heads up on Matthews Fun Machines. I phoned Moto Guzzi in Greensboro, NC and they said that they are "Currently a dealer." However, they said that they are considering switching out to Indian MC and dropping Guzzi. I guess that I'll be enjoying a lot more "hands on" experiences with my MG bikes in the near future.
Be well,
DougG
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Hi,
Thanks NCDAN and Vagrant for the heads up on Matthews Fun Machines. I phoned Moto Guzzi in Greensboro, NC and they said that they are "Currently a dealer." However, they said that they are considering switching out to Indian MC and dropping Guzzi. I guess that I'll be enjoying a lot more "hands on" experiences with my MG bikes in the near future.
Be well,
DougG
Doug, I tried to deal with Greensboro when I was having my TPS issue. I found them to be unreliable and untruthful. The service manager said he would get back with me in a couple days and that was 6 months ago. I have found that if a mans word is no good then neither is his discipline. Find you a good motorcycle cycle mechanic that is up to date with the modern technologies of these ECU systems and you can get the majority of your mechanical needs met.
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NCDan - I can't agree with you more. If we are not our word...what are we?
Be well,
Doug G
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Moto Richmond in Richmond, Va is a great shop. Good selection of new and used bikes, friendly shop, quality gear for sale. Their service department is well run. I have purchased two new motorcycles and one used one from them. Always a good experience.
I have to say, it is no surprise to me that dealers are closing. The market is down for Motorbikes, at least the big American and Asian companies (or, so I read). Why this is supposed to be a reflection on Piaggio is puzzling to me, as far as I know they have been the same old italian motorcycle company for quite a while. I certainly haven't ready anything that would lead me to think this is Piaggio's doing.
I can understand it being a bummer to have a shop close, but I don't think anyone who buys a Guzzi and knows their history should be at all surprised.
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:cool: AJ's Cycle in Gill Mass. Nice people. The 2 brothers that own the shop are very knowledgeable. Back in 2013 they repaired my Rosa Corsa and it ran great ! :boozing:
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That would be father & son, Bikelee:
They, Allan & Jean, his late wife, started the business years ago. Their core business, early on (I think I've known Allan 40 yrs.?), were British bikes. Some were serious clients were racers. His bmw business was good as well. bmw divorced AJ's ~3 years ago. There was no room for a boutique. R3~