New Moto Guzzi Door Mats Available Now
Sorry for the delayed response and arousing the ire of some (bad chad). There were no test rides. Personal matters took priority. Enough said, this will be my last post on this site. Best to all.
Yeah John and Dave, you guys are right. A little thin skinned I guess but it irritates me when someone, bad chad in this case, calls BS when he doesn't have an F'n clue. I may have something to report soon regarding test rides. No promises when exactly though.Steve M
So, after much fanfare , here's my report. I made the 380 mile round trip to my nearest dealer, Seacoast Sport Cycles in Derry NH. The sell Guzzi, Ducati, Aprillia and The Piagio line of scooters. But, before I give you my impressions let me give you a very brief bit of my history with Guzzi. Since 1983 when I bought my first bike, an '83 SPNT, a minimum of 20-25 Guzzi's have passed through my garage. With but 2 exceptions they have all been Tonti bikes from the late 70's, 80's and early 90's. Of that bunch 8 or so have been SP's Two of them twice. I have developed decent mechanical skills and have done a few restoration / café projects over the years. So with the intention of refreshing and selling and a few "intended" to be keepers (another story). The non tonti bikes were a Stelvio (referenced earlier in this thread) and a '73 Eldorado basket case which I took on for a change of pace and actually made a little money on, not always the case. I've had a couple of Cali's but ultimately I'm most at home on the Le Mans and SP's. The last one was a Le Mans 1000ci which I should still have, but.... Now I'm Guzzi-less and the stable consists of a 2004 Ducati ST4s and a 1997 Ducati 900sssp. Both great machines but I miss the familiarity of the machines of Mandello. Hence this trip.Anyway to the test rides. When I got to the dealership for my appointment, Jim was finishing up with another customer so I poked around the showroom trying to stay focused on the two bikes I came to test. I first swung a leg over a V85 and was surprised that I was able to reach the floor reasonably flat footed with my 30" inseam. I also sat on a couple of The V7's. Then it was my turn to go. Following advise given here I rode the V7 first. The dealers test mule is a 2020 V7 racer limited. I found it to be very comfortable right off the bat though I wasn't considering a racer due to the single seat configuration and the fact that '18 and '19 V7III's are relative bargains. I was sent on a test loop with a good variety of surfaces and some nice twisties and told to take my time a repeat as much of the loop as I wanted. The racer was incredibly smooth and everything was very intuitive, but once going the first thing that really struck me was what a misnomer "Racer" is as the power is not really in keeping with the expectation. None the less a "nice" bike and it fit me well. Next up, the bike I really wanted to fall for, the V85. The test bike is a 2020 base model. Same as the other variants except for tires and maybe a couple of other minor details. As I said earlier, reaching the ground was not a problem for me and I felt at ease with the bike at parking lot speeds and maneuvering was a piece of cake. The bike felt much lighter than it is. Much much more than the Stelvio which was really ponderous at slow speed especially two -up. So with a smile starting to come over my face and anticipation of things to come I took off. First impressions as speed began to build and I worked through the gears was the noticeable increase in power and the absolute buttery-ness of the gear box. You hardly feel like the gears are engaging. Very different from what I expect from a Guzzi. However along with the good comes the bad, for me, in the form of excessive wind noise from the shield. I know from reading here that some folks aren't bothered by this and others have gotten some relief with various aftermarket screens and lips etc., but for me with bad tinnitus it was worse than expected. Why can't form follow function when it comes the this. Anyway, onward. This thing is nearly sportbike like in it's handling and I found the suspension to be extremely competent over all sorts of conditions. But, and unfortunately the upright begging dog posture started to make me squirm in short order. I was vastly more comfortable on the Racer. ( I can do 400 mile days on my SS no problem).So, when I returned to the dealer and Jim saw that the grin was gone and I told him that I really was kind of disappointed because I wanted to love the thing he suggested I ride something different and the come back again to then V85. Off I went on a Ducati scrambler, totally different. Kind of like an old school dirt bike. It was nothing that interested me but it did temporarily erase the impression of the V85. But when I got back on the V85 and trying to be more objective, I was able to appreciate the bikes real strengths and abilities but I couldn't get comfortable. And the shoe can be as nice as can be but it better fit. So, Have returned home with some things to think about. The V85 is really not going to do it for me unfortunately. Very competent machine in the right hands and there are many of you who love yours and that's fantastic. As for the V7..... I'm going to put that on pause in hopes that the 850 motor and tranny find their way into a similar configuration. I had a great day and finally have an appreciation for how the Eagle has evolved into these fine steeds. But for now I can be picky and actually I can't afford not to be. I'm sure this is not what you all expected nor wanted to hear and it's not what I thought I'd report, but it is what it is.Steve M
Nice report Steve! I have heard before that the Racer ergos are good.
Sorry, personal matters have arose, it will be a good six days before I can address any of this. :
Thanks Lucian. The thing is, I have two bikes that work very well they're just from another part of the "boot". Also, have an understanding with my bride that the bahn only has room for two bikes so one of the Duc's would have to go. I thought the V85 might replace the ST4S but not so. SteveP'S. Where are you in Maine? I 'm in Cumberland , I get not letting go of the st4, they are known to be fantastic all rounders. Was considering a Multistrada also and have never owned a duc. I'm about two miles away from Street cycles in Falmouth but just cant warm up to BMW's. Really like the Italians!
I am a bit surprised the dealer would be using a Racer as the demo.
Hey Mark, the V9 just doesn't appeal to me aesthetically, but thanks for the thought. The dealer had a few on the floor that just didn't speak to me. Twoheeladdict. I've been riding, racing, wrenching and basically living the motor cycle passion since the early '60's. I'm well aware of all you've mentioned, always wear earplugs etc. I know by now when something is going to work out with a reasonable amount of fine tuning. The key word being "reasonable". I've had Corbin's, Russell's, Bill Mayer's saddles; Gustaffson, Cal Sci, and even some I've made myself. This ain't my first rodeo, but thanks.SM
