New Quota owner, first impressions

[lwbdriver]

After a series of Japanese and BMW motorcycles and most recently a Harley Sportster, I finally found a 2000 Quota, a bike I have always thought was a good looking, capable motorcycle. Turns out, it was just 40 miles away from me and somewhat of a fire sale because the owner had to move out of state in a few days. This is my first Guzzi, but I have been following the brand for years. I even fantasized about opening a Guzzi dealership here in Utah some years ago. Utah just can't seem to support a dealership...the BMW dealership in Salt Lake that carried Guzzi's just stopped carrying them recently, so again, there is no dealership in Utah.

Anyway, I finally had some time to put about 50 miles on it yesterday and I have to say I am very impressed. Although I only have a 30" inseam, it isn't all that hard to ride at slow speeds. I was turning figure 8 turns tighter in a parking lot than any other cycle I have ever owned within a few minutes of getting on it. The brakes are much better than I am used to  and the power, although isn't Hayabusa level, is plenty to keep me entertained. I had to keep watching on the freeway that I didn't exceed 80, and it wasn't even straining. I hit 90 and it was solid as a rock. I didn't experience the side buffeting that I have heard so much about, but it did buffet quite a bit over the small windscreen, which I expected. For me, (5' 7") the seating is just right once I put my feet up and the saddle seems supportive, but not too harsh. The suspension is set up for someone heavier than me and I will have to adjust that because it was quite stiff on the freeway.

I was surprised to get several "thumbs up" from people on the street and when I gassed up. It is the red model and does really stand out. I know of one other Quota in Utah, but mine is the only one I have ever seen here. I think that it would be the perfect bike for this state with a lot of areas that can be explored from desert to mountains. Count me in as a happy camper, so far.

Oh, the reason I visited the (non-existent) dealer was to have another key made so as to have a spare. No luck. Any idea if I can send my vin # to another dealer and have one made and sent?

[Nic in Western NYS]

Welcome and congrats!  You'll meet some smart characters here for certain who will help troubleshoot whatever might come up.  I always admired the Quota as a tough rhino of a bike.

[Triple Jim]

Glad you're enjoying it.  I bought key blanks off eBay and had the local hardware store cut them.  You should be able to get enough information off the keys you have, to match blanks in the eBay ads.  I paid a couple bucks each for the blanks, and bought two of each type, in case the local shop goofed one up, but they all worked fine and I have a set of spare blanks now.  I don't know about your Quota, and it varies anyway, but for my Mille I have one key for the ignition switch, one for the gas cap, and one that works in the fork lock and seat lock.  Redrider90 has four separate keys for his Mille.

[guzzisteve]

Same key blank as earley EV Cali's

https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=47350

Local locksmith or car dealership can cut it.

[nick949]

For a new bike, it has just enough ragged edges to be enjoyable.  I'm loving mine. 

Nick



Now we need pictures of yours! 

[rboe]

Mike is east of Salt Lake in the mountains and he has three or four.  Join the yahoo group for the ditty gritty details and check out Greg Benders This Old Tractor site for more info.

And enjoy!

[Turin]

I've owned two and can't imagine being without one. Probably my all time favorite bike for day to use.

[hauto]

Bought my Quota and love it.Another one kind of fell in to my lap.Will mix and match the parts for a keeper and sell the other one.I do have a low cut seat if you interested.My spin on a Quota-a 50/50 mix street ,unimproved road bike.Maybe down the line I'll buy a Stelvio,but won't sell the Quota till I'm dam sure about the change.

[lwbdriver]

Interesting about the low cut seat. Any idea how much lower it is?

[leafman60]

I'm glad you like the Quota.  I do too.  I had a lot of experience with one since my past long-time riding friend had one.  It's like a two-wheeled tractor. Wait, they say that about all Guzzi bikes!

The Quota is a workhorse.