After a Long Break - Almost There (Bike and Dealer?)

[Cory]

     After massive agonizing over which to be my first road bike I think I've come full circle back to a V7 III Stone in yellow.  Shouldn't be too much longer.
     On a related note - Is the dealership in West Chester, PA a good way to go?
     Thanks.

[Kev m]

Great choice in bike.

What do you want from a dealer?

Best price?

Support like warranty repairs or maintenance?

West Chester is a new dealer, and if I'm being honest I'll be surprised if they make it and are around in a few years but I'd love to be surprised.

Of course since we've lost FBF and Coopersburg Eurosports in the last few years I really do hope WC makes it.

If you're looking for the "best" knowledge and service in the tri-state area take a trip up to Hamlin's in CT.

Regardless, have fun!

[Cory]

What do you want from a dealer?

Thanks.  Just reasonable convenience (not too far way - from SE PA) and total honesty.  For example, went to a local Honda shop yesterday to see if they had any CB1100's to take a quick peek at and the salesperson said that they don't make the CB1100 anymore.  My first thought was to punch him in the throat, but I just left and ruled that one out.
I went to the one in Wayne, NJ (while on an appt. near there) and they were really nice so maybe that's a thought too.
Much appreciated and will eventually see you out there.

[Kev m]

FYI they closed the Wayne dealership and I'm hearing that WC may have dropped or lost the Indian franchise as well.

[Cory]

Do you know of one, then, that's an established known entity that's not too far from SE PA that'll ship; if that makes sense?
Thanks.

[Cam3512]

Do you know of one, then, that's an established known entity that's not too far from SE PA that'll ship; if that makes sense?
Thanks.

You're not far from us in Yardley.  Here's the closest reputable dealer.  It's where I go, and I'm near LBI.  Call and talk to Jim. He will mix and match any color combo of tank or wheels you want. 

http://hamlincycles.com

[Cory]

Thanks.  I emailed Jim to see if shipping makes sense.  And then, for maintenance that I'd prefer a professional do, there's an independent shop nearby in Philly that seems really good - http://sparepartsco.us/

[Kev m]

Jim Hamlin is established and first rate (stellar reputation).

Roland (spare parts) is the same, though I don't believe he'll touch late-model electronics. Then again that shouldn't be an issue for basic maintenance.

Though I haven't had the III in the fleet long enough to know if there's a way to shut off the maintenance light without a scan tool. I wonder if GuzziDiag would handle that? Not that I'm worried about it.

As for shipping, you'd probably save hundreds by renting or borrowing a truck and driving up to get it.

Better yet, make it a long weekend, combine it with the first service. Get a ride up there, spend the weekend riding New England have him do the service and ride home.

[s1120]

Ya how far is Hamlins from you?  Its just off the other end of 84.  Might be doable for a nice buy and ride.

[Cory]

Get a ride up there, spend the weekend riding New England have him do the service and ride home.

There's the "wife" factor logistics to consider with that. 
 

[Vagrant]

Jim Hamlin is established and first rate (stellar reputation).

Roland (spare parts) is the same, though I don't believe he'll touch late-model electronics. Then again that shouldn't be an issue for basic maintenance.

Though I haven't had the III in the fleet long enough to know if there's a way to shut off the maintenance light without a scan tool. I wonder if GuzziDiag would handle that? Not that I'm worried about it.

As for shipping, you'd probably save hundreds by renting or borrowing a truck and driving up to get it.

Better yet, make it a long weekend, combine it with the first service. Get a ride up there, spend the weekend riding New England have him do the service and ride home.

either the III doesn't have a maint. or you can turn it off. Too many bikes and too old to remember but mine has 9500 on it now and no light.

[Kev m]

There's the "wife" factor logistics to consider with that. 
 

Ha ha, I hear that, though don't share the problem. I imagine it could be sold as a chance for a nice romantic getaway in New England. Nice meal, hotel, me some antiquing that first day. < shrugs >

I bought the V7III for Jenn over the Christmas break. Cam and I drove 600 miles round trip to pink it up. But I don't want/need local hello with maintenance.


Vagrant - that's good to know but I city have sworn the was one in the OM. Then again it wouldn't be the first time I missed something like that.

[s1120]

There's the "wife" factor logistics to consider with that. 
 

Always true, but really... there is a TON of stuff in a hour drive radius of hamlins...  theres gotta be SOMETHING around that can make it a fun trip.

[Roebling3]

There are active gaggles of Guzzi owners in CT, RI & MA. Through the summer there are often week ends that include Giros and tours featuring great roads, scenery and food.
An aircraft museum in Windsor Locks, CT. Motorcycle museums in Rocky Hill, CT, plus a much larger one 'Motorcyclepedia' and a huge, wonderful Sculpture garden: both Just South of Newburgh, NY. Cam has been to MCpedia with us. Taylor Pork Roll, optional. 
There are several on this list, more distant than yourself, using Hamlin's for initial acquisition and service.
Jim did more parts exchanges for me than most; to provide what I wanted. I'm very pleased with our results. I've never even heard of anyone that would not vouch for Jim and his crew. They are competent, honorable, capable and good friends to all.  R3~

[JACoH]

Not to get this post too far off track, but my V7 III Special maintenance "wrench" has appeared since about 10,000 miles, and I understand only MG scan will turn it off. But, it is only about 3mm in size and is not distracting, so no problem letting it stay on.

[Kev m]

Not to get this post too far off track, but my V7 III Special maintenance "wrench" has appeared since about 10,000 miles, and I understand only MG scan will turn it off. But, it is only about 3mm in size and is not distracting, so no problem letting it stay on.

I don't need a Beetle map - but I'd give in a hundred bucks to figure that one out for us!

[Zoom Zoom]

Not to get this post too far off track, but my V7 III Special maintenance "wrench" has appeared since about 10,000 miles, and I understand only MG scan will turn it off. But, it is only about 3mm in size and is not distracting, so no problem letting it stay on.

The wrench is a reminder to service the bike as I'm sure you're aware. It comes on at about 6000 miles or whatever the kilo equivalent is. (10,000 Km if I'm not mistaken.) If you change the oil before the wrench shows up, you cannot reset it until it actually comes on. Once it does, you can get into the menu and reset it. It then begins tabulating miles again. I don't know what the service code for your bike is, but once in the menu, you can go to service, enter the code and reset the wrench.

I just finished doing this for my 1400 just a little bit ago. You don't have to have scan tool, but you need the code. Disclaimer: I assume the V7 series can do this just like the 1400, Stelvios, Griso's...

John Henry

[Zoom Zoom]

Kev, I just noticed your reply. Do the V7's not have that ability?

John Henry

[Kev m]

Kev, I just noticed your reply. Do the V7's not have that ability?

John Henry

The instrument cluster up through I believe the V7 II had a similar ability, but you had to stand on one leg, hold both dash buttons down and turn the ignition on and wait a few seconds, then turn it off again. If you were lucky it reset. I forget but I think I have a note from Pete saying side-stand position seemed to have an effect on whether it worked or not.

Make matters worse they lengthened the maintenance intervals on the V7 Stone/Special/Racer over the previous V7C but then they didn't update the instrument cluster (at least on the 13's and maybe 14's) so the light is extra useless as it comes on at the wrong time.

BUT the V7III has two possible all new instrument clusters (one with and one without a tach). They have a lot more functionality and I don't know if there is any way to reset it with voodoo or dancing anymore.

Either way there was no service code like on the earlier models like on the CARC, I can't say if there might be on the III, but I'm not optimistic from early reports. I figured I'd worry about it in uh, a while, like when I see it.

[Lcarlson]

The wrench is a reminder to service the bike as I'm sure you're aware. It comes on at about 6000 miles or whatever the kilo equivalent is. (10,000 Km if I'm not mistaken.) If you change the oil before the wrench shows up, you cannot reset it until it actually comes on. Once it does, you can get into the menu and reset it. It then begins tabulating miles again. I don't know what the service code for your bike is, but once in the menu, you can go to service, enter the code and reset the wrench.

I just finished doing this for my 1400 just a little bit ago. You don't have to have scan tool, but you need the code. Disclaimer: I assume the V7 series can do this just like the 1400, Stelvios, Griso's...

John Henry

On the California 1400s the code is 34534, which has to be entered sequentially. DK if it’s used for other models.

[Zoom Zoom]

Yes Larry. As I mentioned, I literally just finished doing this on my 1400 Eldo.

Per Kev, it sounds like Guzzi elected to make it nearly or completely impossible on the V7's, or at least some of them.

John Henry