I tried and was found unworthy.

[Huzo]

Well…
I went down to my Guzzi dealer about 100 k’s away for a second look at the red V100.
This one.




The weather was gloomy overcast, windy and an ambient temp of 5 deg C.
I know myself too well and what the usual moves are that I make when about to purchase a new bike and every familiar point was being checked off, I was not coming home without having bought one, or at least committing myself to doing so.

But then as I rolled out of my driveway, things began to go wrong with the process.

The first freezing shards of wind began to stab past the slivers of space that existed between my favourite Arai and the tricolore jacket, the same combination that I used in Europe and looking down at the gorgeous red curvaceous tank, I began to ponder if breaking up the bike/helmet/jacket combination, was going to be the first knife wound in a wonderful relationship, I know the V100 does not fit me like a beautiful pair of comfy slippers, the Norge does.
But I’d get over that…Right ?

Winding out to 120 k’s into the freezing wind, my memory was taken back to 600 km North of  the Arctic circle on my way to Nordkapp, when the lovely screen could be raised to fully deflect the heartless wind away, leaving me coddled in comfort with the glorious Staintune barking at the relentless gusts coming down from the North Pole.
This ride felt the same, I knew that the fairing would not be able look after me on the Mandello, like on the Norge…
But I’d get over that…Right ?

I think my Norge knew I was going to visit a potential new love, because I swear it has never felt silkier or more mellow, saying to me…”Do you really want her…?”
 Looking into the dashboard clocks and GPS, they were perfectly placed to reflect the image of my favourite helmet and I felt like I was heading out to “cheat”, because I knew in my heart I had checked my account and if I decided to succumb, which one would I bring home ?
My Norge was saying to me…
 “You won’t leave me for her, we’ve been together too long, you’ll miss me…”
But I’d get over that…Right ?

There isn’t one part of the Norge that pushes uncomfortably when seated, she just holds you in the right way every time. By the time  I got to the dealer, I was 50/50 and could easily have turned at the roundabout and gone home, but I shut her down and went inside. I took a look through the glass window as I entered the warm attractiveness of the showroom, with the familiar smell of new bikes, tyres, leather and danger. My red Norge looked lonely outside in the cold and I felt the sting of someone breaking a trust..
But I’d get over that…Right ?

The Mandello looked at me with a fresh face and winked, no wear marks from a thousand rides, no scratches from minor misadventures in Denmark, Germany, Italy, France, Romania and so many other countries. I certainly wanted a night away, but did not want to take her home.  Again I slid onto the seat and like last time was not greeted with the same familiar touch, it was nice but…Strange.
But I’d get over that…Right ?

The dealer looked casually in my direction and with a slightly dismissive wave said..
“You’ll have to hang on a minute…”
“Oh…really…?”
Moving away from the new attraction, I did not feel the “pull” and wandered back to the door towards my Norge.
All I could see was red curves, memories, history, partnership and loyalty.
My bike beckoned me to come back home and as I reached to the starter, I felt as though she fired before I touched it.
I felt like she said…”Can we go home now ? I have to head towards 300,000 km”
The ride home was beautiful and I’ve never felt so warm in 5 degrees Celsius. My Norge took me back and I felt a little bit guilty.
But I’ll get over that…Right ?

Mandello


Australia


France



It really has only happened once and I can tell you…Yes.
It meant nothing.

[lazlokovacs]

all you did was say hello! would have been rude not to. The Norge will understand

You're not the only one. I swung a leg over the V100 (when no-one was looking) but felt totally underwhelmed

[Huzo]

all you did was say hello! would have been rude not to. The Norge will understand

You're not the only one. I swung a leg over the V100 (when no-one was looking) but felt totally underwhelmed

Ha…!
I liked it ok, but what I have is too good.

[Scout63]

If I asked my wife to drive me to an assignation... Very beautifully written Peter.

[John A]

It’s strength to walk away when the idea is right but the time is wrong. Good description of how it went!

[s1120]

Some like the new, different, and shiny..  finding replacements every year or so..  and some like the long haul, get to know, and love. I didnt ride, but got to sit on the new V100.  It was nice..  but it just felt too .... different to me. My old 1100 stone got me home, and I was happy. She does still need a new seat, maybe that will appease her for my mild transgression.

[blu guzz]

You are a very good wordsmith sir.  I think you reflected my thoughts on the new bike as well.  I am pleased for the company as the bike is a great package and totally modern.  That drivetrain will carry MG until the end of internal combustion engines.  At the time of my test ride, I was not bitten with the "you've got to have me" bug.  My then-current V85 seemed about perfect for my needs but for the one nagging issue of being on the balls of my feet.  I cured that with a bike that has always excited me, the Eldo.  A quick test ride to refresh my memory of the 1400 engine and I was bit.  Feet flat on the ground and that beautiful "lump" throbbing in the engine bay - heaven for me, maybe like you look at your Norge.

To pile on after s1100's post, I think the 100 will make some conquest sales for MG, but old timers don't seem to be falling in love with it.  Remember all of the build up to the V85 on this site.  Once the bike was released, this board was crammed with enthusiastic new owners making their feelings known and sharing many adventures.  I have seen very few posts about the 100 on here.  Hopefully, all the new owners are too busy riding their bikes to post.

[brother dave]

“You have to hang on a minute…”.  Wow that sales guy saved you!

[Ncdan]

“You have to hang on a minute…”.  Wow that sales guy saved you!

Nah Dave, I believe Pete’s mind was already made up prior to entering the building and it would have taken more than one visit. Kind of like just “playing like cheating game” of one’s true love. We always back out at the last minute however exciting the chase may have been.
Good decision Pete👍

[Perazzimx14]

Nah Dave, I believe Pete’s mind was already made up prior to entering the building and it would have taken more than one visit. Kind of like just “playing like cheating game” of one’s true love. We always back out at the last minute however exciting the chase may have been.
Good decision Pete👍

Agreed. The bike running smoother and better than ever was his brain talking him out of the sale before even arriving at the shop. Then all sort of other events are used to back up the brains decision. Like the sales guy needing a minute, or there were three redlights in a row or a black cat walked in front of the shop.....

The decision was made long before a leg was swung over the bike.

[Caffeineo]

Thank you for posting that Huzo. I am a confirmed bike whore. Wanting to trade a great bike for something new every year or two. You post made me realize my thought process that leads to a new bike. I will end up finding one little thing that may not really be a problem but I focus on that and not all the great things about the bike. I end up magnifying some minor issue to justify my new bike purchase. I need to learn to think like you and focus on all the positive things. Had I done this I would still have my 1999 Bassa and 2019 Bobber Sport. But I also suffer from thinking that some day I will be too old to ride and want to try as many bikes as I can before that day comes.    I can only hope to learn from you and others to focus on the positives and keep a great bike. 

[Nick]

“You have to hang on a minute…”.  Wow that sales guy saved you!

Yep! that must have been the proverbial "last straw that breaks the camel's back".
Great story Pete

[cliffrod]

Maybe it’s time for you to pick up a hammer and a chisel, Peter..

This is what happens to me, every day with every stone in studio. You have to know when to hit it one more time until reaching the point where one more time will be too many hits.   There’s no going back.  Timid effort is not celebrated.  So your ego will push your luck until, if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with less than you already have.  You have to learn when you have reached the limit, to appreciate what you have & have accomplished without being greedy for any more.  Perfection is the ultimate siren’s song.  Humility is learned by accomplishment and failure over time.

Enjoy your Norge.

[Huzo]

If I may carefully draw a subliminal comparison…
I know that I’m of the type that needs his ego stroked when the itch manifests, I do it with unsolicited accounts of far away encounters and experiences, although they are more often than not, well received.
It was very similar to the guy who receives a surprising and unsolicited amount of attention from a lady, he has no intention of going the entire distance, but cannot rest until he knows that he…
“Could have if he wanted to…” type of thing.
So much like.
“Thank you for the offer, I’m flattered but I’m happy at home…”.
Perhaps I should have entitled the thread, “I went to the edge to see if I still could…”

I once heard an account from a gamblaholic who said that the greatest excitement was not when he won the money, because that’s what he saw as an entitlement.
Losing the money he saw as sadly inevitable…No.
It’s at the moment the dice was tumbling that he felt the most alive, standing at the precipice with the stark realisation that his future was being driven by a desire over which he held little control.
Then reality writes the final line.

For me it wasn’t the thrill of buying the bike that I sought, that was like going home with a “sure thing”.
It was the thrill of walking away with some shreds of integrity intact, all very poetic but I think also apt. I just wanted to play near the edge like an old man 4 days from his 65 th birthday, who wanted to feel like he was 25 again.
That’s who I saw in the reflection of the 210,000 km odometer on the way down to the city.
The guy who pays for the company of the lady says…
“I didn’t pay you to come here..
I pay you to leave…”
I wanted the thrill of the chase without the stale taste of regret, one swipe of a Mastercard and it would have been too late to go back home.

My Norge and I have survived another long journey with one very close call.

[Huzo]

Thank you for posting that Huzo. I am a confirmed bike whore. Wanting to trade a great bike for something new every year or two. You post made me realize my thought process that leads to a new bike. I will end up finding one little thing that may not really be a problem but I focus on that and not all the great things about the bike. I end up magnifying some minor issue to justify my new bike purchase. I need to learn to think like you and focus on all the positive things. Had I done this I would still have my 1999 Bassa and 2019 Bobber Sport. But I also suffer from thinking that some day I will be too old to ride and want to try as many bikes as I can before that day comes.    I can only hope to learn from you and others to focus on the positives and keep a great bike. 

The mirror tells you more about yourself than a thousand observers, you have just had the guts to hold it up and look into it.

[Huzo]

See, value is a funny thing.
I would not take AUD 30,000 for my Norge, that is what a new V100 costs.
Can I ask this…
If my actual bike (SUONO) was for sale 5 kilometres from where YOU live AND you wanted to buy it, how much would you offer ?
It’s only “worth” about AUD 5,000 here in Australia.
The first 3 minutes, 2 minutes at the 13 minute mark and the last 3 minutes of this, is all I need to re watch to find out what it’s value is.
https://youtu.be/b_dfQxbGk-0

[blackcat]

I have seen very few posts about the 100 on here. 

Not too surprised at the lack of owner posts on this site about the V100.   

There is a dedicated FB page of V100 owner's and how much they love the bike along with those who have had some issues with the new bike. And there are a fair amount of new owner's coming from different bike brands which is always a good thing IMO.

[SIR REAL ED]

Kudos to Huzo for once again conquering his internal demons!

"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers of the soul."

It is always more interesting to hear how an experienced rider has tailored a long term bike to his own personal needs than to listen to how someone bought a new latest & greatest world beater bike.

"That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest!"

[moto-uno]

  ^ Is there a Scotsman in the house ?  :) . Peter

[bad Chad]

Good on you my young friend , Huzo.  You made it to another season without giving in, and the Norge will always be grateful for the extra time.   

Enjoy, and if a new Guzzi should fail into your hands, make the most of it!

[Huzo]

Good on you my young friend , Huzo.  You made it to another season without giving in, and the Norge will always be grateful for the extra time.   

Enjoy, and if a new Guzzi should fail into your hands, make the most of it!

Thanks mate..

Also, YOUNG Huzo ?
Did you miss the bit about turning 65 in 5 days ?

[SIR REAL ED]

See, value is a funny thing.
I would not take AUD 30,000 for my Norge, that is what a new V100 costs.
Can I ask this…
If my actual bike (SUONO) was for sale 5 kilometres from where YOU live AND you wanted to buy it, how much would you offer ?
It’s only “worth” about AUD 5,000 here in Australia.
The first 3 minutes, 2 minutes at the 13 minute mark and the last 3 minutes of this, is all I need to re watch to find out what it’s value is.
https://youtu.be/b_dfQxbGk-0

NGC, commentary after the first 30 seconds of Huzo's video:

I wore out Jim Croce's vinyl records back in the day.  Good head music on rides.  No Walkman needed.

Hopefully you included "Walking Back to Georgia" in you vid.  Was it playing in your head during the ride back from the "almost buy" of the V100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIJabiKOtCU

[SIR REAL ED]

  ^ Is there a Scotsman in the house ?  :) . Peter

Nah, more of a mongrel.   

Then again, we are all philosophers, aren't we?

What choice do "eee ave?"

[Huzo]

NGC, commentary after the first 30 seconds of Huzo's video:

I wore out Jim Croce's vinyl records back in the day.  Good head music on rides.  No Walkman needed.

Hopefully you included "Walking Back to Georgia" in you vid.  Was it playing in your head during the ride back from the "almost buy" of the V100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIJabiKOtCU

[SIR REAL ED]

Thanks mate..

Also, YOUNG Huzo ?
Did you miss the bit about turning 65 in 5 days ?

You're only 358 days older than me!

Still wet behind the ears....

[LowRyter]

having test ridden both bikes, although years apart.  The new bike rides really nice, not like a traditional Guzzi but nice ride and "rips".

[SemperVee]

 Huzo,

   Being something of a wordsmith myself trying to deliver clarity with the utmost alacrity to inculcate I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of words you laid out so seamlessly that I could not look away until done.   No higher praise there be.  Thank for to taking us on the ride.      Personally I am not moved by the new machine.  That is just me but that it delivers new blood into the tribe is satisfying to acknowledge.

[Huzo]

Huzo,

   Being something of a wordsmith myself trying to deliver clarity with the utmost alacrity to inculcate I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of words you laid out so seamlessly that I could not look away until done.   No higher praise there be.  Thank for to taking us on the ride.      Personally I am not moved by the new machine.  That is just me but that it delivers new blood into the tribe is satisfying to acknowledge.

Yes SV..
The gene pool was getting a little green slime on top…
The fact that Mr Aprilia has come in through the back door and sowed his wild oats, is not an altogether unwelcome act.
Also yes, I did get the irony in the second “back door” gag…
Sorry, I have to run.
Dan is chasing me clutching a pair of 38’s…
Lucky bugger…

[Ringosdad]

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!

[Huzo]

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!

Nice….