Do Ya’ Feel Lucky..? Well, Do Ya’ ?

[Huzo]

Have you ever cast your mind back over the journey of bike purchases, sales, trades, losses, gains…etc and then looked at where it has all been leading to ?
This…


I just feel…”lucky”.
Over 45 or so road bikes starting with a T500 Suzuki, through all the two stroke triples then into the GS Suzuki stuff, many Honda’s and a GPZ 900R Kawasaki for good measure.
From there into Ducati’s, GSXR 1100’s, then all the Euro stuff, MV Agusta F4 and on…and on…
Triumph 955i, 1050 Sprint ST blah, blah..
So along comes the Guzzi’s.
I just do not get the “I wants” anymore, the V100 although undoubtedly a good thing, does not call me sufficiently and I’m not sure I know why…
Just looking at what  my main two bikes now are, it seems they form the bookends  that frame the story and bring it to rest at it’s point of ultimate conclusion.
I really do not know what I would want to buy if I destroyed either one of them…

Probably a boat…

[jacksonracingcomau]

Have you ever cast your mind back over the journey of bike purchases, sales, trades, losses, gains…etc and then looked at where it has all been leading to ?
This…


I just feel…”lucky”.
Over 45 or so road bikes starting with a T500 Suzuki, through all the two stroke triples then into the GS Suzuki stuff, many Honda’s and a GPZ 900R Kawasaki for good measure.
From there into Ducati’s, GSXR 1100’s, then all the Euro stuff, MV Agusta F4 and on…and on…
Triumph 955i, 1050 Sprint ST blah, blah..
So along comes the Guzzi’s.
I just do not get the “I wants” anymore, the V100 although undoubtedly a good thing, does not call me sufficiently and I’m not sure I know why…
Just looking at what  my main two bikes now are, it seems they form the bookends  that frame the story and bring it to rest at it’s point of ultimate conclusion.
I really do not know what I would want to buy if I destroyed either one of them…

Probably a boat…
[/quote

 I feel lucky to own several motorcycles, mostly Guzzis, with not an apostrophe between them.

[brother dave]

Have you ever cast your mind back over the journey of bike purchases, sales, trades, losses, gains…etc and then looked at where it has all been leading to ?
This…


I just feel…”lucky”.
Over 45 or so road bikes starting with a T500 Suzuki, through all the two stroke triples then into the GS Suzuki stuff, many Honda’s and a GPZ 900R Kawasaki for good measure.
From there into Ducati’s, GSXR 1100’s, then all the Euro stuff, MV Agusta F4 and on…and on…
Triumph 955i, 1050 Sprint ST blah, blah..
So along comes the Guzzi’s.
I just do not get the “I wants” anymore, the V100 although undoubtedly a good thing, does not call me sufficiently and I’m not sure I know why…
Just looking at what  my main two bikes now are, it seems they form the bookends  that frame the story and bring it to rest at it’s point of ultimate conclusion.
I really do not know what I would want to buy if I destroyed either one of them…

Probably a boat…

I sit on the internet, read reviews and watch videos and I WANT a V100.  Then I take my V85 out on a beautiful fall afternoon for a long ride and all of a sudden the want goes away. So is it just my ape brain wired to chase the next meal?

[Frenchfrog]

Well contentment comes with age and wisdom for a start.
And those two bikes tick all the boxes for what you need them to do ...for the moment !

[Huzo]

Well contentment comes with age and wisdom for a start.
And those two bikes tick all the boxes for what you need them to do ...for the moment !

I think you’re right Chris..
That “moment” with the Norge has been 15 years..! (Why would I try to set it on fire…!) 

[Gliderjohn]

Don't have that problem. Been riding regularly since 1979 and have owned a total of three bikes. Simplicity has it's advantages.
77 GS 400
75 T-3
2011 Norge
GliderJohn

[brider]

That's a respectable stable of (2) bikes. You know what they say, 3's a crowd...

And I am in PERFECT alignment with your color choice! 

[Huzo]

Don't have that problem. Been riding regularly since 1979 and have owned a total of three bikes. Simplicity has it's advantages.
77 GS 400
75 T-3
2011 Norge
GliderJohn
[/quote]That’s to be admired.
BTW.
Tomorrow I’m in a Puchacz and towing all day in a Pawnee and a Super Cub.





 

[Huzo]

That's a respectable stable of (2) bikes. You know what they say, 3's a crowd...

And I am in PERFECT alignment with your color choice! 

Yes…You are !

[tcunnien]

I'm 69, I started on motorcycles when I was ten. A Benelli of all things. Not many American kids can say that. My wife and I have 13 motorcycles ranging from a 1970 Ambassador to a 2018 RE Himalayan. Five are Moto Guzzi the rest are a mixture of many brands. The last couple of years I have noticed that the new bikes being offered just don't appeal to me. The last new bike I rode was a V85 when they first came out. While I thought it was a beautiful bike it didn't stir that I wants feeling that Huzo speaks off. For me I have always called it the gimme and gottas to have feeling. I have spent many an hour sitting in the garage looking at the bikes and I can describe what I feel as contentment. I am quite content with what I have. If I never buy another motorcycle that will be fine. If I do it will be because I couldn't shake the gimme and gottas have feeling.

[Guzzistajohn]

I haven't really had that many street bikes either.

I spent a lot of my early riding time in the woods on Bultacos, Fantics, Merlins & Gas Gas's

I've owned:

V50
CX100
06 Tiger
V11 Scura
Cal Vin
Tenere 700

For now, The T7 sure clicks all the boxes for the places I ride! 

[Frenchfrog]

I think you’re right Chris..
That “moment” with the Norge has been 15 years..! (Why would I try to set it on fire…!) 

Well circumstances  change  Huzo....like you and the Norge I love my big bloc but the time at which we will either part company or it sits in the shed all the time comes nearer by the day.But I went through exactly the same process with my much loved Panther many years ago and the decision was actually very easy to make.

[inditx]

Yep beautiful bikes and indeed they compliment one another! 

How lucky are we that we can have such choices in the matter Huzo?

I frankly have lost count but my insurance man knows for sure. I’ve enjoyed them all for one reason or another.

Picking up my new V85 tomorrow from Enzo and maybe it will be my last new bike.....I dunno, we’ll see.

Having had as many as 8 at one time I found it burdensome to own that many at once. Maybe some of us should’ve opened a bike shop ay?

Anyway, contentment is a good thing, especially in a wife. 

inditx

[Vecchio Lupo]

Funny, I too started my "Big Bike" journey on a Suzuki Titan 500, mine was purple and white with chambered exhaust, I destroyed it because I was a dumb ass teenager, but that was the departure from 125cc and minibikes. I replaced it with a Honda 550 four and within a couple years, a 850 El Dorado. I love the old big blocks...Convert and California 1000, but I do long for a modern Guzzi. Maybe a V7III or a V85TT, Id love a V100 but can't afford a new one. maybe in a few years when I can grab a 3 or 4 year  old one for a deep discount.  You are right to be taken with water cooled, triple digit HP and modern EFI.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'm 69, I started on motorcycles when I was ten. A Benelli of all things. Not many American kids can say that. My wife and I have 13 motorcycles ranging from a 1970 Ambassador to a 2018 RE Himalayan. Five are Moto Guzzi the rest are a mixture of many brands. The last couple of years I have noticed that the new bikes being offered just don't appeal to me.

I was 13 when the school bus driver gave me a Benelli Fireball 50. I can count on one hand the number of new motorcycles that I find interesting, but not enough to actually buy one.

I love the old big blocks...Convert and California 1000, but I do long for a modern Guzzi. Maybe a V7III or a V85TT

I briefly owned a '13 V7 Stone, and while it did almost everything better than the other Guzzis I owned at the time, it just didn't "do anything" for me, and I doubt there's a modern Guzzi that does. Vintage and Classic Guzzis are where it's at for me.

[chuck peterson]

Thread tangent warning:

Did someone say Fireball 50?…..!!??!!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/6614590731941590/?mibextid=6ojiHh

[Dave Swanson]

Yes I feel especially lucky.

14 Guzzis feels so right.  No doubt very gluttonous, but I feel I have finally reached the satiation point.   

[Brand X]

I have had quite a few also.. No Benelli's but I did ride my Friends Wards Riverside 125 back in the day..

Shoot, in the last month traded my Stornello away for a BMW F800r, (when a mint 2007 Norge with 2000 miles fell through) Then traded the BMW for this.  2000 miles also.. The BMW is a Rotax, and I am hooked there.. I enjoy the big twin Rotax's in general. but only need one, so the 2007 Aprilia Factory stays.. So now this shows up, and I am flat out enjoying this bike more than many I have had.. That includes my 2020 Daytona 765 Moto 2. Go figure... This thing responds to pretty low dollar upgrades, and is the very best Mid-range MPG bike I have owned.. The BMW, and this has a 360 degree crank, and the sound is perfect to my ears..Same as my Hobart crank start engine drive.. I generally have one bike always, but these two clicks more boxes..67 years old, so not done yet..My two today..

,

 

[Huzo]

Then of course, there is the undisputed need of the blessing of good enough health, to be able to indulge one’s desires.
My respect goes to the ones that have been denied that gift, yet they do not skulk away and lament their misfortune.
They still attend rallies and morning coffee dates in their car, simply to relish the comerarderie of a lifetime spent with good earthy folk.

I see it a lot in the Ulysses Club morning meet ups.
The veteran old biker struggles from his vehicle and with the aid of two walking sticks and those who love him, is lead to a table for breakfast in town, surrounded by life long friends and bikes.
The hands are worn and twisted by time, but the voice has  a direct authority that comes from a no bullshit approach to life and the silver blue eyes still have a mischevious glint.

I know one in particular, I’m 65 and he still calls me “young feller”…(and he means it).
One time a guy who was unknown to all, arrived with a sidecar and sat away a little from the group on a beautiful, still Saturday morning, I engaged him in conversation regarding the outfit and he was a mine of knowlege. Soon the crackle of congenial banter flowed in his direction and a space near the old man was created.
A wonderful couple of hours passed among the 30 or so group and I discreetly asked the guy with the outfit if he could take the old guy the long way home in the sidecar….

The good news is, you can all guess the answer…

I rode back home that morning on my Norge and the air smelled more fragrant, the engine felt more silky and the rumble told me a wonderful tale…
I know that it’s possible to have a fortune that you own…
But good fortune is on loan and should be shared or you run the risk of it being taken…

[Huzo]

Thread tangent warning:

Did someone say Fireball 50?…..!!??!!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/6614590731941590/?mibextid=6ojiHh

I haven’t even opened the link, but if it’s about feeling lucky or blessed, then you are on point Sir.
It’s the old adage.
“Lucky is believing you’re lucky…”

[Guzzidad]

   Much like Huzo, I've had a lot of bikes since the early 70's. Enjoyed all of them for what they were intended to do. None more so than a 67 Norton P-11. And probably my all time favorite, a 96 1100 Sport. I rode it hard and surprised a lot of "sport bike" riders. I also toured with it. Many 3,000+ mile trips. Finally sold it with 123,000 miles. Like Huzo, I also had a Norge (2012) for a few years and 50,000 miles. Great bike that suited my needs at the time. But time snuck up on me. the Norge became too heavy for me. So I sold it, replaced with a 2008 Triumph Sprint ST. 150# lighter. At 71 years old that bike takes care of my touring needs and I recently bought a 2020 V7Racer for local rides. ( The Racer is a lot more comfortable than it looks ). Ya, I'm feeling lucky.

[larrys]

I started in 1973 with a Bonneville chopper. Still have it, though there's not much left of the bike as I bought it. Owned over forty bikes, had a long run with the old Triumphs. First Guzzi in '81. Ran an under the radar bike shop out of my garage, so I got to play with other peoples bikes for pay and to finance my own bike projects. The three I have now are my keepers forever. Have no desire for another. Well, my buddy Joey has that Ambassador in pieces that he never finished...
Larry

[Muzz]

Yes I feel especially lucky.

14 Guzzis feels so right.  No doubt very gluttonous, but I feel I have finally reached the satiation point.   

Is the one you did the epic "fly 'n ride"for in that list Dave?