Going Cross Country on a Guzzi

[adventurelounger]

Entering that late career moment when I can literally see the light at the end of the tunnel in early fall of this year . And so I want to pursue my long-held dream of riding across the US and back (from the Northeast).

My lovely and kindhearted wife—who tolerates but does not love my two-wheeled habit and adventures—is nevertheless entirely supportive of this solo project, so long as I 1) wear my electric collar (Garmin InReach Mini) so she can watch my progress; 2) ride in full armored kit always; and 3) promise to return home safely in however many weeks it’ll take.

So I’m starting to trip plan.

Part of the plan is to take my new 2023 V85 for the ride. I recently moved from a well-loved and well-worn Yamaha Super Tenere to the V855, wanting something lighter, more lithe, and more comfortable for distance riding; still just breaking it in, but I know with every ride that I made exactly the right choice. And will have first service done by this summer.

As part of planning, I’d love to mentally map the Guzzi dealers on the route from NY to SF, and LA back east (will go via North one way, via South the other). Not that I’m anticipating or expecting troubles, but is there a “map” of current Guzzi dealers in the US?

When I tried via Google Maps the Northeast had some coverage (Hamlin’s is like 20 minutes from me—lucky guy!) but once you get West of PA it looks like Cadre and Harpers? If this doesn’t exist somewhere, would sure be helpful to curate. Thanks in advance!

[Dirk_S]

Guzzi has a dealer map:

https://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/dealer-locator/?f=all

[cappisj1]

For dealers, download the Moto guzzi app. You don’t have to have the MIA to use the app. It has a map with all the dealers and info in the app. This is a wide view. You can zoom in for a better detailed view.

[guzzisteve]

Join the MGNOC, member list for just in case.

[adventurelounger]

Three great suggestions in under two minutes! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

It never occurred to me that you could use the Mia app without paying for the integration with the bike. And will join MGNOC.

[inditx]

Join the MGNOC, member list for just in case.

 

[nick949]

Just go. Don't over think it 

Nick

[fotoguzzi]

Do not miss Lake Superior !
there are two dealers near Minneapolis. not the greatest but since your on a modern Guzzi they could handle any problems you have.
I'm near Minneapolis. always up for coffee but not beer. i have trailer and spare time if you breakdown around here.

[Huzo]

I let it slip that in the next couple of years, I’d like to do similar on my Norge.
I received 30+ offers of accomodation and workshop facilities (if needed… ) I would think that your venture might attract similar support…






The post containing the offers is called…
“Tell me why this is a bad idea”

[Moparnut72]

The MGNOC has a great database, not only all the members who have listed but all the services they can provide. There is a great story in this months issue by a young fella who did basically the four corners on a V7lll Special. Good read with some fun humor.
kk

[Stretch]

I'm right behind ya - I have the thick end of three years of durance vile ahead
of me before I pull the plug. Then I think I'll live on the bike......... 

What Nick said.

Get on the bike, go, enjoy every nanosecond, and report back!   

                                -Stretch

[adventurelounger]

Do not miss Lake Superior !
there are two dealers near Minneapolis. not the greatest but since your on a modern Guzzi they could handle any problems you have.
I'm near Minneapolis. always up for coffee but not beer. i have trailer and spare time if you breakdown around here.

Kind offer! Thank you!

[Vagrant]

Honestly if you posted her e  that next Friday I will be near cuz city and I need a place to change oil and tires you will get plenty of offers.

[Bulldog9]

Congrats! I too see the light at the end of the Tunnel..... I think it is good to have awareness of Guzzi Dealers, but to be honest, if you have internet and a Wild Guzzi membership, not to mention MGNOC membership, you have nothing to worry about. You will find more open arms, garages and homes than you can count.

Dealer awareness is good, but Guzzi Community is better. Go for it, enjoy, and embrace the adventure. It will ALWAYS be what you can't/don't prepare for that will find you, and your community is what will save you.

[travelingbyguzzi]

Once you get there, the light is pretty wonderful. It wraps itself around you like a warm southern evening.
Washington has a monthly breakfast 1st Saturday of the month, Oregon has a monthly breakfast 3rd Saturday of the month. Drop in if you can.


Bill Lovelady       IS
Eskimo Spy

[groundhog105]

Sounds like a great trip. When you get to the west coast (Los angles),  I’m east of Los Angles and your welcome to stop over for a service or tire change and a place to sleep.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

Many dealers are poorly stocked where if you do need something MG specific it may be a wait for parts from Italy anyway. For that reason, and it being a new bike, I'd say just plan out your service intervals and tire replacements. Personally I'm more into stopping at motorcycle museums over dealerships, though some are both.

Don't overthink it, just get out and enjoy what you want to see.

[Bulldog9]

I let it slip that in the next couple of years, I’d like to do similar on my Norge.
I received 30+ offers of accomodation and workshop facilities (if needed… ) I would think that your venture might attract similar support…






The post containing the offers is called…
“Tell me why this is a bad idea”

Huzo, if your trip isn't before July of this year, you can move my pin from Louisville KY to Washington DC (Just south near Mount Vernon).  I retire this summer and am going East when I turn in my dog tags.

Who knows, if the trip is in 2025-2026, I may be able to join you for some of the trip. I'll have sold my 1200 Sort by then and will be on my 2012 Norge GT.

[Dirk_S]

I know many of us on the forum have our cities and/or states included in our profile info—can the forum be filtered—or can a map be generated—where folks are at to help plan along the way for potential help. Personally, I’d at least consider including owners who are willing to help in addition to the dealers and mechanics when planning out the route.

PS—carry those spare throttle and clutch cables!