So, where do i buy stuff from?

[Chuck-D]

I wanted to buy an all-weather cover for my V7, and the dealership doesn't have any specific covers, only a genetic large.  I'd like a tank bag, and I've seen parts listed in catalogs, but I can't find anywhere to order them from.
Am I just stupid, or can we only order stuff through dealerships, or am I missing something?

I really like my bike, although terribly inexperienced, but I can't seem to figure out the culture surrounding it...

Thanks for any help.

[normzone]

I'm afraid that for Moto Guzzis it's done differently. There is a special yarn you can purchase, and a set of plans. Then you need to find somebody who will knit one for you.

[oldbike54]

 Culture ?? Well , that would be red suspenders , camp outs , and grappa . Notice that those are all inexpensive because we are , hmm , frugal 

 Dusty

[radguzzi]

I'm afraid that for Moto Guzzis it's done differently. There is a special yarn you can purchase, and a set of plans. Then you need to find somebody who will knit one for you.

You're evil Norm, funny but evil...      

[radguzzi]

 SOME are , hmm , frugal 

 Dusty

Fixed it..  Parsimonious.

[Chuck-D]

I'm afraid that for Moto Guzzis it's done differently. There is a special yarn you can purchase, and a set of plans. Then you need to find somebody who will knit one for you.

Ok, I laughed.
You did forget to point out that the book is in German and three models out of date.

[rocker59]

Am I just stupid, or can we only order stuff through dealerships, or am I missing something?

Actually, it's quite the opposite.

I really like my bike, although terribly inexperienced, but I can't seem to figure out the culture surrounding it...

Guzzi "culture" is what you make it.  It's not prepackaged and sold at a dealership.

[Chuck-D]

Actually, it's quite the opposite.

Thanks.
 in unrelated news, are there nominations for "most unhelpful post" ?

[oldbike54]

Guzzi "culture" is what you make it.  It's not prepackaged and sold at a dealership.

 Yep , remember when HD set up temporary post offices in their dealerships and sold post cards so their group could get their post cards cancelled at a dealership . I mean come on  Of course the dealers in Tulsa had folks line up to do so . No self respecting Guzzi rider is gonna stand in line except maybe to get in the factory .

 Dusty

[rocker59]

Thanks.
 in unrelated news, are there nominations for "most unhelpful post" ?

"Am I just stupid, or can we only order stuff through dealerships, or am I missing something?"

You are not stupid. We normally don't order stuff through dealerships, because they're not usually helpful.  You are not missing anything. 

Guzzi has a vast network of suppliers which are not at first visible to the newcomer.

AF1 racing
Harper's
MG Cycle

Those will get you started.  There are more. 

[oldbike54]

 What we really need are Voodoo dolls in the likeness of Guido , maybe then we could get grease in all of the appropriate places 

 Dusty

[Red07]

Chuck, are you looking for Guzzi specific items only?  If not, many companies offer covers and tank bags for your v7.  Many size, color, and design differences.  For example, I am using a Dowco motorcycle cover on my Griso.  Size medium.  Fits really well.  Around $40 off of eBay.

For tank and tail bags, I am using Nelson Rigg.  They make really nice stuff.  Reasonably priced.  My tank bag and two tail bags (large and small) cost about the same as the large griso OEM tank bag. 

Just pointing out other options.


Randy

[pete roper]

For tank bags Onur from Turkey makes a mounting ring for the Givi 'Tanklock' bags for most models including the V7's. I really like this system as its so easy to use and has less risk of scratching the tank than strap on bags.

Pete

[bad Chad]

Some dealers are great about getting stuff, however, many are not.  If your dealer can't or won't try those listed by Rocker59.

[Moto]

A good place to look at the range of OEM accessories is the Australian MG site (no kidding). Here's a direct link to the accessories for the V7II Special, e.g.: http://www.motoguzzi.com.au/accessories/product-category/motorcycles/v7-ii-special/?v=7516fd43adaa.

As you may already know, there is an indoors-only OEM cover for the V7, as seen in the above site. AF1racing.com has this cover, part number 895729, for $175. You'd have to get a generic cover for outdoor use, I think.

Great U.S. dealers for parts and service:
harpermoto.com, motointernational.c om, rosefarmclassics.co m

Great U.S. non-dealer sources of parts:
mgcycle.com, af1racing.com

European sources eager to serve you (well, pretty eager) in English:
http://www.agostinimandello.com/ (Mandello, Italy)
http://www.stein-dinse.biz/ (Germany)

And there are more.

Moto

[Sheepdog]

For bike gear:
The aforementioned MG Cycle and Harpers Moto Guzzi
http://www.guzzitech.com/store/
http://www.motomachines.com/V7II-15-_c_789.html
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-bike/moto-guzzi

For rider gear:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com
https://www.aerostich.com
https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US
http://www.motoport.com

...to name a few. If nothing else, these sites make for fun browsing.

[bigbikerrick]

For bike gear:
The aforementioned MG Cycle and Harpers Moto Guzzi
http://www.guzzitech.com/store/
http://www.motomachines.com/V7II-15-_c_789.html
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/shop-by-bike/moto-guzzi

For rider gear:
http://www.motorcyclegear.com
https://www.aerostich.com
https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US
http://www.motoport.com

...to name a few. If nothing else, these sites make for fun browsing.

Excellent, Sheepdog! I think you covered it all.....all except the "culture" part! LOL.
Thanks Rick.

[fotoguzzi]

Aerostich has it's own culture but a great place to start if not Guzzi specific..if nothing else get on the mailing list, the catalog is fun to read..

https://www.aerostich.com

[Guzzistajohn]

I've had several tank bags over the years. The wolfman bags I have now are the best I've owned.

[fotoguzzi]

What's your location? I might have a tank bag you can have for cost of shipping, do you have a metal tank>

[cwiseman]

If you want a honest dealer who will give you a good price and try his very best contact me for personal one on one service. PM me and I'll give you my work and cell number, I'm available in the evenings as well.
Always happy to talk Guzzi's and help any way possible.

[Chuck-D]

Thanks all! These are a lot of great suggestions. I'll work on it.
cwiseman, I may hit you up later, thanks!

[Devildog]

Justmotorcyclecover s.com have outdoor covers, and Kreiga bags are amazing, available thru RevZilla.com, or you can order direct from the factory website.

[charlie b]

When I wanted an outdoor cover for my old T5 I just went to Revzilla and ordered one.  Same for a tank bag and just about every other accessory I wanted.  All were generic items.

[Nic in Western NYS]

Hi Chuck,
To my mind the culture here is: write what you would say to a buddy in person. Not some snarky clever thing you might think to yourself but would never say out loud if someone you didn't want to fight was standing next to you.  It's not like what much of the regular internet has turned into, more like a bar or a campfire.  Be respectful to everyone here - they know more than you one way or another and will be willing to help if you're not a ...
Great group of folks here and they get to know you over time.  Also, people generally are ok with their real names being used, again, it's not an anonymous twitter world.
Good luck with your search for Guzzi products, you'll get suggestions from around the world for all your questions.
Best,
Nic Apostoleris

[JACoH]

I've had several tank bags from Chase-Harper. Excellent quality, made in USA, and quite a selection of soft and semi-soft designs. Web site is chaseharper.com I think.