MotoGiro

[Sheepdog]

Lannis brought up MotoGiro on another thread, renewing my fascination with this low-stress competition. The European events always feature some beautiful old bikes and now America boasts four or five events annually. I like that participants must use a pre-1968 bike under 300ccs and that it combines touring with skills courses. Has anyone here done a MotoGiro? What sort of bike would be economical to restore and reliable enough to complete a two-day event? This is a great reason to keep a classic bike...

http://www.maxbmwevents.com/max-bmw-moto-giro/

[guzzisteve]

Looks more like an R26 Club, sidecar bikes look bigger not under 300cc. If you had a Duc Desmo you'd be gone out front.

[oldbike54]

 Well , other than they vibrate like a paint shaker , hard to beat an R25 , 26 , 27 . Fairly simple and easy to maintain , if a bit pricey to rebuild .

 An old Honda would be a good choice , a 160 would be my choice for this . Or maybe a Stornello .

 Dusty

[Sheepdog]

I had a CB-160 back in the seventies...a solid choice for MotoGiro. I'd really like to find something interesting, like an old Bultaco or MV 2-stroke. However, one has to be practical and there are a whole lot more Hondas and Yamahas to be found for parts...and a larger aftermarket.

As for the large amount of BMW R-25/26/27s on the linked site; it was put up by MAX BMW...

[Lannis]

I had a CB-160 back in the seventies...a solid choice for MotoGiro. I'd really like to find something interesting, like an old Bultaco or MV 2-stroke. However, one has to be practical and there are a whole lot more Hondas and Yamahas to be found for parts...and a larger aftermarket.

As for the large amount of BMW R-25/26/27s on the linked site; it was put up by MAX BMW...

We're not the only ones thinking about this, apparently, judging by the sudden and significant rise in the prices of MotoGiro-qualified bikes.   Even the lowly and unloved BSA C15 and B25 models, which could be had for the asking a couple years ago, are now changing hands for noticeable money.

I suppose the most "old school" way to do it would be to buy an MV or a Guzzi Lodola or Stornello or an old Aermacchi or similar Italian steed.   I think, though, it would be fun on anything.

If I get one, I'm not going to go with the "similar technology" wheeze, where a model later than a '68 could be run IF the technology was similar, such as a model that didn't change between '68 and say '71.   You'd have an "asterisk" beside your name forever, like Roger Maris.

And it doesn't matter how fast the bike is.   Someone on a plodding BSA Bantam or a Guzzi Galleto could win their class over a smokin' Ducati 250 Desmo, because it's a "timed section" event like an enduro, and includes some roads that aren't pavement, sometimes.   The idea is to finish each section on time ...

I've downloaded the rules and application, we'll see how it goes ....

Lannis

[oldbike54]

I had a CB-160 back in the seventies...a solid choice for MotoGiro. I'd really like to find something interesting, like an old Bultaco or MV 2-stroke. However, one has to be practical and there are a whole lot more Hondas and Yamahas to be found for parts...and a larger aftermarket.

As for the large amount of BMW R-25/26/27s on the linked site; it was put up by MAX BMW...

 If money was not a problem , an early 1960's 125 Honda Benly with the factory race kit would be cool , but for extreme coolness , a Moto Rumi 125 boy racer , or even a Formachino would be perfect.

 Dusty

[pehayes]

The Giro d'California is rather strict about the 175cc/1958 standards.  The Lodola 175 is permitted while the Lodola 235 is not.  As long as registration doesn't max out, you could likely use a 1959 or 1960 Stornello 125.  We don't have all that many road breakdowns.  They either won't start and can't get out of the parking lot or mostly they go the 170 mile day distance. 

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Sheepdog]

I've downloaded the rules and application, we'll see how it goes ....

Lannis

Lannis, will you share your site with the rules/application. Apparently, rules vary by governing body...TY.

[Lannis]

Lannis, will you share your site with the rules/application. Apparently, rules vary by governing body...TY.

PM coming to you.   Nothing mysterious, but there isn't a regular website, the info is on Facebook, a friend of mine sent the .pdf application to me directly via Email, and I sent an Email to the Motogiro organizer and asked to be put on the mailing list.

I'll PM with the organizer's Email, and send you a .pdf of the application form if your Email is on your profile .... Oops, it's not, and I can't send .pdf attached to a post here or on PM.

Yes, MotoGiro USA is different from MotoGiro California ...

Lannis

[Sheepdog]

I've always liked lightweights. My first thought when reading about MotoGiro was about an X6 Hustler. Further investigation revealed that average speeds were low and beautiful vistas were around every corner. The 170 mile course is traversed over two days. The Suzuki would be gross overkill! The Bultaco Metralla, also. That CB-160 might be a perfect fit.

Thanks for the info, Lannis.

[pehayes]

If anyone wants to break into the Giro fun quickly, there is a Gilera 150 Sport asking $4750 currently being discussed at the Giro d'California site.
 Give me a PM and I'll direct you to the seller.  Also, the Giro d'California runs 2 days at 170 miles the first day and about 150 the second day.  Banquet and awards follow.  Three nights lodging so you can arrive early for those last minute maintenance tasks and stay over after the dinner.  My bikes are too big so Regina and I have been checkpoint marshals for ten years.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Sasquatch Jim]

  Having been a BMW R-26 owner back in the mid sixties, It is what I would choose to ride in such an event.
 Make sure it is in great condition with a good battery and it will take you most anywhere you need to go.
 I took mine on trails back in the day.  It was a bit heavy though but I was tough and strong.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

I've done a couple of Giro's with my Stornello Sport that I restored for that purpose.

It's an absolute blast. 2 days of basically riding the things WFO. It's hard to stop laughing. 65mph feels like 125mph. 

Here's my Giro tool. I believe there were 3 Stornello's in one of the events I was at. Also, a couple of Lodola's and a Zigolo.



Currently working on a 67 'Macchi 250 SS250 Sprint to use on the Giro. The wife will ride the Storny when it's done.

[Sheepdog]

I've done a couple of Giro's with my Stornello Sport that I restored for that purpose.

It's an absolute blast. 2 days of basically riding the things WFO. It's hard to stop laughing. 65mph feels like 125mph. 

Here's my Giro tool. I believe there were 3 Stornello's in one of the events I was at. Also, a couple of Lodola's and a Zigolo.




Currently working on a 67 'Macchi 250 SS250 Sprint to use on the Giro. The wife will ride the Storny when it's done.

THAT's what I'm talking about! I really dig those Aermacchi ala Verdes. Please share a photo when it's ready.

[Demar]

The Giro d'California is rather strict about the 175cc/1958 standards.  The Lodola 175 is permitted while the Lodola 235 is not.  As long as registration doesn't max out, you could likely use a 1959 or 1960 Stornello 125.  We don't have all that many road breakdowns.  They either won't start and can't get out of the parking lot or mostly they go the 170 mile day distance. 

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Patrick,
Would a 1953 Moto Guzzi Galletto 175 qualify?

Rick

[Lumpy Idle]

if i had my 'druthers it would be an Aeromacchi Chimera. its the fifties version of what a jet bike would look like.  it fits both the age and size requirements and looks cooler'n snakes&*t  in that clunky fifties sorta way.

http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-italian-motorcycles/aermacchi-chimera-zmwz14mazbea?slideshow=1

[pehayes]

Patrick,
Would a 1953 Moto Guzzi Galletto 175 qualify?

Rick

I've sent a message to the event organizer.  I'll get back.  I don't see why not.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[pehayes]

If anyone wants to break into the Giro fun quickly, there is a Gilera 150 Sport asking $4750 currently being discussed at the Giro d'California site.
 Give me a PM and I'll direct you to the seller.  Also, the Giro d'California runs 2 days at 170 miles the first day and about 150 the second day.  Banquet and awards follow.  Three nights lodging so you can arrive early for those last minute maintenance tasks and stay over after the dinner.  My bikes are too big so Regina and I have been checkpoint marshals for ten years.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

This is a pic of the one for sale.
Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Demar]

I've sent a message to the event organizer.  I'll get back.  I don't see why not.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Thank you 

[hidn45]

There's a "hillbilly MotoGiro" here they call The Race Around Lake Erie (usually happens the same weekend as the WNY Rally - goes right by the KOA).  They start at a campground in Ohio & ride around thru Canada & back to OH.  Mostly older Japanese stuff, lotta 2-smokers, especially the "serious" folks....

[Bob Wegman]

I have a Ducati 250 Monza and a305 Honda Superhawk that I have had plans to get together for these events. Been planning on doing this for too long now. I guess I have had transmission problems because I don't get my ass in gear.

[Sheepdog]

A nice deal on a Gilera in Austin...

http://www.austinvintagecycle.com/1968-gilera-124/

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I think the customer that I "freshened up" this Morini 250 Tornado/Settebello for is planning to do some of the eastern Moto Giros in the future. He bought it on Craigslist for $1200, only had 1800 miles on it.



It would run rings around a Sears Allstate/Puch 250 or BMW R27 (yes, I've ridden both).

[pehayes]

Patrick,
Would a 1953 Moto Guzzi Galletto 175 qualify?

Rick

Rick:  Yes, confirmed.  The Galletto would be welcome on the Giro d'California.

http://girodcalifornia.com/

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Demar]

Rick:  Yes, confirmed.  The Galletto would be welcome on the Giro d'California.

http://girodcalifornia.com/

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Fantastic,
Thank you Patrick. I have new tires to put on... but, I need to get it registered. Not sure if I can do that in time but I'm going to try.

Rick