Author Topic: When did you first see a Moto Guzzi and your thoughts... (Read 9421 times)

willowstreetguzziguy · « **on:** July 21, 2019, 04:44:58 PM »

I remember reading a road test in Cycle magazine in 1971 on the V7 Sport. I couldn't afford one at the time but I thought it was one cool bike, and it still is!

I liked the fact that they thought of a "flip up" rear fender to remove the rear wheel. If they thought of that, there must be many other cool things on the bike that they thought of.

I didn't pursue MG because there weren't any dealers in my area. It took 42 years until I sought out Guzzi. Wish I had done it much sooner!!!

JJ · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2019, 04:51:04 PM »

It was July or August of 1978...I was living in Austin, TX, age 23, working for Motorola...and it was just after my "mint" 1978 Yamaha XS-750 was STOLEN from my apartment complex!!!

I had insurance money in hand...and walked into the local Guzzi dealer and there is was...sitting under the spot lights...a brand new red and black 1978 850 LeMans...and I thought...now that's way cool...

and I bought it!

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2019, 04:52:21 PM »

Around 1970 when my buds and I had recently earned our drivers licenses one of the outings we enjoyed was riding around to all the motorcycle dealers. We all lusted over the CB750 at the Honda dealer. Usually the last stop was a small old fashioned shop that had Norton and Moto Guzzi. We all approved of the Norton but thought the Ambassador on display was the ugliest bike we had ever seen.

Lannis · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2019, 04:56:20 PM »

In 1971 I was riding my first proper road bike all around, all the time, a Yamaha CS3 200cc electric start two-stroke twin.

At the north end (Madison Heights end) of the bridge across the James River on US29 from Madison Heights to Lynchburg was an old grocery store. In the basement of the building, open at one end to ground level, was a little motorcycle shop selling Moto Guzzi and Norton motorcycles. At the time, the price of a new Guzzi was about $1500, and I had as much chance of getting that sum into one place as I had of being King of Ruritania, being that the $400 I'd paid for the Yamaha had bankrupted me for the present and obligated me for the foreseeable future.

But the owner offered me a brand new black-and-chrome Guzzi for a test ride. I rode it up the old curvy road into Madison Heights, and I can remember as clearly as if it were yesterday how the bike went sort of "up and down" when I changed gears, due to the torque reaction from the rear drive. It was just a big smooth luxurious ride compared to the little Yamaha, and I dreamed about it for a long time.

But until Jack Arnold introduced me to Guzzi folks and they introduced me to Guzzi bikes in 2001, I never even looked at another one for all that 30 years ....

Lannis

guzzista · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2019, 05:10:02 PM »

In the summer of 1967 a new red and silver v700 rolled in our little Italian town .Before then Guzzi Lodolas, Gileras , Moto Morinis, Ducatis, Benellis et all of sub 200 cc displacement were a common sight, with the Guzzi Airones and Falcones from Law enforcement being the big bikes. Nothing was as magnificent to my eyes and ears as that early Loop. That may have shaped my motorcycle consciousness to this day.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2019, 05:38:07 PM »

Sometime in 2000, my neighbor across the street came home with a very original ‘71 Ambassador police bike. I was looking for an airhead (/5) at the time, and never heard of Moto Guzzi. When I heard the Ambo pull into his garage, I ran over and asked him “what the hell is that”! It was love at first sight and I knew I had to have one. About a week later I found a police Eldo in the MGNOC newsletter classifieds, and drove out to Pittsburgh to pick it up. I’m currently working on my 9th Guzzi, and currently have an identical ‘71 police Ambo in the garage.

Oh yea, I’ve also had an R75/5 come and go.

Moto · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2019, 05:45:31 PM »

Strangely enough, in Rome on a business trip, about 1987. It was a T3 or similar, parked on one of those eternal streets. I thought it looked badly cared for, but different enough to be exotic and intriguing.

Before that, my main impressions were from the ads for the Ambo/Eldo in the cycle magazines. Even then, it looked like an old man's motorcycle, and I wasn't interested at all.

Moto

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2019, 05:54:34 PM »

In 73-74 on my BiMX bike through the windows of Vern’s Foreign Motors in Springfield, Mo.

I probably thought “holy shit that’s cool”

OldMojo · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2019, 05:57:38 PM »

When I was a kid in the early 80s, I was roaming the alleys of my neighborhood when I happened upon a stack of old car and bike magazines someone had set out by the trash - Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Cycle, etc. Late 50s to late 70s. This was around the time that I was starting to learn about cars & engines. I had built that "Visible V8" model kit and had torn apart an old lawnmower. In one of those old magazines was a full page ad for what was a roundhead Tonti of some flavor- A flat side view illustration. I noticed how the engine, trans and rear drive were laid out just like a RWD car, and I thought "That's how a motorcycle should be built."

From that point on, I decided that if I ever got a motorcycle, it would be a Guzzi.

LowRyter · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2019, 06:12:04 PM »

I've known forever what a Moto Guzzi was. Basically it's an Italian Beemer.

I guess the first one I saw was a yellow 1100 Sport that was riding with several of us on sporty bikes. I was on my 1200 Bandit, a cop was leading on VFR and some guy running a ZX-12 and smoking fast, plus about half dozen more bikes. I didn't know they made a sporty Guzzi and didn't expect him to keep up with us. That cop knew a rode where we ran 145, that ZX went right around us all.

Anyway, I never considered a Guzzi until I wanted a two-up bike to shuttle the wife on occasion. So I looked around and used EVs were cheaper than about anything, Japanese or Harley. So I got on this board, got the EV, and oh my, this thing is lots of fun- the board and the Guzzi. Then I went to the Colorado Rally, took some rides with Michael D and locals, and now I am part of this geriatric motorcycle group of oddballs where I've always belonged.

Like Ken Hand told me, "welcome home John".

bentombed · « **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2019, 06:12:12 PM »

around 1999 my mate bought a lemans III, he started it and i thought, i want one of those. 19 years later i got a Lemans IV.

Lannis · « **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2019, 06:18:52 PM »

Quote from: Moto on July 21, 2019, 05:45:31 PM

Even then, it looked like an old man's motorcycle, and I wasn't interested at all.

Moto

Apparently something has changed over the years ....

Lannis

blackcat · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2019, 06:28:24 PM »

I was at my girlfriends birthday party(1970) in her front yard as her dad rolled out a brand new BMW /5 for her birthday present when I heard this rumble coming down the hill, and it wasn’t a Harley. I’m guessing it was a new Ambassador, needless to say I thought it was very cool.

stonelover · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:26:55 PM »

Picture 1953 as a young teen living with my family in Alsace. The streets were filled with mopeds, vespas and the occasional "real motorcycle". The National police would pass through in pairs on their BMW /2's. Impressive! One day a Guzzi came into town and I remember feeling how ancient it looked compared to the beemers Sort if like the 1920's or 30's appearing in the 1950's. Wanted nothing to do with that!!

Fast forward to 2013 or 2014. I was having lunch in Berkeley Springs, WV and went to feed my parking meter.
Nearby there was not one, but two Guzzies! I'd never seen a V7 before, much less two together. The owners were on their way to the VA rally. I was smitten. In July of 2015 I took delivery of my 2016 Stone II and have been happily riding ever since. Great bike!

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #14 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:37:47 PM »

I was an avid reader of all the motorcycle magazines from around 9 years of age on. I always liked the special "buyer's guide" issues and it was the Guzzis, Laverdas and Morinis that really caught my eye.

In 1976, the lady that drove the school bus I rode each day noticed me doodling motorcycles on my (brown paper bag) book covers. She asked if I wanted a motorcycle - of course the answer was YES! She told me that I could have the Benelli she owned and that all I needed to do was go pick it up at a local shop. That weekend, my father took me over to Halley's Cycle in Brunswick, MD (now a NAPA) and that's where I saw my first Guzzi - a '76 Convert - in the metal. I thought it was beautiful and bigger than anything I'd ever be able to ride. Two years later, I saw a 1000SP at Gathland State Park. Same woozy feeling came over me.

In '83, a well-worn Convert became my first Guzzi and two years later a 1000SP my second.

rschrum · « **Reply #15 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:42:38 PM »

About 1971 dad came home with a 68 red v700. After riding it I thought, my cb350 will run circles around it.

vstevens · « **Reply #16 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:51:39 PM »

In San Diego, after discovering Sonny Angels national city motorcycle shop, I was introduced to cagiva and Guzzi. Apparently, Sonny rode a quota and loved the thing. He tried to sell me a cagiva - the one with the Ducati engine - but I couldn't take my eyes off the strange sideways engine in his Guzzi... and never forgot it.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:53:08 PM »

I read Cycle, Cycle World, Motorcyclist, and Cycle Guide every month as a young teen. I guess it was around 1970 that Guzzi caught my eye. Back then, the single was still in the lineup and the V-twin was relatively new to the scene. I can remember thinking that the Guzzi made sense like a Beemer (longitudinal crank, shaft drive, heads in the breeze), but not so "stodgy." At the time, the V7 Sport was a brand new thing and it blew me away. Many years passed before I rode a Guzzi (a delightful Mille) and even more before I owned one (my California Vintage). That Calvin remains the most satisfying bike I've ever owned and a big favorite.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2019, 07:59:06 PM »

I had never seen a Guzzi, at the time I was riding a nice nearly new Suzuki Intruder.
I saw a Guzzi advertised on craigslist so i thought i would go and take a look, had no intention of buying it.
Finally made contact with the owner and he took me to a container to see a bike written off by the insurance company.
Opened the container and there was this Green 01 VII Sport, it was love at first sight, I soon kicked the Suzuki out.

Bulldog9 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 21, 2019, 08:17:40 PM »

I cant remember exactly. Like all bikophiles I knew about Guzzi, and of the Honda CX 500 copy of it, but I can't remember seeing a Moto Guzzi in the flesh.

The first one I remember distinctly and seriously got my attention was the 1200 sport I think it was in the year 2000. I saw it in a cycle world magazine but at that time couldn't afford something new. The bike looked perfect to my taste and desires, and still does.

I went many years all the way up until 2015 until I actually got to see a Moto Guzzi in the flesh and had an opportunity to ride one. That Guzzi was my GRiSO.... Totally transformed my riding life.

I'd still love a 1200 Sport or V11 Sport.

nc43bsa · « **Reply #20 on:** July 21, 2019, 08:20:29 PM »

I saw Guzzis in movies (such as Magnum Force) and magazines, but the first one I remember seeing in person (~1980) was the race bike Eric Phillippe was warming up at the self-service garage I used in Raleigh. With the 2-into-1 exhaust, it sounded like a small block Chevy.

Moto · « **Reply #21 on:** July 21, 2019, 09:35:14 PM »

Quote from: Lannis on July 21, 2019, 06:18:52 PM

Apparently something has changed over the years ....

Lannis

Sigh. So it did.

But they did make some sportier models along the way, too.

Moto

alanp · « **Reply #22 on:** July 21, 2019, 10:16:49 PM »

It was Love at first sight...

It was around 1990. I had given up motorcycling for a few years, but decided I wanted another. It had to be something "interesting" and more exotic than the sub 500cc Honda's and Suzuki 750s I had had before. I was researching my options, with BMW airheads at the top of my list, when I spotted a perfect condition V7 Sport parked in the Highland neighborhood of Denver. I had heard of Moto Guzzi but had never seen one, and it was a WOW moment!
I left a note on the seat saying what a beautiful motorcycle, and asked the owner to call me. He did, and I learned enough from that phone call to convince me I wanted a Moto Guzzi. I ended up with a 1983 Lemans III as my introduction to the brand, and have been working my way through the model lineup ever since. Moto Guzzi and it's community of riders has become a significant part of my life, and I wouldn't trade the experiences for anything.

AJ Huff · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2019, 10:23:12 PM »

Used to walk past a tiny bike parking lot on Johnson St (I think) on my way to class at University of Wisconsin 1989-1990ish. Pretty sure it was a black T3 but maybe not. Didn't know anything about motorcycles then but I liked that bike. Later I decided I liked the look of the loop frames the best and bought an Ambassador ten years later as my first bike.

-AJ

Ryan · « **Reply #24 on:** July 22, 2019, 12:34:06 AM »

I had just purchased the first brand-new anything I ever owned, an 83 V45 Interceptor. At a gas stop, a guy was there with a red and black LeMans. I remember thinking it was cool, but it was "just a twin..." Fast forward a few years and bikes later, and I was stopped in my tracks by a rumble coming into the Costco parking lot. When the nuclear-green V11 appeared, I was done. That was exactly how a bike should look and sound. I found my way to this board, and the V11 board, and finally a Tenni. Being laid off led to the Tenni being sold, but the Stelvio I have now is better suited to my current riding and body; I just don't fold up like I used to.

Mr Revhead · « **Reply #25 on:** July 22, 2019, 02:07:58 AM »

My uncle bought an 84 Spada 1000 in 1985. He still has it. Even though I hadn't seen in over 20 years when I decided to get a bike, the look of a Honda CX500 had me.
Then I got a California, and then a Sport 1100. Thinking about it, that destiny was shaped 34 years ago!!

mechanicsavant · « **Reply #26 on:** July 22, 2019, 07:02:38 AM »

I can’t remember the exact time & space coordinates, it was long ago in a distant galaxy . But , the impression was one of what great common sense the architecture made . I’m still using it as a yardstick when viewing other bikes !

larrys · « **Reply #27 on:** July 22, 2019, 07:54:32 AM »

In 1973 my shop chief, TSgt Fair had a '72 Eldorado. It was the coolest motorcycle I had ever seen! I was riding a rigid Bonneville chopper at the time. Next Guzzi I saw was in 1976. I was at Mike Swider's shop in Colchester, CT buying some parts for my Commando. Mike had a new Lemans on the floor for $3500. I thought it was way cool, but it was a lot of money for a bike, then. I bought my first Guzzi in 1980. It was a '76 Convert with a California sidecar on it. Cheap money from an estate.
Larry

dustybarn · « **Reply #28 on:** July 22, 2019, 08:03:25 AM »

It may have been in Wales, or in Scotland. I saw a beat-up Loop with a sidecar in the parking lot of a Tesco. There were stickers from all over Europe on the back of the sidecar, and I thought, "THAT is what I want for a motorcycle".

s1120 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 22, 2019, 08:05:02 AM »

Well don't remember in person... but I first heard of the brand back in what the late 70's, early 80's when someone was running a LM in the iron butt... It was just so anti tour bike, and so freaken cool I loved it! Fast forward to the late 80's early 90's and im at Amercaide and taking demo rides.. I get on the 1000S and I was hooked for life!!! Sadly it took me a bit to get a MG... but last winter I brought my Cali stone!

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