Tell me why this is a bad idea…

[Huzo]

I’m surprised you even asked the question.  Your faithful Norge is without question the one to take to Murica.

It won’t fail you.  And even if it does, that in itself would be part of your epic journey.

I was attempting to sway the jury…

[Huzo]

Blackbuell is selling his Red NOrge for a very good price...in Kentucky.  I stopped thru a couple of years ago between Ohio and Texas and bought a rear top box from him...his bikes are impeccable.   That's another option for you!

I cannot understand how it’s still there, it’s the same bike as mine.

[s1120]

Given the choice the Norge just fits your plans here in the US perfect. Plus you love the thing, so that helps. As you well know not a ton of dealers, but odds are if you break down, and need some quick parts, or help, Im guessing most of the people you would find here will know/have more stuff, that will get the norge back up and running.

[SemperVee]

 The 85 is not a lock on reliability. Nor is any safety guaranteed. All we can do is manage our risk every time we mount our lovely beast to go riding that makes little sense to non riders who don't have the same appreciation or understanding why put ourselves in harms way.

[Huzo]

Thanks both of you guys.
I just got out of an Uber and the guy was telling me some horror stories regarding riding a motorbike in the U.S.
I’ve done a hundred thousand kilometres in Europe on my Norge in major cities and rural environments, I did not perceive any heightened risk from other road users, above and beyond that which I see here in Australia, other than the ever present (for me), hazard of remembering to ride on the right hand side.
My question is…
Presuming I have the normal amount of road sense and situational awareness, what are the major do’s and do not’s regarding riding in traffic.
What is the easiest way to upset someone and what are the likely (for me) repercussions ?

[SemperVee]

Thanks both of you guys.
I just got out of an Uber and the guy was telling me some horror stories regarding riding a motorbike in the U.S.
I’ve done a hundred thousand kilometres in Europe on my Norge in major cities and rural environments, I did not perceive any heightened risk from other road users, above and beyond that which I see here in Australia, other than the ever present (for me), hazard of remembering to ride on the right hand side.
My question is…
Presuming I have the normal amount of road sense and situational awareness, what are the major do’s and do not’s regarding riding in traffic.
What is the easiest way to upset someone and what are the likely (for me) repercussions ?

Nothing you don't already know about.  " THE What if's" never end.  Just because you think it does not make it true.  Situational awareness..

[PJPR01]

My question is…
Presuming I have the normal amount of road sense and situational awareness, what are the major do’s and do not’s regarding riding in traffic.
What is the easiest way to upset someone and what are the likely (for me) repercussions ?

Lane splitting or lane filtering is not common in the U.S., only a couple of states have it.  You can't ride Italian style here in the U.S. or people get mad if you go to the front of the line...they'll think you are cutting them off.   If you're going to ride on the shoulder to avoid a traffic jam, do so relatively slowly (20-25 mph) or someone may pull over on you just to prevent you from getting ahead.  If they see you are doing it slowly and not racing style, they'll likely leave you alone.

[SIR REAL ED]

Thanks both of you guys.
I just got out of an Uber and the guy was telling me some horror stories regarding riding a motorbike in the U.S.
I’ve done a hundred thousand kilometres in Europe on my Norge in major cities and rural environments, I did not perceive any heightened risk from other road users, above and beyond that which I see here in Australia, other than the ever present (for me), hazard of remembering to ride on the right hand side.
My question is…
Presuming I have the normal amount of road sense and situational awareness, what are the major do’s and do not’s regarding riding in traffic.
What is the easiest way to upset someone and what are the likely (for me) repercussions ?

IMO, human nature is pretty consistent.  I doubt you will find American drivers to be any different from drivers in other countries.

Do keep in mind that the cultures over here vary a lot in just a few dozen miles.  Big cities are almost always more "cut & thrust!"

One trend I have noticed, that seems to be only 10-15 years old, is that the most aggressive, inattentive, unaware, inconsiderate, and dangerous drivers on the road seem to be young Mothers in minivans with kids!!!   

Maybe the kids are driving them insane to the point where their survival instincts are telling them that death via motor vehicles will be less painful than their current existence?

Back in the day it was young males with excess testosterone that one needed to be wary of.  They seem to be a very small percentage of drivers these days.

SemperVee is right.  Situational Awareness!

[Huzo]

Okay.
Keep those cards and letters coming in…

[Tkelly]

Try to avoid interstate highways,especially near cities,aggressive  and discourteous drivers would just as soon run you off the road as let you go .Drivers of big pickup trucks seem to need to show everyone how powerful their overpriced rigs are,especially to motorcyclists.Avoid night driving,plenty of deer and drunk drivers all over.

[Huzo]

Okay, copy that.

[Moparnut72]

One trend I have noticed, that seems to be only 10-15 years old, is that the most aggressive, inattentive, unaware, inconsiderate, and dangerous drivers on the road seem to be young Mothers in minivans with kids!!!   

Young females whether they have kids or are a group to keep an eye on. They are either in lala land or just think traffic laws don't apply to them. Also speed limits are only suggestions here.
kk

[s1120]

Ive had the best luck on highways to be just a tick faster then the main flow..  watch out on onramps, and off ramps. Expect a car next to you to pull onto your lane. Other then passing through the big cities, I find highways safer myself... no cross traffic pulling out. Some areas are aggressive about pulling over speeders.. Watch your speed in small towns. Really avoid city surface streets at all cost IMHO... or cities in general. If you do drive through a city be mindfull of "rush hour " times. 7-8am, and really anytime after 3 pm to about 6 can be rough. I like the old pre highway system main roads.. Other then that, im sure its just like anywhere else in the world.. watch out for others, and in the country watch out for animals' at dusk.

[SIR REAL ED]

Huzo,

I am assuming you are a card carrying graduate of the Mad Max Driving School.  Remember the basics, you'll be fine!

[travelingbyguzzi]

This thread is very inspiring. One of the things that first attracted ne to Guzzi 27 years ago was that many Guzzi riders were travelers.
Huzo, there are many accommodations for you in the Seattle area. We might even bake a cake.
Keep up the good work.

Bill Lovelady        IS
Eskimo Spy

[Huzo]

 

Huzo,

I am assuming you are a card carrying graduate of the Mad Max Driving School.  Remember the basics, you'll be fine!

[Huzo]

This thread is very inspiring. One of the things that first attracted ne to Guzzi 27 years ago was that many Guzzi riders were travelers.
Huzo, there are many accommodations for you in the Seattle area. We might even bake a cake.
Keep up the good work.

Bill Lovelady        IS
Eskimo Spy

Seattle and surrounding area is a place I’d like to see.

[Tom]

On your way there.  Would be great to meet and greet!  Buy you a couple of beers!   

From the MGNOC rally calendar:               

Jun 27 to Jun 29, 2024
50TH ANNUAL MGNOC NATIONAL RALLY JOHN DAY OREGON
With great excitement, the National Rally will be hosted by West Coast MGNOC Moto Guzzi Clubs: Washington, Oregon, California. Location is at Grant County Fairgrounds, John Day, Oregon, while the fare will be great food, fantastic riding, and plenty of entertainment options. John Day was the site of both the 2010 and 2016 Nationals.

Those of you who were there know of John Day's magnificent scenery and you know it offers stellar riding on twisty, wide-open roads through river valleys rising into pine-timbered hills. Entertainment options to includes: field games, bike show, beer/wine tent, evening fire pit, a movie, fantastic raffle prizes, 50/50 drawing, curated rides, tech/history seminars put on by names you will recognize, and a worthy closing ceremony Saturday night. Rally fee will be $100 per person if paid before June 1 and $125 per person from June 1 to the day of the event.

Rally fee includes three nights camping at the fairgrounds, supper Friday and Saturday, with more to be added as we move along. Please make checks payable to Gayle Guthrie, 13020 Occidental Avenue South, Burien, WA 98168. RV sites and early camping are also available through the fairgrounds for a reasonable fee. Call 541-575-1900 or see https://grantcountyoregon.net/217/fairgrounds. Rally fee will include all of the above, plus tent camping at the fairgrounds.

There's a selection of motels in the area offering a third option for those who don't want to camp. Likely, RV sites and motels will book quickly; so, if you need one, best to book soon. Motels nearby within walking distance: John Day Motel, 250 East Main Street, 541-575-9000; Dreamer's Lodge, 144 North Canyon Boulevard, 541-575-0526; Best Western, 315 West Main Street, 541-575-1700; Sunset Inn, 390 West Main Street, 541-575-1462; Budget 8 Motel, 711 W. Main Street, 541-575-2155.

For more information and questions contact: Greg Field, gregfield61@gmail.com; Richard Guthrie, rtguthrie4@msn.com; Jake Heilman, jheilman1969@comcast.net; Pierre DaCunha, pierredacunha@yahoo.com. We are in the process of setting up a website (with electronic payment processing) and Facebook group that will include more details, which we will also be sharing through the MGNOC newsletter. In the meantime, please send all questions, comments, and queries to our main email account: 2024mgnocnational@gmail.com.

[Huzo]

Jeez Tom, thanks for your care.
All this stuff is being documented.

[PJPR01]

Well shit, there goes the Longest Distance Award at the Rally, already in the bag for Huzo!  Well done!

[Tom]

 

[SirIzak]

I've got a spare bedroom and tools available just north of Cincinnati, Ohio if you end up in the area. Garage is full of projects but I'm sure we could squeeze in there if you had work to do. Also only about 20 minutes from the best Guzzi dealer ever, Cadre Cycle!

[Huzo]

I've got a spare bedroom and tools available just north of Cincinnati, Ohio if you end up in the area. Garage is full of projects but I'm sure we could squeeze in there if you had work to do. Also only about 20 minutes from the best Guzzi dealer ever, Cadre Cycle!

Thank you Izak.

[DonT]

You are welcome in NW Connecticut assuming you get there and the timing works out.  There is a very basic barn for your Norge with nothing more than a leaky roof and another Red 2007 Norge for company.  Should your 300K Norge have issues, this 100K Norge can pinch hit.    Village = Collinsville;  town of Canton, CT 06019

[vintage53]

Huzo,






Should you decide to travel a bit further north and leave from "our" Atlantic Ocean, there is aways the New Jersey Shore. 

You are welcome!

Regards,
Joe

[BRG-BIRD]

If I’m not traveling you have a place to stay in New Richmond WI

[Huzo]

Thank you also guys, the list is growing.

[Huzo]

That is 30 offers I have so far…
Don’t forget, any one of you guys can use my V85 if you come to Australia. That would work out to secure accomodation every second night roughly, if my trip was as long as usual…

[SIR REAL ED]

That is 30 offers I have so far…
Don’t forget, any one of you guys can use my V85 if you come to Australia. That would work out to secure accomodation every second night roughly, if my trip was as long as usual…

Please post a picture of your US map with the pins stuck in it.

Enquiring minds want to know!

[Tom]

Loads of options.