Dr. John RIP

[blackcat]

“A sad day indeed! 😢

"Chester County resident Dr. John Wittner, a one-time dentist who sold his practice and decided to go racing motorcycles around the country has died. He was a talented and passionate guy who loved racing and the engineering of them to winning standards. John hit his stride in 1985 when his racers won National Endurance Championships. Racer Doug Brauneck rode the much-modified racer and won the AMA Pro Twins Championship in 1987. John was lured to Italy by Alejandro DeTomaso as an R&D engineer leading to the Daytona 1000, the “Dr. John Replica”and other machines like the Sport 1100 for Moto Guzzi."

Copied from my friend, John Lawless.”

[rocker59]

RIP Dr. John.

Thank you for the spine frame bikes.

 

[Tusayan]

RIP Dr John, nobody who loves Guzzis will ever forget how an amateur fielding a tractor beat the Honda factory in endurance racing, then became the de facto chief designer in Mandello for a few years.

The internet indicates he was 78.

[jrt]

Wow.  Godspeed- there's a bunch of people that appreciate your dedication and creativity. 

John Wittner left this world a better place.

[Muzz]

“A sad day indeed! 😢

"Chester County resident Dr. John Wittner, a one-time dentist who sold his practice and decided to go racing motorcycles around the country has died. He was a talented and passionate guy who loved racing and the engineering of them to winning standards. John hit his stride in 1985 when his racers won National Endurance Championships. Racer Doug Brauneck rode the much-modified racer and won the AMA Pro Twins Championship in 1987. John was lured to Italy by Alejandro DeTomaso as an R&D engineer leading to the Daytona 1000, the “Dr. John Replica”and other machines like the Sport 1100 for Moto Guzzi."

Copied from my friend, John Lawless.”

Very true Tom. Distinctly a part of Guzzi history.

[guzzi ride]

RIP Dr. John- Guzzi

[JJ]

Wow.  Godspeed- there's a bunch of people that appreciate your dedication and creativity. 

John Wittner left this world a better place.

"Amen...."      R.I.P. Dr. John, and Godspeed....

[Kev m]

Never met him, though I rode by his house hundreds or thousands on times in a Guzzi.

He had a very modest (by Chester County standards) place just miles from my place in Kennett Square.

[lazlokovacs]

RIP Dr John - Guzzi legend.

Thoughts and prayers with his family.

And, more broadly, hoping the mothership pays fitting tribute.

[Moparnut72]

Never met him, though I rode by his house hundreds or thousands on times in a Guzzi.

He had a very modest (by Chester County standards) place just miles from my place in Kennett Square.

You never know who may be living near you. I lived a couple of miles away from a multi times world champion sailing champion in the El Toro class. I don't think the locals even knew. Just down the road from him lived a guy who was on the team planning the invasion of Japan during WWll. One of the designers of the B1 bomber lived a few blocks from me. I wouldn't have met any of these guys if it weren't for the unique job I had. Small world.
kk

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I consider myself lucky to have met and talked with John on two occasions - Summit Point in '85 and at the Moto Guzzi importer's open house in Lillington, NC in '92(?). Very enjoyable and informative conversations both times. Sad to hear that another of my "Guzzi heroes" has passed.

[sdcr]

Met him once at a local Motorcycle gathering back in the late 90’s. Pretty nice guy, chatted a bit about my Sport1100.
He contributed a lot to Moto Guzzi development, especially the spine frames.
RIP

https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1986/7/1/drjohn-and-the-guzzi-gang

[RinkRat II]

  Gleaned from Facebook.

    RIP Dr. John. Thank You!

[mhershon]

I can't believe that I can't read an obituary because I have an ad blocker.

[Moparnut72]

I couldn't either but I got a feeling it had a virus itself. It was fishy.
kk

[Tusayan]

RIP Dr John - Guzzi legend.

Thoughts and prayers with his family.

And, more broadly, hoping the mothership pays fitting tribute.

Don’t bet on it, this is Piaggio.  After Aprilia and then subsequently Piaggio took over they restrained themselves from immediately destroying Guzzi’s technical independence and capability but only until Umberto Todero died, he being John Wittner’s engineering partner and roughly 65 year Guzzi employee.  I guess that does show a modicum of respect, but after that it was no holds barred, everything since 1921 erased with zero appreciation or regard.  Guzzi’s prior engineering as an independent company is for Piaggio something to use as a superficial marketing tool, but the people once involved are not something they want to celebrate - ‘not invented here’ is a big factor.

Wittner was also the project engineer for the Quota ES, as well as the spine framed chassis that he originally developed independent of Guzzi, strongly influenced by a pre-existing Tony Foale design.  He did a lot for Moto Guzzi at a time when they needed technical leadership. Winning back to back AMA endurance championships and the Pro Twins championship was incredible, and taking the Daytona into factory production as an American far from home was a monumental achievement. 

[tommy2cyl]

Always curious about what he did after his glory years developing his  MG race bikes.  It is a major commitment to get a dental degree.
Wonder if he ever went back and practiced dentistry.  Obviously he was a very smart and focused individual in multiple disciplines.

[Kev m]

FYI Guzzi posted a tribute on their FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/bXfBJgHrzLnv939F/?mibextid=oFDknk

Always curious about what he did after his glory years developing his  MG race bikes.  It is a major commitment to get a dental degree.
Wonder if he ever went back and practiced dentistry.  Obviously he was a very smart and focused individual in multiple disciplines.

We're close friends with a couple of doctors who mentored my wife through med school and who started touring the country on a pair of Sportsters once they became empty nesters.

And since we were all from Chester County maybe it wasn't too much of a coincidence that THEIR dentist told them about the dentist who trained/mentored him... This "guy who raced Moto Guzzis."

So yeah, he practiced...

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Emily Banks posted this photo on Facebook. Blaine Paulus Jr. is to the left, then Dr. John, unknown, the late Fred Heistand, another unknown, then me (looking very "yuppy"). 



 

[bikeridertim]

Godspeed and RIP Dr. John.   

[73 sport]

   Does anyone have a clean obituary for John Wittner or date of passing? The obits posted seem to be suspect and full of virus.

[BMCMOTO]

I do not know where this is from but found it on ADVRider.

February 17, 2024



John Wittner Obituary, Death Cause – It is with a heavy heart that the motorcycle community, particularly Moto Guzzi enthusiasts, mourns the passing of Dr. John Wittner. Dr. Wittner, a renowned Moto Guzzi race bike engineer based in Pennsylvania, USA, left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle engineering and racing. His legacy, built over 77 years of a life well-lived, will be remembered with both sadness and admiration. Dr. John Wittner’s contributions to the Moto Guzzi racing scene were nothing short of legendary. As a race bike engineer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the performance and success of Moto Guzzi motorcycles. His expertise, dedication, and innovative approach elevated Moto Guzzi to new heights, earning him recognition as a pioneer in the field.


Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Maestro

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wittner’s workshop stood as a testament to his passion for motorcycle engineering. For decades, he crafted, modified, and fine-tuned Moto Guzzi race bikes, earning a reputation that extended far beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. His workshop became a hub for enthusiasts seeking the touch of a master craftsman. Dr. John Wittner’s journey with Moto Guzzi was more than a career; it was a lifelong dedication. From his early years in the motorcycle industry to becoming a revered engineer, his love for Moto Guzzi was evident in every aspect of his life. The motorcycles he worked on were not just machines; they were a canvas for his artistic engineering prowess.


The Man Behind the Machines

Behind every Moto Guzzi race bike that roared down the track, there was the genius of Dr. John Wittner. His intricate understanding of motorcycle dynamics, engineering, and performance set him apart as a master of his craft. Moto Guzzi enthusiasts marveled at the precision with which he balanced power, speed, and reliability in each machine he touched. Dr. Wittner’s impact on the Moto Guzzi racing legacy is etched in the annals of motorcycle history. The race bikes he meticulously designed and fine-tuned raced into history, leaving an enduring mark on the sport. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance made him a figurehead in the Moto Guzzi racing community and a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers.

The Ageless Enthusiast: 77 Years of Passion

At the age of 77, Dr. John Wittner’s passion for Moto Guzzi remained undiminished. His unwavering dedication to the craft showcased not just his technical prowess but also his enduring love for motorcycles. Even as the years advanced, Dr. Wittner continued to be a driving force in the Moto Guzzi community, demonstrating that passion knows no age. The news of Dr. Wittner’s passing reverberated through the Moto Guzzi community, leaving many in mourning. The loss of such a revered figure is felt deeply, not only for his contributions to motorcycle engineering but also for the warmth and camaraderie he shared with fellow enthusiasts. Dr. Wittner’s workshop was not just a place of mechanical innovation; it was a gathering point for a community bound by a shared love for Moto Guzzi.

Honoring a Moto Guzzi Legend

As the Moto Guzzi community comes to terms with this profound loss, there is a collective effort to honor Dr. John Wittner’s legacy. Tributes pour in from riders, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the impact he had on the world of Moto Guzzi and the lives he touched along the way. The outpouring of grief is accompanied by a deep appreciation for the mark he left on the hearts of those who shared his passion. In honoring Dr. Wittner’s memory, the Moto Guzzi community will continue to resonate with the roar of the race bikes he meticulously crafted. Each engine rev will carry the echoes of his expertise, and every Moto Guzzi that graces the track will be a tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. Dr. John Wittner may have departed this world, but his spirit will forever live on in the thunderous applause of Moto Guzzi engines, a testament to a life devoted to the art and science of motorcycle racing.


Posted in: Obituary

[John Warner]

RIP Dr. John.

Thank you for the spine frame bikes.

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Tony Foale we should thank . . .

But yes, sad news.

[twowings]

Thanks for all you did for the brand, sir! RIP



If anyone has a link to pics of the doc in racing form, would love to see them.

[radguzzi]

Rest in Peace, sir.

Our most sincere condolences to the family of the good Dr. 

He was such an amazing influence on the Worldwide Guzzi community.

[rocker59]

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's Tony Foale we should thank . . .

We all know that Dr. John adapted Tony's design to Guzzis. 

Without Dr. John, there would be no Daytona 1000, Sport 1100, V11 Sport, V11 LeMans.

[Tusayan]

We all know that Dr. John adapted Tony's design to Guzzis. 

Without Dr. John, there would be no Daytona 1000, Sport 1100, V11 Sport, V11 LeMans.

Wittner’s history with Guzzi is one on the most remarkable, if not the most remarkable stories in modern motorcycling history.

Here is a link including photos the relates to the Guzzi spine frame and Tony Foale’s pre-existing Guzzi chassis design:

https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/topic/12301-late-model-pork-chop-to-engine-brace/page/6/

[lazlokovacs]

I do not know where this is from but found it on ADVRider.

February 17, 2024



John Wittner Obituary, Death Cause – It is with a heavy heart that the motorcycle community, particularly Moto Guzzi enthusiasts, mourns the passing of Dr. John Wittner. Dr. Wittner, a renowned Moto Guzzi race bike engineer based in Pennsylvania, USA, left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle engineering and racing. His legacy, built over 77 years of a life well-lived, will be remembered with both sadness and admiration. Dr. John Wittner’s contributions to the Moto Guzzi racing scene were nothing short of legendary. As a race bike engineer, he played a pivotal role in shaping the performance and success of Moto Guzzi motorcycles. His expertise, dedication, and innovative approach elevated Moto Guzzi to new heights, earning him recognition as a pioneer in the field.


Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Maestro

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Dr. Wittner’s workshop stood as a testament to his passion for motorcycle engineering. For decades, he crafted, modified, and fine-tuned Moto Guzzi race bikes, earning a reputation that extended far beyond the borders of Pennsylvania. His workshop became a hub for enthusiasts seeking the touch of a master craftsman. Dr. John Wittner’s journey with Moto Guzzi was more than a career; it was a lifelong dedication. From his early years in the motorcycle industry to becoming a revered engineer, his love for Moto Guzzi was evident in every aspect of his life. The motorcycles he worked on were not just machines; they were a canvas for his artistic engineering prowess.


The Man Behind the Machines

Behind every Moto Guzzi race bike that roared down the track, there was the genius of Dr. John Wittner. His intricate understanding of motorcycle dynamics, engineering, and performance set him apart as a master of his craft. Moto Guzzi enthusiasts marveled at the precision with which he balanced power, speed, and reliability in each machine he touched. Dr. Wittner’s impact on the Moto Guzzi racing legacy is etched in the annals of motorcycle history. The race bikes he meticulously designed and fine-tuned raced into history, leaving an enduring mark on the sport. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance made him a figurehead in the Moto Guzzi racing community and a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers.

The Ageless Enthusiast: 77 Years of Passion

At the age of 77, Dr. John Wittner’s passion for Moto Guzzi remained undiminished. His unwavering dedication to the craft showcased not just his technical prowess but also his enduring love for motorcycles. Even as the years advanced, Dr. Wittner continued to be a driving force in the Moto Guzzi community, demonstrating that passion knows no age. The news of Dr. Wittner’s passing reverberated through the Moto Guzzi community, leaving many in mourning. The loss of such a revered figure is felt deeply, not only for his contributions to motorcycle engineering but also for the warmth and camaraderie he shared with fellow enthusiasts. Dr. Wittner’s workshop was not just a place of mechanical innovation; it was a gathering point for a community bound by a shared love for Moto Guzzi.

Honoring a Moto Guzzi Legend

As the Moto Guzzi community comes to terms with this profound loss, there is a collective effort to honor Dr. John Wittner’s legacy. Tributes pour in from riders, engineers, and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the impact he had on the world of Moto Guzzi and the lives he touched along the way. The outpouring of grief is accompanied by a deep appreciation for the mark he left on the hearts of those who shared his passion. In honoring Dr. Wittner’s memory, the Moto Guzzi community will continue to resonate with the roar of the race bikes he meticulously crafted. Each engine rev will carry the echoes of his expertise, and every Moto Guzzi that graces the track will be a tribute to the legacy he leaves behind. Dr. John Wittner may have departed this world, but his spirit will forever live on in the thunderous applause of Moto Guzzi engines, a testament to a life devoted to the art and science of motorcycle racing.


Posted in: Obituary

Am I the only one who noticed that this obit was written by AI?

[rocker59]

Am I the only one who noticed that this obit was written by AI?

Just curious, what did you notice that makes you believe that?

[Tom]

Sorry to hear.  His work influenced me to buy my one and only "New" motorcycle from Dave's Cycle in Mesa, AZ.  '93 Daytona 1000 #2.  All the rest of the Moto Guzzis in the garage were purchased used.