What to do

[sgl0226]

I have a slight dilemma.  I’m on my 5th Guzzi.  It’s a 2024 Stelvio and I love it.  I am completely mechanically inept when it comes to cars and motorcycles.  I always rely on professionals to maintain and fix my vehicles.   I currently live near a great dealership for my Stelvio but am considering moving to an area where the nearest moto guzzi dealership is far away.  I know local mechanics can do routine maintenance for me but what happens when I need something more serious that they can’t handle?  For instance only a moto guzzi dealership would have the diagnostic computer equipment to diagnose problems. I don’t want to get rid of the bike because of this but I don’t know the answer.  I know I’m probably over thinking the problem but to me it’s a valid concern. 

[faffi]

Personally, I would contact all the various shops offering motorcycle service and hear if any of them have any experience working on Guzzis, and if they have the mandatory tools to maintain and repair the current bikes. Chances are some independent shop have taken the opportunity to service Guzzis.

[AJ Huff]

It's a serious issue. I'm probably going to divest myself of Moto Guzzi in the next few for years for that very reason, lack of mechanic.

-AJ

[Huzo]

How far from someone you trust will you be ?

[Tkelly]

Hang on to at least one of your old ones so you will be able to ride if the Stelvio has issues.I have 3 of them,just in case,at my age I can’t afford to miss much riding time.

[sgl0226]

How far from someone you trust will you be ?

The closest dealer is probably 1.5-2 hours away.  I could rent a trailer but I don’t want to install a hitch on my car just for the possibility of having to trailer my bike someplace. 

[guzziart]

The closest dealer is probably 1.5-2 hours away.  I could rent a trailer but I don’t want to install a hitch on my car just for the possibility of having to trailer my bike someplace.

Same here but it's been that way for several years now, luckily I know which end of a hammer to use.  A hitch on the car aint such a bad idea imho.  Anytime I venture more than 150 miles or so from home on the Eldo or SE, I hook the trailer to the wifes' pick up truck in case she has to roadcall me.  On the otherhand, there maybe new pals at your new location that might be able to help you out in an emergency, etc or maybe one of the dealer employees might be willing to transport on their day off for reasonable compensation.

[Vagrant]

You could start by saying where you are and where you are going. There are folks here that might be willing to help.

[drdwb]

When you say you are completely mechanically inept, are you saying you are ok with this and not interested in or don’t have time to learn how to service your own bike, perhaps you don’t have time,space or the resources to do bike maintenance.  NO JUDGEMENT here, as there are plenty examples of people owning / using technologies they don’t know how to maintain, I’m a perfect example when it comes to computers and a lot of modern technology.

But you have options depending on where you move to, this forum is a great resource, you might find a fellow member here that enjoys wrenching on bikes living near by who could help when necessary. You might find an independent shop or mechanic that can do necessary maintenance.

But Having 4, Guzzi’s between my wife and myself and using them for touring averaging 5-10,00 miles a year I can’t imagine packing for a trip and not including enough tools to keep us from being stranded, or having to wait for roadside assistance. Fortunately most of our trips have been trouble free, because I try to keep up with maintenance. However on 20 year old bikes stuff happens that you can’t prevent, a fuel filter plugs due to bad gas, a gas line pops off the fuel pump, a clutch cable breaks or requires adjustment, a relay or fuse goes without warning,etc…we’ve had all this and more but we’ve never been stranded due to something simple.Older Guzzi’s are pretty simple and forgiving that way.

Knowing the resources available here and connecting with the Guzzi community where you move to will help. Living in rural Mn our closest Guzzi dealer is either in Watertown SD or Mora Mn both at least 2 1/2 hours away, but over the years I’ve met a lot of midwestern Guzzi riders at rallies who have provided help and assistance when I couldn’t fix a problem myself.

So if you like your Guzzi I would suggest keeping it, you’ll just have to figure out how deal with problems when they show up.

[Huzo]

The closest dealer is probably 1.5-2 hours away.  I could rent a trailer but I don’t want to install a hitch on my car just for the possibility of having to trailer my bike someplace.

For heaven’s sake just keep the bike.
You’ve probably spent more than 1.5 hrs addressing it here on the forum. Don’t be dominated by the fear and how much will you lose by letting it go ?
Also how do you think you remained inept ? Read some books, ask some questions, make some mistakes and stop lamenting how hard it all is.
If I had a 2024 Stelvio, I’d make it my mission to learn about it. That is one beautiful bike.
Your comments remind me of Hardy Har Har from the Lippy the Lion series.

[sgl0226]

I have a slight dilemma.  I’m on my 5th Guzzi.  It’s a 2024 Stelvio and I love it.  I am completely mechanically inept when it comes to cars and motorcycles.  I always rely on professionals to maintain and fix my vehicles.   I currently live near a great dealership for my Stelvio but am considering moving to an area where the nearest moto guzzi dealership is far away.  I know local mechanics can do routine maintenance for me but what happens when I need something more serious that they can’t handle?  For instance only a moto guzzi dealership would have the diagnostic computer equipment to diagnose problems. I don’t want to get rid of the bike because of this but I don’t know the answer.  I know I’m probably over thinking the problem but to me it’s a valid concern.

To answer some questions, I’ll be in the Sarasota, FL area.  I have asked around at some local bike shops and they all said they could do the simple maintenance but lack the diagnostic tools to do any more.  I’m sure there are more places I can ask.  I think there’s a dealer north of Tampa and one in Fort Meyers. Someone mentioned a good point.  I could contact these dealerships to see if anyone could pick the bike up should that become necessary.   I’ve never had serious issues with any Guzzi I’ve owned but I’m just trying to prepare for any possibilities.  I guess if I ever did need to transport the bike there would be a way somehow. I don’t mind at all riding a couple of hours to a dealer (although I75 in Florida is not exactly a relaxing ride), it’s having to get a crippled bike there that is my concern. As far as learning how to work on my bikes, just not interested at this point in my life.  I’m not inept.  I was very good at what I did for my career.  I traveled the world teaching others.  If I was younger and had someone to teach me I would love to learn.  But at this point in time I’m just not interested. 

[Bulldog9]

To answer some questions, I’ll be in the Sarasota, FL area.  I have asked around at some local bike shops and they all said they could do the simple maintenance but lack the diagnostic tools to do any more.  I’m sure there are more places I can ask.  I think there’s a dealer north of Tampa and one in Fort Meyers. Someone mentioned a good point.  I could contact these dealerships to see if anyone could pick the bike up should that become necessary.   I’ve never had serious issues with any Guzzi I’ve owned but I’m just trying to prepare for any possibilities.  I guess if I ever did need to transport the bike there would be a way somehow. I don’t mind at all riding a couple of hours to a dealer (although I75 in Florida is not exactly a relaxing ride), it’s having to get a crippled bike there that is my concern. As far as learning how to work on my bikes, just not interested at this point in my life.  I’m not inept.  I was very good at what I did for my career.  I traveled the world teaching others.  If I was younger and had someone to teach me I would love to learn.  But at this point in time I’m just not interested.

I understand the dilemma and having one of the newer V100 based models, having a dealer close or reasonable would be important. We already know that the valve adjustment is more complex than historical Guzzi simplicity, so a dealer visit would be in the cars for me. Granted it's at 15K miles so depending on how many miles you ride a year this could be a non-issue or a burden. I'd also be concerned with the new technology and platform over the 5 to 10 year. If you plan to keep the bike that long.

If you have the ability to tow, a local rental from U-Haul is around $50 in the case of a dead bike.

As most of my Moto Guzzi purchases have been used, never taken one to a dealer. When I bought my 2014 Norge, it was still under warranty so I took it for a fix to the fuel gauge. I also took my mgx21 to a dealer to sort out the multimedia and mgmp programming. The only other motorcycle I purchased new was my stornello. I've had it almost 8 years and it has never seen the dealer once.

I do all my own work except for tires (no time will or patience for that). If I were to entrust a local shop for routine maintenance, i.e. oil and fluid changes, valve adjustments, brake pad changes etc, I would want to know that the mechanic was competent and conversant in Moto Guzzi and general servicing. I would likely NOT go to a dealer but a competent shop. But as you said, warranty, computer and high tech issues or ECU service resets, etc would be a challenge.

I wouldn't sell what I had, and would be willing to take a chance, but in your situation, my next MC would likely NOT be a Guzzi.

[twowheeladdict]

To answer some questions, I’ll be in the Sarasota, FL area.  I have asked around at some local bike shops and they all said they could do the simple maintenance but lack the diagnostic tools to do any more.  I’m sure there are more places I can ask.  I think there’s a dealer north of Tampa and one in Fort Meyers. Someone mentioned a good point.  I could contact these dealerships to see if anyone could pick the bike up should that become necessary.   I’ve never had serious issues with any Guzzi I’ve owned but I’m just trying to prepare for any possibilities.  I guess if I ever did need to transport the bike there would be a way somehow. I don’t mind at all riding a couple of hours to a dealer (although I75 in Florida is not exactly a relaxing ride), it’s having to get a crippled bike there that is my concern. As far as learning how to work on my bikes, just not interested at this point in my life.  I’m not inept.  I was very good at what I did for my career.  I traveled the world teaching others.  If I was younger and had someone to teach me I would love to learn.  But at this point in time I’m just not interested.

Curious how a motorcyclist could move to Sarasota.  As a former Floridian, the timing sucks.  If you are sure that is where you want to be sells the bikes and get a boat.

[sgl0226]

Curious how a motorcyclist could move to Sarasota.  As a former Floridian, the timing sucks.  If you are sure that is where you want to be sells the bikes and get a boat.

I actually spend the winters there and have a group I really enjoy riding with.  I trailer my bike back and forth.  I’m gonna bump it up to 6 months a year and so I want to leave one bike there permanently.  And then instead of driving my truck down each year we would take my wife’s car (no hitch).  My bmw r1250rt would stay in Ohio.  Thats the bike I prefer for long distances riding and I do more of that from Ohio than Florida. 

[Motormike]

I have always enjoyed riding in Florida, especially in the winter when the rest of the country is in the deep freeze.  But MAN, that salt air is rough on bikes! 

[Bulldog9]

Curious how a motorcyclist could move to Sarasota.  As a former Floridian, the timing sucks.  If you are sure that is where you want to be sells the bikes and get a boat.

Bradenton and Sarasota are my favorite areas in Florida.

[Anomaly]

Curious how a motorcyclist could move to Sarasota.  As a former Floridian, the timing sucks.  If you are sure that is where you want to be sells the bikes and get a boat.

OK, the original poster has responded and its clear he knows what he is getting into, but when I saw the post quoted above, it reminded me of a personal experience worth (I think) sharing. Almost 40 years ago, I lived for a short time in St. Petersburg and for part of that time I was helping out a group of commercial fishermen in a little place called Cortez I think its pretty much been swallowed up now by urban spread...). One day, I arrived too early and the fleet was still out on the water and I had some time to kill. I used to play golf back then (gave it up for good a bit after the time of this story) and there was this little public course a bit further south of Cortez (not all the way to Sarasota but close enough for the purposes of this story), so I headed over there to play 9 holes to kill the time. The course was empty and I was playing by myself when I noticed another solo golfer coming up fast on me on the fourth hole. I waved for him to play through but he joined me on the green and stayed with me for a couple more holes before he moved on.

We started chatting and he told me he had recently moved to the area-- he had been an engineer of some sort at the Hanford nuclear plant in Washington state but had taken early retirement and moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area. I grew up in central Washington state and had a grandmother that lived in Pasco so I asked him how he liked living in Florida after all those years in Richland. His face immediately stiffened and then fell into a melancholy expression. He said that for years, he used to punch the clock at his Hanford job but spent hours reading golf magazines dreaming about retiring to Florida. But, now that he was there, he realized it was all a big mistake: "Florida is nice for the winter months, really January and February, maybe March, but by April the humidity is coming on and so are the thunderstorms." He said he had actually played far more golf back in the arid part of Washington state, but they had sold their house in Richland, liquidated a lot of possessions and were now firmly planted in Florida. This was mid-April and his shirt was soaked through with sweat, and thunderclouds started moving in from out of nowhere so he said he ought to speed up again and he said goodbye and played ahead. I never saw him again, but have always remembered his story as a cautionary tale about retirement dreams...

[sgl0226]

OK, the original poster has responded and its clear he knows what he is getting into, but when I saw the post quoted above, it reminded me of a personal experience worth (I think) sharing. Almost 40 years ago, I lived for a short time in St. Petersburg and for part of that time I was helping out a group of commercial fishermen in a little place called Cortez I think its pretty much been swallowed up now by urban spread...). One day, I arrived too early and the fleet was still out on the water and I had some time to kill. I used to play golf back then (gave it up for good a bit after the time of this story) and there was this little public course a bit further south of Cortez (not all the way to Sarasota but close enough for the purposes of this story), so I headed over there to play 9 holes to kill the time. The course was empty and I was playing by myself when I noticed another solo golfer coming up fast on me on the fourth hole. I waved for him to play through but he joined me on the green and stayed with me for a couple more holes before he moved on.

We started chatting and he told me he had recently moved to the area-- he had been an engineer of some sort at the Hanford nuclear plant in Washington state but had taken early retirement and moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area. I grew up in central Washington state and had a grandmother that lived in Pasco so I asked him how he liked living in Florida after all those years in Richland. His face immediately stiffened and then fell into a melancholy expression. He said that for years, he used to punch the clock at his Hanford job but spent hours reading golf magazines dreaming about retiring to Florida. But, now that he was there, he realized it was all a big mistake: "Florida is nice for the winter months, really January and February, maybe March, but by April the humidity is coming on and so are the thunderstorms." He said he had actually played far more golf back in the arid part of Washington state, but they had sold their house in Richland, liquidated a lot of possessions and were now firmly planted in Florida. This was mid-April and his shirt was soaked through with sweat, and thunderclouds started moving in from out of nowhere so he said he ought to speed up again and he said goodbye and played ahead. I never saw him again, but have always remembered his story as a cautionary tale about retirement dreams...

I agree.  I lived on the east coast of Florida for a year and hated the summer.  I moved to San Antonio from there.  It was a dry heat!😅.  Now I live in Ohio and I’ve been going to the same community in Bradenton for years.  It’s on an executive golf course (which is my speed) and we have lots of friends.  We’re always busy when we’re there.  And I have two groups that I can ride with.  They actually ride all year.   We just decided we wanted to bump up or Florida time from 3 months to six because that’s what most of our friends there do.  But you won’t catch me there in the summer!  If I had my wish I would have moved to the Carolina mountains or Greenville when I retired from my job in Charlotte.   But the wife wanted to be closer to the kids in Ohio. 

[Tkelly]

After I bought my new Stelvio in 14 I decided to take it to the local dealer for all scheduled maintenance ,including new tires.It lasted 10 years and 93000 trouble free miles.It wasn’t cheap but my mechanic appreciated having a regular customer who never questioned the bills.In return I got and still get great service even tho the dealer dropped Guzzi.With a new Stelvio you should have a reliable bike for many years,your only problem is riding where you live.

[twowheeladdict]

Bradenton and Sarasota are my favorite areas in Florida.

I was in Daytona and Orlando, but have family on my wife's side on the west coast so have been all over Florida. 

[Vagrant]

Unfortunately, in my 60 years of experience, you are less likely to screw up an oil and filter change than a dealership.
When is the last time you heard of a major catastrophe on a new Guzzi that required towing? Don't over think this.
FYI, I agree with three months spent in a winter location is more than enough.

[Moparnut72]

After the initial service by the dealer I changed the oil on my V7 at 5,000 miles. The drain plug was finger tight. I am lucky I didn't wind up on my head.
kk

[sgl0226]

After the initial service by the dealer I changed the oil on my V7 at 5,000 miles. The drain plug was finger tight. I am lucky I didn't wind up on my head.
kk

I’m very lucky.  In Ohio I live minutes away from one of the best Guzzi dealerships in the country (Cadre).  And that’s the problem.  I’m spoiled!

[kingoffleece]

When I lived back east I would be at Hamlin's shop several times a year.  I can't tell you how many riders came thru on a trip and stopped by Jim's for service and/or tires.

Make it fun.  And, seriously, NOT to be snarky, if it's that important to you to have a dealer close by maybe another brand is the right choice.
But these new machines are very well made.  Yes, I KNOW we hear of this and that, but having had three of them new there has never been an issue.
Never an issue with my two used machines either.

At the end of the day you gotta feel comfortable.

[sgl0226]

I considered another brand but I love the bike.  If I ever need to trailer it to a dealer I’ll just figure something out I guess.  And for simple things I’ll find a local mechanic. 

[AJ Huff]

I'm not sure how you'd go about it but if you could track down somebody who worked for Stan in Gainesville. I know when I took my bike to him he had one or two guys working with him, but that was 20 years ago and sadly Stan has passed away .

Digging though old posts , a few years ago someone mentioned Stan had gone out of business and they were going to try Euro Cycle in Tampa which I think still exists but with a new name. Don't know how that worked out for them.

-AJ

[faffi]

Here, they (briefly) discuss the importance of having a good dealer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nIxFRk2qAc

[rocker59]

I never saw him again, but have always remembered his story as a cautionary tale about retirement dreams...

I have a retirement dream of Taos or Santa Fe.  I'm sure the long winters would grow dreary, though I know I would not miss the humidity here in  Aux Arcs.

[someguy]

But at this point in time I’m just not interested.

At the end of the day he has answered his own question.

Fear is the mind killer. But lack of interest is just as bad. Not judging just being realistic about the OP. He has fear of issues and no interest to take control.

[sgl0226]

At the end of the day he has answered his own question.

Fear is the mind killer. But lack of interest is just as bad. Not judging just being realistic about the OP. He has fear of issues and no interest to take control.

what are you, some kind of psychiatrist?  why dont you hang out on a Harley forum where your comments would be more appropriate.