Scratch a Dealer

[LowRyter]

I hear the shop in Okla City will stop selling Guzzis.

Will still provide service. 

[Perazzimx14]

I hear the shop in Okla City will stop selling Guzzis.

Will still provide service.

Seems to happen a lot. That is why I never get excited when I hear a dealership is picking up the Guzzi brand. Unfortunately the odds are they will drop the brand within 5 years and probably sooner. I'm sure Piaggo's lack of support while pushing lots of inventory onto dealerships for bikes that in good time sell in abysmal number is not helping to build and maintain the dealership network.

[davethewelder]

Moto Guzzi dealers dont seem to last, at least in SW Florida.   But I think Triumph has MG beat, seems like every dealer Ive know once sold Triumphs.

[Gliderjohn]

A motorcycle only large dealership in ABQ picked up Guzzi and Apillia about 18 months ago. They also sell Royal Enfield, Triumph, Beta, and MV. Last time I was in there they had 96 new bikes on the floor. Seems like they sold a good number of Guzzis the first six months but then nose dived. Don't know for sure but that is what I have observed. New owners I have met are pretty much the 50 year old plus group.
GliderJohn

[Perazzimx14]

A motorcycle only large dealership in ABQ picked up Guzzi and Apillia about 18 months ago. They also sell Royal Enfield, Triumph, Beta, and MV. Last time I was in there they had 96 new bikes on the floor. Seems like they sold a good number of Guzzis the first six months but then nose dived. Don't know for sure but that is what I have observed. New owners I have met are pretty much the 50 year old plus group.
GliderJohn

Sounds about right. Once the market is saturated, game over. Add is a brand that account for less than 1% of the market and saturation does not take long but Piaggio continues leave the hose on full blast.

[LowRyter]

He sold quite a few small blocks when he opened up. 

[AJ Huff]

I hear the shop in Okla City will stop selling Guzzis.

Will still provide service.

At least there's still service. I'd rather have the service available to me than the sales.

-AJ

[circlip]

On a similar note, Top Gear Powersports in Roselle, Illinois no longer list either Moto Guzzi or Aprilia on their website.
I was there two or three weeks ago and they had both in their showroom.
On the plus side Motoworks in Chicago are showing Guzzi and Aprilia on their website.
Motoworks are a slightly longer ride for me, but I can't really complain (maybe whine a little bit).

[Joliet Jim]

On a similar note, Top Gear Powersports in Roselle, Illinois no longer list either Moto Guzzi or Aprilia on their website.
I was there two or three weeks ago and they had both in their showroom.
On the plus side Motoworks in Chicago are showing Guzzi and Aprilia on their website.
Motoworks are a slightly longer ride for me, but I can't really complain (maybe whine a little bit).

Bummer about Top Gear. I liked that place. Only been there twice, but both times they were unloading crates of Guzzis and Aprilias.

[1wild1]

St.Louis powersports just started carrying MG, and they have three dealers in the metro area. Previosly none in the area.

[guzzisteve]

Bummer about Top Gear. I liked that place. Only been there twice, but both times they were unloading crates of Guzzis and Aprilias.

To succeed you need a service dept not just sales. It is way different than selling Chinese scooters. One reason you had to send a tech to school. Now you just get video's, that is a fail !! About like tech bulletins no one looked at or cared about. More to it than just oil changers.

[Joliet Jim]

To succeed you need a service dept not just sales. It is way different than selling Chinese scooters. One reason you had to send a tech to school. Now you just get video's, that is a fail !! About like tech bulletins no one looked at or cared about. More to it than just oil changers.

Dude you need to come back to Illinois, there's a big need for a Guzzi master.

[Luap McKeever]

This is a troubling and growing trend. With an average of 1 dealer per state, I wonder how much longer they can tread water. But, people have been wondering that since 1921. I'm optimistic with the amount of money they're pouring into the factory. Time will tell.

[TN Mark]

I bought my first Moto Guzzi in 1978. The Guzzi dealer mostly sucked back then. It continues to mostly suck now.

What I’m a bit surprised at is how Piaggio continues to find and sign up new dealers.

I’m in Chattanooga, TN. The closest Moto Guzzi I know about worth going to for me is Cadre Cycle in Blue Ash, OH. That’s a 290 mile trip, each way. If I didn’t know and trust Enzo and his team at Cadre, I likely would not have bought a 2016 Eldorado.

That being said, most ‘new’ dealers wouldn’t have a clue how to troubleshoot a 1400 anyway.

[rocker59]

In the 1980s, I was a teenager growing up in Little Rock, awestruck by the Guzzi LeMans III and the Cagiva Allazura.  Both out of my price range, but I'd wanted to look at them.  I'd probably have been an owner sooner had  there been a shop nearby.  Closest Euro dealer to me, at that time, was Atlas in Tulsa, 275-miles away.  Closest Guzzi dealer was in El Dorado, 120-miles distant.

Things changed, for awhile, in the 1990s when I moved to Northwest Arkansas.  There was a new Triumph/Guzzi dealer in Fayetteville that opened in 1996.  Unfortunately, they closed in 2002.  That put Atlas in Tulsa, again, as my closest dealer.  Now "only" 120- miles down the road.  We did have a powersports dealer pick up Aprilia and Guzzi (mainly for the Aprilia scooters) about 2009, but they lasted less than a year, and sent the bikes back to Aprilia/Guzzi. 

Guzzi's spotty dealership network is nothing new.  They main thing is all the old-time, long-running dealers aged out.  There is no Atlas in Tulsa, no Gene in El Dorado, etc., etc.  Though we are blessed with a few good "shops" across the country, there still just isn't much of a "network".

We seem to have a good "shop" in Mother Road Motorsports of Tulsa.  They've been building their business over the past few years, and if ever I buy another new Guzzi, I hope they're still there for us.

For now, I'll just plod along on my Bonneville T100, enjoying a Triumph dealership 30-minutes away.

In fact, except for Guzzi, Northwest Arkansas is having a bit of a surge in Euro dealerships right now.  Mach-1 Motorsports just took over the Indian/Triumph dealership.  Mach-1 is also building a BMW/Ducati dealership a block away.  They are selling motorcycles by the truckload.  I don't think Guzzi's low volume is their sort of thing, but they're hinting at adding Royal Enfield.

[LowRyter]

Glad to know there's a Ducati dealer in F'ville.  Last time I was in Ark, I needed a new rear tire and none of the dealers in Clarksville/Russellville would consider it.  Had to go home a day early.   

BTW-  Clarksville/Russellville are dry, another reason to avoid. 

[DaGootz]

I hear the shop in Okla City will stop selling Guzzis.

Will still provide service.

That's what happens when there's only four models to choose from and three are adventure bikes, and the only true road designed bike is only 850cc. Piaggio doesn't promote in the US, such a shame. Come to think of it, what motorcycle company does anymore.

[AJ Huff]

That's what happens when there's only four models to choose from and three are adventure bikes, and the only true road designed bike is only 850cc. Piaggio doesn't promote in the US, such a shame. Come to think of it, what motorcycle company does anymore.

To me this is the killer. Maybe my memory is off but it seems like 20 years or so ago we could choose between a Griso, a California, a Nevada, a Norge, Breva, and Stelvio. That's quite the variety. All of the current models are the same to me.

-AJ

[MikeP996]

I'm brand new to Guzzi - first ever purchase of one in a lengthy motorcycle life was a month ago when I picked up a '21 V7 Special with 6800 miles from the 3rd owner(!) about 90 miles away.  Love the bike and it runs great handles very well. It has about 1/2 the HP of my next bike up the power scale (and slightly more weight) but I enjoy riding it more!!  It's also more comfortable for longer periods.  I admit I wonder why three owners in 4 years decided it wasn't' worth keeping. ;)  Maybe I'll be the fourth...but I don't think so.

The two dealers I am familiar with - about 9 miles away here in the UK and in the same town in the US, have a couple of "new" several year old models in stock and don't seem to know much about them or MGs in general  I ASSUME they can perform maintenance/repairs since they are authorized dealers but they don't give me much confidence in talking to them and MG is a very minor sideline brand at both dealerships.

Also, from what I've read the brand has a rather poor resale value though I admit that has never been a big concern for me - but I can find a 2024 "new" V7 850 at a dealer for less than the price of a decent 1976 Honda CB400F (bought one two years ago).  Seems to make no sense to purchase a current model year new bike.  In fact, based on the general "complaints" I've read about new ones it seems to me the best option is to buy one that has at least a few thousand miles on it.  My V7 Special with 6800 miles when I bought it displays NONE of the annoyances I see listed when Utube "experts" review them, usually with well under the mileage for the first service. So it does indicate that the bikes improve greatly with some miles.

[DaGootz]

I'm brand new to Guzzi - first ever purchase of one in a lengthy motorcycle life was a month ago when I picked up a '21 V7 Special with 6800 miles from the 3rd owner(!) about 90 miles away.  Love the bike and it runs great handles very well. It has about 1/2 the HP of my next bike up the power scale (and slightly more weight) but I enjoy riding it more!!  It's also more comfortable for longer periods.  I admit I wonder why three owners in 4 years decided it wasn't' worth keeping. ;)  Maybe I'll be the fourth...but I don't think

The two dealers I am familiar with - about 9 miles away here in the UK and in the same town in the US, have a couple of "new" several year old models in stock and don't seem to know much about them or MGs in general  I ASSUME they can perform maintenance/repairs since they are authorized dealers but they don't give me much confidence in talking to them and MG is a very minor sideline brand at both dealerships.

Also, from what I've read the brand has a rather poor resale value though I admit that has never been a big concern for me - but I can find a 2024 "new" V7 850 at a dealer for less than the price of a decent 1976 Honda CB400F (bought one two years ago).  Seems to make no sense to purchase a current model year new bike.  In fact, based on the general "complaints" I've read about new ones it seems to me the best option is to buy one that has at least a few thousand miles on it.  My V7 Special with 6800 miles when I bought it displays NONE of the annoyances I see listed when Utube "experts" review them, usually with well under the mileage for the first service. So it does indicate that the bikes improve greatly with some miles.

You have some nice horses in your stable....

[SIR REAL ED]

This is a troubling and growing trend. With an average of 1 dealer per state, I wonder how much longer they can tread water. But, people have been wondering that since 1921. I'm optimistic with the amount of money they're pouring into the factory. Time will tell.

The amount of money Moto Guzzi/Piaggio are investing in the new factory seems an indictor of optimism on their part.  Or maybe it is simply a massive expenditure to write off.

Maybe the opinions from the US Moto Guzzi riders are not indicative of the opinions of Moto Guzzi riders world wide.

US riders/Dealers may be more pessimistic, due to specific business models & as quick to buy as the rest of the world.

Hopefully, it will go well for the OEM's.

[rocker59]

All of the current models are the same to me.

-AJ

V100 Mandello the same as a V7 850 the same as a V85TT ?

Really?

[Moparnut72]

I was going to say something but kept my fingers to myself. To say nothing about the different models among each type. 
kk

[bad Chad]

20 years ago, there was no Stelvio.  The Griso, Breva, and Norge were all essentially the same bike, I believe the Griso had a somewhat different frame, but I'm not sure.  The small blocks at the time, Nevada and Breva were essentially identical under their clothes, so I don't think it's quite what you remember, but for the Cali was still around.

[davethewelder]

If Haus of trikes N Bikes in Fort Myers, Florida quit selling  MG and Aprilia,  it wouldn't bother me one bit.   Its like the owners employe's dudes who couldn't get a job any where else in the motorcycle industry.   I go in to get oil and filter for my V85TT and all I see is 10/50 oil.   Parts manger is like thats what we use down here in florida.   I said owners manual calls for 10/60, but he dont care.

[LowRyter]

That's what happens when there's only four models to choose from and three are adventure bikes, and the only true road designed bike is only 850cc. Piaggio doesn't promote in the US, such a shame. Come to think of it, what motorcycle company does anymore.

Th V100 is true road bike. 

[TN Mark]

20 years ago, there was no Stelvio.  The Griso, Breva, and Norge were all essentially the same bike, I believe the Griso had a somewhat different frame, but I'm not sure.  The small blocks at the time, Nevada and Breva were essentially identical under their clothes, so I don't think it's quite what you remember, but for the Cali was still around.

I’m anxious to see what the next iteration of the California will be. After the 1400 going back to an 850, IMHO, would be a failure.

[bad Chad]

I found the 1400, which I have ridden several times to be a lovely big boy.  It's a joy to ride, but for me, it's just too big.  But many guys love them, and that's what counts!

[Ncdan]

I found the 1400, which I have ridden several times to be a lovely big boy.  It's a joy to ride, but for me, it's just too big.  But many guys love them, and that's what counts!

I enjoyed the 2015 1400 that I had for a couple years. However like you said, now it’s just a bigger bike than I really want to deal with. The same bike about 200lbs lighter would be a great road bike for me. Also a better touring package like more efficient wind and elements control, a rear rack with case option and some type of sound system.
If it’s going to be advertise as a “tourer” then produce a tourer for the riders that want a true Turing bike. The rest of the manufacturers does and MG needs to get on board also.

[blu guzz]

In my experience, I have found that there seem to be 2 types of dealers for Moto Guzzi. 
There are a few small, passionate dealers who only sell MG or MG and the other Piaggio brands from small stores.  These folks eat, drink and sleep the brand and are well informed and are interested in answering your questions.  It is like going back in time to the 70s when many shops were small family businesses located in the less great parts of a town because it was cheaper to do so but so worth the trip.  They were glad to see you and usually had coffee going.
Then, there are what has become the majority - I call them the Disneyland dealers. You know the type.  When the V85 came out, it was a true hit for Guzzi and many of these guys jumped on the bandwagon for quick profits.  As time his gone by, MG has been drifting back to what they used to be which is a boutique brand.  A salesperson in one of these huge shops would have to actually sell a new buyer on getting a Guzzi instead of whatever their marquee brand is.  Guzzi to them is an afterthought: "Oh, you came in to look at on of those, well, they are in that corner, let me know if you have any questions"(I'll try to find someone around here who knows anything about them)
Oh, you can buy coffee from a machine if you want it.