It was the 45 year old Pirelli Phantoms that sealed the deal…

[chuck peterson]

Radguzzi stopped by on a quick 4 1/2 drive from Maine to pick up the Traveling SP. It was disassembled somewhere sometime in the 80’s, then has traveled across several garages staying stubbornly disassembled despite everyone’s best intentions over 45 years.

I hereby ascertain Radguzzi has the wherewithal and knowledge to carry on this great tradition of the Traveling SP. Just don’t be surprised if it shows up bolted together and idling like a good bike should…

And yes, the Pirelli Phantom, 45 yrs “curing” was the highlight of the afternoon

Thank you Radguzzi!

[cliffrod]

That’s the best picture that’s been on here in a long time.  Good fortune to the traveling SP.

[jrt]

No kidding- that's a good picture.  Thanks for sharing.

[Dukedesmo]

Pirelli Phantoms, that takes me right back.


Back in the late '70s when I got my first proper bike, a Ducati 250 Scrambler, it came to me with worn out/age-hardened 'chunky' semi off-road tyres which I replaced with Phantoms.


IIRC, the choice was Phantom or Mandrake but the Mandrake were not available in the correct size? 

[faffi]

Hope the bike will come together 

As to the Phantoms - I have had them on two bikes, and the only thing rivaling their lack of life (well under 2000 miles to worn out) was their lack of edge grip on tarmac.

[wirespokes]

If the SP hadn't been on the opposite coast, I'd have seriously considered it... not that I'm lacking projects. So I guess it's a good thing it's (almost) a continent away. (my self control is rotten!)

[TOMB]

Chuck just is a follow-up to your post. The SP came out of Mike's garage when he passed away. That's iron Mike to everybody that doesn't know who Mike is. It came through me to you as , I guess you were going to use it as a wall decoration. But whatever it's going to a good home, take care

TOMB

[brider]

Dang! I was always fixing to make you an offer on it after seeing it festering in your stables what, 5 yrs ago? Snooze, ya lose? I always knew it would end up festering in my garage, too. Look forward to Radguzzi presenting it to us in these pages.

[radguzzi]

Radguzzi stopped by on a quick 4 1/2 drive from Maine to pick up the Traveling SP.

I hereby ascertain Radguzzi has the wherewithal and knowledge to carry on this great tradition of the Traveling SP. Just don’t be surprised if it shows up bolted together and idling like a good bike should…

My very first Moto Guzzi was a 1980 SP1000 in this very same livery and that model has long been on my mind.  I am thinking that a sympathetic "Restoration" meaning, as Charlie states, bolting it all together.   I will certainly check it mechanically thoroughly of course.  Happy to be the new caretaker.

Thanks to you, Charlie.

Chuck just is a follow-up to your post. The SP came out of Mike's garage when he passed away. That's iron Mike to everybody that doesn't know who Mike is. It came through me to you as , I guess you were going to use it as a wall decoration. But whatever it's going to a good home, take care

TOMB

I had no idea that has come through Mike's garage, thank you for that history.   No longer a future of being a wall hanging.  I am honored to be a part of the history.

Thanks, TOMB,
Rob

Well, maybe the Pirelli Phantom will be a wall hanging, just because.   

[faffi]

Being a newbie here I had to google Iron Mike. Seems like a character, one of the good sort, that left life prematurely from illness. He would undoubtedly been happy to know his old bike will once more travel the roads.

[cliffrod]

Well, maybe the Pirelli Phantom will be a wall hanging, just because.   

The Phantom would make a great frame for that picture of the two of you

[turboguzzi]

where can i see a pic of this fabled bike ?

SP owner myself.... maybe this will inspire.... not my work, just put it back to life,  bike was dry garaged for 30 years before my ownership

[chuck peterson]

My very first Moto Guzzi was a 1980 SP1000 in this very same livery and that model has long been on my mind.  I am thinking that a sympathetic "Restoration" meaning, as Charlie states, bolting it all together.   I will certainly check it mechanically thoroughly of course.  Happy to be the new caretaker.

Thanks to you, Charlie.


I had no idea that has come through Mike's garage, thank you for that history.   No longer a future of being a wall hanging.  I am honored to be a part of the history.

Thanks, TOMB,
Rob

Well, maybe the Pirelli Phantom will be a wall hanging, just because.   

Foto by Steve C!