Introductions thread...Introduce yourself to the group !

[tonyj]

Hi got my first Guzzi 1400 Touring today, so new to this marque, but I think we will get on fine together.

In the East of England the weather is not good at present but at least I'll have time to get to know her at my leisure.

I know I'll need assistance and guidance from the forum from time to time so you'll need to be patient


Tony

ST1100 97
ST1100 02
Varadero 09

[andrewhush]

Hi, I'm Andrew, a retired civil engineer living in County Durham, northeast England. Down to one guzzi now, a 1998 cali ev which I bought specifically to have a go at sidecarring. 1 season later and I think I enjoy it! Couldn't get used to cali riding position and seat so I have reclothed it as a t3 a-like.










Previous guzzis are a t3, v50, v65gt and a v65 custom (like a baby cali2)

[squish]

Howdy!
I’m Squish, a former motorcycle designer, motorcycle demographic and safety researcher, motorcycle event planner and non profit campaign development professional.
I live in the harbor area of SoCal.

I ride a 70s bitsa  850t3 that looks like a V7sport and a LeManns mkI had a love child.
 Built by MG classics in Signal Hill. I’ve owned the bike since 2003.

Here’s a photo my friend Tink took of the bike.



It’s my first guzzi. Although the wife is sort of keen on the 2021 V7 with the new engine. And many of my friends have been riding guzzis and I’ve been around them and interested in them since I started street riding.

[Lannis]

Howdy!
I’m Squish, a former motorcycle designer, motorcycle demographic and safety researcher, motorcycle event planner and non profit campaign development professional.
I live in the harbor area of SoCal.

I ride a 70s bitsa  850t3 that looks like a V7sport and a LeManns mkI had a love child.
 Built by MG classics in Signal Hill. I’ve owned the bike since 2003.

Here’s a photo my friend Tink took of the bike.

From what we can see of the rider's-eye view, looks like a well-built road weapon.   More pics and a build story would be good!

Lannis

[squish]

From what we can see of the rider's-eye view, looks like a well-built road weapon.
More pics and a build story would be good!
Lannis

Thanks it is a good looking bike if I do say so.

Here's a side view




It's as I said, a bitsa, fuel tank is a v7sport replica, as are side covers. I call it the johhny cash bike only I didn't build it one peice at a time some else did, I'm just the one who's going to finish it. I hope.
Anyway here's the rest of the low down.

Disc brake rear end,
Wire wheels with alum rims
Forks are Forcella Italia forks from the mid 80's pretty cool forks and they were fitted to a lot of high end sporty euro bikes of the day,
shocks are Koni's
The engine has been breathed on a little, IIRC it has a lightened fly wheel, up rated to 900ccs or so
It has an electronic ignition and has been converted to dual plugs.
Dellorto carbs with a screen bell mouth
Older Bub mufflers
Home made rear sets
Re-pop seat and rear fender
Japanese headlight and bucket,
Mix of japanese and home made switch gear.
There's a repop MkI Le Mans headlight fairing as well, but it was pretty jankly mounted so I took it off until I could figure some things out.

I didn't have Mark E. do the build, it was already built when I sort of fell in love with the bike.

As it had a lot of neat period bits, but wasn't too precious that I'd be worried every time I parked it, like I would with a V7sport or a MkI Lemon.

It needs some fettling, which I'm hoping to do soon.
The biggest issue is that the fueling isn't right, it surges a lot on steady throttle, but is fine under acceleration.
after that's fixed.
I need a new handlebar in place of the low clip-ons my age is catching up with me.
I'd like to make the headlight bucket, ears and fairing mount a little higher quality and better looking.
I got a new front braking system that waiting for me to put it on and I need to clean up the wiring, it's a rats nest of combined sections of wiring
and I need to figure out the rear brake, foot pegs, side cover
With possible a set of less aggressive rear sets.
I might source a new fork, the Forcella Italia have a very high "neat" factor, but they are impossible to find parts for
and If I could sell them off to someone who needs them for a restoration, I could get a set of better performing forks from some modern bike (But NOT USD forks, those wouldn't look right on the bike)

[Lannis]

Wow, thanks.

Now off to the "Builds and Rebuilds" forum of WildGuzzi with you for progress reports as you make it exactly like you want it .... 

Lannis

[andrewhush]

High Squish

Have a look at the footrests on my t3 a-like in the post just before your first one. They are standard t3 cast steel ones that I cut near the riders peg and shortened by about 40mm and rewelded. Used with lemans 1 or 2 gear and brake pedals they are almost exactly the same style and location as the original v7 sport ones. However the riders pegs are fixed unlike the v7 sport ones that were hinged.

[Ochuck01]

Happy to be in the group. My Guzzi ride is an 850t I purchased in 1997. I’m retired and enjoy  a variety of old machines.

[barefootrider]

It's been a few years since I did this and the results were interesting then...

Please introduce yourself to the group. Give your name, age, occupation and location.
Hello my name is Bruno - sounds Italian but alas, I was born in Uruguay after the founder of the capital, Montevideo, Bruno Mauricio de Zabala.

I have been riding since 1965 - so you know my age here is the list of Motorcycles owned and ridden
1968 Suzuki X6 Hustler
196? Honda CB125 10,000 rpm!!
197? Yamaha 305 Big Bear - rode 2-up across the Canadian prairies
197? Honda CB450 with torsion valve springs rode to Mexico up the West Coast
1975 BMW R90/6 rode to southern tip of South America in 1978 from Canada, still running today
1978 BMW R100/7 rode all over Europe, still waiting there for me
1978 BMW R100RS MotorSport - Sunday rider
2003 KLR 650 rode to Mexico, back and forth Canada to Florida countless times, mail fuel hauler for the airplane
2009 Buell Ulysses xb12x rode across the US several times - daily rider
2004 Moto Guzzi 750 BREVA purchased for my wife but I ended up riding it the most as its beauty!
2004 BMW R1150 powered Light Sport Trike flying overtook my riding - for a while.

Electrical Engineer, retired, trying to figure out why this Italian lady won't start for me. 

[PBBurnham]

Peter

Married, two kids out of the house. Retired.

7 operational Motorcycles of several brands and just bought a 2004 v11 California Stone.  Other than a rental, it's my first Guzzi.  The hydro valve issue appears to be resolved but bought it knowing it leaks piles of oil out of the bell housing. It's taken apart now. The Rear end is off, the transmission is removed and the engine is tipped down with the left side frame rail removed.  I'm not sure about the next step and will look over the forums. It may be the engine rear oil crank seal.  All the fuel lines need replacing and the brakes are shot.  By spring I should have her ready to go.  Cheers!

[Paultergeist]

Greetings,

Paul.....Lemon Grove, California........j ust bought a 2020 V85 TT......this is my first Guzzi (third motorcycle).

[Stretch]

Tom here in central Maine.

I'm a IT Systems Analyst.

6 bikes right now- three of which actually run!   

Newest is my first Moto Guzzi - a 2017 California Touring.

                                          -Stretch

[patrick b]

Patrick Boova
Pottstown Pa
Age 65
New owner of 1962 Moto Guzzi Lodola 235, also have 1956 MV Agusta and 1966 Yamaha
Vintage race 1972 Alfa Romeo GTV

IkZrndLvYaw" class="bbc_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://1drv.ms/u/s!Asfxv4bSsczzgfg1RRC IkZrndLvYaw

[andyals]

Hi this is Andy from the UK
Just bought a California

[lad]

Checking in from Ireland with a Cali 1100i, '00

[DominoDoggy]

Just signed up. I have ridden bikes sporadically all through my life, starting with a little Honda Spree I got for $50 because it "wouldn't run" A little bit of tinkering revealed that the issue was a clogged gas tank! Removed/reinstalled and a little fresh gasoline and it fired right up! Imagine the look on the kid I bought it from's face when he sees me riding around the neighborhood two days later!

Current bike is a 2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone with barely 9600mi on the clock.

Good to be here, I'm looking forward to the years upon years of experience and know-how collected together on this forum and community!

[tichman]

Hi all, just joined from - free New Zealand, well in the public domain anyway.
Current bikes
2001 EV80 California #154
2003 S4R monster
1995 Ducati 916 SP
2004 Suzuki DRZ400E
Honda CRF150

Previous bikes
1975 Ducati GT750
1973 Eldorado
Yamaha XJ750 ex police bike.

[leroy_can]

Hi, New member leroy_can here. 67 years old retired aircraft mechanic.
    Bikes 1987 LMIV currently being re-engined with 2014 1400 motor should be the lowest $ conversion ever
             2002 Buell M2 Cyclone
             1973 Cafe Sportster #1
             1973 Cafe Sportster #2
             1971 XB12S Buell motor in 1971 Sportster frame registered as 1971 Homemade
     All 5 bikes used last season and fully expect 1400 LMIV to run this year. I think I'm past 99% of the obstacles but you never know till it's done. Using as much as possible from LMIV: Carbs, Bosch alternator,front cover,5 speed, etc.
      I'll try to add photos but haven't figured that out yet. I was better with computers when I was still working and had young co-workers as my IT people
       The LMIV was bought new in 88 and has 180,000 kms roughly 112,000 miles not trouble free but never stranded me yet

[bke]

Hi all - new member here too. I’m a young 30-something (I think the term you may be more used to is “whippersnapper” ) new to Guzzis and still looking for my first one. Coming from an S40 I got for cheap and can’t wait for an upgrade. Excited to dive in to all the good knowledge here and live the Guzzi life!

[Dave Swanson]

Hi all - new member here too. I’m a young 30-something (I think the term you may be more used to is “whippersnapper” ) new to Guzzis and still looking for my first one. Coming from an S40 I got for cheap and can’t wait for an upgrade. Excited to dive in to all the good knowledge here and live the Guzzi life!

Welcome to WG!  You will love the V7!

[spencer]

Greetings from the Left Coast. recovering Photojournalist. currently, Coffee monger. have rode/rented moto's in 15+ countries,

currently:2004 Moto Guzzi Breva 750, am head over heals for the Mo

past lives, the highlights;
___________________ __________
1999 Ducati M900 Monster - like humping a monkey all over California, got old, got a MG
2009 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic - Chennai to Tiruvannamalai India, and back. wish the Captain had let me bring it aboard!
1984 Honda Shadow 750 - San Francisco to Baja and back, ah to be single again...
1982 Kawasaki KZ 750 - 24hr egg-roll delivery vehicle, Gainesville Florida, many exciting adventures at 3am , collegiate whip
1966 Honda Sport 90. - broke my pals kneecap riding double at 11 yrs old. backcountry North Carolina

[DTNZ]

Hi there, another from New Zealand. I bought a V85TT in August last year, Red/White, my 3rd Guzzi - just had to get back on one!
A few brief details:
David
56
Work in parts at a bike dealership - Yamaha/Can-Am/Polaris - in a farming area.
Ex farmer.
Wife, 3 children, 2 grandsons, not enough bikes . . .
Looking forward to searching through the forum - so much great reading & tips.
Thanks, happy to be on board.
Cheers.
DT

[Semitone]

Paul Simonoff, 55, Gig Worker, Newburyport Massachusetts.

Hello folks. My main ride for last 25 years has been my untrustworthy Norton Commando 850. I picked up a 1975 850T 10 years ago as a second bike, and have ridden it occasionally. I like the bike, but compared to my Norton, it is a bit sluggish, except in top gear at high speed where I much prefer to be on top of the Guzzi. Nevertheless, I am sick and tired of wrenching the Norton to keep it nimble. I am seriously considering investing some money and time into making the 850T. Currentlty trying to figure out what my options are for performance upgrades. MAny questions to come. Happy to be a member!! -Pauk33333y

[guzzisteve]

Paul,        That's why I bought my T in 76'. Triumph Bonnie needed tune-up every 1200mi, T was 5000mi tune. All I needed was the oval K&N's, Dunstalls and rejetting.

[jumpmaster]

Paul Simonoff, 55, Gig Worker, Newburyport Massachusetts.

Hello folks. My main ride for last 25 years has been my untrustworthy Norton Commando 850. I picked up a 1975 850T 10 years ago as a second bike, and have ridden it occasionally. I like the bike, but compared to my Norton, it is a bit sluggish, except in top gear at high speed where I much prefer to be on top of the Guzzi. Nevertheless, I am sick and tired of wrenching the Norton to keep it nimble. I am seriously considering investing some money and time into making the 850T. Currentlty trying to figure out what my options are for performance upgrades. MAny questions to come. Happy to be a member!! -Pauk33333y

Paul, I originally bought my 1990 Mille GT for the same reason - a backup to my 75 Norton that I'd been struggling to keep on the road for decent intervals since 1979.  I got tired of showing up at Norton Club meetings on my Harley Road Glide because the Norton was "down" again for whatever reason.  The Mille is "sluggish" (your apt description) compared to the Norton, but it still has enough low-end and mid-range torque to amuse me and feels more substantial at interstate speeds - the extra 100 lbs or so  gross weight helps there - and the riding to wrenching ratio has been MUCH better on it than on the Norton.  I personally haven't seen much in the way of performance upgrade tips, parts, &/or recommendations that don't involve large amounts of money, but then I haven't really been looking.

[SpaceViking]

David Dowling, 40, Metal artist/fabricator, Portland Oregon
First time Guzzi owner, just picked up a 2017 V7 III and so far I love it. Oh, to never tension and lube a chain again! I like to tinker with things, so there's sure to be some customization pictures and questions coming as I tear apart a perfectly good machine to make it into "art".

Past bikes:
Suzuki VStrom 1000
Suzuki SV650
Ducati ST2
Kawasaki EX500
Honda CB650

[Uncle_Lui]

Hello everyone,

Luis Borgen
Had a Kawasaki 750 in 1982-1984 and sold it.
Then I did a million other things and now I wanted to get back in to riding so after 36 years...
I now have a Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber... Wonderful bike for sure.

I work for AT&T Federal (Civilian Accounts) and live 35 miles west of DC in Centreville, VA (Between Fairfax City and Manassas)

And I can't wait for spring to come back so I can go out riding again (not much fun for me to ride in the cold)

I hope to see some of you out there in the road. .
 

[Hearingi]

Hello!

I'm Chris.

I help run a veterinary clinic with my girlfriend. She's the doc, I keep the lights on and make sure everyone gets paid.

I'm in the great sea of corn and soybeans that is most of the state of Illinois, close to St Louis.

In November I bought myself a 2020 V7iii Stone, Night Pack.

I haven't been riding for years. I'm excited to explore the Midwest on it, especially along the rivers here and up by the Great Lakes.

[Tbax]

Hello

Tom Baxter
Denver, Co (formerly Columbus Ohio for many decades). Retired lawyer.  Rode several bikes out here in the 3 year process of retiring.  I always managed to turn a 2 day trip into a week or so...just love the high plains after Topeka. We all think of the beauty of the mountains west of Denver, but the plains have their own lovely byways.   
 
Recently purchased my first Guzzi, the V85TT from Erico, here in Denver. Not love at first sight, but love at first ride.   
First bike, Yamaha YDS2 in early 60s, dozens of bikes since.  Tracked Ducatis from 1975 thru 2017. Now retired, and do not want to pay for belt and valve maintenance any more. In the 70s, I enjoyed working on my 2 valve, a/c R BMWs and the V85 looks to be similar in those opportunities.

 
 

[len]

Hello all, My name is Len, I am 65 years old and retired mechanic. I have ridden motorcycles for more than 40 years., and I have had quite a few bikes of all kinds