" I have had my fun....."

[spmoto]

"I have had my fun if I never get well no more" Howlin' Wolf.

The point being that I've come to the unfortunate realization that I'm no longer physically able to enjoy long distance riding. For the past year or so I've exhausted every reasonable option to "accommodate" my progressively worsening arthritis. Last weekend we rode to the National in NH for a brief visit then back home to Maine (300 mi. each way). And I was hobbled. Fifty miles or so seems to be my limit now which doesn't justify keeping our '14 Stelvio. So I / we have decided it's time to move on without enduring further emotional stress etc. It's a tough decision since I've been riding for 50 years, 35 of which have been on Guzzi's.

So............We are going to offer up our Stelvio for sale. I can't post pictures here but for anyone who is interested I will send pics via email. I'll be taking pictures tomorrow when the sun comes back out as it's raining today. Details on the bike are as follows:

2014 NTX, 2,500 mi., green, European / Norge style hard cases painted satin black to match other trim pieces, Givi top trunk w/ light kit, euro turn signals and mirrors, heated grips, and Matris rear shock ( 1" shorter than stock with additional 1/2 in. of adjustability).

The shock was sourced from Todd at Guzzitech and allows me to get both feet flat with my 30" inseam. Front fork was raised 1" and sag adjusted accordingly. The side stand still works fine but it's an effort to get it on the center stand. I just roll it up on a length of 2 x 6. I'm really impressed with this shock compared to stock and have experienced no ground clearance issues solo or 2-up. I will also include the stock shock.

The bike has a clear title and is in perfect condition with the first service done by Seacoast Sport Cycles in Derry NH.
I have well over 16K invested in it so I'd hope to get $12,500.00. I might also consider a partial trade for an extremely nice well cared for and documented older Guzzi I / we can ride locally. I'd consider one of the following: SP, SPNT, LM IV/ V, T3, etc., I'm willing to negotiate a trade that could be a win-win for both parties involved but I must stress that I'm not interested in any "projects".

Thanks,
Steve Murdock
Unity Maine
207-948-4911
scmurdock@uninets.net

[Arizona Wayne]

Maybe you should consider a maxi-scooter in your current condition.  It makes riding a lot easier.  I have 2 Piaggio MP3s & 50+ years of riding behind me. 

[Bill Hagan]

Sorry to hear that, Steve. 

I took 2.5 days to get back from Derry, and am still "darn near plum tuckered out."  Nothing specific, just a body well out of warranty!   

I can only add -- based upon my recent unfortunate but extraordinarily positive visit to Seacoast Sport Cycles -- that anyone interested can buy your Stelvio with confidence.

Best wishes on finding a buyer ... and alternative fun machine.  In that regard, and recognizing the heresy of saying this here, out little Mini Cooper S convertible is (almost) as much fun as a Guzzi.

Bill

[spmoto]

Thanks Bill. I must say that half of the equation has made mention of a Miata or the like, which, I guess might be fun for trips etc. But, I'm not ready to quit two wheels altogether and I do have a serious Guzzi addiction to feed. I think the bolt upright position of the Stelvio is a contributing factor to  the  pain and eventual numbness in my neck arms and hands. Something with a little more forward lean like the SP and later Lemans would suit me better for local riding.

Thanks again for the support and yes Seacoast is a top notch enterprise.

Steve M

[canuguzzi]

Consider a Can Am, the RTs model and 2014 year or newer to avoid engine heat problems along with a much better and bigger engine.

About as close to being on a motorcycle while still having most of the ergos that might help with your arthritis.

[Arizona Wayne]

Thanks Bill. I must say that half of the equation has made mention of a Miata or the like, which, I guess might be fun for trips etc. But, I'm not ready to quit two wheels altogether and I do have a serious Guzzi addiction to feed. I think the bolt upright position of the Stelvio is a contributing factor to  the  pain and eventual numbness in my neck arms and hands. Something with a little more forward lean like the SP and later Lemans would suit me better for local riding.

Thanks again for the support and yes Seacoast is a top notch enterprise.

Steve M

Don't know about the newer V7 ergos but a 750 Breva has a small lean forward stance, and like you, I can't ride very long bolt upright either.  On my scooters I made my own strap on back support.  All my bikes(4) have a lean forward setup and I too have a 30" inseam.   I change the handlebars on my bikes if needed to fit my ergos. 

With a maxi-scooter, no more having to throw your leg over the seat anymore.    Get on or off from either side.  No clutch lever to pull.  Twist & go(automatic).  Both levers for your brakes.  Built in storage & weather protection.   A wide sweat.   Piaggio owns Moto Guzzi, Aprilia.

[spmoto]

Yeah Wayne I hear what you're saying but my damn ego or whatever gets in the way of the scooter idea. At least if I go the way Bill eluded to I can scooth down inside a little convertible and no one will no I "used to" be a manly (at least in my own mind) Guzzi rider.

On a serious not I did try lower more forward bars on the Stelvio but ran into clearance issues with the windshield and bodywork. Probably the one Guzzi that fit me best was my first, an'83 SPNT. Many guys complain about the ergos but for my short legs and long arms it was very comfortable. We made three trips out your way on it actually. I have a cousin who used to live in Cave Creek and is in Oracle now. We even bought a Cal II out there from Dave Hull who had a dealership in Tempe. Do you know of him and his whereabouts now?

Steve

[kevdog3019]

How about sticking to within 50 miles or so on the current Stelvio?  Seems like a good enough around the area kind of bike and you won't take the hit.

[cruzziguzzi]

I get that.

A fella knowing his limitations and living within them is a huge step to contentedness.

Sure, you'd rather not be having to deal with your condition but there it is and while acknowledging a pleasant past - you're letting it go intelligently and maturely.

I don't really have any physical limitations other than being older by the day and though incrementally, it is occurring at an accelerating rate.

With that, I find an unexpected pleasure in prioritizing what is important to me in the limited scope of what "big picture" is left to me.

So, with a renewed view of what I get out of motorcycling as opposed to what I was expecting myself to (still) enjoy, I'm finding that my Sportster is continually my "go to" and the largers and the widers get left behind. The trips get shorter and less frequent and I feel a loss of nothing.

It's very much like two other pleasure zones of my life; firearms and hootch.
As I shoot less ammunition at any given time and less various firearms, I feel a freeing jettisoning of a previously unknown weight in letting a few a month go to someone else.
I shoot less ammunition in volume, ammunition of greater quality, from firearms of higher quality and expect better individual results... as a result.
Hootch? I get more pleasure now from a silly priced bottle of Hendrick's Gin and a 4 pack of Fever Tree tonic than I'da thought. Stupid priced Single Malt? Why not, I drink less and enjoy it more.

So my point... what's my point?...

Oh yeah, let the bike go, enjoy the photos and treat yourself to the next thing without making it about your condition but rather a realignment of priorities a bit outside of things you may have no control over.

Or

Make it your decision and not the arthritis'.

I'd like to know what ends up tripping your Guzzi trigger. As a side note to that, for whatever reasons, the year that I had the top and doors off my CJ-7 and the windshield down... I seldom, very seldom rode any of my motorcycles. Sometimes the itch can be surprisingly, satisfyingly scratched by the most unlikely of alternative activities. I never really spent much time wondering why; wind in my hair, devil may care... whatever, savoir faire is everywhere.


Todd.

[spmoto]

Holy Crap Todd, I couldn't have said it better myself!! In fact I couldn't have said it, period.

Thanks,
Grasshopper

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have a cousin who rode bikes for 50 years until his hips gave out, he wasn't ready to give up riding so he bought a Suzuki Burgman, now he's never home, The Burgman is a real motorcycle in disguise. He can hide all his camping gear and go. I would defy anyone to show him a clean pair of heels in the twisties.

Another really good scooter is a Honda Pacific Coast.

Your Stelvio is a tall heavy machine, just time to switch to another riding style.

[lorazepam]

I have a friend who regularly pissed off squids on a Bergman. they coulkd catch him on the straights, but he was gone in the twisties.

[spmoto]

You guys are onto something for sure. I know a guy who had Goldwings and one day rode a Bergman and traded instantly and has never been happier. Doesn't miss the Wing, ever. I'm just not ready to bail on Guzzi. It's like part of my DNA or something. Ultimately I'll downsize to an older "pre-tech" machine and some sort of overgrow go cart for two-up adventure.
Which begs the question: Anyone interested in trading a two-seater rag top in good condition for the  Stelvio???

[cruzziguzzi]

You guys are onto something for sure. I know a guy who had Goldwings and one day rode a Bergman and traded instantly and has never been happier. Doesn't miss the Wing, ever. I'm just not ready to bail on Guzzi. It's like part of my DNA or something. Ultimately I'll downsize to an older "pre-tech" machine and some sort of overgrow go cart for two-up adventure.
Which begs the question: Anyone interested in trading a two-seater rag top in good condition for the  Stelvio???

Well, then, what about a sweetly sorted out Convert from one of the established know-it-alls?

Low center of mass.
Toss away the clutch lever.
Whatever activation works best for you on linked brakes.
As "Guzzi" as the day is long.

Find a new dream.


Todd.

[Rich A]

Well, then, what about a sweetly sorted out Convert from one of the established know-it-alls?

Low center of mass.
Toss away the clutch lever.
Whatever activation works best for you on linked brakes.
As "Guzzi" as the day is long.

Find a new dream.


Todd.

Dunno if I'm a know-it-all, but I have a nice 78 Convert I'll be getting ready to sell.

Rich A

[Arizona Wayne]

I had a `80 Convert w/a sidecar on it part of the time.  That's another possibility if the Convert is in good shape.  But if the 'clutch' lever is not operational anymore, give it a pass.  That lever on a Convert is used for shifting from Low to High or vice versa(which takes a little learning timing wise) and if it's been removed it will work for awhile but eventually the shifting dogs will need replacing.    If you own a Convert it's good to know an expert who knows how to work on them when they quit running properly in the fluid drive.

[Vasco DG]

Do you get the Aprilia SRV 850 in the US yet?

Same motive unit as the Mana but without Tri-map or 'False Manual ' modes but step thru and big wheel. Enormous fun and only slightly less capable than a *Real* motorbike. FWIW I wrung my Mana out a few days ago and in full touring trim it topped out at 198kph indicated! Not bad for a 'Scooter' with 60- ish HP, a huge screen and a fat bastard on board!

Pete

[rodekyll]

Clutch lever is no problem, since you're supposed to choose your range and shift before you start rolling, and that is usually done before starting the bike.  Shifting on the fly is not recommended because the clutch doesn't cleanly disengage.  It didn't to begin with, and over time and abuse (shifting on the fly) the basket gets notched and the disengagement gets worse until its useless.

That being said I shifted mine clutchless.  I threw away the lever and pinned the clutch pack so it couldn't slip.  Never missed it.  If you sync the throttle it snicks from one range to the other smoothly.

I took it a step further finally and tossed the shifter, too.  Now I have lots of room on the floorboard.

My latest Convert mod is to toss the gearbox, too.  After disabling all that other stuff it seemed like a lot of unnecessary weight and drag on the power train.  I'll let you know how that works out in a few days.

If you're having problems with your feet or legs locking it inn high gear permanently and then moving the rear brake controls to the clutch lever position could be an alternative to giving up riding.  And with traditional handlebars, you can find or ben a set to give you the lumbar lean you need.

Just some thoughts.

[Penderic]

As long as your mind and memory are still good, your motorcycle experiences, stories and life lessons would greatly benefit your comrades here.
So, please, don't run away! 

 

[Lannis]

As long as your mind and memory are still good, your motorcycle experiences, stories and life lessons would greatly benefit your comrades here.
So, please, don't run away! 

That lady cop is going to wish she had an "unedit" button so she could unsee THAT sight.

But I suppose cops are used to everything.

Lannis

[Arizona Wayne]

Clutch lever is no problem, since you're supposed to choose your range and shift before you start rolling, and that is usually done before starting the bike.  Shifting on the fly is not recommended because the clutch doesn't cleanly disengage.  It didn't to begin with, and over time and abuse (shifting on the fly) the basket gets notched and the disengagement gets worse until its useless.

That being said I shifted mine clutchless.  I threw away the lever and pinned the clutch pack so it couldn't slip.  Never missed it.  If you sync the throttle it snicks from one range to the other smoothly.

I took it a step further finally and tossed the shifter, too.  Now I have lots of room on the floorboard.

My latest Convert mod is to toss the gearbox, too.  After disabling all that other stuff it seemed like a lot of unnecessary weight and drag on the power train.  I'll let you know how that works out in a few days.

If you're having problems with your feet or legs locking it inn high gear permanently and then moving the rear brake controls to the clutch lever position could be an alternative to giving up riding.  And with traditional handlebars, you can find or ben a set to give you the lumbar lean you need.

Just some thoughts.

When you're passing a car on a Convert 2up on a 2 lane road and see an oncoming car and you know you aren't going to be able to pass X vehicle in time, you squeeze the clutch, drop it into Low and suddenly the motor feels like it's in 'blower' mode.  In low you can go up to 80 mph.    When you go from flat ground to hilly/mtn. road it's nice to be able to drop the Convert. into Low w/o having to stop first. There's a reason it's there. 

[spmoto]

Who could run away from you guys. It's where I come to get grounded and back in touch with reality???

And the lady cop says: "So that's that Stelvio Pass you're always babbling about."

[nunzio]

I have a cousin who rode bikes for 50 years until his hips gave out, he wasn't ready to give up riding so he bought a Suzuki Burgman, now he's never home, The Burgman is a real motorcycle in disguise. He can hide all his camping gear and go. I would defy anyone to show him a clean pair of heels in the twisties.

Another really good scooter is a Honda Pacific Coast.

Your Stelvio is a tall heavy machine, just time to switch to another riding style.

My wife has a Burgman 650..(hip problems)... it's got RaceTech Emulators in the front forks and Koni shocks.
When she hits the twisties it's... bye-bye.

She goes everywhere on it ...However... after a friend of ours asked if "the Burgman came with Granny Panties".... she had a "not manly" enough problem, so ,She bought herself a 1977 Yamaha XS650 for day trips.

I ,on the other hand, just want to ride and when it comes time I'll be ALL OVER that scooter thang!!!!!....Alan

[Sasquatch Jim]

 SPMoto,  4 years ago I too had to give up long rides.  About 50 miles is now my limit.
 I am presently negotiating fo an electric bike that can do 70 to 80 mph and go about a hundred miles between charges.
 You may look at something like that or one of the super scooters like the Burgman to increase your comfort factor.

[spmoto]

So................. . with all your thoughtful suggestions I've narrowed the field to: Convert (do they all have floor boards?), T3 or SP. Actually I think SP would be my first choice but I'll consider all. I have and SP fairing I could mount. Anyone with a NICE one of these please let me know. I'd love to work a trade but will buy the right bike outright. I'd be willing to allow a premium price for the right bike on a trade toward the Stelvio!! Thanks!!

[spmoto]

P.S. include G5 also!!

[rodekyll]

When you're passing a car on a Convert 2up on a 2 lane road and see an oncoming car and you know you aren't going to be able to pass X vehicle in time, you squeeze the clutch, drop it into Low and suddenly the motor feels like it's in 'blower' mode.  In low you can go up to 80 mph.    When you go from flat ground to hilly/mtn. road it's nice to be able to drop the Convert. into Low w/o having to stop first. There's a reason it's there. 

Sounds like you need to plan you passing better.

Like I said, it's shiftable without using the clutch.

[Arizona Wayne]

Sounds like you need to plan you passing better.

Like I said, it's shiftable without using the clutch.

Yes it is, but that's until the shifter dogs wear out prematurely.  But if you don't mind dealing with that, then I guess it's a no brainer.

[Vasco DG]

Even shifting on the fly using the clutch will result in damage to both gear dogs and clutch basket. The clutch in a 'Vert is not designed to take the sliding torque of the big twin motor, it's purely meant to hold with static friction.

'Verts are lovely but their performance, compared to anything vaguely contemporary, is, Errr? uninspiring. They can cope with modern traffic OK but there is little in reserve when accelerating into traffic on a freeway for example and overtaking is best planned well ahead.

Pete

[Muzz]

Don't know about the newer V7 ergos but a 750 Breva has a small lean forward stance, and like you, I can't ride very long bolt upright either. 

I have hip problems, and I have found that my Breva (with a sheepskin) is the most comfortable seat in the house, literally. For me (at 5 foot 7.1/4) it is the perfect fit.