No Guzzi in San Francisco?

[wyrtyr2]

When in SF, I always try to visit Munro Motors.  Like a great deli, the shop is a visual feast.  Yup, Guzzi is in back-just a couple of bikes. But in their market, that is what it is.  Until MG gets with the program, they are a back row machine, especially with the younger, able to buy crowd.  This is a real frustration as we know how great they can be.  This Roamer thing?, an embarrassment.  Just look at Triumph's new Classic line, and media rollout-complete with great looking jackets etc.  It just may be that MG/Piagio is just a bunch of nimrods.

[canuguzzi]

I've been to Munroe Motors many times. I took my 2012 Stelvio there for it's 800 mile service. They are one of the smallest shops I've been in. They don't have a lot of floor space and the showroom is filled with Ducatis and Triumphs. That's what sells. They have been friendly and treated me OK. MG is a niche brand. They stock what moves. Their mechanic is a trained MG mechanic.

Norge... have you been to Elk Grove Powersports. They have a number of MG's on the floor. It's a lot bigger space than Munroe. I had them replace the suspension link on my NTX. They are a good shop.

Bought my Norge in Elk Grove. Story goes, I hit up Munroe for a Norge, they had none and weren't getting any, they turned me on to Elk Grove.

Both shops are tops in my book, my Norge was set up about as perfectly as could be. It was not an uncrate send it out affair, attention to detail was evident and the deal was fantastic. I would refer anyone to either shop.

Munroe is quirky but they are representative of the city in which the operate. They do sell a lit if Ducatis and Triumphs.

If anyone visits them, you gotta walk south on 14th to Valencia and grab some goodies at Belgian Fritz. The food is great and the menu varied. The crêpes though are really good as are the fritz.

[Guido Valvole]

There are hordes of worn-out V50s in San Francisco. That's what the real cheap hipsters ride.  into the ground...

Munroe went through the usual hassles over warranty work and etc with Guzzi a few years ago but that's been fixed. Triumph and Ducati are much bigger now, it's no longer the 1980s.

Hey, I was once a software engineer with a Ducati. Darmah, bought used from TT Motors in Berkeley. If you think Munroe is a "hippie" bike shop, Not. Even. TT was um, an experience. And a wonderful one at that. I did most of my own maintenance.
cr

[rocker59]

You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.

Hmmm.

[Arizona Wayne]

You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.

Hmmm.

Ya mean a bunch of young/old hippies have joined Wildguzzi?   First it was BMW riders, now them?  Jeezus   

[oldbike54]

Ya mean a bunch of young/old hippies have joined Wildguzzi?   First it was BMW riders, now them?  Jeezus   

 We are everywhere Wayne 

  Dusty

[jbell]

What do we hear on this forum ad nauseum? Don't go to a dealer for that initial service, be cheap, do it yourself, help for a beer. Same with just about everything else. The dealer was right, most Guzzi riders are cheap and don't really support their dealers if this place is representative of the typical Guzzi owner.

Norge, I'll be the first to admit I'm "cheap", but I think the reason the above advice is given so often is that Guzzis can be worked on by most home mechanics.  I don't call an electrician to change a light bulb because I can do it myself.  While that's a bit of hyperbole, Guzzis are much more amenable to "mechanic" jamokes like me than most other brands.  Also, the easy accessibility of Guzzi engines is an invite to jump right in.  It's also my unsubstantiated opinion that most Guzzi owners are more involved in their bikes than many other brands and only too eager to "see what's wrong with it" instead of calling the dealer with minor problems or annoyances.  Is this tough on dealers?, no doubt about it but I don't think that makes Guzzi owners "bad customers".  Going back to the "cheap part", with labor costs around the $100/hr rate, I'd just as soon spend some money on the required tools, learn how to do it, have the tools (tools, TOols, TOOLS!!!!!) for future use and have the money in my pocket.  Power to the People!

[blackcat]

You'd think, with the demographic the bikes are drawing, Munroe would be selling a bunch of V7s.

Hmmm.

You would think so. I see plenty of V7's in NYC but maybe SF is more main stream when it comes to motorcycles. 

Of course if Monroe only keeps two bikes in the showroom, that doesn't exactly help the brand. I mean, who would want to buy an MG if the dealer doesn't even like the brand enough to commit to a full showing and then word gets out that if you want a Guzzi, just go to another dealer. Jeez, why even call yourself a dealer?

[Arizona Wayne]

I agree, but I'm cheap on the tools too(mostly HF), except for the MC lift. 

[Adan]

I think I know the Munroe Motors salesman that is being referred to in the first post -- big guy, clean cut, sandy blonde/brown hair.  He seems to hate Guzzi's but, I think it's a personal thing, not a Munroe Motors thing.  I was in there several months ago and he was brazenly mocking my interest in them.  It was poor salesmanship, but on the other hand, this guy knows that Ducati and Triumph is the big majority of their business, Guzzi just the fringe.

Munroe has techs who really know Guzzi's.  I would buy my next MG at Elk Grove, but wouldn't hesitate to bring to Munroe for service.

Why even discuss hippies.  San Francisco of 2015 is nothing like it was in 1967.  I see a lot of vintage BMW airheads, so if I had to generalize, that's where the lower income types -- the artists and the start up wannabees -- are putting their money.  But there's more than a few old Guzzi's around.

[oldbike54]

Adan , in the 90's SF was full of working class folks riding airheads , old Brits , single cam Hondas , and other interesting stuff . Damn , I loved my last visit there , got an old GF's R60/5 running the first day , rode all over the Bay Area .

  Dusty

[canuguzzi]

Norge, I'll be the first to admit I'm "cheap", but I think the reason the above advice is given so often is that Guzzis can be worked on by most home mechanics.  I don't call an electrician to change a light bulb because I can do it myself.  While that's a bit of hyperbole, Guzzis are much more amenable to "mechanic" jamokes like me than most other brands.  Also, the easy accessibility of Guzzi engines is an invite to jump right in.  It's also my unsubstantiated opinion that most Guzzi owners are more involved in their bikes than many other brands and only too eager to "see what's wrong with it" instead of calling the dealer with minor problems or annoyances.  Is this tough on dealers?, no doubt about it but I don't think that makes Guzzi owners "bad customers".  Going back to the "cheap part", with labor costs around the $100/hr rate, I'd just as soon spend some money on the required tools, learn how to do it, have the tools (tools, TOols, TOOLS!!!!!) for future use and have the money in my pocket.  Power to the People!

Wait until you start in on a Norge. After getting the plastics off your done for the day. Its the same with any plastics bike so I can definitely see where wrenching in something like a V7 is simple.

When I had the old Honda 750F SOHC I did the valves and all that too, it was as simple as you get.

I just try to put myself in the dealers shoes once in a while. There they are, especially with Moto Guzzi, spending money to maintain their techs, the mandated software, some parts inventory and then they sit on bikes that don't really sell well compared to everything else. To top it off, they then don't get much revenue from service so how can any of us expect more than a bare handful of dealers spread regionally that are worth much?

How many of us would throw money at representing a brand that doesn't sell a lot? Marketing and ads don't sell, good and great bikes sell and MG keeps pumping out the SOS every year. The V7 is only a good seller compared to the Edsel.

One reason some dealers don't really say much about Guzzi is because there isn't much to say. People come as do the groupie thing but buy little, talk a lot. Then they complain about no parts but they forget what it costs to inventory parts that few people buy.

Then someone comes in and wants to see the newest Moto Guzzi and what is there but the same V7, California or something that maybe 1 in 10 million people want.

If there was money in selling Moto Guzzi then there would be a lot more dealers selling them. There is no way to compare the single digit in number dealers who get the online business from all over or the one per 10 state dealers who sell a majority if the MG bikes.

I agree and support the idea if self reliance. With that comes not having a good dealer network, can't have both. Either sales and service support more dealers or they don't and it takes paying customers, not talk forums, the once in a decade parts needs or the riders who buy online because a few bucks and maybe a longer wait from the dealer isn't fast or cheap enough.

You have limited floor space and that floor space costs a lot of money. Every bike out front needs to sell and earnnits floor space. Sorry but Guzzi costs floor space. Instead of one Guzzi sitting there for months, they can get a dozen Triumphs, a few Ducatis and even good used bikes sold in the same time. What would you do?

Sorry for the rants but this comes upbince in a while.

Now imagine you are a dealer and some poor slob comes in wanting to trade a 2012 Norge with flat tappets in on a new bike. It has maybe 10k miles on it and all MG will do is supply some parts if he pays his techs to tear it apart to check it and then just how is he going to sell it? Money loser or the customer walks and bad mouths MG and the dealer for not giving a decent trade.

MG hurts its own brand. Like I said, everyone else but MG has figured it out. MG is like bad parents, you see the potential in the kids, know they could amount to great people but the parents do only enough to survive and know that some of the neighbors will take up the slack.

[rocker59]

Wait until you start in on a Norge. After getting the plastics off your done for the day. Its the same with any plastics bike so I can definitely see where wrenching in something like a V7 is simple.

When I had the old Honda 750F SOHC I did the valves and all that too, it was as simple as you get.

I just try to put myself in the dealers shoes once in a while. There they are, especially with Moto Guzzi, spending money to maintain their techs, the mandated software, some parts inventory and then they sit on bikes that don't really sell well compared to everything else. To top it off, they then don't get much revenue from service so how can any of us expect more than a bare handful of dealers spread regionally that are worth much?

How many of us would throw money at representing a brand that doesn't sell a lot? Marketing and ads don't sell, good and great bikes sell and MG keeps pumping out the SOS every year. The V7 is only a good seller compared to the Edsel.

One reason some dealers don't really say much about Guzzi is because there isn't much to say. People come as do the groupie thing but buy little, talk a lot. Then they complain about no parts but they forget what it costs to inventory parts that few people buy.

Then someone comes in and wants to see the newest Moto Guzzi and what is there but the same V7, California or something that maybe 1 in 10 million people want.

If there was money in selling Moto Guzzi then there would be a lot more dealers selling them. There is no way to compare the single digit in number dealers who get the online business from all over or the one per 10 state dealers who sell a majority if the MG bikes.

I agree and support the idea if self reliance. With that comes not having a good dealer network, can't have both. Either sales and service support more dealers or they don't and it takes paying customers, not talk forums, the once in a decade parts needs or the riders who buy online because a few bucks and maybe a longer wait from the dealer isn't fast or cheap enough.

You have limited floor space and that floor space costs a lot of money. Every bike out front needs to sell and earnnits floor space. Sorry but Guzzi costs floor space. Instead of one Guzzi sitting there for months, they can get a dozen Triumphs, a few Ducatis and even good used bikes sold in the same time. What would you do?

Sorry for the rants but this comes upbince in a while.

Now imagine you are a dealer and some poor slob comes in wanting to trade a 2012 Norge with flat tappets in on a new bike. It has maybe 10k miles on it and all MG will do is supply some parts if he pays his techs to tear it apart to check it and then just how is he going to sell it? Money loser or the customer walks and bad mouths MG and the dealer for not giving a decent trade.

MG hurts its own brand. Like I said, everyone else but MG has figured it out. MG is like bad parents, you see the potential in the kids, know they could amount to great people but the parents do only enough to survive and know that some of the neighbors will take up the slack.

Sometimes I read your posts and wonder why you ride Moto Guzzi and hang out on a Marque-specific forum, like Wildguzzi.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu

[PJPR01]

Yeah...I don't get the complaint nature here...why bitch and moan about the few dealers that ARE in existence, why not support them as best as possible, if they provide good service.  Seems like a virtual circle...we support dealers, they keep selling and servicing, and around it goes.  I suppose if we don't support them, or the dealer doesn't want to put much attention to it, then just buy the commodity and do self service and / or find someone else able to generate that revenue.  It's not really the client's job to train the dealer to do good service, the good ones like MPH do that automatically, and that keeps customers like me coming back.  I honestly don't mind paying for the regular maintenance, why not, it's not outrageous, sometimes there are items discovered that I am not aware of, and it's always fun to come and see the new and old stuff in the shop.  Now if the dealership at hand is not very Guzzi friendly, doesn't enjoy or want to work on them, I can see why people would not get their work done there.

Now...if some $$'s come in, I'm hoping a Stelvio makes into my garage later this year to keep my Norge company...  :)

[Chuck in Indiana]

Sometimes I read your posts and wonder why you ride Moto Guzzi and hang out on a Marque-specific forum, like Wildguzzi.

 :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu

Yeah, me, too.  We're fully aware of the dumpster fire that is Guzzi management, here. Always has been, in my memory.  :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu When Mark at Moto Guzzi Classics finally dropped them after getting royally screwed over again, he said, "I *love* the machines, but *hate* the company." Didn't blame him, and still don't.
So.
I *love* the machines. Don't have to deal with the company.. 

[oldbike54]

 <SIGH> . Well dangit , I kinda see NP's point , if the mothership doesn't care about its dealers and customers , then the brand will not survive . Look how much heat the new Triumph Bonnies are generating , how much of that is due to the fact that Triumph supports their dealers and makes sure the customer can get parts . Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit 

  Dusty

[Demar]

  Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit 

  Dusty

And flameproof underwear?

[oldbike54]

And flameproof underwear?

 Everyday wear , just in case 

  Dusty

[bad Chad]

<SIGH> . Well dangit , I kinda see NP's point , if the mothership doesn't care about its dealers and customers , then the brand will not survive . Look how much heat the new Triumph Bonnies are generating , how much of that is due to the fact that Triumph supports their dealers and makes sure the customer can get parts . Yeah yeah , go ahead and flame away guys , I am putting on my fire proof suit 

  Dusty

Here I come!    I'm not at all certain that the mothership has cared much about its dealers or customers, ever, and they have made it this long!   Although I agree that the market is perhaps the most competitive it has ever been, and perhaps their old business model needs some tweaking!

[jbell]

Norge, I can't argue with your post, all very valid points.  My Guzzi experience is limited to old non-plasticy models.  The V7 Special and Stone interest me and I was close to pulling the trigger on one earlier this year but I just can't get excited by mediocre engine performance.  With all there is to point fingers at Guzzi (Piaggio), I can understand and appreciate your Guzzi ownership, they do offer an experience like no other and legions of other Guzzi owners to commiserate with.  Sigh,  whatcha gonna do?
ps, the new Thruxton is certainly something to get excited about but my cheap old a$$ is looking at used ones and checking on performance parts.

[leafman60]

I think I know the Munroe Motors salesman that is being referred to in the first post -- big guy, clean cut, sandy blonde/brown hair.  He seems to hate Guzzi's but, I think it's a personal thing, not a Munroe Motors thing.  I was in there several months ago and he was brazenly mocking my interest in them.  It was poor salesmanship, but on the other hand, this guy knows that Ducati and Triumph is the big majority of their business, Guzzi just the fringe.

Nope, it wasn't that guy.

He was not hostile about the Guzzi but chuckled affectionately about them and the people who ride them.

[Vasco DG]

Is it a common assumption that motorcycle dealers in the US are drug or piss fucked??? Jesus! I'll have to be a bit more careful! No wonder that mob of numpties in Utah couldn't change a tyre on my Cali!   

Pete

[Cool Runnings]

Why do the valves need checking/ adjustment so much on the Guzzi's?


Newbie here.....

[oldbike54]

Is it a common assumption that motorcycle dealers in the US are drug or piss fucked??? Jesus! I'll have to be a bit more careful! No wonder that mob of numpties in Utah couldn't change a tyre on my Cali!   

Pete

 Not really Pete , most dealerships here are populated by sober competent folks . Well , I say that having no real first hand experience except with the now defunct Euro brand dealer in Tulsa . Most dealers wouldn't touch my old beaters if I DID take them in for something 

  Dusty

[rocker59]

Not really Pete , most dealerships here are populated by sober competent folks . Well , I say that having no real first hand experience except with the now defunct Euro brand dealer in Tulsa . Most dealers wouldn't touch my old beaters if I DID take them in for something 

  Dusty

RE:  the defunct Tulsa dealer.

My favorite is walking in, asking for a pan gasket for my '96 Sport 1100 carb.

They spend 10 minutes on the parts fiche, go to the back to retrieve the part, then return with a gasket for a broad sump.

I tell them it's the wrong gasket and they argue with me.  Then I point out that they used the Sport 1100i parts fiche, and they argue some more.

Finally, they get me the standard big block sump gasket I need, and tell me no returns if it's wrong!!!

What a mess!  And they'd been in business for 40-years.  I still can't believe they needed a parts fiche to get me a sump gasket!

I'm glad they're gone.

My experiences with the new dealer, Brookside/Kinetic Playground, have been much more positive than any I ever had at Atlas.

[oldbike54]

RE:  the defunct Tulsa dealer.

My favorite is walking in, asking for a pan gasket for my '96 Sport 1100 carb.

They spend 10 minutes on the parts fiche, go to the back to retrieve the part, then return with a gasket for a broad sump.

I tell them it's the wrong gasket and they argue with me.  Then I point out that they used the Sport 1100i parts fiche, and they argue some more.

Finally, they get me the standard big block sump gasket I need, and tell me no returns if it's wrong!!!

What a mess!  And they'd been in business for 40-years.  I still can't believe they needed a parts fiche to get me a sump gasket!

I'm glad they're gone.

My experiences with the new dealer, Brookside/Kinetic Playground, have been much more positive than any I ever had at Atlas.

 That must have been after Nancy Carol left , they never were able to replace her , although the Englishman named Tony was good with BMW parts . In defense of Atlas , they did stock everything for older MG's and beemers .

  Dusty

[Tkelly]

Dunn's imports in WI is a new dealer who went to bat for me whenMG balked on acouple of warrenty claims for my Stelvio.Real MC people there!