The Good, The Bad and The Ugly... GUZZI CONTENT

[bobbyfromnc]

Fellow riders, just speaking my mind here. It is what it is...

Topic of Choice... Do I like Moto Guzzi? Yes and no, here's why.

As a Rider... Absolutely Yes, I purchased a 2012 Norge that was new in March of 2015. I can't say enough of how much I enjoy riding this bike. So comfortable, form and function second to nun, handles great. Great vibes and character with an awesome use-able power/torque band from that Guzzi engine. I wanted something different from other riders. I've owned several metric brands, Harley Davidson etc. Guzzi's are as unique as their riders are. I like that.

As a Owner... Well not so much a hearty yes. Why? I have owned the bike just slightly over 11 months so far and its been in the shop totaling just over 4 months... That's right boys and girls a whole 3rd of a year and counting because its still in the shop as I type. 3 times for warranty repairs...

1) Gas Gauge not functioning properly, part had to be ordered, then after a few weeks was called, bike was ready. I live 100 miles one way from dealer, got half way home and smoke starts rolling. Turns out tech routed hoses etc wrong and burnt up stuff. Dealership made it good... After yet more time in shop.

2) Severe oil leak on right cylinder... After a 9 week ordeal that involved a Guzzi tech rep during prime riding season last summer I got the bike back, problem solved. To the dealers credit they did after a few weeks deliver a used guzzi to ride while my bike was being repaired. I was ready to trade at that point but that old guzzi ran like a sewing machine with 25K on it. It renewed my hope in guzzi ownership and hopefully this would be the end of major situations... NOT

3) This past December our holiday season was very warm. My friends and I went riding several times. Then out of clear blue bike would turn over but would not start. Red Triangle and All Caps SERVICE light came on... 9 days later bike cranked just fine, all warning indicators gone. Went on a ride with friends we made many stops that day. Last place we went to leave and bike would not start with all the warnings etc... Long story short, Dealership has had the bike for over a month and counting... ECU bad and naturally they did not have the need part, so they had to order it, turns out Guzzi USA are all out of them to at the moment so they (Guzzi USA) have ordered them from Italy. I was told maybe mid march before they would arrive. So folks that's over 5 months of a motorcycle I am paying for sitting in a dealerships shop.

If it wasn't for the fact I really like this bike, it would have already been history. Its under warranty and I still hope for the best. BUT one more thing goes wrong... I am done.

[O]

So you like your Guzzi, but it sounds like you have a lemon of a bike.  Replace it with a new one, courtesy of MG, per the law in your state:  http://www.ncdoj.gov/Consumer/Automobiles/Lemon-Law.aspx

[JeffOlson]

^ That is exactly what I would do. And get a new 2014 or 2015 Norge in the process!

[Tom]

If it qualifies then it qualifies under your state law but you'll have to pursue it.  Don't expect help from the dealership.

[bobbyfromnc]

If it qualifies then it qualifies under your state law but you'll have to pursue it.  Don't expect help from the dealership.

True. Thanks BK

[Daleroso]

So sorry & best of luck. Reminds me of my Mille. Cracked crank, 3 teeth broken off ring gear, chipped teeth on pinion gear & chrome chipping off fork sliders. All under 2,600 miles. Importer at the time bought the bike back after things escalated to where I had to threaten to write every moto mag to simply relate my experience during a time when Guzzi was attempting another comeback. Said I didn't know how to ride a Moto Guzzi. 23rd bike.

[jackson]

Damn!  I've wondered what happened with your latest problem.  This has to be extremely frustrating.  I was very close to pulling the trigger on a new Norge last September when I read about the problems you were having. Due to the problems that you had, (along with problems others had experienced and also due to dealer concerns) I decided to forget the Norge and buy a different bike.
I've heard enough stories about your servicing dealer to convince me that they are not competent to work on a new Guzzi and if N.C. has a lemon law where your bike would qualify, I wouldn't waste another day screwing around with this bike and this dealer.  Life is too short.  I wish you the best with getting this problem put to bed, one way or the other; as soon as possible.   

[canuguzzi]

Most lemon laws are pretty straightforward but they do have time constraints, often something like within 18 months of ownership with the complaint being filed within that period.

I can understand your frustration. It seems though (I could be wrong) that quite a bit of time was spent waiting for parts.

The dealer can make a lot of difference. My examples:

New fuel gauge from actual time of order to part install:

4 days

New fuel tank (my go ahead to order): 5 business days

I too have a laundry list of things that went belly up, never really posted about them since they got fixed very quickly.  To date, I've not had to wait more than a week maybe plus a few days to have the call saying the parts were in. I show up just before the dealer opens, they hustle the Norge in and shortly after lunch I'm out again.

Agree 100%. As a rider, nothing beats the Norge.

From an owner perspective, like many things, it's only good when you're getting it.

[lost]

Fellow riders, just speaking my mind here. It is what it is...

Topic of Choice... Do I like Moto Guzzi? Yes and no, here's why.

As a Rider... Absolutely Yes, I purchased a 2012 Norge that was new in March of 2015. I can't say enough of how much I enjoy riding this bike. So comfortable, form and function second to nun, handles great. Great vibes and character with an awesome use-able power/torque band from that Guzzi engine. I wanted something different from other riders. I've owned several metric brands, Harley Davidson etc. Guzzi's are as unique as their riders are. I like that.

As a Owner... Well not so much a hearty yes. Why? I have owned the bike just slightly over 11 months so far and its been in the shop totaling just over 4 months... That's right boys and girls a whole 3rd of a year and counting because its still in the shop as I type. 3 times for warranty repairs...

1) Gas Gauge not functioning properly, part had to be ordered, then after a few weeks was called, bike was ready. I live 100 miles one way from dealer, got half way home and smoke starts rolling. Turns out tech routed hoses etc wrong and burnt up stuff. Dealership made it good... After yet more time in shop.

2) Severe oil leak on right cylinder... After a 9 week ordeal that involved a Guzzi tech rep during prime riding season last summer I got the bike back, problem solved. To the dealers credit they did after a few weeks deliver a used guzzi to ride while my bike was being repaired. I was ready to trade at that point but that old guzzi ran like a sewing machine with 25K on it. It renewed my hope in guzzi ownership and hopefully this would be the end of major situations... NOT

3) This past December our holiday season was very warm. My friends and I went riding several times. Then out of clear blue bike would turn over but would not start. Red Triangle and All Caps SERVICE light came on... 9 days later bike cranked just fine, all warning indicators gone. Went on a ride with friends we made many stops that day. Last place we went to leave and bike would not start with all the warnings etc... Long story short, Dealership has had the bike for over a month and counting... ECU bad and naturally they did not have the need part, so they had to order it, turns out Guzzi USA are all out of them to at the moment so they (Guzzi USA) have ordered them from Italy. I was told maybe mid march before they would arrive. So folks that's over 5 months of a motorcycle I am paying for sitting in a dealerships shop.

If it wasn't for the fact I really like this bike, it would have already been history. Its under warranty and I still hope for the best. BUT one more thing goes wrong... I am done.

I can relate. I also bought a 2012 new in 2013. Had the gas gauge go also, and when in for repair they found the oil switch leaking. Got bike back 5 months later. Great bike to ride but don't use it as an only bike. I expected issues since it is not a common brand and it has proven correct. Now it has been down for 2 months and counting to have it rollerized since the tappets showed a lot of wear at 11380 miles. Still am not giving up on it since I have a spare to ride. I am disappointed that MG does not really support the brand like they should but I really have bonded with the bike so I will still play.

[JeffOlson]

I guess I have been lucking. My first Norge had no problems from the factory (only a couple of dealer tech caused problems with a spark plug cap/wire and a clutch lever grub screw). My second Norge has had no problems either (other than a missing dashboard screw and washer (easily replaced at Ace Hardware).

However, if I had problems like yours, I would dump the Norge, get something else, and not look back. Life is too short to miss out on months of good riding.

[Cool Runnings]

Hopefully major problems have been sorted out from 2012 to present.

As a owner of a new 2014 Norge, I expect trouble free riding for a few years.

I get major problems and she is GONE.

FYI:

I have 12,000 miles on a Vespa 300 super and it's been bullet proof. I asked my dealer how long these things last and he said forever.

[HardAspie]

In 1982 I bought brand new what I thought would be my dream bike, a Honda Gold Wing: GL 1100C. As I owned it I encountered trouble after trouble. Oil misting everywhere, oil leek from one cylinder head, coolant leak from the other - that sealed as crud built up in the cooling loop, a vibration that shook parts off as I rode, three different speed wobbles, multiple fails of the electric start, recalled tyres, bad paint. . . Two wonderful days were when I bought it and when I sold it. And yes I was honest with the buyer.

[Gliderjohn]

WOW! I trucked my 2011 Norge to Harpers recently to rollerize it and see where all my oil was coming from, which turned out to be loose fittings. Are Harpers cheap, no. But all the above was repaired (and I am guessing correctly) in less than ten calendar days, plus being test ridden. I just need to get my butt back up there to get it.
GliderJohn

[bobbyfromnc]

Thanks for everyone's input and opinions. I have tried to be positive during all of this. I know from time to time something will go wrong. But I swear of all the bikes I've owned... Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson I have never been through anything like this. Thanks BK

[HardAspie]

Thanks for everyone's input and opinions. I have tried to be positive during all of this. I know from time to time something will go wrong. But I swear of all the bikes I've owned... Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley Davidson I have never been through anything like this. Thanks BK

To me, at some point it is a matter of trust. Do I trust the machine to get me there and then back home; to bot bust my bank account; and in case of the handling troubles I had with the GL, with my life. I fired it.

I hope that you come up with a solution acceptable to your mind and soul.

[bobbyfromnc]

For what its worth I sent an email to this guy with the text of my post and a link to it. Don't know what good it will do but at this point I don't see how it could hurt.

Erik Larson
Director, Technical Services
Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.
646-747-6067
elarson@piaggiogroupamericas.com

[bobbyfromnc]

To me, at some point it is a matter of trust. Do I trust the machine to get me there and then back home; to bot bust my bank account; and in case of the handling troubles I had with the GL, with my life. I fired it.

I hope that you come up with a solution acceptable to your mind and soul.

Thanks. BK

[HardAspie]

For what its worth I sent an email to this guy with the text of my post and a link to it. Don't know what good it will do but at this point I don't see how it could hurt.

Erik Larson
Director, Technical Services
Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.
646-747-6067
elarson@piaggiogroupamericas.com

I wish you all of the best.

[dubtac]

 I got my Guzzi when I was 18, that was 8 years ago. I sold my first starter bike a Yamaha Virago 1000 which was hilariously entertaining when I was 18 because of the starter grinding noise and, electrical issues that were getting to difficult solve cheaply.
 So I was searching for a new bike seen all the Jap bike dealers, I seen a Used Suzuki TL1000R that I was about to pull the trigger on then one night I was searching EBAY and there was a BIG RED GLORY OF AN 06 MOTO GUZZI BREVA V1100.
 So I asked my dad when he was still kicking, what he thought about Moto Guzzi. He pulled out some pictures and showed me him on his 850 Lemans that was ironically RED. Yapped about his bike for a couple minutes and explained to me Luigi wired all the Guzzi's. He rewired the Lemans and put a car battery in the poor thing.
 I've been a happy owner of the same bike for 8 years until recently, issues with the electronics for eons the associated drive ability that comes with crap electronics from 10 yrs ago . To be honest I am just short of fabricating an intake manifold to put a 2 Barrel Holley Carburetor on it with and MSD ignition. Kicking Luigi to the sewer pipe.
 Do I regret my decision for buying a Guzzi? HELL NO!!! The old Breva is a awesome still looks good leaks some oil from the side of the engine, but I really don't care. It has survived 18,000 Miles of me Beating the crap out of the REV Limiter, taking it to places like gravel pits, trails and commuting to and from New Orleans' Beirut streets.

[canuguzzi]

^^^

???

[wymple]

Bought 2 a few years apart, a Call II, and a V65, both 1984's. I have always had a soft spot for them because they have genuine character and mechanical presence. The thing is, there is always something that needs attention, but they are tinkerer's bikes. Real bikers are tinkerers,  you know. But none of the necessary tinkering ever cost a big pile of money, and they've always brought me home. Some guys want to be more involved than sitting on top for awhile and then put it away until later. As long as it ain't major.

[HardAspie]

I always liked tinkering. In general, being able to tinker with my bike has lowered operating costs, always a large issue of mine. But also I have felt a wonderful connection to my machine by way of being able to maintain it. As my bikes grew more complex and required more specialized tools and training I lost a great deal of the ability to tinker and the worm feelings that maintaining my bike gave me; whether the joy of feeling it run just a bit better than before I hauled out the spanners, or the confidence of knowing that a failure en route nowhere was both unlikely and probably easily rectified roadside.

I recall a very specific thought that crossed my mind while riding such a bike. I wondered who actually owned the beast; was it me or the crew chief at the shop who would allow me to ride it so long as I kept the maintenance up.

But bear in mind that I mean tinkering; this is in my parlance maintenance more than repair. Big items going wrong when they ought not is something entirely different.

[jackson]

If I buy a NEW Guzzi (or any other NEW bike), I expect the dealer to do all of the mechanical repairs if something breaks.  I've always enjoyed doing the routine servicing.
If I buy a USED Guzzi that's out of warranty, I don't expect the dealer (or MG) to take care of problems unless they're too far above my expertise to repair them.
In this case, the OP bought a NEW Guzzi and has had lot's of problems.  A reasonable person can only tolerate so much aggravation before throwing in the towel and in this case, he's gone longer than I would have before reaching his boiling point.  I know nothing of N.C. lemon laws but if their lemon laws apply to this bike, I hope that he can get his problem resolved quickly and to his satisfaction.
I wouldn't let this problem stop me from owning another Guzzi BUT I would have to find another dealer that is better qualified to repair a Guzzi if I bought another new one.

[bobbyfromnc]

If I buy a NEW Guzzi (or any other NEW bike), I expect the dealer to do all of the mechanical repairs if something breaks.  I've always enjoyed doing the routine servicing.
If I buy a USED Guzzi that's out of warranty, I don't expect the dealer (or MG) to take care of problems unless they're too far above my expertise to repair them.
In this case, the OP bought a NEW Guzzi and has had lot's of problems.  A reasonable person can only tolerate so much aggravation before throwing in the towel and in this case, he's gone longer than I would have before reaching his boiling point.  I know nothing of N.C. lemon laws but if their lemon laws apply to this bike, I hope that he can get his problem resolved quickly and to his satisfaction.
I wouldn't let this problem stop me from owning another Guzzi BUT I would have to find another dealer that is better qualified to repair a Guzzi if I bought another new one.

That's the problem, Atlanta... 4.5 hrs away, Richmond VA... 4.5 hrs away, Near Nashville Tenn, approx 9 hrs away. I like Guzzi, but I am within a nat's hair of tossing in the towel. Sunday was stunningly beautiful here in NC. Motorcycles everywhere... Mines locked up in a shop 100 miles away (waiting on a part that at least should have been in stock with Guzzi USA) All while I am making monthly payments and lets not forget the insurance. Grrrr

[Cool Runnings]

That's the problem, Atlanta... 4.5 hrs away, Richmond VA... 4.5 hrs away, Near Nashville Tenn, approx 9 hrs away. I like Guzzi, but I am within a nat's hair of tossing in the towel. Sunday was stunningly beautiful here in NC. Motorcycles everywhere... Mines locked up in a shop 100 miles away (waiting on a part that at least should have been in stock with Guzzi USA) All while I am making monthly payments and lets not forget the insurance. Grrrr

Always got the Vespa 300, she has never let me down. 

[canuguzzi]

Always got the Vespa 300, she has never let me down. 

Many people posting here have multiple bikes, that makes tinkering or diving into repairs easier, if the bike is laid up, ride the other one, or two or herd bikes.

But when someone spends over 10 grand OTD on a bike with a warranty, the warranty is something they've paid for, it wasn't free. Small things can be a nuisance butnshow stoppers need to get fixed or you're paying for nothing.

This example is very unfortunate, once you go sour on a brand altogether it's over and it also bleeds over to people they know, this doesn't happen in a vacuum.

Hopefully, if the OP sticks it out, this is the last time it needs to be sorted because after a while sorted means shafted.

[JeffOlson]

^ OP: Why are you not pursuing a remedy under NC's lemon law?

At this rate, that would probably be faster than repairing your bike, you would get your money back, and you could then do something different, whether it is another Norge, another Moto Guzzi, a Triumph Thruxton R (!!!), or whatever.

[Wayne Orwig]

Parts availability in the US is one of the biggest downfalls of MG in my opinion.
But then, it is the reason I own multiple Guzzis. Maybe that IS their plan.
I just waited over 3 months for rod bolts.

Generally speaking, once you are out of warranty you are better off. Most parts are fairly easy to find from alternate sources. (not those damn rod bolts though)

[Tom]

Major reason I've bought most of my Guzzi's used from other owners that have gone through warranty issues and depreciation.  Only bike I bought new was a Daytona 1000.

[Dilliw]

The used Guzzi approach works great except you are relying on new Guzzi buyers to buy the bikes in the first place.  It's sad that they keep pissing them and their dealers off.