Things I've learned from my brief ownership of a Guzzi thus far...

[derek533]

Feel free to add to this list of things you've learned. 

1.  The fit and finish of a Guzzi seems to be top notch.

2.  When something happens that would be seen as bizarre, just call it character and move along as long as it's still running.  It probably won't repeat itself when you want it to. 

3.  The jugs sticking out from the frame draw lots of attention and 2nd looks.  No need for heated grips either! 

4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 

5.  If the oil filter doesn't have a nut on it, good luck. 

6.  The seat on my Breva has to be one of the most comfortable stock motorcycle seats ever.

7.  Wear ear plugs if you don't like hearing mechanical chatter. 

[fotoguzzi]

Feel free to add to this list of things you've learned. 

 
4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 
accept the oil filter
5.   the oil filter should have a hose clamp on it.

the more you ride the more you like..

[Devildog]

It's not clatter, it's a wonderful sound! No earplugs for me.

[Dilliw]

You'll get along much better if you ride it the way it wants to be ridden and not the way you want to ride it. 

[Scott DeRoss]

Etsa notta noise Etsa a sound!! (with that Italian/English accent)

[ken farr]

Feel free to add to this list of things you've learned. 

1.  The fit and finish of a Guzzi seems to be top notch.

2.  When something happens that would be seen as bizarre, just call it character and move along as long as it's still running.  It probably won't repeat itself when you want it to. 

3.  The jugs sticking out from the frame draw lots of attention and 2nd looks.  No need for heated grips either! 

4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 

5.  If the oil filter doesn't have a nut on it, good luck. 

6.  The seat on my Breva has to be one of the most comfortable stock motorcycle seats ever.

7.  Wear ear plugs if you don't like hearing mechanical chatter.

 :1:

 

kjf

[bad Chad]

If the oil filter doesn't have a nut on it good luck???

I don't get what you are getting at.

[Kev m]

If the oil filter doesn't have a nut on it good luck???

I don't get what you are getting at.

He doesn't have the right cap wrench.

[fotoguzzi]

Etsa notta noise Etsa a symphony!! (with that Italian/English accent)

[Idontwantapickle]

Feel free to add to this list of things you've learned. 

1.  The fit and finish of a Guzzi seems to be top notch.

2.  When something happens that would be seen as bizarre, just call it character and move along as long as it's still running.  It probably won't repeat itself when you want it to. 

3.  The jugs sticking out from the frame draw lots of attention and 2nd looks.  No need for heated grips either! 

4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 

5.  If the oil filter doesn't have a nut on it, good luck. 

6.  The seat on my Breva has to be one of the most comfortable stock motorcycle seats ever.

7.  Wear ear plugs if you don't like hearing mechanical chatter.

If you don't grin like a fool every time you ride it you must be dead! 

[derek533]

He doesn't have the right cap wrench.

I do now that I switched to Bosch filters with standard 14 flats. :)

[LowRyter]

Don't lug the engine.

[Guzzistajohn]

Something I've always found interesting riding a guzzi makes some Harley riders, mostly the ones new to motorcycles and buying mass quantities of leather gear look at your bike as if they were confused dogs. 

[80CX100]

I haven't ridden any of the newer Guzzis, so I can only comment on my Tonti framed 80 CX100 and 79 G5(only short test rides up and down my road), but for me, one of the main defining positive attributes of my Guzzis,,, is how planted they feel on the road. Not sure if it's the lower substantial central mass design, or Guzzi's history of wind tunnel work,,, but I always feel like I'm on rails on my Guzzis,,, very confidence inspiring to ride,,, my Suzuki DL1000 on the other hand, always feels like I'm floating on cotton candy,, very disconcerting at speed.

After reading Pete's high opinion of the handling virtues of the Griso,,, I'd love to take one for a ride,,, but for some reason they don't hit my buttons the same way as some of the older bikes. fwiw ymmv

Kelly

[Huzo]

the more you ride the more you like..

A HF 551 standard filter will spin on and the tool to fit is readily available

[rocker59]

Feel free to add to this list of things you've learned. 

 
4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 

Wait until Clutch Replacement Time !!!  LOL !!!

7.  Wear ear plugs if you don't like hearing mechanical chatter.

Always wear earplugs.  DAMHIK.

[rocker59]

I haven't ridden any of the newer Guzzis, so I can only comment on my Tonti framed 80 CX100 and 79 G5(only short test rides up and down my road), but for me, one of the main defining positive attributes of my Guzzis,,, is how planted they feel on the road. Not sure if it's the lower substantial central mass design, or Guzzi's history of wind tunnel work,,, but I always feel like I'm on rails on my Guzzis,,, very confidence inspiring to ride,,, my Suzuki DL1000 on the other hand, always feels like I'm floating on cotton candy,, very disconcerting at speed.

 
Kelly

Steering geometry.

It makes the old Guzzis feel like they're "on rails", or like a "dump truck", depending upon your point of view.

[brider]

4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything. 

Except for the dizzy clamp bolt on my Cal II, and the airbox....

[ITSec]

Always wear earplugs.  DAMHIK.

Hey, if we did ask, you wouldn't hear us anyway! 

[pete mcgee]

No need for heated grips......
Ah nup, after 29 years and 200,000 miles heated grips are a requirement.
The only place I feel hot air off the cylinders is behind my knees, in summer, can't feel it in winter.
The heads are an alternative one handed hand warmer, but not that efficient.
 They are a simple machine to work on, compared to a BMW airhead where you need a special tool to have a bowel movement, dead simple and in my experience more robust.
Glad your enjoying yours.
Cheers

[willowstreetguzziguy]

The cylinders make great glove warmers in the cold weather when you stop for a while. And knee and shin warmers in temps below 75 degrees.

[Moto Fugazzi]

Etsa notta noise Etsa a sound!! (with that Italian/English accent)

Tappy equals happy is what I've learned.
Ken

[charlie b]

Until I put the fairing on my T5 I never felt heat off the cylinders (except when stopped in traffic on a 90F+ day)

[80CX100]

Steering geometry.

It makes the old Guzzis feel like they're "on rails", or like a "dump truck", depending upon your point of view.

Interesting,,, I have a very limited understanding of steering geometry, rake/trail etc,,, I've never really considered it for any motorcycle,,, I just assumed that there was a normal standard that all road bikes stayed close to,,, I understand that choppers like to go in a straight line,, and that a tight steering angle on a race track bike would make it quick turning and feel twitchy and flickable.

I've never ridden a cruiser style bike,,, but following that line of thinking,,, would they inherently feel more planted on the road?

That planted feeling of being on rails,,, is not something that I've ever considered before in regards to motorcycles, tbh, most of my bikes that I've ridden,,, were  over 30 yrs ago, and my memory isn't good on specific details. But that planted feeling has been a characteristic that's been in my thoughts a lot this summer,,, every time I take my DL1000 for a ride, it's very noticeably absent. But I will concede that I normally ride that bike at speeds higher than others,,, due to the 6 speed tranny, overall gearing, and the sweet spot in the engine,,, the engine is happiest and likes to lope along, way over legal limits,,, but I don't find the bike/chassis itself has a relaxed comfortable feeling at those speeds.

Kelly

[Yard Sale]

Also a new Guzzi owner here.

4.  I've never seen a bike that has been as dead simple to work on thanks to easy access to everything.

Easy access to the valve train, spark plugs, oil drains. Easy on/off fuel line! Slightly difficult access to the air filter. Pain in the ass replacing the rear wheel because of the cush drive. Pain in the ass to lift it and put it on jack stands; it really needs a center stand.

6.  The seat on my Breva has to be one of the most comfortable stock motorcycle seats ever.

Agreed (B750 here).

[oldbike54]

 Here is what I've learned , Moto Guzzi folks , at least the long term riders , are willing to deal with certain things and be creative in the solving of problems so as to enjoy the wonderfullness of riding the odd Italian marque . Seems obvious that it is that characteristic that bonds us together as a family in a way that is rare . Quite simply , after a lifetime of motorbiking , finding this eclectic and fascinating group of folks some 18 odd years ago was a very pleasant surprise . You guys and girls are entitled to take a collective 

 Oh yes , I know wonderfullness isn't a real word , but it should be 

 Dusty

[derek533]

Learned another one I forgot to mention:

The 1100 engine does not like to be short-shifted.