SP III ... a rare bird? What gives?

[Testarossa]

 I looked it up. When Tonti drew up the frame the average height for Italian men was 5'8".

[Tom]

Hey.......guess what height I am? 

[Lannis]

Hey.......guess what height I am? 

Ayy ... you make-a a good Italian!

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yeah, me too. I'm Italian sized. The Scura, Lario, and Monza *just* fit.

[John in PA]

I had a gem SPIII some years back (actually, the one Lannis rode).  I'm about 6' with 32" inseam.  I was a perfect fit on the bile, but it wouldn't have worked if my thigh bones were longer.  I had Ned's completely rebuild the seat to mostly eliminate the double-trough of the stock saddle that pretty much tells you where to sit.  Result was considerable comfort and flexibility.  Whenever I rode the bike, I had the sensation of riding a very low altitude aircraft, rather than a motor vehicle.  Never felt that on any other bike, and there have been a pile of them.  Unique experience. You got the impression it wanted to eat miles. 

Too many Guzzis; I finally sold it to a guy in British Columbia. 

[timonbik]

Wish I could find one of these in the Beige/Burgundy paint scheme.  Was one some time ago in Washington State that sold very reasonable.  Was just too far and 1 too many countries away.

Tim


upload photos in fb

[Lannis]

I had a gem SPIII some years back (actually, the one Lannis rode). 

WAAAAH-haaaaa-haaaaa              I thought I was over it, but now I've been Triggered!   WAAAAH-haaaaa-haaaaa   

[John in PA]

You great, big Virginia Snowflake!!   

[guzzisteve]

Looks like Speakers still has my old SP, My LM3 headpipes & Competizoni exhaust, goes like stink.
http://www.speakers-cycles.com/usedbikes.htm

[AJH69]

Thanks again for the input, everyone, about the SP III.

While I was deliberating, an SP II popped up...
When I saw it, I felt that that's where my heart wanted to go. There was no deliberating, and in my experience, that's when I know it's right. Plus I threw a leg over it and it fit. So, we made a deal and I took it home. So no SP III -- at this point in time...

I'll start a thread about the SP II shortly.

-Andy in PA

[Tom]

 

[Denis]

Thanks again for the input, everyone, about the SP III.

While I was deliberating, an SP II popped up...
When I saw it, I felt that that's where my heart wanted to go. There was no deliberating, and in my experience, that's when I know it's right. Plus I threw a leg over it and it fit. So, we made a deal and I took it home. So no SP III -- at this point in time...

I'll start a thread about the SP II shortly.

-Andy in PA

I still have SP II I bought new and it's basically still stock. If you have any questions I'll try and help!

[JJ]

This was my 1993 1000-SP-III back in 2006.  It was a good bike, and I liked it a lot.   

However, for two up long distance riding, my wife often complained of "helmet head buffeting" at speeds of 75-80 mph - - because she sat up too high on the back...so I sold it.

For solo riding, it was just fine, and one very capable Guzzi.  I would not hesitate to own another one. 

[nc43bsa]

Thread resurrection!

What colors did the SPIII have?  Was there ever a factory 2-tone?

[blackcat]

Thread resurrection!

What colors did the SPIII have?  Was there ever a factory 2-tone?

I don't think so unless it was a police bike.

[nc43bsa]

I've found one that is claimed to be repainted in the factory color scheme - dark gray with light gray diagonally from the lower faring to the seat lock.

Other than having shorter bars, it looks largely original.

It's on ebay, but I don't want to post a link for fear of offending a mod.   

[blackcat]

The charcoal color was one of the standard colors, never seen one with that color:



I had an SPIII for a few years, great bike with lots of wind protection but when it got hot or in stop and go traffic it got really hot.  Two up was never fun for my wife and even with seat modifications it never worked out and I sold it to buy a Norge.

Never had a problem with the bike but of course plastic parts are hard to find so if you buy it, don't have an accident.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I had a Strada, which is essentially a naked SP3. I also had a 1 of 17 LM5 at the same time, and had them both undressed in the Guzzi Garage (tm)  I liked what I saw.. they were sisters except the Strada had marginally bigger brake rotors IIRC. Fine handling machine, but as others have mentioned my sweetie did not like the pillion position, even after I had Rich Maund measure her and make a custom seat.

[Tom]

I still have mine.  Dark green.  The clear has lifted off of the base coat.  Looks like it has it needs to exfoliated.     I'm still not fond of the seat.