It's Official, My Anniversario Is Coming!

[oldbike54]

 Gasoline .

 Dusty

[malik]

You will need a rear rack. I prefer the factory "long" rack over the H&B version - it's very substantial, and is flat rather the having the raised stop of the H&B one. Comes in chrome or black. A couple of the smaller Rok Straps & there's the wet gear, warm gear (it can get cold in deserts once the sun goes down) and some shopping - a day pack for the rest. The V 7 doesn't have the scooter's shopping convenience.

The rest can wait until you've ridden the beast a while. The second or third 100 miles for the seat, perhaps - your body will take a while to get used to the new riding position. And before splurging on a seat, try adjusting the handle bars & the foot controls. The rear sets have 3 locating holes, the toe pieces are on cams & the linkages can be adjusted. Move these & the handle bars/clip ons around & up & down until  you find a comfortable position which is still comfortable after 100-200 miles. A tiny adjustment can have a significant effect.

Smaller adjustable levers are available - the chinese made ones on eBay are good (seem to fit better than OEM), prettier & cheap at $20-30. If you find the standard levers awkward, get them. Sooner or later the bike is likely to fall over, so it's a good idea to carry a spare set on long thrips. Smaller levers are less likely to break the ends off than the standard ones.

The throttle lock suggestion is a good one - works well on long straight roads (of which you have one or two) - I have found the cheapest one of those available (in the phot) works best for me.

One other thing - breakdown service - over here we can get a reasonably cheap service through the automobile associations which will truck the bike (to wherever) in the event of a breakdown. Check out what's available in your neck of woods. I've used it on occasion - it makes breaking down much less fraught.

After some 3 - 6 months riding, you will have a pretty good idea of what else you are prepared to spend your hard-earned on, and which has priority.

There's a lot of fun there, enjoy.

[lorazepam]

Just ride it. Accessorize after you decide what you don't like, and add what YOU think will be useful for your intentions on the bike. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Congrats, Guzzi Gal. You've made a wise decision to get it from Dave. Well.. other than not buying a bike you don't care about to drop.    Probably your scooter experience will stand you in good stead for that issue.
Remember that you are *invisible,* and have fun.

[Kev m]

Unless I missed it here are the missing answers:

1. CRASH BARS are the only thing you need to add right now and I suggest you do it before you drop it. Don't be Jay...(which means buy them, then wait 6 months, drop the bike, THEN add them). Buy them and install them before the first ride.

2. TOOL KIT? - who are we trying to impress. I can rebuild a motor or strip a bike, but I don't carry a tool kit unless I'm AT LEAST going on a multi-state/multi-day ride. And even then what have I used it for? I made an ignition switch once for a Jackal, but i still needed supplies from a local hardware store. Does that sound like something you're going to do? If not screw it. Your "tool kit" should be whatever you need to survive until help arrives or you can hike to a cell signal.

3. EVERYTHING else depends on how you feel about the bike as you get to know it. Maybe a seat or windshield, luggage or a centerstand... All good stuff, but not everyone wants everything. Don't waste money you'll regret spending later.

For me the list is long, but it's taken me decades to figure it all out.


Anyway, most of all, this is fun so enjoy it. Congrats!

[Guzzi Gal]

2. TOOL KIT? - who are we trying to impress.

Ha!  As far as took kits go, for my bug, I use to carry a "McGyver" tool (long pipe for jack leverage, weapon, whatever...), a 11mm? crescent wrench (my windshield wipers liked to fly off), some hairbands (snapped a rotor once, due to mechanic leaving d. cap loose, banded it together, and was good to go), some fuses (my horn freaked one day, and blew one, after blasting for 3 minutes on its own), and an odd assortment of screwdrivers.  Sometimes it's good to have some $#!+ in the "glovebox".  Besides, I use to be a Scout leader, so I should at least try to "be prepared".

I ask all these questions, because through them, I learn things that never would have occurred to me.  Sometimes answers can create new questions, or remind me of forgotten ones.  I'm sure I'll come up with more as time goes on.  So I appreciate all the time, and energy you've (all) shown me!!!

[Kev m]

This isn't your, or your father's, bug (I faintly remember my dad driving home from the train station one day sitting on a milk crate because VW Beetle seats were popular theft items).

Anyway if I remember you talking about local miles only, maybe a couple hundred per month... No need for tools. Check things before you go.

[Hittman]

This. I have a friend that slimes his tires and has never had a flat, even though there were nails in them. Your tire change guy will not like you, but it's a really good idea for spoked rims.
Slime also makes a kit with a small compressor, patches, etc. Occasionally the typical AutoZone, etc. will have it on sale for around 20 bux. HF sells a small compressor that works, too. Take the plastic stuff off of it and it's really small.
Let's face it. You are not going to do a major overhaul on the side of the road. The most likely breakdown is a flat tire.

Slime is terrible stuff. On aluminum wheels it causes corrosion inside the wheel. I've had some that needed to be replaced due to that stuff. You'd be much better off having a qualified place seal the wheels to be used tubeless and getting a plug kit.

[Lannis]

Slime is terrible stuff. On aluminum wheels it causes corrosion inside the wheel. I've had some that needed to be replaced due to that stuff. You'd be much better off having a qualified place seal the wheels to be used tubeless and getting a plug kit.

Not everyone has that issue.   Not sure why you are.

And of course, it's not an issue at all with spoked wheels .....

Lannis

[fotoguzzi]

if your getting a tank bag and you care about the paint you might want to wear protection.
get some removable skin to protect your bike�s painted finish.



http://www.aerostich.com/snider-s-paint-guard.html

http://www.aerostich.com/paint-saver-mesh.html 

[jrt]

Don't carry too much or you'll fill a pannier with tools and assorted kit.  A cell phone and credit card are what you'll need for catastrophic failure (which I doubt will happen). 
Carry water, which someone has mentioned before. 
See what fits and what doesn't and then address that. Often it is the seat on my bikes, but individuals vary, so...just drive it for awhile. 

[jas67]

if your getting a tank bag and you care about the paint you might want to wear protection.
get some removable skin to protect your bike�s painted finish.

Her new bike has a chrome (not painted) tank.

[Socalrob]

You will need a rear rack. I prefer the factory "long" rack over the H&B version - it's very substantial, and is flat rather the having the raised stop of the H&B one. Comes in chrome or black. A couple of the smaller Rok Straps & there's the wet gear, warm gear (it can get cold in deserts once the sun goes down) and some shopping - a day pack for the rest. The V 7 doesn't have the scooter's shopping convenience.

The rest can wait until you've ridden the beast a while. The second or third 100 miles for the seat, perhaps - your body will take a while to get used to the new riding position. And before splurging on a seat, try adjusting the handle bars & the foot controls. The rear sets have 3 locating holes, the toe pieces are on cams & the linkages can be adjusted. Move these & the handle bars/clip ons around & up & down until  you find a comfortable position which is still comfortable after 100-200 miles. A tiny adjustment can have a significant effect.

Smaller adjustable levers are available - the chinese made ones on eBay are good (seem to fit better than OEM), prettier & cheap at $20-30. If you find the standard levers awkward, get them. Sooner or later the bike is likely to fall over, so it's a good idea to carry a spare set on long thrips. Smaller levers are less likely to break the ends off than the standard ones.

The throttle lock suggestion is a good one - works well on long straight roads (of which you have one or two) - I have found the cheapest one of those available (in the phot) works best for me.

One other thing - breakdown service - over here we can get a reasonably cheap service through the automobile associations which will truck the bike (to wherever) in the event of a breakdown. Check out what's available in your neck of woods. I've used it on occasion - it makes breaking down much less fraught.

After some 3 - 6 months riding, you will have a pretty good idea of what else you are prepared to spend your hard-earned on, and which has priority.

There's a lot of fun there, enjoy.

Per AF1 the standard MG rack does not fit on the Anniversario unless you take off the rather pretty rear grab rail.

[Socalrob]

So I went, and bought the bike.   The only change made was the leavers, but I will retain the originals, just in case.  Dave, with Moto International, wasn't happy with how the H&B center stand fits on the V7 III's, so I deferred to Mr. Guzziology's wisdom.  Shoot, I should have asked him to include a signed copy of his book, even if it doesn't cover the III's. 

Thanks for all your help!!!

 

As I said earlier, I put a HB center stand on my Anniversario.

Two issues, one, seemed like I needed to file off some paint/powder coating on the top ends of the square bars that contact the frame.  Prior to doing that I could not get the long frame bolt through the stand and bolted up.  Also, it helped to grease that bolt, and I ran a round file through the stand as there seemed to be some crud in there hanging stuff up.

Second, the stand comes damn close to the rear brake caliper and disk depending on how you have it adjusted.  More clearance from the brake caliper, lower the stand is when riding with potential cornering issues.  I think I have mine adjusted ok, but have not tried to drag it yet.

OTOH, the bike sure does look pretty on its center stand. 

[Guzzi Gal]

Socialrob, I'm gonna see of H&B comes out with a V7 III specific c. stand for Anni.  I've copy/pasted your hints on getting yours to fit, just in case.  Let me know if dragging is an issue.

Malik, I prefer the long rack too, but as I won't be traveling on her, I have time to look around.  As Socialrob said, she does have a pretty grab rail.

Fotoguzzi, I'm not sure I want to cover up that tank & leather with a bag. That film stuff is similar to a screen protector for phones, and tablets, and I actually used some on a guitar that didn't have a pick guard.  It worked perfectly!  AZGuzzirep, mentioned in another post, about the tank being miserable in the Arizona sun, so I may have to rethink the bag at some point.  I might sew a leather (possibly suede) tank cover to match the seat, or simple bag that will work with the look. 

Kev m, yup, local, mellow, short rides whilst the kiddos are in school, and Hubbs is at work.  My longest rides will be to attend a monthly motorcycle skills class, or maybe a breakfast with the local Guzzista, if they'll have me.

Oldbike54, Ah yes, petrol.  Guess I'd better figure out how to fill the tank without making a mess of things!      

[Huzo]

an inexpensive throttle lock to give your go hand relief.

Other than taking the opportunity to make a childish comment regarding the "hand relief" suggestion, I'm wondering if Guzzi Gal should have such a device at this stage. If she needed to get off the throttle instantly for some easily imaginable reason, and it didn't absolutely snap shut with a whack, it could at best be very unsettling, or at worst...You know the feeling when you take your hand off the grip, expecting to feel the lunge forward and a trickle of throttle stays on, you feel like your gunna get thrown off the back for an instant.

I didn't get the impression that GG is a tiny shrinking violet, and with a military(?) background is probably pretty tough and gritty. I'd be leaving that off if I were her. I hate the buggers, never had one and ( never will).
Kev M made a good comment (again), put bars on it and ride it, ride it, ride it, etc...The good ideas that apply to YOU, will appear soon enough. If you listen to too many people you'll just end up with a hotchpotch of ideas that don't mesh and it'll get confusing and conflicting. Go to places where lots of similar bikers hang out and you'll see what works. Enjoy the bastard, good on you

[jdgretz]

Congrats on the bike - you're gonna love it.

I always carry a pump and plugs (tubeless tires).  The pump came from Cycle Gear (http://tinyurl.com/jkalmtu) and I keep one on Da Loaner, as well as one on the Norge.

Slime in tube tires is a good idea - maybe not so much in tubeless.

I, too, carry a couple of wrenches that Guzzi forgot to add to the kit.  Not much, but enough to keep me going.

AAA with the RV/Motorcycle towing package which gives me 100 miles per tow, 4x per year.  The AMA also has a good roadside assistance/towing option with its membership, and my insurance company (Progressive through USAA) also includes towing.  I think I could be in Texas and have enough free towing to get me home.

Always have at least one credit card that will cover the cost of a hotel room and renting a truck to get home if necessary.

Oh yes, and one of these wrenches - SAE on one end and Metric on the other.  Found this at an aircraft parts house right next to a bucket of prop wash 




upload image on internet


jdg

[Huzo]

Sorry, but I think you added an "r" when you said you carry a couple of "wenches" to keep you going.. The metric and imperial  on opposing end's got me in a tizz . Anyway am I in error? angel:

[jdgretz]

Sorry, but I think you added an "r" when you said you carry a couple of "wenches" to keep you going.. Am I in error? 

Usually only one wench, unless they are bite sized, then maybe two. 

jdg

[Huzo]

Usually only one wench, unless they are bite sized, then maybe two. 

jdg

Touche' Sir!

[drbone641]

+1 on the Kaeko throttle lock.

[Bonaventure]

Since the V7 has inner tubes, the sticky ropes are not needed but in case a compressor is still desired, here is what I had fit into the very small storage space of the multistrada.  The Leatherman REV multitool I got at Home Depot, most compact of multitools while still being quality and made in USA.  Headlamp shown stowed upper right is a petzyl e+Lite: inexpensive, super compact, and just enough light for roadside op's at night. 


http://www.ducati.ms/forums/44-multistrada/620570-dvt-pictures-my-under-seat-day-night-tire-repair-kit-w-air-comp.html

https://www.amazon.com/Petzl-e-LITE-26-Lumens/dp/B008AUBOTS/

[Kev m]

Other than taking the opportunity to make a childish comment regarding the "hand relief" suggestion, I'm wondering if Guzzi Gal should have such a device at this stage.

I agree that a new rider doesn't need and probably shouldn't use a throttle lock. And GG is talking short local rides so it's completely irrelevant right now.

That said Huzo I think you completely misunderstood his reference. "Go hand" = throttle, and relief was for cramping our fatigue. I read neither with a double-entendre (childish or otherwise).

[Texas Turnip]

The Moto Guzzi tow service is worthless living in the counry. I called them from Vaughn, NM on a Sunday and they didn't even answer the phone. 90% of the people in San Angelo have a pickup so that would be a reliable tow IF you need one.

I wouldn't worry about flats as you aren't going to Candelaria, TX (look that one up lol).  KERA members have no idea what it is like to change a tire when it is 100 degrees.

I wouldn't worry about the seat until you put a 1,000 miles on it. Usually you will get use to the seat. RatGuzzi had the nerve endings removed from his butt so he doesn't feel pain. LOL After being married 7 times I no longer have any feeling as my ask has been chewed on so much.

Ride it. Enjoy it and don't read to many horror stories.
Tex

[chuck peterson]

 :1: on the AAA motorcycle package. Just $15 to add it...excellent roadside service. Here in Ct I found they have four trucks with the wheel condors...they are used to picking up 60k Harley's onto flatbeds around here....

Oh, don't forget the Zaino...

https://www.zainostore.com

Now forget everything and enjoy yourself

[Huzo]

I agree that a new rider doesn't need and probably shouldn't use a throttle lock. And GG is talking short local rides so it's completely irrelevant right now.

That said Huzo I think you completely misunderstood his reference. "Go hand" = throttle, and relief was for cramping our fatigue. I read neither with a double-entendre (childish or otherwise).

I know Kev. And I know you would also, thought it was a little bit funny, (but maybe not)
I actually knew what he meant.. The misplacing of a comma in a sentence to alter the meaning is called an "Oxford comma", just thought I'd have a play. Not much going on at the moment.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Slime is terrible stuff. On aluminum wheels it causes corrosion inside the wheel. I've had some that needed to be replaced due to that stuff. You'd be much better off having a qualified place seal the wheels to be used tubeless and getting a plug kit.

Uhhh, it's inside the tube. (?) I don't have tube type wheels, but if I did, I'd have Slime in em.

[Kev m]

I actually knew what he meant.. The misplacing of a comma in a sentence to alter the meaning is called an "Oxford comma", just thought I'd have a play.

I'm not trying to be obtuse, but I'm failing to see where a comma might be properly inserted in the quote, but then the quote is such a fragment perhaps I'm missing the context?

[kingoffleece]

Anyplace something will touch your bike consider using IRC Racers tape available at www.findtape.com.  2" by 12' will do well.
it's not tape per say but a poly product that works wonderfully well.  Goes on easy, leaves zero residue when removed, lets UV pass so everything ages the same, holds up for YEARS if needed, and on and on.

I use it under any magnets when I use a tank bag to protect the paint and it works a TREAT.  If you strap a "bungee"  or similar if it intersects with any frame rail or such-bingo, apply a bit of tape and no wear marks.  Uses on a motorcycle are almost endless.  I also apply to the leading edge of my front forks each spring to keep them from getting "highway wash" and it lasts all summer.  Best part is you won't even know it's there.

It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.

[kidsmoke]

Anyplace something will touch your bike consider using IRC Racers tape available at www.findtape.com.  2" by 12' will do well.
it's not tape per say but a poly product that works wonderfully well.  Goes on easy, leaves zero residue when removed, lets UV pass so everything ages the same, holds up for YEARS if needed, and on and on.

I use it under any magnets when I use a tank bag to protect the paint and it works a TREAT.  If you strap a "bungee"  or similar if it intersects with any frame rail or such-bingo, apply a bit of tape and no wear marks.  Uses on a motorcycle are almost endless.  I also apply to the leading edge of my front forks each spring to keep them from getting "highway wash" and it lasts all summer.  Best part is you won't even know it's there.

It's not cheap but it's worth every penny.

 
Thanks for this! Might you mean ISC?

https://www.findtape.com/racers-tape/surface-guard-tape/c112/?tref=ln