Author Topic: Dr. John (Read 5390 times)

slopokes · « **on:** November 22, 2017, 04:37:26 PM »

What ever happened to dr. John? Thanks...happy thanksgiving

oldbike54 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2017, 04:41:24 PM »

I was in the right place
but it musta been the wrong time .

Dusty

Triple Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2017, 04:54:35 PM »

Nothing in particular, just search YouTube for "Dr. John 2017" and you'll see what he's been doing. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

oldbike54 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2017, 04:59:05 PM »

Quote from: Triple Jim on November 22, 2017, 04:54:35 PM

Nothing in particular, just search YouTube for "Dr. John 2017" and you'll see what he's been doing. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

Jim , I think the OP is referring to John Wittner , the racing dentist who built the fast Guzzis a few years back

Dusty

Triple Jim · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2017, 05:05:43 PM »

Yes, that figures. He should have been more specific.

I had been watching some Malcolm John Rebennack videos recently, so guess which one popped into my head.

Alternate post: "Yes, of course... didn't you get the humor of my post?"

guzzisteve · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2017, 06:03:33 PM »

I thought he went back to dentistry in PA.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2017, 07:02:06 PM »

Seriously.. I think he's BTDT.. has the T shirt.. and doesn't care to go back. <shrug>

Tusayan · « **Reply #7 on:** November 23, 2017, 10:19:44 AM »

I read something someplace a few years ago describing him restoring one of his race bikes in a nice looking workshop at his house in Pennsylvania. Also noticed him selling some Guzzi parts on EBay at one point.

http://www.zydecoracing.com/albums/album_image/5079056/3878237.htm

(Found it)

His life in motorcycling and ending up living in Mandello, developing production bikes with Todero at the factory, must've been truly amazing. In addition to the Daytona and 1100 Sport, he was the lead guy for the Quota. He must've also had something to do with the V11 Sport (?), although that may have been a bit late, and his time there came to an end as Aprilia took over in about 2000. Todero died in 2005, more or less the time Piaggio took control, and that was basically the end of Guzzis native design engineering.

I was there in 1998 and remember seeing a prototype Quota chassis which looked pretty advanced to me at the time, I figured it was a Super Motard style bike, and an 1100 Sport with a prototype six-speed gearbox, later used on the V11 Sport. There was a lot going on there at that time, lots of manufacturing as well, now it comes across as a ghost factory except for the relatively small assembly areas.

mtiberio · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2017, 08:39:05 PM »

I've been in touch with John a few times over the years. I have been unable to convince him to come out to any Guzzi events. I respect that.

Huzo · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2017, 05:38:29 PM »

It would be nice to meet him and EXTRACT some good stories, but I guess the ROOT of the issue is that the CROWN weighs heavily and he's had enough.
Most of his WISDOM will go to the grave with him.
There'll be people FILLING in the CAVITY he left behind, but I don't think I'd have the NERVE to sit down and indulge in JAWING about Guzzies at his level.
Best we can do is think of him when we're MASTICATING and wonder at the good work he did on and off the track.
But by GUM, he'd be a good guest speaker at the restaurant on Lake Como's shore in Mandello 2021.
I fear that with the departure of guys like him, the Guzzi legend could slip into DECAY...

Ok, that'll do.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #10 on:** November 24, 2017, 05:55:32 PM »

Yeah, Huzo I'm afraid his interest has decayed.

voncrump · « **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2017, 05:56:29 PM »

Quote from: Tusayan on November 23, 2017, 10:19:44 AM

I was there in 1998 and remember seeing a prototype Quota chassis which looked pretty advanced to me at the time, I figured it was a Super Motard style bike,

I saw this Supermotard styled bike at LGC (Stucchi Luigi) in May. I think it belongs to a staff member. Maybe some Quota owner will recognise the frame set up.
Cheers, voncrump