Author Topic: Just out of curiosity; New Poll - How long have you been riding ONLY Guzzis?  (Read 10543 times)

Online Luap McKeever

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Interesting numbers so far. I'm intrigued.
Owner, Wildguzzi.com (est. 1996)
2021 V85TT Centenario E5
2001 California Special
2001 California EV
2020 Indian Challenger Limited
2008 Hyosung GT650R (for grandson)

Past Guzzi's: 72 Eldo, 73 Eldo, 98 EV, 2000 Quota, 76 T3, 84 V65C, 98 Centauro,  09 Stelvio, 12 Stelvio, 17 MGX21

Offline Vince in Milwaukee

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I'm like most on here and enjoy other brands besides my Guzzi (my baby, BTW)  Started riding Guzzis @1990 and then added a BMW in 94.  Most of my riding has either been my LeMans III or a BMW K75 in some form or another.  I bought a 96 R1100RT a couple of years ago, but it's just too big of a boat for me.  Hopefully I will be able to sell it soon. 
1984 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans III, 1986 California II
Gone but not forgotten:
1969 Moto Guzzi Ambo, 1994 BMW K75RTw/ABS, 1996 BMW R1100RT, and 1993 BMW K75

Offline v7john

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I sold my Yamaha soon after buying a Guzzi in 1978 as I could only afford to own and run one bike. It's been Guzzi for me ever since then, some 40 years!

I had a go on a Kawasaki Z1, some time in the late 80s I think it was, and had a Suzuki SP370 for a couple of weeks around the same time but that's it.

It might have been a restricted diet but I know what I like! Having said that, after all my big block v-twins, if I get an additional bike it'll likely be a single from before I was born and it needn't be a Guzzi either.
1972 V7Sport. Owned by me since 1978.
1972 V7 700cc ex Vigili del Fuoco?
1954 BSA M33 500cc.
1952(?) SuperAlce. Currently testing my patience.

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Offline alanp

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I have been riding “predominantly Guzzi” since I bought my first in 1996.  During that time I have ridden only Guzzi for about 10 years, but had a second (or 3rd) non Guzzi in the stable at times.  My Guzzis are in my signature.  My non Guzzis include a BMW  K100RS, a Suzuki V Strom 650 (really great bike), a Triumph Trophy 1200 and an FJR.  If the Norge hadn’t had unfixable out of warranty electrical issues*, I would never have purchased the last 3. 

* may not have been unfixable but I couldn’t find anyone who could figure it out and didn’t feel like trailering it all over the country trying. 

Anyway, the V Strom was the only non Guzzi that really clicked with me, but like all bikes it had shortcomings.  It was my first Norge replacement, and didn’t quite have enough engine to be my long distance tourer. 
« Last Edit: May 22, 2018, 08:08:37 PM by alanp »
Niwot, Colorado
'22 Aprilia Tuareg - Black/Yellow
'16 V7II Stone - Black
Previous Guzzis
'07 Griso, '07 Norge, '03 California SS, '02 California SS, '02 V11 Lemans,  '83 Lemans III, '77 Lemans

Offline Dharma Bum

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Bought my first Guzzi 17 years ago,  picking up my second one ithis weekend. No other bikes during this time.

Offline guzziownr

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IS there anyone who only and ever rides Guzzis?

It would be like eating nothing but veal picatta morning noon and night 365 days a year.

Lannis

I like Guzzis more than veal picatta, and I really like veal picatta.

After a brief fling with a sports car I got my MC license in 1989 at age 30 and bought a 1972 Guzzi Eldorado.  Since then have only owned/ridden Guzzis.  Currently have a 1975 Eldorado and a 2013 Griso. 

If you ever feel like no one pays attention to you, try making a sandwich in front of your dog

Online Shorty

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I cannot envision owning only one type of bike. If I could only have one bike, it would most likely be a Bonneville variant.  They tick the most boxes for me, and I can manage them. I have reached a stage in life where the G-5 is almost too much bike. I might put a sidecar on it just to hear the glorious thing run and not fall over.   :grin:

BigDave in PA

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1972 till now. 46 years of nothing bu Guzzis.

Offline Muzz

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Exclusively for 14.1/2 years. :thumb: My Guzzi is my only bike and does all that I need it to do, piddle around town, day rides, two day rides, touring. All good.
Muzz. Cristchurch, New Zealand
03 Breva

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Ya wake up in the morning and it's there

Offline huub

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never owned only a guzzi , i started riding in 1980 with a yamaha xs400, i still own it , but it is in the back of the shed somewhere...
i currently own a  fleet of bikes , but daily my transport is a guzzi ( and has been for the last 10 years... )


Offline rdbandkab

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After stopping my racing and trail riding of the "odd" dirt-bikes (Gas Gas, Husky, Husaberg, Beta),  my wife and I decided to get a "street" bike we both could enjoy.   Since 2002 we've been riding "2-up" on only aprilia and Guzzi.
The bikes we have/had:

2002 aprilia Futura  (still have)
2006 Breva 1100
2013(?) NTX
2015 aprilia Capo 1200 (still have)
2006 Breva 1100  (newly have)


richy

Offline stratoguzzi

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37 years of only Moto Guzzi.First was a 1980 SP that I bought brand new from Action Cycles in New York City.Then A 1984 SPNT used in the late 80's which I still have.And now a 2007 Cal Vin that I just bought from a Wild Guzzi member.....
2007 CalVin
1984 SPNT

Offline Lannis

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I like Guzzis more than veal picatta, and I really like veal picatta.


Like Groucho said when he asked the lady why she had so many children, and she said 'I love my husband very much' ...

"Hey, I like a good cigar, but I take it out of my mouth every once in a while ..... !"

I like my Guzzis, but ....

Lannis
"Hard pounding, this, gentlemen; let's see who pounds the longest".

Online LowRyter

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I've never been exclusive to Guzzi.
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Offline hidn45

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Since the Bassa about 8 years ago we've been Guzzi-monogamous, although I'm about to have an affair with a Honda (CX500, so sorta Guzzi-like...), but it won't mean anything - it's just practice & a source of funds for the T3 that's going to replace her as my second bike (& first second-Guzzi)....

Don't see any reason, in our particular situation, to have anything else.
Y2K Bassa - "Benedetta" (sold)
1986 Cali II - "Moose"
1977 T-3 [formerly FB] - name TBD

MGNOC member # 22,000

Offline JeffOlson

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I love riding my Vespa (with my wife on her Vespa), but the only motorcycle I have owned and ridden for the last several years is a Moto Guzzi Norge. Before that, I rode both a Ducati ST2 and a Triumph Thruxton.

I am not opposed to riding other motorcycles, but I am currently exercising some restraint in how many I own at any one time...
2018 Vespa GTS 300
2016 Moto Guzzi Norge
2015 Vespa Sprint 150
2015 Vespa GTS 300

Offline Rebochi

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   I have had a Guzzi or three in my Garage since the late 80s  starting with a T3 cop bike followed by a Lario,1100 Sport, Griso, V50, 1200 Sport and a V11 lemans mixed in with various Laverdas, Ducatis, BMWs and a Suzuki Bandit.
1200 Sport

Offline Texas Turnip

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IS there anyone who only and ever rides Guzzis?

It would be like eating nothing but veal picatta morning noon and night 365 days a year.

Lannis

Poor reasoning there, my friend, Lannis. Many are happy with the same woman for years. Riding diffeent ones gets expensive, :laugh:

Tex

Online Bulldog9

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Recent convert... For me it was 2016. Lifelong exclusive Yamaha Rider before that I traded my FJR for an 07 GRiSO and then added a 14 Norge. I do have a garage full of several older Yamaha XS series but they are in storage until I retire. My daily Rider's are Guzzi and if I were to buy anything else in the future it would definitely be a Moto Guzzi, probably either a Stelvio or a 1400. Most likely a 1400 California touring or a derivative with bags
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2012 Norge GT, 2016 Stornello #742
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Offline Lannis

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Poor reasoning there, my friend, Lannis. Many are happy with the same woman for years. .....

Tex

I understand why you're giving away this advice for free.   YOU damsho haven't been using it for the last 50 years or so .... !!!   :wink:   :grin:   :laugh: 

Besides, comparing Guzzis with women ... ??

You can kick your Motorcycle to wake it up.
You can share your Motorcycle with your friends.
If your Motorcycle makes too much noise, you can buy a muffler.
Motorcycles don't care about how many other Motorcycles you have ridden.
When riding, you and your Motorcycle both arrive at the same time.
Motorcycles don't care about how many other Motorcycles you have.
Motorcycles don't mind if you look at other Motorcycles, or if you buy Motorcycle magazines.
You and your best friend can ride your motorcycle two-up and it won't complain.

Nope, the veal one is better .... !

Lannis
"Hard pounding, this, gentlemen; let's see who pounds the longest".

Online Luap McKeever

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These numbers are "telling" to me.  It confirmed what I was thinking all along.  That is:
a) the majority of people that have been exclusively riding Guzzis have been doing so over 25 years
b) the next majority is those between 2-5 years.

So, what has Guzzi done in the last 2-5 years to attract new riders?  I'm thinking the 1400 series has been the biggest difference. Some the V7 and V9 series' as well.  Which tells me, good mid-range cafe styles and larger cruisers are making the difference. I could be way off base though. Of those riding over 25 years, I'm curious how many are on newer bikes.  Hmmmm
Owner, Wildguzzi.com (est. 1996)
2021 V85TT Centenario E5
2001 California Special
2001 California EV
2020 Indian Challenger Limited
2008 Hyosung GT650R (for grandson)

Past Guzzi's: 72 Eldo, 73 Eldo, 98 EV, 2000 Quota, 76 T3, 84 V65C, 98 Centauro,  09 Stelvio, 12 Stelvio, 17 MGX21

j.r.r.

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So, what has Guzzi done in the last 2-5 years to attract new riders?  I'm thinking the 1400 series has been the biggest difference.

Being in 2 - 5 years category the 1400 series, Audace to be precise, were reason I currently have two MG bikes.

Offline mjptexas

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Was bitten badly by the Guzzi bug in 2013, when I bought a 2006 Griso.  Since then have owned 6 different Guzzis.  I don't ride Guzzis exclusively, but about 60% of my riding miles are on Guzzis.
Mike

'18 R Nine T Urban GS
'17 Griso
'16 XL1200 Roadster
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super
'15 Vespa Primavera
'75 CB400F
'76 CB550F

Offline handyandy

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Since 1978 a 71 Ambasador

Offline handyandy

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Bought a 71 Ambo in 1978. Haven't wanted to own anything since. Mary and I had our 1st date on it that year. Have had many other Guzzis but only 1 Mary.

Offline TimmyTheHog

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well, I am a relatively "young" rider in terms of riding experience.

Although did ride a Honda, and Kymco before, as I am only able to keep one bike due to garage and ze wife, I have NOT regret once that I choose a Guzzi to be my the only bike!

Now if they can hurry up and get that V85 here, I will be a very happy man
Life isn't WHAT IS at the end.
It is HOW and WHAT you are doing to get there.

03 Honda Shadow Spirit - The Purple Beast (SOLD)
15 Guzz V7 Stone - The Red Chick (SOLD)
18 BMW R1200GS Rallye - The Blue Streak (SOLD)

Currently Bikeless...*cry*

Offline twhitaker

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Got my first Guzzi in 79. Got a BMW in 82 and sold it In 87. 30 years and 7 Guzzis later.
'96 California 1100i 160,000 mi
'97 Centauro yellow 25,000 mi
'02 Champagne V11 LeMans 58,000 mi
MGNOC-11168
Dayton, OH

Offline roadscum

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All day.

Same here. I'll own and ride anything that makes me smile, problem is almost anything with two wheels does that.


Paul
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing " - Socrates

Paul M. in SW Florida: 318 miles, 11 curves and not a Guzzi dealer in sight!

Offline Denis

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Started riding Guzzis with my first bike in August 1989, an 850-T. Traded it in to the dealer in January, 1990 after I'd put 5500 miles on it. Got an SPII, which I still have. Rode only the SPII and an Eldorado I bought in 1993 until 1998 or so when I bought an R90S. Sold that after about a year or two, and rode only Guzzis again until 2007 or 2008 when I bought an R75/5. Sold that a year later. Somewhere in there I played with a Montesa Cota 247.
From 2008 until 2015 when I got the Indian running, I only rode Guzzis

During all that time I try out a few friend's bikes: a Laverda 750, a Sportster, a Norton, a Paso and in the early days a load of dealer demo Guzzis: Californias, Mille GTs, SPIIIs, a couple of 1000S variants.

Over all, probably 15 years in there of ONLY Guzzis. Hard to really pin it down.
Show me a Le Mans IV and I'll show you a Le Mans 1000.
'87 SPII, '74 Eldorado, '85 LeMans, '91 California, '71 Ducati 450 RT, '41 Indian 841, '40 Indian Model 640-B ex-Canadian Army

Online Aldo

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20 yrs this year for me; I'm 38 currently and still have the Guzzi that started the passion (among others). It's gone through some changes over the years, but still running strong.



MGNOC Lifetime Member
1997 1100i Sport
1973 Eldorado 850
1971 Ambo 1000 Automatic

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