Sparklehorse's 1000S

[canuck750]

Well done

[wirespokes]

Well done, Dave! I'm jealous.

[JJ]

Simply...FABULOUS!!! Well done is a gross understatement!!! 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

this thing looks so great! just the perfect amount of restoration!

[Dave Swanson]

I was able to have my first proper ride on the 1000S today.  The 1000S was the picture of perfection throughout the day.  The fueling is amazing. The bike handles the twisties with aplomb!  The sound from the Staintunes from idle to cruising to full chat is glorious! 

I loaned my Griso for the day to a buddy I am trying to convert to MG.  He loved the Griso.

We made a couple post ride toasts to Mark Linkous.   I thought of him while riding today.  I have heard from a number of people how special this bike was to him.  Now I fully understand why. 

[tazio]

Sweet photos.
Present and future Guzzi classics

[HarveyMushman]

I was able to have my first proper ride on the 1000S today.  The 1000S was the picture of perfection throughout the day.  The fueling is amazing. The bike handles the twisties with aplomb!  The sound from the Staintunes from idle to cruising to full chat is glorious! 

I loaned my Griso for the day to a buddy I am trying to convert to MG.  He loved the Griso.

We made a couple post ride toasts to Mark Linkous.   I thought of him while riding today.  I have heard from a number of people how special this bike was to him.  Now I fully understand why. 

Truly a Sad and Beautiful World. Well done.

[Dave Swanson]

Here is a short startup video of the bike which will always be known to me as the Sparklehorse 1000S. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkLFxVlf-3o&feature=youtu.be

From reading Mark Linkous interviews and articles I found that the naming of his band as Sparklehorse was inspired by his love for motorcycles.  When I first heard of Sparklehorse the name seemed a bit odd to me, but makes complete sense now.

I have heard more from Mark's friends and the universal thread is how much he loved this bike, it's sound, and how thrilled he was when he bought it.   While riding this bike, looking down at the instruments, and listening to the glorious music it makes I sometimes think about how many times Mark enjoyed the same sights and sounds.   It can be just a bit surreal at times.

One thing for sure, this bike has some special magic in it!  It is a fantastic bike to ride, and has a strong character different from any other Guzzi I have ridden!   I now understand why Mark loved it so much. 

[jas67]

That's a beautiful motorcycle, with cool provenance too!

[Dave Swanson]

For those with the interest this is the best article written about Mark Linkous that I have found. 

https://pitchfork.com/features/article/9745-the-sad-and-beautiful-world-of-sparklehorses-mark-linkous/

[usedtobefast]

Thanks for posting up all the pics and info!  Great story and machine and glad it ended up with someone that could take such great care of it.