Author Topic: Plug your dealer (Read 13193 times)

Luap McKeever · « **on:** February 20, 2019, 06:16:13 AM »

There's too many posts about dealers closing their doors. This is bad news for sure. In fact, a quick check shows me that dealerships are down in the US by about 20% over just 5 years ago.

My dealer is one that closed their doors (Brookside in Tulsa). So, I'm in the market for a new dealer myself, when and if the time comes. Looks like a trip to Flying Tiger in St Louis is in order for me soon. It "appears" that they are my closest dealer that actually has....Moto Guzzi's on the floor.

So, I thought it'd be a good idea for you all to give your preferred dealer a "plug". Maybe someone will learn something they didn't know.

Dealers, chime in too if you like. Without you all, we have no toys.

Loop Tonti EV · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:31:54 AM »

I do ALL my own repairs to my three Guzzis as well as my wife's and several other local owners. My "plug" is for MG Cycle & Harpers. That's where I deal for parts. I feel that both are reputable, honest and upstanding. As far as a local dealer goes, I'm not sure where the closest one is or who they are. I haven't stepped in to a dealer's facility in several years. I guess that makes me "part of the problem".

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:34:02 AM »

Loop Tonti EV beat me to it.

Don't forget places like MG Cycles and Harpers for parts and folks like Charlie Mullendore who can and will work on older Guzzi's no dealer will touch. Those three entities alone are responsible for keeping a lot of the older Guzzi's on the road.

Loop Tonti EV · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:39:34 AM »

Quote from: Perazzimx14 on February 20, 2019, 06:34:02 AM

Loop Tonti EV beat me to it.

Don't forget places like MG Cycles and Harpers for parts and folks like Charlie Mullendore who can and will work on older Guzzi's no dealer will touch. Those three entities alone are responsible for keeping a lot of the older Guzzi's on the road.

I must say that if I needed a Guzzi mechanic it would be Charlie Mullendore. He gives up lots of his time on here with free advice. I have known him for many years, probably since the early eighties. He's quite knowledgeable and very friendly too. ***** Five stars.

Lannis · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:47:05 AM »

All of the above are part of the solution... As far as new bike dealers go, I'm happy with Moto Richmond in Virginia. Good deals on new bikes and excellent fix-it skills.

Lannis

Sykestone8886 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:49:52 AM »

I bought my 16 stornello from xtreme in accident Md. Very smooth transaction and no hidden fees. I've also dealt with cadre in Cincinnati. They have had many good reviews on here. I would recommend both of them.

kidsmoke · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2019, 06:50:06 AM »

Respondents may want to mention where they're at, generally. I know some will cover many miles for 'their' dealer. Hamlin in CT comes to mind in this regard.

My dealer would be Cadre Cycles in Cincinnati OH. Definitely all in on the Guzzi line. Stocks the full line. Has an active repair shop. Delivers for free within 200 miles of Cincy. Stand up dude.

I buy all my goodies from MG Cycle and Harpers.

blessed to have Chuck and Andy in my 'neighborhood'

I live in Indianapolis.

rdbandkab · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:01:31 AM »

My local dealer will be in Accident, MD also. (still love that town name).

I've dealt with them for my aprilia Futura and Caponord without issue. They're about 120 miles away.

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:02:33 AM »

Just a reminder to those in the midwest that Harpers still works on Guzzis old or new.
GliderJohn

JJ · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:35:51 AM »

Jim Knaup's POWERSPORTS Outlet in historic Prescott, AZ.

Northern Arizona's ONLY official Moto Guzzi dealer and this is a photo of his new shop near downtown.

Matt and the rest of the crew told me recently they will be in there by next month (March)!

Kev m · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:50:50 AM »

Quote from: rdbandkab on February 20, 2019, 07:01:31 AM

My local dealer will be in Accident, MD also. (still love that town name).

I've dealt with them for my aprilia Futura and Caponord without issue.

Hard to argue with them for their pricing and they seem to care about the customer too.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:58:15 AM »

Three of the four Guzzi dealers I've used are now closed. The nearest effective dealer to me is a five hour drive away. The last time my bike was checked out by anyone apart from me was when Rodekyll visited last year (he checked the TB's balance and the TPS...both were spot on).

Guzzi service departments must be akin to Maytag repairmen. No wonder they can't stay open...

kballowe · « **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2019, 07:59:41 AM »

45 miles from me is Flying Tiger Motorcycles in Maplewood (St. Louis) Missouri.
Purchased two new motorcycles from them - a V7 III and a 1400 Cali Tour.

They started in the motorcycle restoration business and then "Genuine" scooters and also Royal Enfield. They added the Moto Guzzi line - maybe three years ago. Small shop, but good inventory.

What you see is what you get. No BS, no hidden fees. The owner is a motorcycle enthusiast. You can schedule service work online or just call or stop by.

CADRE Cycles - Cincinnatti - lol, Enzo is 400 miles from here but it was a good road trip and a pleasant experience to purchase a leftover V9 at blowout pricing. THis is a small shop with a family atmosphere. The staff treats you like you're their only customer - AND there were free donuts.

They have a lot of nice "formerly loved" motorcycles, also.

I didn't know that Harper's (Greenwood, Missouri - SE of KC) worked on bikes.
Donaldson Cycles in St. Ann, MO (St.Louis) will work on some Moto Guzzi,. They used to sell them.

s1120 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2019, 08:02:09 AM »

Im new to the Guzzi world, and only have been there once but my most local dealer is Hamlin in CT. Im just southeast of Albany NY, so its not close.... a little under 2 hours away, but they seem to be a real class operation. Nice friendly old school motorcycle dealer, that has a showroom full of bikes... not PWC, quads, and snowmobiles...Been a log time since ive seen one.

Ncdan · « **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2019, 08:07:03 AM »

I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned taker care of. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrenched thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.

s1120 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2019, 08:25:12 AM »

Quote from: Ncdan on February 20, 2019, 08:07:03 AM

I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrench thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.

Ive worked on a lot of bikes, and a TON of cars... and really the Guzzi's are just another motor driven vehicle.. Wires, hoses, nuts, bolts... its really the same thing.. TON of info out there thanks to all of you guys and others... dealing with the FI system is really no harder then all the automotive work ive done, and frankly if you can tune up a lawnmower you can do maintenance on the thing.

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2019, 08:29:36 AM »

Quote from: Ncdan on February 20, 2019, 08:07:03 AM

I have found that between assistance from some of the guys in this forum,the internet and my ole friend, a 40 year Honda mechanic, I have been able to get all the issues I've encountered with the three Guzzis I've owned taker care of. One thing that's become evident to me is it does not necessarily take a certified Guzzi mechanic in a dealership to work on these bikes. My Honda mechanic said any experienced motorcycle mechanic can work on any bike with a little information about the particulars of that bike. I'm sure a lot of the guys here that have wrenched thier bikes for decades holds no certificates.

If your Guzzi is pre fuel injection a hit-and-miss motor mechanic is more than adequate. A bastard rasp, 13mm wrench, hammer and test light is all you need tool-wise for diagnosing or fixing most issues.

Ncdan · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2019, 08:47:45 AM »

Quote from: Perazzimx14 on February 20, 2019, 08:29:36 AM

If your Guzzi is pre fuel injection a hit-and-miss motor mechanic is more than adequate. A bastard rasp, 13mm wrench, hammer and test light is all you need tool-wise for diagnosing or fixing most issues.

Not sure that "pre fuel injection " is even a deal breaker. Many guys here can help diagnose a problem with a lap top and narrow it down to the part which needs replacing, like my recent TPS sensor which my mechanic replaced.

BrotherJim · « **Reply #18 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:01:02 AM »

I've bought my parts from Harper's getting my '02 CalStone sorted and back on the road. Special thanks to Chuck for helping me with his GuzziDiag and pointing me in the right direction with the TPS and throttle body balancing. Haven't been to a dealer yet, but I have spoken with Enzo and James at Cadre in Cincy. I have come away impressed with them so far. Here in East Central Indiana, I'm about 120 miles away from their shop.

John A · « **Reply #19 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:07:32 AM »

I've always been pleased with Ace Mallot in St Joeseph, Missouri but I haven't spoken with him since I saw him at a rally a few years ago and I don't know his current situation. I like Scrambler Cycle near Rice Lake, Wisconsin. He's a one man shop and is very capable, but not a dealer, someone I trust. Charlie Mullendore at Antietam cycle is a good one too. In Lake Crystal , MN there is Judsons who used to be a dealer so he has a bunch of new old stock. Ron is still a BMW dealer, another good one.

bad Chad · « **Reply #20 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:11:18 AM »

Little drift here, but there seems to be a bit of a disconnect with guys who think working on a Guzzi is no harder than tuning a lawnmower.

First off there are lots of folks who don’t have the skills to tune a mower. I see this all the time from folks who have the skills and can’t wrap there mind around the fact that there really are people who can’t adjust valve lash without a high degree of screwing it up. Don’t assume because you can do it in your sleep, everyone else can!

On to the next level. I can tune an old school mower, I think, haven’t had to in a long time! I can change fluids, adjust valves and such, but I don’t have the skills to dig in the FI system. The level of complexity and accuracy is well beyond my comfort level and dexterity. Thank heavens there are dealers and shop who can confidently to such problem solving.

Roebling3 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:30:52 AM »

Hamlin's in Bethel, CT is only 120 miles from me and my son & daughter in law live in the same town. Many owners travel much further, for that shops skills, focus and honesty.
Being at the stage of too old to learn the only thing that scares me is all that digital boogie woogie that goes on (or off), sight unseen. R3~

s1120 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:43:44 AM »

Quote from: bad Chad on February 20, 2019, 09:11:18 AM

Little drift here, but there seems to be a bit of a disconnect with guys who think working on a Guzzi is no harder than tuning a lawnmower.

First off there are lots of folks who don’t have the skills to tune a mower. I see this all the time from folks who have the skills and can’t wrap there mind around the fact that there really are people who can’t adjust valve lash without a high degree of screwing it up. Don’t assume because you can do it in your sleep, everyone else can!

On to the next level. I can tune an old school mower, I think, haven’t had to in a long time! I can change fluids, adjust valves and such, but I don’t have the skills to dig in the FI system. The level of complexity and accuracy is well beyond my comfort level and dexterity. Thank heavens there are dealers and shop who can confidently to such problem solving.

I brought that up not meaning that every rider, can, or even should do their own work.... But that odds are they know someone that can handle those tasks. Ive been in the auto biz since day one.. and I can do most things, but know many that cant, and thats fine.. But all those have friends, relatives, coworkers, buddys, or that good repair shop they bring their car to that are more then able to.

mechanicsavant · « **Reply #23 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:47:46 AM »

I've used A-J cycles in Gill Ma. For many years. Bought 3 BMW's & my current Guzzi there, no games, no gltz ,no drama .
I do most service myself . They have been more than fair to fault almost. Especially with the few (thankfuly) warranty issues.
Still have my R1200r & the V7II is the "new bike" . In short I'll miss them greatly if any thing we're to happen .

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #24 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:57:02 AM »

Luap, Although I've never done business with Reno, (I like Harper's) this is another dealer that's always overlooked here. I'd rather drive to Martin City than St. Louis.

https://www.renospowersportskc.com/

Ncdan · « **Reply #25 on:** February 20, 2019, 09:57:25 AM »

Chad, I hear ya as I also am in that category. That being said, I've had ECU issues with my last two Guzzis, a CalVin and now a 1400. In both bikes and situations I had guys on this very forum to offer their assistance and patiently took their time to walk me through the computer process of fixing the problems. However I must, in all fairness, add that without the assistance of my dear wife with her understanding of computer working, could not have accomplished the task. That being said, these days most any of our grandchildren can do the same thing, it's just basic computer knowledge which most all people in the generation after ours are familiar with. We'll be ok:)

not-fishing · « **Reply #26 on:** February 20, 2019, 10:13:38 AM »

Well the closest dealer is gone --- butt --- I've never let that bother me in 50 years on cars, motorcycles or anything else.

Now I have a new dealer to investigate --- and they rent Guzzies!

Euro Cycle Windsor, Ca

So for my 65th I'm going to take #3 son, rent a Stelvio and 1400 California for a true test ride / run to Jenner, Ca and beyond. Just for a day.

I probably should bring a camera.

Mark

kingoffleece · « **Reply #27 on:** February 20, 2019, 10:31:01 AM »

Hamlin Cycles in CT. As good as you'll find anywhere.

inditx · « **Reply #28 on:** February 20, 2019, 10:56:34 AM »

Here in the midwest, Cadre is King! For sales and service, can’t say enough good things about Enzo and the guys.

I have had a couple of bikes serviced at Renos in KC MO., but they are not continuing with the Guzzi line so, not good.

Alas, I always have Harpers for parts and maybe service but haven’t had them do the latter for any of my bikes yet.

inditx

Ken Po · « **Reply #29 on:** February 20, 2019, 11:00:43 AM »

Quote from: Guzzistajohn on February 20, 2019, 09:57:02 AM

Luap, Although I've never done business with Reno, (I like Harper's) this is another dealer that's always overlooked here. I'd rather drive to Martin City than St. Louis.

https://www.renospowersportskc.com/

I have had only good experiences with Harper's. However, Reno's does not want to sell Guzzis. They were forced to sell them in order to sell Aprilia. I have not been able to find a Moto Guzzi on their website for some time. But their service dept did do the one recall on my Griso with no issues. (That was prior to me knowing that Harper's could do the work.) I will take my bike to Harper's or even Flying Tiger from now on.

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Author Topic: Plug your dealer (Read 13193 times)

Loop Tonti EV

Loop Tonti EV