Guzzi shakedown

[motogrady]

Last weeknd we had the annual July ride.
Not a great turnout, it was raining all night and into the morning.
I think this was the 10th one.
Here’s a few pics of the bikes that went.

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

Not having ridden in, like, forever, kinda felt like the tin man in the wizard of oz without oil.
Rode the Honda SS around the block just to give it a bit of street time. Hasn’t moved all winter or Spring.
Heavy choke and a lot of cranking it started up without having to put a charge on it.

I wanted to blow it out but the street was wet, and it felt like the front calipers were dragging a bit.
I’ve wrecked twice from sticking front brakes, and thought screw this and parked it.

The Guzzi, I jumped on it for first time out.

It felt lighter.  I think it is 100 lbs lighter than the SS.
I could throw a leg over it much easier. Could touch the ground flat footed with a bit of a bend in my knees.
Didn’t check the oil, nothing really, didn’t even look at the manual.

Key on, no gas, button, and it started right up.
Much easier seating. Feet on pegs, no problem.
A bit too much slack on the throttle cable, too much play for me but we will deal with the small stuff later.
It’s wet, everyone wants to go and we headed out.

The clutch, truly a beautiful thing.  
2 fingers and it’s in.
Front brakes, 1 finger and I could lock it up no problem.
The rear stopper no grabbing, really nice brakes.

First thing I notice is shifting a bit more clunky than the Honda.  I was wearing tennis shoes. It’s a 6 speed. With gearing that imho could be spaced a bit taller.  6th is not much taller than 5th. I was thinking 6th could have been like a real overdrive or something. You know, cruise at 80 with 1/4 throttle but no,
It ain’t that.

Not like a real tall 6th could t be pulled.
The motor, it’s a 750, much more low end than the Honda.
Really nice power from bottom to top.

Thru the twisties, the bulk of the ride was back country hills, the bike handled nice.  No wandering, no wiggle in big sweepers, easy to it the front where I wanted to.
Much more nimble than the Honda.  

After maybe 3 hours, half of which was solid rain the only big thing besides the throttle is the rear shocks.
Much too harsh in the rear. Almost like sitting on a skateboard.  
I looked, springs are adjusted all the way in.
Before it goes out again they will be adjusted all the way out.  My Honda was the same way when I first got it.
I believe that will help a lot, like it did on the SS.

The front, no worry there.
There is no adjustment on the front forks whatsoever.
Different springs and oil look to be the only option there.

All in all, a much more easy bike to ride than the Honda.
At around 52 hp still more power than a guys needs.
Ergonomics are great.
Stoppers are great.
Same with the power and handling.

The sideway torque from the motor,
only noticed that when revving to get going in first gear or revving when sitting for a light.

Vibration, definitely more than the Honda.
But nothing like some of the older Harley’s
or big open class dirt bikes Ive had the pleasure to experience. A nice set of gloves, I rode bare handed,
would be the most I felt I’d want.

It might be time to retire the dirt bike helmet, rain starts to sting at about 40.

Ya. Adjust the throttle cable.
Back off on the rear shocks.
A 3/4 open face helmet with a wrap around
clear face shield, and maybe a set of gloves, and I’m
there.

[oldironnow]

Really nice photos and an excellent motogrady report 👍👍👍👍👍

[Fatfatboy]

Great selection of scooters on that one. The VStar bagger is a great looking bike. I really like the heads on those.
I love a ride that has a multitude of bikes in the parade. Doesn't happen much. It's either a Harley parade, without the free candy, or a superbike race without the marshals.
I think a Grom/Z125 group ride would be a blast.

Nice report on the Guzzi. Lighter is better now days. It's the knees that are the weakest link. After three surgeries my left knee whines every time I pick up one of my Harley's off the stand. Especially two up.
I don't like it.

Sounds like a couple hours fiddling and your on your way with a fun scooter. I hope to hear a full day ride report from you.

[motogrady]

One town over they have a Church, that has a bike meet once a year.
Mostly HD guys.  
No ride, just a cookout and hang out for 2 hours.  

Figured I should at least wash it for Sunday.

[Fatfatboy]

Eeewwww,, shiny.

I saw this Guzzi while at the triumph dealer. They were selling it for another indi bike shop that does on repairs.



She was a bute. Only 2,500 miles. Really comfortable seating position and very tempting to take home.
The only issue is the closest MG dealer is four hours away.

[motogrady]

Fatfatboy wrote

Eeewwww,, shiny.

I saw this Guzzi while at the triumph dealer. They were selling it for another indi bike shop that does on repairs.



She was a bute. Only 2,500 miles. Really comfortable seating position and very tempting to take home.
The only issue is the closest MG dealer is four hours away.

Luckily there is a dealer maybe 1/2 hr from me.
Extreme Powersports in Accident Md.  
small shop.  Moto guzzi, Beta and Aprilla.

I think I’m gonna ride down there this week.  
Alan, I think his name is Alan, suggested I bring it in if only for fluids.  The bike did sit a long time in a guys living room.  

If you guys ever get the chance,
visit the Aprilla dealer.  Their bikes are something out of the future.  Same with the Beta.  I mean the Beta, it’s so beautiful I’d have a hard time letting myself get it dirty.
And they’re dirt bikes.  

[Fatfatboy]

Hey Grady, haven’t seen around for awhile.
Did you ride of chasing the sun are busy keeping comfy in there homes?
 I hope you’re enjoying the Guzzi.

[motogrady]

[motogrady]

Been overwhelmed a bit with life really.  
Thanks for asking guy.
Actually I’ve been riding more than I can remember.  
Nothing major, short jaunts 2 or 3 times a week.  
I did not realize how out of touch a guy can get with riding in a year or so.  

Plus, this bike is a lot different than the Hondas I’m used to. In subtle ways.  
Hell I dropped it coming up my driveways few weeks ago.  
1st is kinda tall, my driveway is gravel, I came in kinda hot, slid a bit, got into the wet grass, felt a stall coming on, slipped the clutch a bit and boom, lost the front.
No damage, no hurt, it’s just the clutch and tall gearing
I dunno, instead of reacting I was still thinking got me.

So, I’ve been taking short stuff.  
Even trying a figure 8 in the grocery store parking lot and felt like a beginner.

But, it’s coming back.

I remember back in the day, on dirt, switching bikes with guys at the local quarry, how a Husquvarna just felt a bit strange from let’s say a Yamaha.

Euro vs Nippon, they are just different, when you get into the finer things.

Went on another ride with about 20 guys 4 weeks ago, but really, I’m more a lone rider.
Go where you want when you want.

I did miss a meet in Mount Morris last weekend,
A few guys meet behind a bakery 3 or 4 times a summer.
Effin’ AC work got in the way.

I’ve noticed more guys than ever doing the wave thing.
Maybe a new generation coming up?

Anyways, thanks for keeping the spammers at bay FF.
Maybe this winter we will upgrade this place.
It needs it.

[motogrady]

https://morgantown.craigslist.org/mcy/d/pursglove-motorcycle-scooter-meet/7879817761.html

[motogrady]

^^^^^^
Looks like this might be the last one of the season.
It’s maybe an hour away.
Hopefully I’ll catch that one.

[m143]

Nice ride Grado!

[Fatfatboy]

Good to hear from you Grady. Sorry to hear about your tip overs. Glad nothing was hurt on you and your bike.
Life can sure eat up our playtime. Just have to push back sometimes.