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There is only one BMW dealer in Alabama. As far as I can tell there is one fewer M-G dealers. A difference of only ONE may not seem like a lot, but.....rdsmith3 wrote:That's a nice looking bike.
But then the practical side of me kicks in. I think their dealer network makes BMW's seem like H-D's in comparison. Where do you buy one of these and who can service it?
If this is tempting you, you REALLY don't want to read anything about the upcoming Norge sport-tourer. My BMW/Guzzi dealer has seen it, and thinks it is an RT-killer--similar specs, superb design and build quality, and $3000 cheaper. I've straddled the 1100 Breva (the referenced Sport sans fairing) and it is a gorgeous bike, down to the last detail, as you would expect from the Italians. Even the rear hub is beautifully styled, and, imo, nobody does a better job of using accent colors on their machinery than M-G. Hard luggage, as you note, is available, and also looks the part, as if it were specifically designed to complement this particular machine. If I didn't already own a well-loved R1150R, the Breva would be a serious contender for an all-arounder, and if I decide to acquire a full-faired sport tourer, the Norge will be at the top of my list.wncbmw wrote:. . . this bike might be singing it's siren song to me!
Yes, but be very thankful that the one you have is a very good dealer. They were spectacular when my R1200C left me on the side of I-20 outside Meridian, MS last year (BTW, MS has no BMW dealer). We have three dealers here in Houston and I would still take my R1100R to Lone Star in Austin if it had to go to a dealer.There is only one BMW dealer in Alabama. As far as I can tell there is one fewer M-G dealers. A difference of only ONE may not seem like a lot, but.....
I like those painted wheels, did you use a rattle can or have them powder coated??munchmeister wrote:Sweet!!
But I love this one even more (it's mine, allllll mine). Maybe I'll put a cool red stripe on the valve covers and a black pinstripe on the tanks.
Nope, most of Guzzis bike dont have self adjusting valves. Only a couple of years of the EV model had hydraulic valves and there were huge problems/recalls with them. But, with the jugs hanging out in the open, they're just as easy as a BMW.BoiseBeemer wrote: Still, the marque is notoriously reliable (and the valves are self-adjusting!).
My mistake. I was sure I'd read that factoid somewhere. I'll have to look into it.paroyboy wrote:Nope, most of Guzzis bike dont have self adjusting valves. Only a couple of years of the EV model had hydraulic valves and there were huge problems/recalls with them.
In Piaggio, Moto Guzzi, like Victory, now has a huge advantage over other would-be legacy-bike initiatives (think Norton and Indian, e.g.): a very successful corporate parent in the motor vehicle business. Victory's sponsorship by snowmobile giant, Polaris, gave it the financial security and corporate stability to survive the initial teething problems, including establishing a viable dealer network. I think Victory is demonstrably over the hump now, and is providing H-D with its first real competition in the market it has always owned. I had Guzzis many, many years ago, and, like you, I'm wistfully hopeful that the marque can become viable in the U.S. Triumph came back from the dead; let's hope Guzzi can pull it off too.TX2Step wrote:...everything I have read indicated that Moto Guzzi is very serious about gaining a larger market share in the U.S. They have certainly come out with some tantalizing bikes, and I would expect them to expand their dealer network as well. BMW, however, seems to be going the other way on that end.
