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Message started by engineer on 03/10/13 at 18:02:34

Title: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by engineer on 03/10/13 at 18:02:34

I bought a new bike (new to me) last weekend, got a Moto Guzzi 750. I’ve always been interested in the 750 Moto Guzzis ever since they first came out in the late sixties but I never owned one. Not everyone likes them but I think they are pretty cool.

It has a lot of basic features that I like. The engine, clutch and transmission all live in separate enclosures so no compromises trying to find a single oil that makes these three components happy. Another thing I like is that it has an air cooled push rod engine, good enough for me. The dry weight is only 400 lbs and the seat height isn’t too bad.

For now I’ll keep my S40 and if I find myself still riding it then I’ll keep it. I’ll see how much I like riding the Guzzi. If I do part ways with the Suzuki I’ll miss this forum, it is the best one I have ever seen.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by Serowbot on 03/10/13 at 22:48:04

Congrats!... and, you don't have to leave... We have plenty of FSO's here...

(Ever since, Bill mentioned it... I've had fantasies of using a Guzzi engine to make a Morgan style 3-wheeler...
It would be the ultimate air-cooled car engine)...
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/10/26/article-2053709-0E8BB8EC00000578-200_468x286.jpg

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by engineer on 03/11/13 at 05:41:07

Serwobot: Thanks for the invite to stay as a FSO and I'll certainly do that if I sell the S40. This is a great forum in so many ways, good technical information and support, funny comments, just a great place to check everyday.

The Guzzi drive train already looks automotive so it would be a good fit for your proposed car. I belive that you recently wrote that you ride with some Moto Guzzi people. If you hear of any good forums let me know.

For now I will be riding the Savage, weather permitting. I want to see how the new EBC organic brake pads work. I plan to lower the pegs on the Guzzi by about one inch before I ride it. They are a little high for old legs and knees. I might also put some extra foam in the seat cushion to let the legs stretch out a little more.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by WD on 03/11/13 at 08:27:38

Which version? Standard, police (hot cams and higher compression), tug (low compression high torque for sidecars)...

The older ones are interesting bikes.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by Pine on 03/11/13 at 10:15:25

Congratz!

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by engineer on 03/11/13 at 12:20:12

It is a 2007 Nevada with only 800 miles. It came with the OEM windshield and bags. I like the look of the 2012 and 2013 models with the black engine cases, seventies style tank and alloy wheels. And if I ever have the opportunity I would like to acquire the tank and seat from one of the current models and make mine look a little sportier.

The Nevada with accessories looks bigger and heavier than it is. Sort of like a mini California but it has the same frame, dimensions and geometry as the Stone, Special and the Racer.

The old ones are very interesting and it seems that there is a healthy demand for the ones made in the seventies.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by Trippah on 03/11/13 at 14:26:00

Wildguzzi.com is a great forum, and Guzzitech is another, although I usually only visit wildguzzi. There are the normal cliques, small block vs largeblocks, old guys in suspenders vs modern new riders. All in good fun (mostly) and should you go there, check out leafman's long running threads on his firend. ;D

The 750 is a great Guzzi....I suspect you'll love it.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by PerrydaSavage on 03/12/13 at 03:11:40

This Thread is Worthless without Pics!!!!

Congrats man! The Guzzi Nevada is a nice Bike!! 8-)

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/12/13 at 09:15:13

I had a nevada. Seat high enough to make the ground a challenge to touch for me, but the pegs are up high, like a jockeys stirrups, making the knees unhappy after a while.
If you got the center stand be aware that it WILL hit in a good enough right hand turn. & things get very exciting right about then,

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by engineer on 03/12/13 at 17:06:51

The one I bought doesn't have a center stand. I was thinking of buying one but after reading what you said about it dragging I think I will just make some sort of simple stand for it to use in the garage for maintenance.

The peg position is a problem. A simple drilled plate could move them down about an inch and maybe forward a liitle. I'll have to check how much adjustment is in the brake and shifter.

Here is a picture of one that is the same year, color and model as mine. Only difference is that instead of a back rest I have a grab bar behind the seat and I don't have the crash bar. But I am thinking about getting a crash bar. I think I'll take the scoops off.

http://en.moto-guzzi-club.com/graphics/gallery/full/237_nevada750touring_2007.jpg

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by cowboy on 03/12/13 at 18:40:44

that;s a sharp bike congrats 8-)

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by Pine on 03/14/13 at 15:04:18

I had to google all this.. no Moto guzzi in the state!!

I did drop by the Triumph dealer... boy they sure are proud of those bikes!!

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by engineer on 03/15/13 at 06:16:37

I joined the wild guzzi forum and it has a lot of informed members but this forum is better organized.

I gave the Triumph some serious thought and I met an older guy who bought a retro Triumph Bonneville about a year ago. He really likes it and says it is like sitting on a sewing machine, meaning it is quite smooth and trouble free. He rides it to a bike night at a frozen custard stand in a little town near here and says it always attracts people and makes for a great evening of talking about bikes and the old days.

I decided on the Guzzi becasue of its light weight, significantly lighter than the Triumph, otherwise I would have gotten a Triumph. Also, a Moto Guzzi dealer is closer to me than a Triumph dealer.

Title: Re: Bought a bike Saturday
Post by srinath on 03/15/13 at 06:34:23

I wouldn't have thought the guzzi was lighter than the triumph. Parallel twins have lower weight than v, but well, aluminum is lighter than steel. Maybe the longer crank of the parallel twin is heavier and hence the motor is heavier.

Cool.
Srinath.