Guzzirider

Looking at the poll I recently started about which Guzzi would you like to buy, the real new models got minimal votes- most voters wanted something sportier. I know that a few people from the V11 Le Mans forum is possibly not representative of the whole bike buying audience, but I think it is true that only a certain percentage of big bike buyers look for bland utilitarian transport. Many buyers want something that is going to give them a trouser tingle when they ride it, or when they are admiring it in the garage. Guy

I'll speak to Mrs Guzzirider and hopefully get the time booked off work!

Or maybe fit a rear shock with a taller rider height?

Stone is very similar to my Jackal. Engine has smaller valves and sump than V11- less power but nice and pokey in the midrange, especially with less restrictive pipes and a crossover. 5 speed gearbox rather than V11's 6 speed- in fact I think it may be the same spec motor as in your GB. Usual potential Guzzi niggles- relays, starter solenoid etc but in general a nice bike- they handle much better than your average cruiser because of the Tonti frame and nice balance. May need to modify seat for long distance comfort.

Not sure if the performance heads ever existed- I know there was a press release but I've never heard of anyone bing able to buy them!

Lets firm something up- need something to look forward to over winter. I think Northern Ireland is a great idea!

Not sure what the output is but I know some Stelvio owners that have heated grips / spotlights etc with no problems. Headlights are superb in comparison to any other bike I have ridden.

My Rosso Corsa is a good sports tourer apart from the fact that it always bloody breaks down or goes wrong on tour: Sligo, Ireland- relay Rotterdam, Netherlands- relay Dinas Mawddy, Wales- gearbox return spring Angelsey, Wales- split header pipe Dumbarton, Scotland- broken gearshift bracket Normandy, France- starter solenoid Stelvio Pass, Italy- gearshift Yes, all fixable / avoidable but I've got sick of it and have retired her from long distance trips. Great to ride when she is behaving herself though. For me, the ultimate Guzzi sports tourer is now my Stelvio- comfy, fast (for a Guzzi!), great handling and so far, reliable!

I kinda like your style, Anton!

1. Honda CM500 2. Moto Guzzi Bellagio 3. Honda Deauville 4. Kawasaki Drifter 5. Ducati Indiana 6. Moto Morini Excalibur 7. BMW K1200R 8. Suzuki GSX550E 9. BMW K1200LT 10. Yamaha 1100 Virago May they all burn in hell.

Just read the very sad news on the MGCGB site that John Maris was tragically killed yesterday after being involved in a head on collision with another bike. John used to be a regular forum visitor under the name of Aironepony, and was a true gentleman. I was only chatting to him the other day at Gyles's funeral when he was showing pictures of his newly built LM2 Cafe Racer. RIP mate. Guy

Stelvio makes about 94bhp at the rear wheel- reckon 1200 Sport 4 valve will be similar.

I would guess that the price must stay the roughly same as the previous 1200 Sport because the 8V Griso is only slightly more expensive, and seems to have a higher spec brakes and suspension than the 1200 Sport. I can't see them hiking the price up too much anyway in view of the amount of money many people (don't) have in their pockets at the moment- probably not too many new bikes flying out of the showrooms over the last few months I would imagine.

Ok so we can guess there may be a new 1400cc California and Norge, a more powerful 8V 1200 Sport and possibly an "Adventure" version of the Stelvio, judging by all the spy photos and speculation. Of course none of it may be true! Being realistic, which new models would you like to see in Guzzi's range? I've added a few of my own ideas to see what would be popular amongst us lot of committed Guzzisti. You can make multiple choices! Guy

Looks like they are going to change the date for the photoshoot to suit me- means two VIP tickets to NEC and an overnight stay. Oh well at least we get to see the titties on the Preview day. Guy

Go for it! Yours must be slowly turning a rusty reddish colour anyway!

Thanks to everyone who voted- and thanks to you, my Guzzi got to the final 12. They want me to go Northamptonshire week after next for the photoshoot, which I simply do not have time to do, which means I will have to forfeit my place. At least we know the Guzzi got there! Cheers Guy

Details of Gyles' funeral arrangements. Bikes are welcome. http://www.motoguzziclub.co.uk/forum/forum...ts.asp?TID=3642

Aprilia are about to enter WSB and have signed Max Biaggi, and racing is a massive moneypit. A surprising move if the parent company really is in that much trouble. In my view, survival is more important than sentimentality- if moving to a modern complex keeps Guzzi in business then it needs to be done. Saying that, I would not consider Visordown as the oracle so the story may not be true.

Think that Guzzi got sick of being charged a fortune by the NEC for their stand, as did the Guzzi Club GB for their stand- we are talking £thousands! In fact many punters don't bother anymore- overpriced food amd drink, crappy stalls selling cheap leathers, loads of no win no fee solicitors and most of the bikes you cam see in your local showroom. Plus it cost a fortune to park.

I'm still waiting for my tank to be built by the Tank Shop- John has the best workmanship but is busy so orders take a long time. An alternative is to use TA Baker in Wales T A Baker who is much quicker. Guy

I was wearing my kilt tea towel and a See You Jimmy hat!

RIP matey.