Guzzirider

Yes I do- would u like me to scan the page for you?

If you have Mario Columbo's 80 Years Of Moto Guzzi there is a page with all the different eagles since the company started if you want to scan one.

Alex Click on Belfast's link- then there is link to the video near the bottom of the page. Guy

I sometimes think about getting a Guzzi tattoo, but when I am 60 years old Guzzi will probably have long stopped motorcycle production, and only make electric wheelchairs or gay sex toys, so the eagle won't quite have the same mystique. Guy

Many people get through the rear pads on a V11 quickly- there is not a lot of pad material on them to start with. My fronts last about 6000 miles and I have tried different types, and have never noticed any difference in any of them. Currently using EBC. Guy

Is it simply an octane booster?

Looks good in the video- I love those mountain passes- especially when they are empty!! Favorable road test of the 1200S in MCN this week. Will be about £7600- stage one race kit (pipes and ECU) £800. Stage 2 race kit (pipes / ECU / high compression heads) £1400. Panniers also available. Guy

Hayden needs to stamp his authority on the Championship if he wants to win it. He has been very lacklustre recently and is only in the lead due to his consistent finishing, compared to Rossi's bad luck. I think I am right in saying that both Melandri and Capirossi have a chance so they can't be written off either. Guy

I think the point is, that it does not matter to us Guzzisti. It still may be a good bike even it "only" makes 80rwbhp with a race kit. We know that, or we would not be riding Guzzis. Trouble is that Guzzi need to also attract non-Guzzisti to the bike, so they will make it seem powerful so it does not look weak compared to other naked roadsters. Its like teenage boys boasting about their @#$$#! size to girls- will always add an inch or two just to impress them, and they hope they don't notice to much when they get to ride it! Guy

Last Norge dyno chart I saw showed about 75 rwbhp- not too dissimilar from other big Guzzis. If anyone is really expecting 100bhp, even at the crank, dream on. It is marketing shite to make the bike seem sportier than it really is. Guy

Yamaha MT01 (big Jap V Twin Torque machine) Ducati Monster S2R1000 (different take on a naked Italian twin) Benelli TNT (naked italian triple) Harley 1200 Sportster (to make the guzzi seem powerful) Maybe they could entitle the test "bikes for weirdos". Griso will score low for power, but will score high for torque, style and originality.

Ben Testastretta in Italian means (I believe) narrow head- basically it is the newer generation watercooled Duke engine (as fitted to the 999) which is narrower, more powerful and less maintenance intensive than its predecessor such as the 916 / 996 /998. I've ridden a lot of Ducatis and none of them are bad motors, but the Testastretta pulls a lot harder due to its extra 20 odd horses, depending upon which model. The 2006 onwards Testastretta motors are more maintenance friendly, meaning less work required at each service interval. I paid £179 in the summer for my S4Rs's first service. I guy I know who has bought a Norge was charged £230 by his Guzzi dealer for its first service so on the face of it, servicing costs are not too high. But the Guzzi owner will be confident of servicing his own bike once it is out of warranty rather than taking it to a dealer. Most Duke owners will continue to get a specialist to service their bikes, even after the warranty has expired. I would love an MGS01. In fact, when Guzzi announced in the UK that the bike would be road legal and cost £12000 I said to my dealer that I wanted one. When it turned out that it was going to cost £16000 and would not be road legal I changed my mind. I ride my Duke to work everyday in all weathers and it is reliable as any Honda- somehow I can't see me doing that on an MGS01! Guy

The old S4R had similar Brembos to our Guzzis. The S4Rs Testastretta has always had radial brakes with the same calipers as the 999S. The new S4R (just launched) now also has same radial calipers as S4Rs and 999s, a Testastretta engine but no Ohlins! You pays ya money and ya takes ya choice!! Guy

It is the Testastretta I have- the brakes are fitted as standard and are the same as the 999S, and I think the 999R. I have looked at them in the showroom close up and I can't see any difference. They may not be exactly the same but I can't spot any changes- the main difference is the price tag- the 999s costs £4000 more than the Monster (basically just for a fairing and a twin sided swinging arm), and the 999R £10000 more (carbon bodywork and a few extra horses). Apparently 999Rs are selling by the boatload at the moment to rich men who want to jump the queue on a Desmosedici as this gives you priority over other purchasers. S4Rs (my Monster) 999R I am sure Troy gets even better brakes! (and forks)

Hi Alex I have the same brakes on my S4Rs and I love them. They are really powerful but also progressive and have good feel. I have heard of someone taking an S4Rs out for a test ride and dropping it after locking the brakes, but any experienced rider would be fine- you just need to be gentle and get used to them before you start braking hard. Increasing the front preload and compression helps keep it stable when you braking hard. I am riding my Duke to work every day in all weathers in fast moving traffic, and am glad of the brakes. With regards to buying Ducatis in general, just like anything else try before you buy- they are not for everyone but I get one hell of a rush from mine. Guy

May be worth waiting until that new model hits the shops- the market will be flooded with 999s which have been swapped for the new sports bike. Prices will then fall even lower. I know its "trendy" to dislike the shape of the 999, but I think they look great, especially in the flesh. Photos seem to hide the sleekness and curves. If I was going to buy one, I'd get a post 2004 red frame model which looks nicer than the grey frame, and has a bit more poke. Guy

Try this link.....

I am sure it is different whever you go, but I had nothing but good experiences when on tour in the USA. Border security was quite slow (they do it in Dublin) but I understand why they want to check everyone entering the country. Guy

I was having problems with downshifts, so I decided to examine the external gearchange assembly yesterday. After I removed the starter motor, I noticed that nut 15 (see attached diagram) had gone walkabouts. Luckily bolt 12 was hanging in loose keeping it all togther. I think the engine casing was stopping it from falling out. If I had lost that bolt whilst riding, the whole damn thing would have fallen apart. I am sure its an isolated incident and its probably not worth your time taking the starter off and checking (although you may be able to see from the other side) but its worth making sure everything is tight next time you are fiddling down there for any reason. Guy gearchange.doc

The Stucchi makes no difference to power and torque on a later bike with front crossover. It is also heavier than stock. It does look a whole lot better though. I am also interested in finding out where to buy Gianellis!! Guy

I can see where you are coming from- I can see Orange County Choppers building the "Tractor Bike" in dedication to America's farm workers using this Guzzi as a base.

My Dad moved into his new house in Jarnaq today and agreed to adopt the previous owners hens- he is already treating them as pets......

Thanks for the report and pics! You have just reminded me that there is so much more of the USA that I need to explore on 2 wheels! Guy

I think the designers at Guzzi need some balls! I thought Italian designers were meant to be brave and cutting edge. At the moment it is oh so predictable (Griso excepted)- maybe budgetry constraints are directing the flow, but this is the country of Tamburini, Carcano and Tonti. I notice that successful ex Ducati designer Galuzzi has joined Aprilia- wonder if he will be working on any Mandello projects? Come on Guzzi- make your bikes sexy again!! Guy