introduction

[gavo]

hello, my name is gavin and i'm new to the forum thing so please excuse. I'm 50yrs old and live in Queensland Australia,I've been riding bikes since Iwas about 10,I think (long time ago)my father also road and raced bikes so i suppose its in the blood. I've own a long series of dirt bikes and road bikes over the years mostly jap. My first italian bike was a ducati pantah 650 and I currently own a much modified TT2 replica with a 650 cagiva allazura(ducati) motor. Ive just sold my suzuki sv650 which was the two seater to pillion my wife about and plan to by a guzzi within a few weeks to replace it. the people I ride with mostly own guzzis and after much ear bashing I think they have converted me, plus it must be italian. my dilemma is I have a choice, 1998 centauro,it has all the good running gear looks cumfy 2 up and 4 valve motor, or 2002 lemans good running gear, a believe riding position is not as extreme as my friends mk1 or mk3 and I like the bigger fairing also my friends seem to favor the 2 valve motor ,has anyone got an informed opinion it will be used mostly 2 up for trips but I'm not adverse to pushing it when the human speed restictor is not on the back, thanks.

[waspp]

Welcome Gavin! Sounds like you've had some interesting bikes there. As for recomendations about a 2 up Guzzi all I can say is my 03 Rosso Corsa has proved to be an adequate 2 up machine, its really not specifically suited for the task but does seem to handle it well. Rear passenger comfort isn't the best as the leg position is somewhat cramped, probably similar to the SV. The seat isn't bad and unlike the SV is a one piece design that according to the wife is fairly comfy. I know the only complaint my wife has is the lack of a back rest which could be solved qiute easily if I wanted to go that route. One thing I did was change the bar position (added risers) to suit my needs, also there are lower foot peg s and controls available for comfort as well, you can do a search for MATRA (Forum name ryland) who is a member who makes such controls. Hope this helps, feel free to PM any other questions you may have.

 

Hal

[savagehenry]

Hi Gavin, No informed opinion on the two bikes, just a "Hullo" and welcome S.H.