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Posted

We are on the fringe here. ""Most" of the small block Guzzi buyers are more toward the hipster mainstream, and that is what parent Piaggio wants. They are a scooter company and urban appliances are their forté. As I see it, the newer bikes have probably been subjected to focus groups and marketing studies. Homogenized 2-wheeled McDonald's hamburgers. Satisfying many but exciting (or offending) none.

Guzzi exists and for that reason we should derive some satisfaction, and Aprilia had things moving in the right direction until they fell on hard times. If I had to guess, Piaggio bought the company with the idea of exploiting the name and. history, using that horrible business philosophy of "brand management." A certain American company has done the same, licensing their name to Ford, clothing manufacturers, glassware, jewelry - everything but better bikes. Alas, it seems that they are also in dire straits now, despite appearances.

My proposal is to hire Erik Buell and allow him to offend a few and inject some lightness and performance into the current commuter bikes. Speaking of which and totally off subject: back when Buell introduced the Harley-powered XB9 and XB12 Firebolts, I examined one and sat on it at the international motorcycle show in Seattle that year. Despite the horrid engine, that bike fit and felt perfect - as very few do when subjected to the "fit" test. Daydreaming is satisfying - else we would not spend to much time involved in it. I somehow doubt that the board of Piaggio is capable of it.

  • Like 3
Posted

To extend the Buell subject . I rode ONE a loooong time ago and I can't remember the model . White paint w/what I would describe a light purple exhaust . I rode it about 10 miles , stopping twice to get off and verify it had a H/D engine . This thing was PERFECT !
 

  • Like 1
Posted
28 minutes ago, gstallons said:

To extend the Buell subject . I rode ONE a loooong time ago and I can't remember the model . White paint w/what I would describe a light purple exhaust . I rode it about 10 miles , stopping twice to get off and verify it had a H/D engine . This thing was PERFECT !
 

Hard to forgive H-D for what they did to him. He would be a nice follow on to Dr. John Wittner. As I recall, the doctor did a few positive things for M-G. Ah, but there were different owners then...

Posted

You don't forgive that  "that's just business"  stuff . NEVER

  • Like 1
Posted

I didn't just ride a Buell, I owned one for a while. The only issues I had with it were centered around the Harley engine (leaking, usually). It was a brilliant streetbike, and even an acceptable racebike. I still regret selling it. Also disappointed I wasn't able to scoop up a Buell when they were closing them down and blowing out the bikes they had left. Dealers were trying to get out and thus selling them at crazy discounts. But at the time I did not have the spare cash. I wonder what happened to those bikes, I rarely see one nowadays.

Anyway, my Buell X1 Lightning was one of the best streetbikes I have owned. I would love it if Guzzi hired him. Apparently he is currently working on electric motorcycles.

  • 2 months later...
Posted

It’s been awhile...

This is handy for all those who haven’t yet experienced the V85

I should add - myself included! 😝

The rider also gives some interesting observations if you feel it’s worth your 10 minutes of almost VR immersion

Anyhoo... trust it’ll be useful for some

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Capellini spoke of a road version, and a 4-valve liquid-cooled engine. Has there been anything sighted anywhere since, on either topic?

Posted
7 minutes ago, pete roper said:

[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50466759986_53f05eedb2_z.jpg[/img]
 

Want.

 

This is what Guzzi should be allowed to build. Not some sclerotic, wheezing, 2V air cooled shitbox.

Simultaneously posted this...

That would have made choosing the V11 much more difficult than it was.

Just coincidentally, Morini is advertizing a "new 660cc twin..." But theirs is an Adv bike :-(

  • Like 1
Posted
15 minutes ago, pete roper said:

This engine from Aprilia is mooted for a new Touareg too if you're into that sort of thing. 😎

If we write enough letters, maybe they'll put it in a scooter. The Scarabeo 660!  One could then hold match races with Suzuki Burgmans...

Alright, enough depressing thoughts.

  • Like 1
Posted

My 12 year old Mana eats Burgmans like those shitty little biscuits you get at poncy cafe's when you buy a coffee. I also reckon it will probably beat a V85 in a drag race if anyone wants to play that shitty, pointless, game.

Guzzi gotta change....

  • Like 2

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