Hypothetically speaking... a new bike for da 'Belle

[MendoDave]

What about a Guzzi like this one?



It's probably not the thing for you because your looking for something new, but I wouldn't mind having that brutish looking thing parked next to my monster.
I bet it sounds good too.

[ROBsS4R]

Thats Sexy.... And the bike ain't to bad either 

[mostrobelle]

What about a Guzzi like this one?



It's probably not the thing for you because your looking for something new, but I wouldn't mind having that brutish looking thing parked next to my monster.
I bet it sounds good too.

I really like that...a truly vintage bike isn't appropriate.  Crap, I already have that.     But a Guzzi...not bad.  Do they make a decent one?

Add Guzzi to the list and cross off the 916.  I also want to look into the Paul Smart.  That might be the strongest candidate yet.  I like the look of it.  How does it ride though.  I need to find out for myself but am interested in what other owners think of it.  You don't see many of them--why is that?

[duckwrench13]

Drop Kat Foster @ MotoCorsa, in Portland, a line. She's got one of the PS1000LE's and loves it! She uses it as her daily beast, and hasn't had a bad thing to say about it...other than having to wait for one initially.

[slower than...]

...... I also want to look into the Paul Smart.  That might be the strongest candidate yet.  I like the look of it.  How does it ride though.  I need to find out for myself but am interested in what other owners think of it.  You don't see many of them--why is that?

You're welcome to try my Sport 1000.  The PS is essentially the same but with one huge difference.  The PS comes with the Ohlins suspension, which is infinitely better than the cheap suspension that came standard on the Sport.  My next upgrade is to go to Aftershocks and see what magic they can do for me.

Be forewarned, the Sport is not a comfortable bike to ride.  It's a true torture rack.  And the PS is supposedly even more uncomfortable!  But you are young, you might like it.   


You won't find many of them around because it was a limited run, 2000 in total, worldwide.  I think only half of which went to North America.  And I bet many are being saved for some perceived collectors value and hardly ridden.

[hypurone]

I really like that...a truly vintage bike isn't appropriate.  Crap, I already have that.     But a Guzzi...not bad.  Do they make a decent one?

Add Guzzi to the list and cross off the 916.  I also want to look into the Paul Smart.  That might be the strongest candidate yet.  I like the look of it.  How does it ride though.  I need to find out for myself but am interested in what other owners think of it.  You don't see many of them--why is that?

There was one at Moto-Meccanica, in black tho. Lat time I checked...

[Desmostro]

I really like that...a truly vintage bike isn't appropriate.  Crap, I already have that.     But a Guzzi...not bad.  Do they make a decent one?

Add Guzzi to the list and cross off the 916.  I also want to look into the Paul Smart.  That might be the strongest candidate yet.  I like the look of it.  How does it ride though.  I need to find out for myself but am interested in what other owners think of it.  You don't see many of them--why is that?

Paolo, who worked for Ducati, had a the Sport Classic (the Paul Smart, sans fairing) when he was out here. He said it was very fast, but they put heavy wheels on them (spokes) for the look.
Paul Smart
1000cc, 92 Horses,  398 LBS

There are some pretty tight Moto Guzzi out there, but some are on the XXL side.

from http://www.motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/2008_bikes/moto_guzzi_breva_v_1200.php

"There can be no doubt that the Breva V1200 is exactly what puts Moto Guzzi at the top of the league in terms of riding pleasure."

TECHNICAL DATA

>>>>>>>>>>>>TRANSLATION : 1200 cc, 88 Horses, 520 LBS(dry) , 6 gallon tank.

Engine - Four-stroke V 90 twin
Cooling - Air cooled
Capacity - 1,151 cc
Bore and stroke - 95 x 81.2 mm
Compression ratio - 9.8 : 1
Timing - 2 valves per cylinder commanded by light alloy cam acting on rocker arm and mechanical tappets
Intake valve opening - 24 ° before upper TDC.
Intake valve closing - 52 ° after lower TDC.
Exhaust valve opening - 54 ° before lower TDC.
Exhaust valve closing - 22 ° after upper TDC.
Maximum power output - Over 66 kW (95 CV) at 7,500 rpm
Max Torque - Over 100 Nm at 5,800 rpm
Fuel supply/ignition - Multipoint sequential electronic injection, Magneti Marelli IAW 5A phased, alfa-n system; 2 Ø 45 mm throttle bodies with Weber IWP 162 injectors, Lambda probe and twin spark plugs.
Starter - Electric
Spark plugs - Inner NGK PMR8B (Long Life). Outer NGK BPR6ES
Exhaust system - Stainless steel two-into-one 3 way catalysed with Lambda probe and height adjustable silencer.
Homologation - Euro 3

Transmission
Gearbox - 6 speed – constantly engaged cogs with integrated flexible couplings. 1st 17/38 = 1 : 2.235: 2nd 20/34 = 1 : 1.7: 3rd 23/31 = 1 : 1.348: 4th 26/29 = 1 : 1.115: 5th 31/30 = 1 : 0.968: Gear ratios: 6th 29/25 = 1 : 0.862
Lubrication - Forced lubrication with lobe pump and pressure regulator
Primary drive - Helicoidal gears, ratio 24/35 = 1 : 1.458
Final drive - Shaft drive, ratio 12/44 = 1 : 3.667
Clutch - Dry mechanically operated twin plate

Chassis
Frame - Steel tubing
Wheelbase - 1,495 mm
Rake - 120 mm
Steering angle - 25.50°
Front suspension - Marzocchi Ø 45 mm adjustable front forks
Front wheel travel - 120 mm
Rear suspension - Single swingarm with progressive action – single rebound adjustable shock absorber with easy to operate pre-load setting knob
Rear wheel travel - 140 mm
Front brakes - Twin floating 320 mm stainless steel discs, floating Brembo calipers with 4 opposed pistons.
Rear brakes - Single 282 mm fixed stainless steel disc, floating Brembo caliper with 2 parallel pistons.
Wheels - Three-spoked aluminium alloy
Front wheel - 3.50” x 17”
Rear wheel - 5.50” x 17”
Front tyre - 120/70 ZR 17 M/C (59W) TL Roadtec Z6
Rear tyre - 180/55 ZR 17 M/C (73W) TL Roadtec Z6

Electrics
Voltage - 12 V
Battery - 12 V – 18 Ah
Alternator - 12 V - 350 W

Dimensions
Length - 2,195 mm
Width - 870 mm
Height - 1,125 mm
Saddle height - 800 mm
Minimum ground clearance - 185 mm
Dry weight - 236 kg
Fuel tank capacity - 23 litres
Reserve - 4 litres

[duckwrench13]

New Guzzis: Good quality, damn near bullet proof motors, stupid simple services, all around good bikes. Might be a tad large.

Old Guzzis: see also: Alfa GTV. Be ready to constantly tinker with something at all times.

[MendoDave]

You can see new Guzzis at Moto Mecannica.

I ride with a guy that has a Paul Smart. Its a real nice looking bike with real nice looking suspension. he complains that everytime he hits a bump the throttle moves under his hand and its touchy. I'll get him to let me ride it for a bit and see if this is true.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Pfffft-reliability is overrated. Knowing it'll start every time? Where's the adventure in that?

Go out and buy say, four additional bikes. Ancient beaters. Get an old BMW, a coupla Japanese bikes, and mebbe a triumph. Round out that stable. Do no work to them-just long as they start, buy them. They should be older than you. Spend no more than say, $1500, Total. Ride a different one each day-one of them is bound to start.

See how far you make it.

[duckwrench13]

You can see new Guzzis at Moto Mecannica.

I ride with a guy that has a Paul Smart. Its a real nice looking bike with real nice looking suspension. he complains that everytime he hits a bump the throttle moves under his hand and its touchy. I'll get him to let me ride it for a bit and see if this is true.

Sounds like he needs to relax his grip. I bet he's got complaints about his forearms and shoulders hurting too.

...Get an old BMW...

Actually, that's not a bad idea at all! I sold my '89 R100GS with just under 500K on the motor, and it ran like a champ! Old "airheads" are like the B-17's of the motorcycle world... they're not the prettiest, or the fastest ones out there, but they will always keep going!! And they're just plain classy! And most important, they are stupid proof to maintain!! If you can make a fresh cup of coffee, and change a flat bicycle tire, you can service an old beemer yourself!

[Popeye the Sailor]

And most important, they are stupid proof to maintain!! If you can make a fresh cup of coffee, and change a flat bicycle tire, you can service an old beemer yourself!

So could 'Belle still take it to you? 

[duckwrench13]

So could 'Belle still take it to you? 

Probably would.

[rafa]

What about this? http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/825250900.html

[gojira]

Hmmm ... since you're talking BMWs, how about this: