I finally got that test ride. AND … well … here are my thoughts and what I’m going to do.
Thanks for watching.
See you on the highway.
Brent
1st look at the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone
I have been waiting anxiously for the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7s to arrive in dealerships, and as luck would have it, the local dealer here in the Phoenix area, just took one—their first one—out of the crate.
Arriving first are the V7 Stone models. The Specials will arrive next January or February. The V7 Stone is the base model differentiated by solid color, matte black or glossy white, and cast aluminum wheels. Frankly, the white looks absolutely gorgeous—a sharp looking standard.
Visiting Arizona, I also met up with Doug Klassen, publisher of 40 Years on 2 Wheels. After lunch, we ventured over to the Guzzi-Ducati-Triumph-KTM dealer, Arizona Superbike. Doug, who has owned many different motorcycles, was impressed with the Guzzi, and said it sat better than the comparable Triumph T100 Bonneville. If Doug says it, it must be true.
The bike is smaller in stature than my V-Strom 650, but it feels very comfortable. The seat height and handlebar ergonomics seem just right for my 5’10” height and 30” inseam. The seat is firm, but no one knows whether a seat needs “tweaking” until you’ve ridden on it for a couple of hours at a time. Distance and “break-in” is the biggest factor in knowing whether a change is needed. It’s nice to know that If needed, I can send that factory seat to Sargent Seats for a makeover, and I love my Sargent on the V-Strom.
Doug and I stood there talking about the V7 and other motorcycles for quite a while. It is a very impressive motorcycle, and one worth a long look. The drawback is the lack of dealerships across the country. It’s a wonderful motorcycle, so it’s comforting to know they are easy to work on, and there is a large Guzzi community to give assistance. If you don’t live near one of those dealers and want a Moto Guzzi, you’ll be doing most of your own maintenance. The closest dealer to my home is 180 miles away.
I’m hoping to take a test ride soon. Very soon. Stay tuned.
See you on the highway.
Brent
Eye Candy: Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Does anybody else think this looks absolutely gorgeous? A 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Special.
See you on the highway.
Brent
Which motorcycle would you prefer?
Which motorcycle would you prefer to own, ride and maintain?
A Triumph Bonneville T100 with a solo seat?
Or a Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, due out in late 2012 as 2013 model?
I flip flop back and forth like a wishy-washy politician! 
Which one would you want … and why? Leave a comment.
See you on the highway. (probably on my V-Strom)
Brent
Interview with Melissa Holbrook Pierson
Buena Vista, Virginia
When I learned Melissa Holbrook Pierson was attending the Moto Guzzi National Rally, I set out to see if I could arrange an interview.
Pierson is the author of The Perfect Vehicle, and her most recent book, The Man Who would Stop at Nothing. She has also written two non-motorcycling books. The Perfect Vehicle is about her start into motorcycling, finding and buying a Moto Guzzi. The latest book, The Man Who Would Stop at Nothing, is about her mentor, a long distance rider. The Perfect Vehicle is one of the first motorcycling books I purchased. It’s a good read, and I am re-reading it … again!
In the morning, we found a quiet place to talk about her books and travels.
For more information, and/or to purchase her books, visit Melissa’s web site.
Coming up next: A ride to Washington D.C. and mission to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
Brent