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Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 1:22 pm

Well, my Guzzi Stelvio has turned out to be excellent - great recommendation from Lannis. Perfect size, character, go, stop and easy to live with so far. It's Italian so it scared the life out of me when the oil pressure warning light came on 30 miles from home after a stop for lunch. Oil Level fine so I rode gently home fingers stroking the clutch lever all the way. Turns out the OP switch is a notorious liar and replaceable with a £7 car one. Phew!!

Now my mind turns to a more Classic companion. Not a girder/rigid this time, perhaps another airhead, maybe a Brit twin. Ho, hum... This is the bit I love the most: what might turn up that takes my fancy?

Happy daze!

Simon

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 2:48 pm, in reply to "Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Well, my Guzzi Stelvio has turned out to be excellent

Hmmm - so that will be in the small ads next week ?

Nigel B.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 2:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 3:04 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Lannis <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Lannis' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 3:13 pm, in reply to "Hmmm, bike thoughts"

That cheap oil pressure switch they used is a problem.

I was on a trip 500 miles from home, when the Stelvio started leaving a hand-sized puddle of oil under itself at every stop. Couldn't see where it was coming from, so rode on home, checking the oil level frequently. Didn't have add oil, but it lost about a pint.

Turns out that the oil pressure switch body had cracked....it was still indicating, but leaking.

It's a bugger to get to, but sorted it out.

Character, they call it. Looking forward to beginning the next 60,000 miles on it this year....

Lannis

At no time in history have the people forcing other people into compliance been the good guys.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Why are italian vehicle electrics so bad. I have had trouble with most Ducati's I have owned and always electrical.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Leon Novello <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Leon+Novello' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 7:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

It`s the vino in the auto-electrician on quality controlo.

Leon Novello

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 10:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

In my experience Ducatis are made from materials that are specially chosen for their fragility, brittleness, desire never to be undone and/or ability to corrode at great speed.

No-one else is allowed to know the secret recipe of these materials although, like the Coca Cola recipe, many manufacturers have given it a go!

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by pete__s <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=pete__s' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 10:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Ducati are the reason Italian bike boots are so comfortable to walk in.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 4, 2023, 10:43 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Weirdly I've had 9 Italian bikes and the only electrical problems I had with any of them was a British made electronic ignition system that failed after a paltry 40k miles and a knob that was snapped off a handlebar switch unit by a previous owner.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 9:13 am, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Of my six Italians the two Ducatis were truly shoddy, Laverdas built like lorries and extremely high quality and Guzzis in between.

I think Ducati spend most on paint. It's like cream but doesn't disguise the basic junk beneath!

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Nigel B <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Nigel+B' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 10:47 am, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

My sole Ducati experience was very different to yours Simon - my ST2 was totally reliable and probably the best finished motorcycle I have owned. I only sold it because I was physically unable to ride it any distance due to hand issues.

Of my 3 Moto Guzzis, the Mille GT was totally reliable, economical & of mediocre finish. The California 1100i was an all-round miserable experience, unreliable in many areas (not just electrical) uneconomical and of mediocre finish. The Breva 750ie was totally reliable, economical and well finished (the first MG built under Aprilia ownership IIRC - but sorting ot MG bankrupt Aprilia ! ). Only sold the Breva due it's heavy-ish clutch that taxed my deteriorating hands.

My sole Aprilia (Caponord ETV1000 ) was probabaly the most comfortable bike I have owned, but the Rotax engine was awful (very vibey, no flywheels, thirsty and blighted by a wierd "slipper clutch" ). Mediocre build quality as well, though it was reliable.

"Reliable" mentioned above being that I operated the bikes without need for anything other than replacement of consumable parts during routine servicing - nothing broke, fell off or wore out.

WRT looking for something else - what are you really looking for ? You mentioned another airhead BMW, but how long did the last (seemingly very nice) example last ? You wanted another '50s single, but how long did the last (seemingly very nice) example last ? You seemed to like the RE Bullet & that was only moved on because it was too loud - why not try a standard UCE 500 rather than an imported warmed over version - there are plenty of clean, low mileage, un-messed with eaxmples about for not too much money.

Nigel B.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 2:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Interesting, Nigel, my ST2 looked gorgeous, showroom in fact, but despite a low 16k miles had been left parked in an underground car park for a year. I bought it for £550 if I recall correctly. £1000 pounds later: belts (easy and cheap), new clutch (£400 and that was a cash deal) fitting which broke the engine locking tool as the clutch centre was done up far too tight. 3' extension bar in the end. Lots of other stuff. The killer for me was, after yet another rebuild of the sprag clutch, that I stopped one evening to find the starter was still turning with the bike turned off. Turned out that the hole in the solenoid for the iron bar to move through thus completing the circuit was a fraction too small. As the engine warned up so did the iron bar and became jammed thus rendering the solenoid and starter permanently engaged. I'm sure there was a lot more. I liked riding it but I never trusted it.

And, a standard Bullet is indeed one of my thoughts. I loved the Woodsman bar that high pipe position and noise. The rearset footpegs were excellent and I lowered them an inch to achieve riding position perfection. What a wonderful bike it was in almost all respects. I'm not convinced you can do the same to standard pegs but I'm certainly willing to have a go. And you are right: boxers, 50s singles, Italian exoticary I do think I have exhausted. I was enjoying a lovely country walk this morning and thinking that such peaceful pursuits and bicycles were the way ahead. Obviously, the Stelvio will last five minutes, we all know that even if it isn't obvious to me yet. Funny you should have anticipated the way my thoughts have been going!! Cheers Simon

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by MadMike <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=MadMike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 5:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

I am firmly of the opinion that you have too much spare time. As a result you are simply over thinking which bikes made you smile/cry and then, again, over thinking the fundamental yet simple question...which bike shall I buy now?

Apart from my Commando I have never ever set out to make such a decision, after a ball aching thinking process. Having made the initial decision to buy another bike I just wait until I see a bike that I fancy and then buy the thing. My Speed Twin was bought on a real spur of the moment decision. I called in to the now gone away Supreme Motorcycles to buy a genuine rear light lens for my Dominator. There in the shop was a poorly looking Speedy. The price was good so I haggled them down some more and just bought it. Absolutely no concern for the number of cylinders, whether it had a V5C (it did not have one as it happens, no consideration for provenence, no thoughts of asking anybody elses opinion...I just bought it. Life is far too short to get into long winded thought trains in order to buy something as easy as a motorbike.

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by Brickboy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Brickboy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 6:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

Lol, my wife says that too!!

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

She is obviously a very clever lady. You should listen to her.

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 5, 2023, 7:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

If only!
Den

Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 6, 2023, 1:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Hmmm, bike thoughts"

I have no choice with mine. Bloody mods!!

The oldest rocker in town!

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