At the Crossroads (yes it's blues related)

[Paul in NZ]

Well the rally came and went… It was fun too… (but we covered that)

Now I have a question for the collective wisdom of the people here. It’s a serious question as well so even though you may feel compelled to supply me with some sort of witty retort, please resist as long as you can ok?

The Moto Guzzi LM2 was one of, if not the oldest bike there. Gazing about the parking lot it kinda stuck out more than a bit. Now I happen to think it’s a pretty cool old thing and it gets the business done (eventually). For years I considered this to be the ideal as a bike that an average bloke can maintain himself (it’s never seen the inside of a bike shop) and yet still do most things asked of it. I guess I kinda see now that someone that does all their own work and prep is actually a bit of a freak and probably seriously stupid… Or at least so far outside most peoples terms of reference as to be incomprehensible...

It’s funny…. The real classic bikers think it’s a modern cop out ‘cos it has stuff like electric starting, disk brakes and you don’t have to use a candle to light the headlamp. The modern bikers seem to think it’s a hideously unreliable slow old pile of crap… The thunderbikers think it's a sportsbike and possibly ghey.... I dunno... wierd... It just kinda seems to not fit in any place....

So, the question is thus….

Does it make you smile to see it still being used in (I hope) anger or is it getting sad to see a museum piece being abused? Should I just give up, pack up the tools and update this hard old thing and go all modern before it gets anymore embarrassing or should I keep it and just soldier on up the forgotten side branch of motorcycling until it eventually dries up…

I'm genuinely keen to hear what people think...

[Lias]

IMO If ya enjoy fixing it and playing with it, go hard. Really who gives a flying proverbial what other people think?

[Waylander]

You should always like the bike you ride. Who really cares what others think. I mean seriously if you cared what others think would you really be riding the bike?

[Quasievil]

Well the rally came and went… It was fun too… (but we covered that)

Now I have a question for the collective wisdom of the people here. It’s a serious question as well so even though you may feel compelled to supply me with some sort of witty retort, please resist as long as you can ok?

The Moto Guzzi LM2 was one of, if not the oldest bike there. Gazing about the parking lot it kinda stuck out more than a bit. Now I happen to think it’s a pretty cool old thing and it gets the business done (eventually). For years I considered this to be the ideal as a bike that an average bloke can maintain himself (it’s never seen the inside of a bike shop) and yet still do most things asked of it. I guess I kinda see now that someone that does all their own work and prep is actually a bit of a freak and probably seriously stupid… Or at least so far outside most peoples terms of reference as to be incomprehensible...

It’s funny…. The real classic bikers think it’s a modern cop out ‘cos it has stuff like electric starting, disk brakes and you don’t have to use a candle to light the headlamp. The modern bikers seem to think it’s a hideously unreliable slow old pile of crap… The thunderbikers think it's a sportsbike and possibly ghey.... I dunno... wierd... It just kinda seems to not fit in any place....

So, the question is thus….

Does it make you smile to see it still being used in (I hope) anger or is it getting sad to see a museum piece being abused? Should I just give up, pack up the tools and update this hard old thing and go all modern before it gets anymore embarrassing or should I keep it and just soldier on up the forgotten side branch of motorcycling until it eventually dries up…

I'm genuinely keen to hear what people think...

Yup it sticks out like a hairy tounge, but isnt that good, all of our bikes blended into a common quantity of modern motorbikes.
I think of your bike as awesome personally and I think it is a absolute credit to you, our bikes are temporary and disposable yours is a fine machine which has and will be around for many years to come, I respect you for the way you look after her.
I came down your way on a ride with a few of you, I was not to far behind you on my modern bike and I was ,at the time finding it a challenge to keep up with you, slow you are not.

Keep it love it and enjoy it.:Punk:

I could not imagine you on anything else really, its kinda part of you and I think you think that as well ???

[Paul in NZ]

Keep it love it and enjoy it.:Punk:

I could not imagine you on anything else really, its kinda part of you and I think you think that as well ???

Thanks Quasi, I really value everyones opinion but thats damn kind of you..

I do love it and when the crinks work out of my back I might think more kindly of the hard old bugger.... I reckon the problem is me, I think if I went to the gym and got rid of my big puku life would be easier... Anyone else do bike specific exercises?

Cheers

[White trash]

Well, if it hadn't of been a Guzzi, I woulda toilet papered it, but then I thought it might catch fire.

You know my thoughts on those bikes mate, just don't make me say it, someone might hear.

[Ixion]

..
Does it make you smile to see it still being used in (I hope) anger or is it getting sad to see a museum piece being abused? Should I just give up, pack up the tools and update this hard old thing and go all modern before it gets anymore embarrassing or should I keep it and just soldier on up the forgotten side branch of motorcycling until it eventually dries up…

I'm genuinely keen to hear what people think...

Keep it, use it. Bikes, like men, die when they are relegated to museums or rest homes . Unless it is so slow as be a hazard, keep riding it. As to the maintain it yourself, I do all my own maintainence (exception for something like rewinding an armature).

Now't embarassing about it. You're a *real* biker, of the old school. And I have always found the the side branchs are where the interesting stuff is. Tis the boring conformists who can't see past the main stream. They miss out on the good bits.

Go the Guzzi !

[Paul in NZ]

Now't embarassing about it. You're a *real* biker, of the old school. And I have always found the the side branchs are where the interesting stuff is. Tis the boring conformists who can't see past the main stream. They miss out on the good bits.

Go the Guzzi !

Real biker? Doubt it.... I'm a bloody softy...

Side branches are OK until you get so far up them you can't find your way back to the mainstream.... Or even remember what it looked like...

I stopped buying regular bike mags last year... Think the new Triumph ST is ugly and thought a Dunlop 208 was a british airship from ww1.... Thats what is really worring me... I used to be quite keen on the latest and greatest, now I just go humph and look for my pipe...

[White trash]

I used to be quite keen on the latest and greatest, now I just go humph and look for my pipe...

.....and slippers.

[crashe]

your bike is your pride and joy......do not be put off by what others may think or say about your baby.... let others see the older bikes can still be seen on the roads.... its nice to see the older bikes still out there and lovingly looked after as well. Oh and it doesn't matter what speed she goes at either.... whats most important is that you still want to ride her.
:ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride:

[Wolf]

It would be a shame to put such a machine out to pasture. So long as you can maintain it, use it - and take pride in the fact that you can and do maintain it.

I had a Zundapp Bella 150 that I stripped and had painted/chromed/galvanised then I put it back together - it felt really good knowing I had done it and that I could pretty much repair anything on that bike. Much better than the fear that something will break and I'll have to pay someone an unknown sum to get it repaired.

Chatting with a bloke at the testing station on the weekend and his take on modern vehicles is "the minute they start becoming unreliable, get rid of 'em" because he hasn't the knowledge or tools to repair them. Like me, he prefers the older, simpler machines with less possible points of failure, easier to access components (have to go a way to beat the old Triumph Herald, there) and the ability to be able to tinker with it yourself - without requiring a full workshop, specialist tools and an engineering degree.

Modern vehicles are all well and good when they are in primo condition but eventually they will start to wear out and they are less tolerant of imperfections than older machines - also harder to repair.

I'd stay with the "old and reliable" that you can maintain/prep yourself.

[MSTRS]

Viva la difference!! or summat...
Keep it/ride it with all the pride/satisfaction that comes from maintaining it yourself that the rest of us have forgotten (or never had)

[Ixion]

Real biker? Doubt it.... I'm a bloody softy...

Side branches are OK until you get so far up them you can't find your way back to the mainstream.... Or even remember what it looked like...

I stopped buying regular bike mags last year... Think the new Triumph ST is ugly and thought a Dunlop 208 was a british airship from ww1.... Thats what is really worring me... I used to be quite keen on the latest and greatest, now I just go humph and look for my pipe...

D.O.B 5th September 1956 says the profile. Barely weaned. So why're you cracking on like an old fella ? You young people today , blah blah blah.

Me, I figure wherever I am *IS* the mainstream. It's the other fellows that are lost. They'll find their way eventually.

Do whatever rocks your boat. If others don't care for it :whocares:

And if you're feeling old, get a new(er) Guzzi !

[Paul in NZ]

.....and slippers.

Nah... Vicki has definately drawn the line at humphing in slippers... Not a good look apparently....

Paul N

(she won't let me build my own airplane either - I thinks she is getting bossy)

[Hooks]

Hey Paul, .... My old girl is only a couple years younger than yours .... And I wouldn't trade her for all the torque in Italy !! ... Ride the ride you like because that's what it's all about .... anybody that is going to knock you for what you do ride is either jealous or just plain pretentious !!

I think you have a great bike, it sounds great, looks great and still goes from A to B with the minimum of fuss .... enjoy it ...

[Ixion]

Nah... Vicki has definately drawn the line at humphing in slippers... Not a good look apparently....

Paul N

(she won't let me build my own airplane either - I thinks she is getting bossy)

Humping in slippers - whatever turns you on, it's cheaper than expensive lingerie.

And if really want to see them get bossy, just mention how cool it would be to build your own cruise missile like that NZ fellow did.

[Storm]

Its all up to you mate. I reckon your bike looks cool, and so do you or you wouldnt have one. You wouldnt kick Vicki out of bed if she got outdated would you now? (Now, has that put you on the spot or what ? :devil2: )

[SPman]

Reminds me of a conversation I had with a guy about 10 yrs ago. He said he was sick and tired of being approached by "enthusiasts" who were berating him for riding his MV Agusta 350 (twin), in a "brisk" fashion, on the road. "It should be cosseted away in a nice warm gagre somewhere" was a common retort.
His answer was always along the lines of...." it's meant to be ridden and if I ball it up on a corner somewhere and it gets reduced to scrap - tough! At least it is being used - for what it is intended! Having fun on the roads."
Same as yours - if ya enjoy it...who gives a toss!

PS - know of any Laverda Jota's floating around , cheap!

[Paul in NZ]

PS - know of any Laverda Jota's floating around , cheap!

Nope but there are a truckload of those RGS things about... (not keen on them myself).. Should be easy to pare down a bit... besides the cooking 3L (whatever) was probably a better bike...

[Motu]

I don't think I need comment - I've been poling my boat up side streams for so long I'm lost and can't find my way back.The day I park my bike next to an identical model is probably the day I give it all away....

[Big Dave]

Since you ask then - I'd take the thing out and shoot it - you can only use 'character' as an excuse for being under powered and over weight in a 2005 world for so long. (that politely what you were going to say WT?)
Those Brevas are nice bikes and the Corsa is getting close if you have to stay with the brand. 1100 sports are cheap too.
But try an Aprilia or a new Ducati and you'll go fark!
you're in the minority over the ST too - I had people raving over the demo all weekend.

[Blackbird]

Keep it, keep it, keep it!!!!!!

My best mate in the UK has had one since new and despite having a Fireblade for his main bike, simply can't bear to part with it. He also has a love of "interesting" machinery, also having a Morgan Plus 8 and a truly appalling Jensen CV8, both of which I suspect that you have a regard for :msn-wink:

Let me end with a quotation from the latest PB magazine from the late Leon Moss, their old tuning guru. "I cannot conceive of a use for a Moto Guzzi unless I had taken up yachting and needed a mooring."

Funny in passing, but I think from the replies you've had, not a sentiment to which most of us subscribe. :niceone:

Cheers

Geoff

[MacD]

Keep it and ride it Paul! I think half the enjoyment of motorcycling is working on the machines yourself.

While I wouldn't mind one of the latest and greatest (actually I really like the latest Triumph ST - would be a good replacement for the RF) I think I'd always want to keep a second older bike with a bit of character that I could work on without worrying about blowing up the electronics etc!

Also, I must be getting old too - I'm really not too keen on digital speedos - I can't work out the point of a display that tells you that you're going exactly 53 km/h when it's probably inaccurate anyhow!?

[woody68]

Hi mate

You gota keep it man we getting over run with these jap things that all look the same. :whistle:
On the coro loop ride I went on a couple of weeks ago my Duc was the only non jap out of 21 bikes, we gota sick together to show them theys more out there than just jappers.

Big ups from :niceone:

A very happy Ducati owner

PS
Real bikes are made in Itali. :whistle:

[Kickaha]

Despite taking the piss out of Moto Guzzi (mainly to annoy Dangerous) I'd be quite happy to have one of them in my shed and another couple of years paying the mortgage and I might

But then my last two bikes were a 1977 BMW 75/7 and a 1982 Ducati Darmah and you've seen what I ride now :niceone: not many bikes built post 1985 really interest me that much

I did the Southern cross and two 1000 milers on the Ducati and people always used to comment on using a bike like that for touring and I was doing close to 10,000km a year on it

I love seeing bikes like that being used as they should be :yes:

[idb]

Reminds me of a conversation I had with a guy about 10 yrs ago. He said he was sick and tired of being approached by "enthusiasts" who were berating him for riding his MV Agusta 350 (twin), in a "brisk" fashion, on the road. "It should be cosseted away in a nice warm gagre somewhere" was a common retort.
His answer was always along the lines of...." it's meant to be ridden and if I ball it up on a corner somewhere and it gets reduced to scrap - tough! At least it is being used - for what it is intended! Having fun on the roads."
Same as yours - if ya enjoy it...who gives a toss!

PS - know of any Laverda Jota's floating around , cheap!
Try High Country Motorcyles in Fairlie. He used to have an unfinished one that was looking really nice.
I think he was doing it up for a customer that ran out of money or something.

[betti]

great bike, top bloke,!!
imho, ride a classic like it was meant to be ridden, dont worry about the hinge in the frame, :msn-wink: and remember they were cutting edge once, not to mention the cheap insurance and not havin to compare knee slider marks at the local bike meet!.

:whistle:

[idb]

Despite taking the piss out of Moto Guzzi (mainly to annoy Dangerous) I'd be quite happy to have one of them in my shed and another couple of years paying the mortgage and I might

But then my last two bikes were a 1977 BMW 75/7 and a 1982 Ducati Darmah and you've seen what I ride now :niceone: not many bikes built post 1985 really interest me that much

I did the Southern cross and two 1000 milers on the Ducati and people always used to comment on using a bike like that for touring and I was doing close to 10,000km a year on it

I love seeing bikes like that being used as they should be :yes:
Me too. I've kept my 1979 Darmah and its taken me around the SI a couple of times, I love it and would prolly get rid of the 888 first.
Mind you, it is in, what they call 'original condition' and I was sitting outside a pub one day with a couple of Harley riders when a pair of lovely young things came along. We all sucked in our stomachs and they cast critical eyes over our bikes.
"Which one's yours?" one asked me.
I pointed it out to her and she said "It isn't very shiny".

[Paul in NZ]

Since you ask then - I'd take the thing out and shoot it - you can only use 'character' as an excuse for being under powered and over weight in a 2005 world for so long. (that politely what you were going to say WT?)
Those Brevas are nice bikes and the Corsa is getting close if you have to stay with the brand. 1100 sports are cheap too.
But try an Aprilia or a new Ducati and you'll go fark!
you're in the minority over the ST too - I had people raving over the demo all weekend.

Yup, ridden them all and gone fark! Saw the price tag, the projected depreciation and the service costs and went FARK (clunk).... Sorry mate. I'm on a modest income and can't manage it... (see i told you I'm not a real biker)

I'm not being mean about the ST and I'm sure it will sell. I REALLY don't like the rear end as it's very fad ish (ie pommie street fighter). IMHO the pillion is too high for a sports tourer made for fast 2 up use. from a practical point of view the lack of bungee points and other attachments for soft luggage is bloody deliberate to force you into their $2,500 luggage set. That just pisses me off...

Yeah I accept I'm a queer bugger and probably certifiably mad... But... Fug it.. I'll buy a new adjustable spanner and go another year on the old wreck... It's done nearly 10,000km a year in the last 5 years with no major drama and running better than ever so I reckon I better just harden up and get on with it....

Paul N

ps - Thanks Dave - Your reply bought out the stubborn old coot / arsehole in me and really made my mind up.... :niceone:

[Uncle B]

There is something to be said about old bikes.....they don't make them like they used to.
Style, character and soild to boot
I used to have an 80's adventure/ trail bike (DR750 single banger) That old baby used to go everywhere.....rain hail or shine she just kept on thumping along and if it did break down you didn't need a electrical degree to find the fault....basic was it's beauty.

In a way I wish I never sold her cause I've never seen another one since and I would jump at the chance to own/ ride the good old bugger again.

I'm sure you would feel the same way Paul If you ever (god forbid) passed her up for someother ride.

You are the Guzzie

[Aitch]

Even old ones. Just like old cars, old planes and old trains. If we lock them up in museums (machine zooz?) and never fire them up future generations will miss out on the noise and smell and special performance of these old machines. Look after it, love it, but give it heaps!

[Big Dave]

ps - Thanks Dave - Your reply bought out the stubborn old coot / arsehole in me and really made my mind up.... :niceone:

Hey I'm with you - I just said 'I prefer apple computers and Triumph motorcycles' in the anzac thread for much the same reason.

You wanna try carring a tripod on the ST and see what it could damage if one persisted :whistle:

[StoneChucker]

Definitely keep the Guzzi. But why not get a second (err, 3rd) bike aswell? I'm sure you could pick up a newish sports bike (or whatever style interested you) for a modest sum, being a modest guy and all :msn-wink:

And, when you gonna fix that thing in the corner of your gargre? :ride:

[Hitcher]

I'm genuinely keen to hear what people think...
It's a very cool and seriously stylie piece of kit. And that Guzzi exhaust noise is a mystical experience...

[Hitcher]

Anyone else do bike specific exercises?
Does OOS from working the EFTPOS at Motorad count?

[Ghost Lemur]

When I personally now here the term biker, two things come to mind above all else. One is Motu do his back road tiki-touring.

The other is you. Your write ups about your youth, motorbikes being rebuilt on the coffee table and all, and your witty reparte(sp?) has inspired and entertained many inluding myself.

That person that I've come to "know" rides a motorbike that isn't just a collection of metal and rubber, etc. But a machine that is almost a member of his family. A machine his could close his eyes and describe in detail. A machine he not only enjoys but genuinely loves.

Some of us like the latest and greatest shiney thing that comes our way. You are not one of those people, be proud of it.

The way I see it is, those who go latest and greatest each year (and I'd be one if I had my way) are searching for the perfect bike. Riders like yourself, however, choose a bike not because of it's proximity to perfection, but rather because it captivates them. In a similarly undescribable way as falling in love. The imperfections are then at worst a small price to pay for such a wonderful machine, and at best end up being loved just as much as the good points.



Stay true to being the one and only Paul in NZ.

[Skyryder]

Just think of the old adage, You don't miss it untill it's gone. But hey Paul I think you know that. But then a new Guzzi................???????? Hhmmmmmm.

Skyryder

[jazbug5]

Paul- you on a new spanky sports bike would be so *very* wrong. You're a legend, and so is that bike.
Besides, it sounds really, really good...

not that I could hear it much from the safe distance I kept behind you going to the rally and back... :whistle:

[Waylander]

Heheh Yea paul keep yer bike that way when you get lost with a couple of sportbikes behind ya and you take a shortcut you wont have to worry about gravel roads.:msn-wink:

[Posh Tourer :P]

Heheh Yea paul keep yer bike that way when you get lost with a couple of sportbikes behind ya and you take a shortcut you wont have to worry about gravel roads.:msn-wink:

Lol thats a great one with the Beemer too....

[SlashWylde]

Keep it, you know you'd regret it if you let her go.

[Motu]

I still have the Stornello I bought brand new in 1978 - who else here has the depth of motorcycling knowledge to even know what I'm talking about....

[Paul in NZ]

I still have the Stornello I bought brand new in 1978 - who else here has the depth of motorcycling knowledge to even know what I'm talking about....

Stornello is Stork or summat I think but I do know (well I suppose thats a given eh) what you are talking about... Might be a long ride on that to the next rally....

I know 2 people on the aigor list that have or had them.

The Danish site has info / soft copies of brochures....

Paul N

[Kickaha]

I still have the Stornello I bought brand new in 1978 - who else here has the depth of motorcycling knowledge to even know what I'm talking about....

more dodgy Italian bikes out of the MG factory :msn-wink:

Did you buy it new in NZ? I haven't ever seen one in real life

[riffer]

I reckon you should keep it.

But what's happening with the Triumph? When's the restoration on that baby finished?

Maybe you could just alternate between the two classics just for a laugh.

Besides, I hate to think the rings you'd run around me on a bike that actually handles... :msn-wink:

[Jackrat]

Just buy a newer bike but keep the old one.
You still have the Triumph so you must have some expereince along those lines.
Anyway,where ever you turn up on the Guzzi it just screams CLASS.
Bit like the Triumph really :niceone: