So, HD 883 Iron or Moto Guzzi V7 Stone?

[midlifecrsis]

So, from my username, you can assume I'm having a crisis.

Now I'm single again and my youngist is 18, I want to new bike. Had many when in was younger and have been lloking around.

So, I'm either looking at the Harley 883 Iron or the Guzzi V7 Stone.

After reading all the reviews I could find, I'm still undecided. They both have their issues but the main ones to me:

The seating and ergo on the 883 is nicer for my body size / shape. But the small tank and ride isn't that great, especially as I live in Chch.

The V7 seat is a liitle wide (but can be fixed I guess by a competent upholsterer and is also a little high, can't flat feet when sitting but that to could be fixed by same upholsterer and maybe lowering the suspension a little?

So, I'm looking for the advice of all those experienced on here....

Pros/Cons on the HD883 Iron (and the retailers/ workshops) and
Pros / Coins on the Guzzi V7 Stone (and the retailers / workshops)

Not having a bike for years, I'm not up with all the latest gear as well. Any advice greatly received also.

Wanting to buy one by the weekend so the more info asap would be fantastic!!

Thanks
Midlifecrisis

[avgas]

883

The only good guzzis are the sporty ones. The others a glorified CX's :Pokey::blip:

[jim.cox]

Guzzi - but it would have to be the California

[mossy1200]

72 sportster

[awayatc]

Buy with your head, ...... toyota.Corolla

Buy with your heart........motorbike

Logic doesn't have much to do with it ....., buy the one that turns you on most.

They are both very good looking well behaved machines that will make you a proud and happy new owner. After a while you can always trade in and up...
Good luck

[skippa1]

Get what you want.......otherwise you'll always have regrets. Every bike is a compromise in some way.

[mossy1200]

Get what you want.......otherwise you'll always have regrets. Every bike is a compromise in some way.

Except zx14r. No compromise.

[avgas]

Except zx14r. No compromise.
Unless you count fat and ugly.

When I start drinking I no longer count those as compromises.

[willytheekid]

John Deere:confused:....or ferguson? :blink:


...tractor is a tractor mate :laugh:, both are good bikes!....go with what makes you smile the most :D

[Paul in NZ]

The rear suspenders on the 883 will collapse your spine inside a month in ChCh... They are pretty hard riding...

The Guzzi is quirky and might not suit you but they go better than their stats would suggest and would be a much better all rounder.

Also look at Triumphs LAMs Triple and the Bonnie (can't believe I'm recommending one) and the Kwaka W800 has been reduced in price.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I've ridden both. Well not exactly, I've ridden a 1200 sportster.

I've never owned a cruiser style bike, and every time I go into RT Rob says "take this for a blat" and one day I did. I liked it a lot. Well built, all the control interfaces were nice and nicely detailed and it went along making a nice noise. What I was most surprised by was the lack of ground clearance. I was not riding it hard but it was dragging bits along the ground up to the Sign of the Kiwi without trying. (my test route for any bike: up to the Kiwi, over to the Wheatsheaf, over Gebbies, back via SH73) That was disconcerting. As others have said to get the low seat height they have compromised on rear suspension travel and you feel that. I was impressed with the front brake. It was better than the brake on my road bike at the time (Triumph Scrambler).

The Guzzi is a great little bike. Standard ergonomics, better (IMO) seat bar peg relationship and it seems physically a bit smaller. Or at least it seems to disappear from under you more when riding. Better ground clearance too, narrower tyres and more flickable.

The question is what do you want to do with it? If you are happy with the cruiser riding position and like to look at yourself in shop mirrors get the Harley. I think the Guzzi is functionally a better motorcycle especially for canterbury roads.

Both have adequate power though not startling, similar price and both are customisable if you want to.

I am probably shorter than you (I am shorter than everyone) and like you can flat foot the Harley and not quite on the Guzzi. Having said that, I hve never been able to do that on any bike. You get used to it. Once rolling it does not matter.

In terms of the dealerships, those two dealerships are the best two in the town. Both have excellent service departments, friendly staff and a great range of P & A and gear and whatnot. If you buy a bike from them it is not unreasonable to ask them for a deal on some gear. Don't be too harsh because you need to be able to go back there without being embarrassed.

One thing I would say is that H-D have the social experience nailed far better than other brands do. So they have rides and social events up the wazoo all organised around the "lifestyle": that part isnt compulsory, and it can attract derision from some (esp on KB...) and it has to be said that the biggest issue with Harleys is some of the owners can be.... a little one eyed (Only REAL Harley is a Big Twin, Oh you're riding a Skirtster - all that bullshit - which is why I want a Live Wire.... or one of those rebadged Aermacchis from the 60's)

In terms of warranty, I would not expect issues with either. The crowd that imports the Guzzi (Beckhaus outfit same crowd that do MV Triumph and one of the scooter brands) have a reputation for bad parts availability particularly for Aprilia which they used to do but may not any more. Personally I have not had an issue with either of my Triumphs.

By the way, if you are shopping, take a Bonneville for a ride. the 17 inch wheel one (SE I think it is called): it is easily as good a bike as the Guzzi - the only issue is chain (Bonnie) vs shaft (Guzzi) drive.

Good luck. Sing out if you want to do the Akaroa GP sometime.

[James Deuce]

At least you weren't offended. I find it offensive how easily people are offended these days and the offensively low threshold to being offended is pretty offensive as well.

[HenryDorsetCase]

At least you weren't offended. I find it offensive how easily people are offended these days and the offensively low threshold to being offended is pretty offensive as well.

How can you say that! ?? I am complaining to the Human Rights Commission and Echo and the Bunnymen! Dear Mr Echo......

[buggerit]

My advice would be go test ride lots of bikes and dont take as gospel any writeups on bikes.
Do you plan touring,2 up riding etc?. Want something thats a pleasure in the twisties?
Do some refresher training to sharpen your skills up again with your local ACC sponsored provider.
Leave the toilet seat up:lol:

[F5 Dave]

If you have been away from bikes for quite some time, why limit yourself to bikes that haven't made a technical evolution from before you've been away? Ok so you might not want a sportsbike or a weird Manga styling attempt, but at least open your doors to how good bikes have become.

[Sable]

My personal pick would be the Guzzi, great little bikes and something different.

[GrayWolf]

So, from my username, you can assume I'm having a crisis.

Now I'm single again and my youngist is 18, I want to new bike. Had many when in was younger and have been lloking around.

So, I'm either looking at the Harley 883 Iron or the Guzzi V7 Stone.

After reading all the reviews I could find, I'm still undecided. They both have their issues but the main ones to me:

The seating and ergo on the 883 is nicer for my body size / shape. But the small tank and ride isn't that great, especially as I live in Chch.

The V7 seat is a liitle wide (but can be fixed I guess by a competent upholsterer and is also a little high, can't flat feet when sitting but that to could be fixed by same upholsterer and maybe lowering the suspension a little?

So, I'm looking for the advice of all those experienced on here....

Pros/Cons on the HD883 Iron (and the retailers/ workshops) and
Pros / Coins on the Guzzi V7 Stone (and the retailers / workshops)

Not having a bike for years, I'm not up with all the latest gear as well. Any advice greatly received also.

Wanting to buy one by the weekend so the more info asap would be fantastic!!

Thanks
Midlifecrisis

As much as you may be impatient, I'd give it longer than the weekend. Go test ride a few s/hand bikes....
I'll openly admit I am NOT a Hardley Ferguson fan, and am an 'ex' Guzzista..... (that new 1400 Cali looks sooooo appealing)
I've ridden many HD's over the years and other GUzzi's (my own were a Spada and an 1100 Cali from new)

The ONE HD I would have purchased (got the MT instead) is the XR1200, Great bike!

As suggested try a few of the older triumphs (900cc triples like the Adventurer etc) I'd also go ride a Cali 1100 stone. Other options around the same price, the new Yamaha Star Bolt

[HenryDorsetCase]

As much as you may be impatient, I'd give it longer than the weekend. Go test ride a few s/hand bikes....
I'll openly admit I am NOT a Hardley Ferguson fan, and am an 'ex' Guzzista..... (that new 1400 Cali looks sooooo appealing)
I've ridden many HD's over the years and other GUzzi's (my own were a Spada and an 1100 Cali from new)

The ONE HD I would have purchased (got the MT instead) is the XR1200, Great bike!

As suggested try a few of the older triumphs (900cc triples like the Adventurer etc) I'd also go ride a Cali 1100 stone. Other options around the same price, the new Yamaha Star Bolt

the chain drive Honda VT750S
Triumph Bonneville

there were a couple of XR1200s for sale at www.mid.co.nz

[AllanB]

Bonneville. Brilliant base to modify to your personal needs.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Kwaka WW800 or Yamaha SR400 too.

Depends on what sort of riding OP wants to do

[midlifecrsis]

Thanks for the input guys. ANZA just dropped the 883 by $1000... just to make it easier to decide.

The Guzzi hurts my balls, the seat isn't as comfy as the HD.

:rolleyes:

[ellipsis]

...sportsters are fun, dont break and are also funner than even a couple of minutes ago...the stock shocks are shit, so what...

[scumdog]

I'm a HD rider but both bikes are worth considering - having said that, the drop in HD price IS appealing.

[GrayWolf]

Thanks for the input guys. ANZA just dropped the 883 by $1000... just to make it easier to decide.

The Guzzi hurts my balls, the seat isn't as comfy as the HD.

:rolleyes:

Cant argue with hurt balls?? Still would suggest riding a s/h 1100 Cali stone as well. But have to agree the 1k price drop is hard to walk past....

Just a 'question' Why not a 1100 Cali or 1200 Sporty??

[AllanB]

Throw the grand at rear shocks - sorted :2thumbsup

[Paul in NZ]

Thanks for the input guys. ANZA just dropped the 883 by $1000... just to make it easier to decide.

The Guzzi hurts my balls, the seat isn't as comfy as the HD.

:rolleyes:

Um yeah - see how you go after an hour or so...

[Banditbandit]

Do you want a motorcycle for your mid life crisis or a bike to ride?

If you want it for the crisis - do what the other middle-aged men do and buy the Harley ...

If you want to be a rider, buy the Guzzi ...

(I'd buy the Guzzi ...)

[scumdog]

Do you want a motorcycle for your mid life crisis or a bike to ride?

If you want it for the crisis - do what the other middle-aged men do and buy the Harley ...

If you want to be a rider, buy the Guzzi ...

(I'd buy the Guzzi ...)

Not reached middle-age then?:lol:


MY middle-age started about, ohhh probably back when I was a teenager! ;)

[Scouse]

So, from my username, you can assume I'm having a crisis.

Now I'm single again and my youngist is 18, I want to new bike. Had many when in was younger and have been lloking around.

So, I'm either looking at the Harley 883 Iron or the Guzzi V7 Stone.

After reading all the reviews I could find, I'm still undecided. They both have their issues but the main ones to me:

The seating and ergo on the 883 is nicer for my body size / shape. But the small tank and ride isn't that great, especially as I live in Chch.

The V7 seat is a liitle wide (but can be fixed I guess by a competent upholsterer and is also a little high, can't flat feet when sitting but that to could be fixed by same upholsterer and maybe lowering the suspension a little?

So, I'm looking for the advice of all those experienced on here....

Pros/Cons on the HD883 Iron (and the retailers/ workshops) and
Pros / Coins on the Guzzi V7 Stone (and the retailers / workshops)

Not having a bike for years, I'm not up with all the latest gear as well. Any advice greatly received also.

Wanting to buy one by the weekend so the more info asap would be fantastic!!

Thanks
Midlifecrisis883's are a bit under powered the 1200's are a much better option

[AllanB]

The Guzzi is gutless too so a good pairing to consider. Bonnie has more Mmmmmmmm

HD has street cred.

[jim.cox]

HD has street cred.

an 883 ? street cred? no way - it makes you look like an accountant wanking to be biker...

[AllanB]

an 883 ? street cred? no way - it makes you look like an accountant wanking to be biker...

Chicks will still get damp.

[midlifecrsis]

Tried to negotiate with Street and Sport / First Euro here in Chch on the Guzzi, its an ex demo low Ks, with Zards at $14990.

They weren't interested. I think I'd prefer the Guzzi over the HD but they weren't into offering a deal.


Feck. Any suggestions other than paying the 15k ?

[skippa1]

Tried to negotiate with First Euro here in Chch on the Guzzi, its an ex demo low Ks, with Zards at $14990.

They weren't interested. I think I'd prefer the Guzzi over the HD but they weren't into offering a deal.


Feck. Any suggestions other than paying the 15k ?
Yep.............slow down

[awayatc]

Pretty wee NEW Guzzi cafe racer for sale on Tard me in Waikato for only $11.000

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-713618725.htm

Hard to argue about taste and all.....but I would rather have that one then the stone...

[AllanB]

IMO the Guzzi is not worth $15k.


If you have coin like that to spend I'd be looking to the low km used market and saving some for personalizing it to your own tastes.

Look here - room to haggle a jacket with fringes along he arms and change from your $15 k for coffee.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-761325640.htm

[avgas]

Chicks will still get damp.
What he said.

[mossy1200]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-769730294.htm

[HenryDorsetCase]

IMO the Guzzi is not worth $15k.


If you have coin like that to spend I'd be looking to the low km used market and saving some for personalizing it to your own tastes.

Look here - room to haggle a jacket with fringes along he arms and change from your $15 k for coffee.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-761325640.htm

if you buy from the Harley shop they give you free coffee. Just saying.

Sounds like OP has $15k to spend, just not on that Guzz.

I personally would go in and say: I want a deal on that ex demo V7 or I will buy elsewhere. If they dont come to the party then buy elsewhere. Your money, your choice.

If you MUST have a harley then off to RT or tardme or Welly moorsickles.

[HenryDorsetCase]

What he said.

A guy that goes to my gym has a Sporty. whitewalls and high-ish (say 250mm -not ridiculous but high) handlebars it also has stupid loud pipes on it. I've parked my Street Triple outside the gym a few times, there's a guy with a HOT R1, and guys with ADV bikes etc. WITHOUT exception the hot girls at the gym cluster about the harley and witter on, while ignoring every other bike in the place. No lie, and the essence of form over substance in action. If I had not seen it I would not have believed it.

[Banditbandit]

Not reached middle-age then?:lol:


MY middle-age started about, ohhh probably back when I was a teenager! ;)

Way passed middle age mate - I think I had my mid-life crisis when I decided to become a manager - something I now regret doing .. (and don't do any more ... )



HD has street cred.

Only with street people ..



Look here - room to haggle a jacket with fringes along he arms and change from your $15 k for coffee.



Yeah - if he gets the Harley he will need a fringed jacket - so people can tell when he's moving .. :innocent:

[Banditbandit]

WITHOUT exception the hot girls at the gym cluster about the harley and witter on, while ignoring every other bike in the place. No lie, and the essence of form over substance in action. If I had not seen it I would not have believed it.


Leave them to it ... women who "witter on" provide reasons for NO Pillion seat on a bike ..

[scumdog]

Yeah - if he gets the Harley he will need a fringed jacket - so people can tell when he's moving .. :innocent:
Moving or not moving, with a Harley you're just as cool regardless!:niceone:

[Banditbandit]

Moving or not moving, with a Harley you're just as cool regardless!:niceone:

Scummy mate - no matter what you ride cops are NEVER going to be cool ..

[GrayWolf]

Pretty wee NEW Guzzi cafe racer for sale on Tard me in Waikato for only $11.000

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/cruiser/auction-713618725.htm

Hard to argue about taste and all.....but I would rather have that one then the stone...



A few hundy to ship it down to you?? Or to go and collect it? 11k plus that? Still plenty of change from 15k,,,, and THAT is one pretty wee Guzzi. Set of Lanfranc's or Conti's mufflers on it????

The 'Ole salty dog' has just done you proud with that one!!!

[scumdog]

Scummy mate - no matter what you ride cops are NEVER going to be cool ..

Pfft! That's what YOU think!

[Banditbandit]

Pfft! That's what YOU think!

:killingme Yes - that's true .. but an assessment as to the coolness of a person is not up to that person - it is up to the rest of us.

If you think you're cool then you're NOT !!!!

[scumdog]

:killingme Yes - that's true .. but an assessment as to the coolness of a person is not up to that person - it is up to the rest of us.

If you think you're cool then you're NOT !!!!

Dead right - if you depend on being told you're cool to realise it - then you're probably not cool at all.

[ellipsis]

...everyone down south is cool at the moment...unless you're still in bed...

[Zamiam]

Of course I'm bias but if you want a group to ride with etc. it's pretty hard to go past HD. Try this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/769124597

What about the bolt, I think they look okay

http://www.trademe.co.nz/703331793

[midlifecrsis]

Of course I'm bias but if you want a group to ride with etc. it's pretty hard to go past HD. Try this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/769124597

What about the bolt, I think they look okay

http://www.trademe.co.nz/703331793

The Bolt just doesn't do it for me, really wanting a non jap bike.

The 883 you linked to had been rebuilt after significant crash. Owner picked it up from dealer went for first ride and fell off with first 100k's. Would need it gone over with a fine tooth comb before even considering it. While its not a bad price, it could be expensive to own.

[Scouse]

The Bolt just doesn't do it for me, really wanting a non jap bike.

The 883 you linked to had been rebuilt after significant crash. Owner picked it up from dealer went for first ride and fell off with first 100k's. Would need it gone over with a fine tooth comb before even considering it. While its not a bad price, it could be expensive to own.Dont do the 883 as you will get depressed when you ride up your first open road hill you will very soon wish that you bought a 1200 Sporty.

[nallac]

Dont do the 883 as you will get depressed when you ride up your first open road hill you will very soon wish that you bought a 1200 Sporty.

Good Advise... I learn't the hard way, at least it's cheap to do a 1200 conversion.......

[Zamiam]

The Bolt just doesn't do it for me, really wanting a non jap bike.

The 883 you linked to had been rebuilt after significant crash. Owner picked it up from dealer went for first ride and fell off with first 100k's. Would need it gone over with a fine tooth comb before even considering it. While its not a bad price, it could be expensive to own.

Bugga, that should really be disclosed in the ad.

[AllanB]

Bugga, that should really be disclosed in the ad.

Depends what was done - a brand new bike running up the arse of a car and bending the forks under some insurance policies means you get another brand new bike.

[awa355]

Which one is easier to fit tassles to the hand grips??

[Griffin]

I have always loved the look of the 883 iron, however would only consider owning one if it was converted to 1200 which is no cheap feat. Even then I am still put off by the tank size. Awesome looking machine tho.
I have never ridden a Guzzi and don't really see the appeal. Hope you find something that suits

[gravediggerNZ]

test ride both. more than once. the guzzi have a new V7 with six speed, the 883 iron is a very nice bike to. I own a Guzzi jackel and love it, dont like the standard california. test ride a few ,Im geussing you dont want to go japanese?

[corsaro128]

306591
I had a Breva 750 in Houston for 3 months.

Plenty of power to have fun. Suspension is soft and good for Christchurch. Good sounding. Great on gas. Seat is 10% too firm for me but my Z750 is a nazi bitch compared to the Breva.
All round a great bike. I only paid 3,000 for mine with a tiny bit of damage to it.
Would buy one again if I could find one for that price hah.