Any Guzzi owners in The Waikato?

[greenman]

Hi,
I'm interested in either a Sport 1100 or V11, but I know no-one who has a Guzzi. Is there anyone in the Waikato who can help me? I'm really wanting to know what are the problems, and if I find something I like, what should be been looking for with regard to mods.
I've been trolling the forums, but all I get is conficting information, eg fifth gear in sport 1100 only lasting 50K, or don't buy anything in the years 2001-2002.
Also i want to take a bit of a test ride, but at the moment there are no dealers in the North Island (except for the wai-rapa) who have anything.

thanks in advance.

[SDU]

Hi ya I'm not in your area but I love my 2001 V11Sport.
A lot off people don't like the earlier ones -with the red frame as they are a bit shorter wheel base & handle faster. Also some V11's had gearbox problems which a factory recall fixed that. Mine was done (a small part changed) when I got it last year, but I got the parts & it done under factory warranty. Most older Guzzi's you have to positive with third gear but the newer ones are smoother. Oh yeah they are not good to wheelie as you will stuff the gearbox for sure apparently.
Someone with some technical knowledge will be along soon but meantime
have a look at some sites-all bikes have something to watch for, sometimes blown out off portion.

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5691

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.

http://www.guzzitech.com

http://www.motoguzziclub.co.uk/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=2

[nudemetalz]

My one is the next model on from SDU's with the slightly longer wheelbase.
I love it to bits but you have to be dedicated to owning it.
What I mean is little things can go wrong
- my sidestand switch stuffed out 'causing the bike to die.
- the battery crapped out, rather dear as they're gel-batteries.
- bulbs go sometimes when you least expect it.
- keep a supply of fuses too.
- my sidestand tang has just broken off (could happen to any bike I guess).
- keep the maintenance up on them, shaft greased- oil changed done periodically.

HOWEVER......

They take a bit to get used to riding when coming from a Japanese litre-bike.
You don't just jump on and ride fast. But once you get the hang of riding them, they're great....and the sound is awesome !!!!

[SDU]

http://justmotorcycles.motorcycletrader.co.nz

These guys have a couple off Guzzis to check out. Grab a cheap flight & go for a couple off rides.