Moto Guzzi Adventurer!

**Padmei** · 23rd July 2009, 07:40

I tohught it looked quite cool myself.... Does the engine & suspension & unobtainable spare parts really matter? I mean if you just wanted to look at it & sit on it going brom brom?

**Monstaman** · 23rd July 2009, 07:44

Originally Posted by Padmei

I tohught it looked quite cool myself.... Does the engine & suspension & unobtainable spare parts really matter? I mean if you just wanted to look at it & sit on it going brom brom?

It would still make cheap 3D art in the lounge!!, I reckon its cool.

**James Deuce** · 23rd July 2009, 14:15

The only cool thing about it is that it doesn't have the Lario's 4 valve heads and attendant hole in the piston.

How good it is as a bike depends entirely on which person (yes, person) built the bike. Mid-80s to late 90s, Guzzi was almost literally taking the piss and taking money from people for bikes that wouldn't measure up as rideable.

**Monstaman** · 23rd July 2009, 14:22

Originally Posted by James Deuce

, Guzzi was almost literally taking the piss and taking money from people for bikes that wouldn't measure up as rideable.

Funny you should say that, we were at the Guzzi factory last year, when they went home they walked across the street to their BMW's and rode off .. so much for supporting the product!!

**James Deuce** · 23rd July 2009, 14:32

Totally different story since the turn of the Century and especially now that Piaggio are running the show. I bet they were all riding the 1150 and 1200GS. If you went back today you'd find the same guys on Stelvios. They were probably doing market research, and using the GS as a baseline for the Stelvio. In fact, they may actually be riding Moto Morini Scramblers or Ducati Streetfighters now.

Don't get me wrong. a Modern Guzzi is a desireable, reliable motorcycle. I'm talking about a small window in time when Guzzi tried the same thing that the British did in the mid-70s - Try to push 50s and 60s designs well beyond sane and rational limits in an attempt to keep up with the competition.

I had one of my biggest scares in racing a million years ago when a bloke on a new Mk V Le Mans pushed a bit hard to get past my new Honda NC24 (yes I know - Clubmans isn't really racing) on the exit of Higgins at Manfield. The combined wobble, weave, and tankslapper was truly epic all I could do was sit back until he speared off at right angles to the track into the infield. I could see air under both wheels. He got flung down the track and got up OK. The bike got wedged in a ditch. He was tempted to leave it there and go home in his empty van.

**Paul in NZ** · 23rd July 2009, 19:45

Hang on hang on....

The NTX is not necessarily a terrible thing at all... Its quite rare outside europe and people who have them tend to like them. The 650 engine is OK without the lario heads and even the lario issue is relatively easily fixed these days. The 650 2V motor is modestly powered but OK as far as I know??

Biggest issue (I'm guessing) would be regular servicing of the rear universal joint which would get a right seeing to on that and it was a weakness of all small blocks that if the UJ went pop, often the back of the gearbox would go too - big time.

Mechanical parts are not an issue, body parts would be very difficult.

The looks are quirky but all the euro's made adventure bikes then, even MV had a 'scrambler' and the Moto Morini 3 1/2 and 500cc ones were quite good - to keep the french happy even triumph produced a 750cc Tiger trail model (super super rare, only ever seen 1 in NZ - big yello thing)

Look - all Guzzis have some quirks and personalitiy disorders - they are all well understood and easily lived with or solved by an enthusiastic owner. First thing - buy a copy of Guzziology...

**laRIKin** · 23rd July 2009, 21:12

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Hang on hang on....

The NTX is not necessarily a terrible thing at all... people who have them tend to like them. The 650 engine is OK without the lario heads and even the lario issue is relatively easily fixed these days. The 650 2V motor is modestly powered but OK as far as I know??

.......f the rear universal joint which would get a right seeing to on that and it was a weakness of all small blocks that if the UJ went pop, often the back of the gearbox would go too - big time.

Mechanical parts are not an issue, body parts would be very difficult.
........................................
Look - all Guzzis have some quirks and personalitiy disorders - they are all well understood and easily lived with or solved by an enthusiastic owner. First thing - buy a copy of Guzziology...

I agree.
A mate had one in Ozzy years ago to ride the back roads.(worked in the mines)
Not the most powerful bike, not the best off roader, but you could get to some funny placers on it.

If looked after and not thrashed it could be a good bike.
It is different and for the right money and if I had some spare.
I to would think about it, as SDU likes them as well, but we do not have any spare money for it.(SDU want a Thruxton)

Also if the U/J blows, and it can on this types and model of bike can blow a big hole in the ally swing arm.
Then it is as good as a right off, as I know of one person that is looking for a new/better swing arm.

Do not know if I would or could, recommend it as a main bike tho.
A real good second bike, fun bike or novelty bike tho.

After doing some reading, could not find anthinig real bad apart from being a bit underpowered.

**98tls** · 23rd July 2009, 21:19

My original post in this thread was made knowing the starter of it,my fear was that there was a chance she may have bought this thing and used it as she does the bike she has ie lots,big miles,ive nothing against MGs,hell if i could find the money for an old MK1 i would gladly find a place for it in the shed.To buy it and have only it to rely on for your motorcycling pleasure in the thread starters case would be a huge mistake.Fwiw.

**laRIKin** · 23rd July 2009, 21:28

Originally Posted by 98tls

My original post in this thread was made knowing the starter of it,my fear was that there was a chance she may have bought this thing and used it as she does the bike she has ie lots,big miles,ive nothing against MGs,hell if i could find the money for an old MK1 i would gladly find a place for it in the shed.To buy it and have only it to rely on for your motorcycling pleasure in the thread starters case would be a huge mistake.Fwiw.

I have no problem with what you wrote.
You are right in they are not the right bike for everyone.
It is best if you can, or a friend understands these bikes and can work on them.
And as I said, this may not be a good main bike.
It could prove to been.

**MyGSXF:Me** · 23rd July 2009, 22:27

Originally Posted by 98tls

My original post in this thread was made knowing the starter of it,my fear was that there was a chance she may have bought this thing and used it as she does the bike she has ie lots,big miles,ive nothing against MGs,hell if i could find the money for an old MK1 i would gladly find a place for it in the shed.To buy it and have only it to rely on for your motorcycling pleasure in the thread starters case would be a huge mistake.Fwiw.

Tis ok hun.. I am only tyre kicking... got noooo money anyway..

(trying to source funding to pay for my rider training instructor quals is my priority...

)

besides.. I love the GSXF too damn much..