So, HD 883 Iron or Moto Guzzi V7 Stone?

[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.

[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.

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

[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.

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?


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
Midlifecrisis

883'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.