I've only owned 6 motorcycles since I first started riding (some 37 years ago) but all of them were (are) all really great bikes. In order: 1969 Triumph Trophy Trail; 1972 Yamaha XT500; 2001 Triumph Sprint ST; 2003 Yamaha FZ1; 2010 BMW R1200RT (still); and 2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport (still). My only regrets are that I sold the '69 Triumph and the fact that I don't have pictures of all of the bikes. But, they all conjure up their own sets of memories that will last forever.
As far as the bikes I presently own, both have their own unique and distinct character... That's pretty obvious just looking at them.
The BMW is a mechanical and technological wonder. An excellent example of German engineering at its finest! This bike eats the mileage with effortless comfort. Riding for 700-750 miles per day is no problem for this touring machine. I've owned her since she was new (about 20 months) and she now has 25,000 on the odometer. I can easily see putting 100,000 miles on this bike.
The Moto Guzzi however, is a totally different machine! It is a wild beast of a bike. Riding the Guzzi feels like you are strapped to the hood of a muscle car flying down the drag strip while hanging on by your finger tips. The high compression pistons and custom exhaust system also makes it sound like a V8 dragster, but with the unmistakable note of a twin. Engine braking on this bike (preceded with the obligatory rpm-matching blip) is music!!
Unlike riding the BMW, I am really ready for a break after about 100 miles on the Guzzi. The bike has tons of low end torque and yet cruises nicely at highway speed or in traffic around town in 3rd gear of the 6-speed gear box. But, as fun as it is to ride, it's as fun parked in front of the local coffee shop watching it attract admirers. It's a gorgeous Italian design! Both bikes get lots of comments, but the Guzzi definitely draws a crowd. It's a modern day classic that oozes character, style, and raw power.
As far as the bikes I presently own, both have their own unique and distinct character... That's pretty obvious just looking at them.
The BMW is a mechanical and technological wonder. An excellent example of German engineering at its finest! This bike eats the mileage with effortless comfort. Riding for 700-750 miles per day is no problem for this touring machine. I've owned her since she was new (about 20 months) and she now has 25,000 on the odometer. I can easily see putting 100,000 miles on this bike.
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| Twin Lakes, CO |
Unlike riding the BMW, I am really ready for a break after about 100 miles on the Guzzi. The bike has tons of low end torque and yet cruises nicely at highway speed or in traffic around town in 3rd gear of the 6-speed gear box. But, as fun as it is to ride, it's as fun parked in front of the local coffee shop watching it attract admirers. It's a gorgeous Italian design! Both bikes get lots of comments, but the Guzzi definitely draws a crowd. It's a modern day classic that oozes character, style, and raw power.
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