I can't believe I'm thinking of trading

[dmccardle]

I may be trading in my 'S' for a Guzzi LeMans Nero Corsa. I am having real trouble making a decision.

I love the 'S' and always have. It does everything I need it to do. The riding position is great (low bars, stock pegs), It has ample power (Remus System), it will piss off squids (especially with the luggage on and camping gear strapped to the rear), it stops well (Spiegler lines), it handles well (even though at 30,000 miles it needs shocks), and is as reliable as a rock is hard.

The Guzzi has the power (about the same), has Ohlins forks and shock, the seating position is quite comfrtable, and is new (zero miles).

The Guzzi doesn't have luggage (been looking at the B-Bags Speed Pack). It doesn't have the ABS (but does have big brembo's). But it does have something.....

I have always had BMW's. I have a Guzzi now (a rare 97 Daytona RS), but the more modern Lemans is more comfortable, and could certainly take the place of the 'S' in the touring department.

I just can't make up my mind. It seems to not make since--I would be giving up more than I would gain, but those gold bits on the Guzzi seem to have an indescribable power over me.

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[levert]

Go for it!
If it makes you feel good great.If after a year you don't like it sell it and buy another used S. It might cost you a bit, if you have the money you only live once.
The guzzi does look interesting !!!

[Anton]

I've been looking at the LeMans since it came out. I love the look and sound of the bike. It could easily be my next bike. But I can tell you this, from a quantitative standpoint, the R1100S does everthing better. The beemer goes stops and turns better.

[ExarKunONe]

it is definitly beautifull. The cylinders probably give better wind protection on the legs than the S. I agree with dude above, if it gives you a warm feeling in your pants go with it, and if you dont like it used beemers are cheap.

[ckcarr]

Its only a machine.

I too am thinking - of a Ducati ST4

Its the interaction of this board is what makes it more interesting.

[motoman]

Is this bike in production for '05? Do you believe in the future of Guzzi?

[Rattus]

A word of caution. A read a less than complimentary review of this bike in UK Bike Mag. Despite the Ohlins the handling was not very good and the fit and finish was poor. If you like I can try to dig out the review (its pretty detailed and thorough) and get more details for you. But like all bike choices, if it presses the right emotional buttons and you love it then go for it... don't let me or anyone rain on your parade.

[Anton]

A few years back, they had one in all red with a 4" wide black stripe down the center of the faring, tank and tailsection - freaking gorgeous!

[Moybin]

motoman:

If Guzzi has no future maybe that's better: it might appreciate in value sooner. In this crazy world, who really knows?

I've seen the Guzzi's up close and they certainly are interesting and have beautiful lines: what else would we expect from Italy? If they had ABS they would be a serious contender for my $. But there are those who would rather not have ABS. A paralever rear and a hossack front would make them killer bikes.

Variety is the spice of life...

[motoman]

Moybin: I like Guzzi's and that Nero Corsa is a beautiful bike. However, speaking for myself, I don't have the patience to own a bike which would require me to track down parts and qualified service on a regular basis, let alone warranty coverage.

[werewulf]

one of those in mint condition was forsale at tallahassee bmw last summer and i was offered a trade for my buell. the bike looked really slick. i put the question to the RT forum and got a bunch of negative feedback about the bike. from parts issues right on down. i heard enough to know that the bike wasnt for me. for what its worth!

[Wally Anderson]

Gold annodizing is fairly inexpensive, why not turn your 1100S into a real show stopper. Just think of all the neat things you could do. It sounds like you've got the winter blues and have been spending too much time surfing on your computer. Hope you have heat in your work area, it makes the winters a little shorter.
Wally Anderson
State College, Pa.
01 R1100S
97 Ducati 916

[Moybin]

Wally Anderson:

One statement about anodizing: stripping off the old bake-on! It took me 8 hours EACH to get the stuff off my valve covers. ArabianS did nearly his whole bike in anodized black - absolutely stunning! I actually considered a dark gold or bronze powder coat. But the effort, man, the effort.

[Wally Anderson]

Moybin:
All it takes in money, let the annodizer do it!!!
Wally

[bikpaintr]

I'd think asking about the Guzzi on a Guzzi forum might give you a better picture of what the bike is really like. Asking about Italian bikes on a BMW forum will get you a lot of second hand opinions that usually don't hold water although this forum is better then most in that respect.
The latest news out of Piaggio is that Guzzi will be the touring brand & Aprilia will be the sport brand. If true these could be the last of the sport Guzzis.

[jgrm1]

Motorcycle purchase decisions are based 85% on emotion. My next bike might very well be a Guzzi. I'll never sell the 'S, though.

-Jeff

[jclark]

I rode one this one last summer - couldn't stop thinking how much it reminded me of my S.

I already have one Italian mistress - it would certainly be delicious...

Go for it!

jeff
..I, however, would also *keep* the S....

[JerryTreeXprt]

I got to ride the Nero at Americade last year. It was the last ride of the day and when we expressed our desire to rip it up a bit, the lead rider said that by the last ride of the day, they're ready to blow off some steam. I got in right behind the lead guy on about a 20-30 minute very spirited ride through some nice twisty roads around Lake George, NY. When we stopped halfway to allow people to switch bikes if they desired, 3 different people who were stuck on cruisers asked me to switch. Well, I had no desire to ride the Guzzi cruiser, not to mention I was having so much fun there was no way I was gonna give up that bike. Way fun, and the Ohlins definitely handled very well without specifically setting it up for me. In regard to fit and finish of the bike, I've seen a couple of brand new and nearly new Guzzi cruisers with rust starting to show on what seemed to be cheaply plated parts, especially chrome. I didn't notice any problems or imperfections on this one though. I'd love to have one, it's similar to the S in a lot of ways. That said, I doubt that I'd consider trading the S for one. I also got to ride the Rosso Corsa although I don't know what the difference is between the two.

[Steve Carlton]

I'd say don't do it. I had an '01 Rosso Mandello (pictured below), and it was beautiful, but not nearly as good a bike. Admittedly, no Ohlins, the frame got improved in '02, and probably the quality control, too. Bottom line, it was tractor-like compared to the BMW. And the resale of those things isn't good. Chances are good you'll have regrets... How about picking up an '02 or newer used Le Mans as a stablemate, then jettison second choice?

[Anton]

Ok, heres my take on riding the beast. I've ridden two, one bone stock, and one with pod filters and the 'off-road' pipe. In stock form it sucks. Most of the handling wows I had were a result of the motor being plugged up in stock form. Something about the way the airbox and exhaust work the bike makes no torque in stock form, especially at low RPMs. To go quick, you need to keep it reved. Its an 1100cc twin, it should rip my arms off, but whatever. So if I need to keep the revs up, I need to downshift going into corners. Now, if I rode one everyday, I would get smoother on the shifts, but here's what happens when your not used to a Guzzi. As you trail brake into the corner, you go to downshift, you find there is no cush drive between the back wheel and the really heavy flywheel, so the back tire locks momentarily, unless the revs are matched perfectly. As the tire regains traction, it must accelerate the flywheel to match road speed. Depending on which way you are turning, the bike either dives in or stands up mid-corner. Not much fun either way. So, to make progress on the stock bike, you must be much smoother than me, downshift before the turn (and go slower) or not downshift at all (and go slower). On the beemers that I have ridden, it seems like there is less flywheel, and more cushion between the rear tire and the flywheel. On my S, I downshift going into corners with only a half-fast attempt to match revs and never a problem. Now when I rode a modified Guzzi: pipe, filters and maybe a chip, I never had a problem. The only change was a smoother torque curve that required less shifting.

That being said, try one, most Moto-Guzzi dealers will let you ride 'em. So don't take my word on it. Also, contrary to what the above seems to say, I really want one.