Moto Guzzi Added To Stable

When the best time to buy a motorcycle? The answer to that question has become something of a cliche because “when you see it” seems, at least on the surface, to be just too simple of a response.

It’s a sound reason, though, that took me more than 10 years to learn. If you see it and like it, you’d better buy it or it’ll soon be gone.

I wasn’t looking for another bike. Really. But when a 1994 Moto Guzzi California 1100 with a Russell seat, saddlebags and fewer than 10,000 miles on the odometer showed up on Craigslist before Christmas, the only logical move was to act. I emailed the owner, went to see it, agreed on the price, withdrew the cash and picked it up. It’s now sitting in the garage awaiting spring.

Why a Moto Guzzi? Why this Moto Guzzi?

There are a few reasons:

– Friends own Moto Guzzis and swear by them.  One friend, Brian O’Neil of Cornwall, CT, has four of them. At least I think it’s four. It’s hard to keep track.

– I’ve never owned one. Over the years, there have been BMWs, Triumphs, Yamahas, a Harley-Davidson, a Honda , a Suzuki and who know what else in the garage, but never a Moto Guzzi.

– I wanted something to ride on longer excursions, and likely on the Interstate. My wee black dog is nearly 16 years old. She’s not going to be around forever. Her passing – hopefully not too soon – will free me for getaways and the Moto Guzzi seems suited to the task.

– It’s different. In a motorcycle world filled with lookalike bikes and import clones, this Moto Guzzi stands out. Not only because of its styling, but because of its bold color scheme – yellow over black.

– I like the way the transverse mounted V-twin makes the bike rock back and forth upon start-up. It feels like its anxious to take off.

– And I like old bikes.

Is that enough reasons?

Since bringing it home – was it really only a week ago? – I’ve been perusing websites and checking out Facebook pages. I was aware of IMOC and its website, but hadn’t heard of WildGuzzi.com before. I immediately registered to access its forum.

Facebook pages for the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club and for IMOC (the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club) were quickly discovered. And, moments ago, a gentleman named Reima Saarinen invited me to “like” the Forza Guzzi Finlandia page.

An hour ago, I made the “mistake” of posting my purchase on the Moto Guzzi National Owners Club’s FB page, and was immediately shark-attacked by well-wishers. A nice feeling, but unsurprising given the welcoming dispositions of Moto Guzzi owners that I’ve met over the years out on the road and at the annual IMOC meet in Sturbridge, MA.

As I noted in a recent email to that event’s co-chair, John Harris, this will be the first year I’ll be able to “park on the grass” at IMOC. The routine is that riders on non-Italian bikes must park in the dusty parking lot and walk down to the show.

Sure am looking forward to it!