My home town: Kuwait City Country I live in: Kuwait
My Occupation: Officer, British Army
How I found Squadra Guzzista: They found me!
More about me...
How long have I been riding bikes? Since 14 years of age - I am now 46 and still in one piece. Just.
Why Moto Guzzi? Bought an I-Convert as a penniless student and drove it to Italy for my summer holiday in 1985. Six weeks and over three thousand miles later I was hooked. Have owned two Converts since and regret selling both of them. Also restored and sold on; Cali 1, Cali 2, Cali 3, Stornello Scrambler and still working on a '71 V7 Special.
How/when I first became interested in Moto Guzzi: My next-door neighbour, a commercial pilot and a dyed-in-the-wool BMW man, bought an SP1000 in 1980. Tragically he was later killed on it but I never forgot the noise it used to make as it came down the street. When I first saw my first V1000 I-Convert in a Manchester bike showroom I borrowed some money off my then girlfriend to buy it. Yes, she was a great girl! Still is, actually. I later sold that one to an Army pal. No, the Convert!
My main type of riding is (competition/pleasure/commute/work): Touring, or will be....
About my Guzzi...
What is it (model/year): '71 V700.
How long I have owned it: Seems like years. Actually about 18 Months.
Is this my first Moto Guzzi: No! See above the sad tale of Guzzis loved and lost.
Other Guzzis in my stable: '74 Stornello 125 Scrambler. I bought it back.
Modifications I have made and why: V700 bores newly nikasilled, new big/little ends and rings, Valeo starter motor conversion, rebuilt gearbox and converted to left-hand shift so I won't go over the bars so often, new paint, new Battlax tyres - the rear is wider after a tip from the 'States, stainless silencers, re-chromed crash bars, stateside Ambassador bars, new fork legs (what a performance re-building those!), re-built 4 speed gearbox from Moto Corsa (thanks again Mike), new loom, gear linkages, new locks on the tool boxes, still loads to do and I don't think I am going to get to the factory on this one this year. Maybe next....
The bike's main purpose is: To absorb my paltry salary. Please keep paying your taxes.
Its quirks: How long have you got?
How it compares with other bikes I've owned: I think I'm turning Japanese. No. Not really.
What it's like to live with: Expensive. I am never going to do another re-build. Ever. So there!
What it's like to ride: I'll let you know when it's finished.
My bike's most appealing feature is: It's just so, well...static!
My bike's best feature is: Its docility.
Would I recommend one like it to my best friend?: If I had any - I've spent so much time in the garage.
Would I own another, given the chance: Yes. V850 GT or Cali I think. Or I'd buy a GS 850 and actually ride someplace....
General Guzzi stuff...
What I think of current Guzzi models: I am delighted they are still in business! I only wish I could afford one.
If I could, the one I'd buy tomorrow: Cali Vintage but they are way over-priced. Bellagio is good - daft name though - and no luggage.
My all time favourite Guzzi: 850 T3 Cali.
If I were boss at Mandello I would: Turn up for work. Happily.
My multimedia...
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