My home town: Gloucester City, NJ. Just across the river from Philadelphia. "The City of Brotherly Love."
Country I live in: USA
My Occupation: 6 color Press operator. Printer/ Music, DVD, Video Game and Computer Software packaging industries.
How I found Squadra Guzzista: Great minds think alike!
About Me...I was born and raised in New Jersey and grew up in the 70's going to all manner of great concerts just across the river in Philadelphia, PA. Since 1985, I have been living in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I am married, 3 kids, 2 bassett hounds and a great old farmhouse that my wife and I have been remodeling for the past few years. We live on 5 acres of private land. Our closest neighbors are sheep and cattle! I am an avid Chess freak, love photography, history of all sorts, travelling (For the past few years, England has been the destination of choice) I don't have time for folks who try to be something they aren't. I would rather know the person behind the mask, rather than the mask itself. I am a music freak. I enjoy all types of music except Rap, Country, drippy pop stuff ( unless it's the 70's drippy pop stuff!), Punk, and Death Metal. I have a website where you can view my interests and my music collection.http://home.mchsi.com/~progprinter2/ I am also very much an American Civil War history buff. I am an honorary member of the 58th North Carolina Infantry regiment and I have particicpated in one Civil War battle reenactment. It was really cool to be a part of. I was shot and killed at 12, 2 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon! LOL! I support many of the Online Progressive Rock artists and a great music festival in the USA called ProgDay. http://www.progday.com I hope to see some of you out there on the roads of the USA this year!
More about me...
How long have I been riding bikes? off and on for 25 years. but no riding since 1985. so I'm back in the learning phase.
Why Moto Guzzi? Great looking bike in a world of Crotch Rocket BMW's and Harley wannabees.
How/when I first became interested in Moto Guzzi: 1979. A friend had a Le Mans.
My main type of riding is: Pleasure/ Mellow/Easy. Kick back and enjoy the scenery.
About my Guzzi...
What is it (model/year): 2003 California EV
How long I have owned it: May 11, 2007
Is this my first Moto Guzzi: Yes
Other Guzzis in my stable: none
Modifications I have made and why: I wanted the EV Touring model, but this one is just as good, it just didn't come with all the bells and whistles that I wanted. No matter. I put a set of Hepco And Becker Saddlebags on it, a National Cycle Plexifairing windshield, Guzzi Highway pegs, and a set of Moto-Lites. They are mounted at the front wheel, just above the brakes. I love these lights because there is a lot of fog around these mountains in the early morning. So to keep from getting hit by the morons.... The bike is slowly becoming a long range touring machine and I hope to do an east coast road trip this year from NC to NJ and beyond!
The bike's main purpose is: Cheap Therapy!
It's quirks: Well, the bike was bought in 2007. But it is a 2003 and woefully left in the garage. So a few little issues cropped up in the first weeks of owning the bike. ( the fuel filter dry rotted and clogged the line. The Speedo cable rusted and broke. The battery went out on me in the middle of a short trip and thew clutch went out on me at 5500 miles ( an issue that was under recall for the 2003 models, but Guzzi would not honor this repair, but they did do the camshaft.)
How it compares with other bikes I've owned: The only bike I could compare it to is my 82 BMW R65LS. There is no comparison. Both bikes are great in their own right.
What it's like to live with: Excellent.
What it's like to ride: Awesome
My bike's most appealing feature is: There aren't a lot of Guzzi's around here so it's a great conversation piece! I've heard everything from "I thought they were out of business!" to "I ain't never seen a motorsickle like that there before." Funny piece here: When I registered the bike here in North Carolina, The lady at the DMV asked me what kind of bike it was. I replied "Moto Guzzi." They replied "A what?" I said, "It's a Moto Guzzi! It's an Italian Bike." Finally, she said "Is it legal in the United States?" I was really getting frustrated by now. I said, "Yes, it's legal in the US." She said "does it have 2 wheels or 4?" I said "It's a motorcycle! It has TWO wheels, one frigging headlight and one damned taillight. It has no doors, no radio, nothing. It's a FU**ING motorcycle!" A look of fear come over her now, and she said.... "Well, I'll have to call the State capitol to find out what kind of bike it is." I was numb from this ordeal, but finally just burst out in laughter!
General Guzzi stuff...
What I think of current Guzzi models:The Norge is a great looking bike but I think it looks too much like a BMW K1200 GT. I think Guzzi should go on with their own identity and not try to imitate BMW or anyone else. The new California is sweet. I hope to get one of those very soon.
If I could, the one I'd buy tomorrow: 2008 California Vintage
My all time favourite Guzzi: Mine!
If I were boss at Mandello I would: get Guzzi out of the apparent financial chaos it is in.
My multimedia...
DEFINING SHOTS
My addiction. Italian Food, Italian Motorcycles, Italian Progressive Rock Music!
Mrs. Claus says if I'm really really good this year.......
Say hello! Leave me a comment below, or send me a private message or compliment!
the skyway photos are beautiful I'll have to check that out someday I assume that is in N.C.? it appears we have some things in common, I used to be a pressman, heidelburg GTO, kamori 4 color, and of course the 'ol ab dick and multilith.(I hope I don't have nightmares tonight) but I have given that up for working with the handicapped I find it more rewarding. I am also a music freak and have 2 Guzzis a triumph tiger. and find history verry interesting. If you ever decide to take a ride to Missouri Ozarks let me know, I live about 10 miles from Wilson's creek battlefield this is where Gen. Lyon fell and tens of thousands of troops fell with him at a place called bloody hill. Downtown Springfield has some old civil war era homes one of wich was a hospital during the war between the states for the north. and by the way.... where do you get Italian progressive rock? give me some titles, I'll try to check it out on the www. john schurke Springfield mo.
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