Skyflyer
Just got it firing!
I recently bought a new 2023 V7 Special Red Stripe about 5 weeks ago and already have 1,350 miles on it as I have no intention of just keeping it as a "garage queen." (1st service completed by dealer at 900 miles). I really enjoy the bike and the fact that I can maintain it (after warranty) on my own. It is a relatively simple design (dry clutch, air-cooled, sufficient electronics for my needs, but not overwhelming, etc.) which is a good thing for an amateur home "mechanic."
I did my due research prior to buying my beloved V7 Special, but after spending a few afternoons on 110+ mile journeys and preparing for some upcoming over-nighters (about 300 mile) trips, I am wondering if I should have bought the V100 Madello, as I can see the virtues of that bike for extended journeys, which will come more and more with warmer PNW (USA) weather.
I thought (re: buying the V7 Special) that my riding would be more like my riding when I was working as an airline pilot and had only a few days off each week to do a 45-60 ride to unwind from travels. I thought I'd be doing the typical 60 minute ride with a buddy, or maybe head to a coffee shop or restaurant to enjoy some drink/food and do a little reading, etc. Instead, in retirement, I find that I am enjoying that, but more and more extended riding and after a few 100+ milers I'm wanting to go much further. There's a whole lot of world out there to see, from the ground...haha! I fully plan to do the Hwy 101 west coast route this summer. In reality, I could do that on my V7 Special, but I might enjoy doing a 3,000 mile trip more on a V100 Mandello! In reality, I need two bikes, but that is a no-go, for a number of reasons.
My main concern with buying the Mandello, is the relative lack of Guzzi dealers in the western USA, and with more complexity in systems, the possibility of more parts/system failures, keeping in mind that I will most likely be my own mechanic. I'm not trying to talk myself out of a perfectly fine motorcycle, but have any of you sold your V7 850 for a V100 Mandello and regretted it? Even if you haven't gone that route, do you have any input to help me be more settled in my decision as to whether just keep and enjoy my current bike or to "upgrade" to the Mandello to "stretch my (riding) legs." Thank you!
I did my due research prior to buying my beloved V7 Special, but after spending a few afternoons on 110+ mile journeys and preparing for some upcoming over-nighters (about 300 mile) trips, I am wondering if I should have bought the V100 Madello, as I can see the virtues of that bike for extended journeys, which will come more and more with warmer PNW (USA) weather.
I thought (re: buying the V7 Special) that my riding would be more like my riding when I was working as an airline pilot and had only a few days off each week to do a 45-60 ride to unwind from travels. I thought I'd be doing the typical 60 minute ride with a buddy, or maybe head to a coffee shop or restaurant to enjoy some drink/food and do a little reading, etc. Instead, in retirement, I find that I am enjoying that, but more and more extended riding and after a few 100+ milers I'm wanting to go much further. There's a whole lot of world out there to see, from the ground...haha! I fully plan to do the Hwy 101 west coast route this summer. In reality, I could do that on my V7 Special, but I might enjoy doing a 3,000 mile trip more on a V100 Mandello! In reality, I need two bikes, but that is a no-go, for a number of reasons.
My main concern with buying the Mandello, is the relative lack of Guzzi dealers in the western USA, and with more complexity in systems, the possibility of more parts/system failures, keeping in mind that I will most likely be my own mechanic. I'm not trying to talk myself out of a perfectly fine motorcycle, but have any of you sold your V7 850 for a V100 Mandello and regretted it? Even if you haven't gone that route, do you have any input to help me be more settled in my decision as to whether just keep and enjoy my current bike or to "upgrade" to the Mandello to "stretch my (riding) legs." Thank you!
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