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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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  #16  
Old 31 Jul 2015
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OT but...

How are you finding the V7? I considered one seriously as a travel bike as it ticks all my boxes plus I think they're gorgeous. Reliability put me off. I'd be interested to hear how you are enjoying it
Alan
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  #17  
Old 31 Jul 2015
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To keep the mods happy I will direct you to the thread here

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...guzzi-v7-79979



Staying OT it's great. 300 mile range, tubeless tyres, ride it all day comfort, low, light, simple.

Reliability I wouldn't worry about. Piaggio seem to have dragged the production and spares people into the right century. Most bits are either stuff Guzzi has done right for years, or stuff Piaggio bought from the same suppliers every other bike maker uses.

Andy
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  #18  
Old 31 Jul 2015
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Heart rules

Quote:
Originally Posted by agour View Post
Hey all,

So I currently have a bmw 800gs sitting in the shed, and it's currently sitting there with little use.
I know the feeling and the scratch has to be itched.

I just changed an "adventure" bike (I have come to hate that terminology) into a crotch rocket.
I really don't care what others think which is why I am not naming either of the makes/models here; it really doesn't matter. It was my decision, alone.

I do have my eye on the MG V7 mark 2 for the future however; if I survive riding my crotch rocket and when I am thinking more sensibly once more.
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  #19  
Old 31 Jul 2015
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Will head over to link and read more

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Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie View Post
To keep the mods happy I will direct you to the thread here

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...guzzi-v7-79979



Staying OT it's great. 300 mile range, tubeless tyres, ride it all day comfort, low, light, simple.

Reliability I wouldn't worry about. Piaggio seem to have dragged the production and spares people into the right century. Most bits are either stuff Guzzi has done right for years, or stuff Piaggio bought from the same suppliers every other bike maker uses.

Andy
Brilliant. They are gorgeous little characterful bikes with good ergos, massive tank range, simple engine and a shaftie. What more could you ask for for road biased travelling
Now back to topic. Sell the GS!
Alan
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  #20  
Old 31 Jul 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alan hopkins View Post
I had an F8gs bought as a "lightweight" alternative to the ubiquitous 1200GS. I hated every mile on it and yes I did thousands of miles on and off road. I was scared of dropping and damaging it too. Not because i need to man up but because it always felt like it was about to catch me out and dump me in my ass both on and off road. And the cost of replacing all that pretty adventure plastic doesn't bare thinking about. I was really pleased to see the back of it. Too tall too heavy vague handling and fragile. I'm importing a nearly new DR from the states after considering all the options. If you fancy that let me know.
Ps. Ireland meet was a blast. Definitely be there again next year. In fact going over again in three weeks for some more of that scenery and friendly hospitality.
Wow! Quite a condemnation of the BMW R800GS! The BMW leg humpers over on ADV Rider would not be pleased at your well considered comments!
We just don't hear that many negatives on that bike from actual owners.

I was very interested in the F800GS when it first appeared ... nearly put a deposit on one. As time went by and more friends bought them my view changed. Then, a year after it's release the magazine got one to test. I only spent a few hours riding it and never really did off road.

I actually liked it a lot on the road. It fit me, handled very well, felt lighter than it was. But then you start reading about folks out on the road and the story is not so rosy.

I do remember getting back on my DR650 after testing the F800 and feeling like I was now riding a Trials bike.


Staged "off road" shot on F800GS.
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  #21  
Old 1 Aug 2015
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Generally I would tell people to ride what you already own. Unless you are good at it, buying and selling bikes constantly is a quick way to lose cash. (BUT good for me as I only buy used bikes)

Id recommend putting some knobblies and crash bars on the 800GS and ride the crap out of it, throw it down the trail a few times and get over faffing around worrying about getting salt on it.

IF you really cant do that, then sell it and buy something Japanese with one cylinder and a carb and use something that you don't mind dropping. That's the good thing with Honda XR, Yamaha XT and Suzuki DR singles, there is no cosmetic plastic guff to break on them.

As the guys have mentioned, the depreciation of it just sitting in your garage/shed is huge - may as well enjoy riding it, after its got a few dings and scratches on it you wont worry so much about it




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Last edited by Gipper; 2 Aug 2015 at 00:58.
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