Howdy from Bucks County, PA

I've made a few posts as a new GRiSO owner on this forum, but I've delayed the intro until I could figure out which image hosting site I wanted to go with. Sorry it's taken a while, but at least I now have a few pics to post.

Firstly though, I'd like to thank everyone here for the wealth of information that has been put up on this website- very helpful, with some good laughs mixed in to boot. I plan to put it to good use! And, I hope you don't mind if I ask you (collectively) for some advice from time to time. I'll do the best I can to contribute as well, though despite being in bikes off and on (mostly on), I've never done much wrenching beyond basic maintenance on my street bikes. Dirt bikes were a different matter, but I sold my little KTM 125 EXC last year, and think I'll just be sticking to the street from here on out. So, time to dig into it.

Anyway, my name is Ron Lakes, I'm coming up on 57 as of this writing, and have been living in PA for the past 25 years or so. Beautiful state, lots of good riding, though the roads could always be better. Autobon smooth they're not! I've been a fan of the Moto Guzzi marque since I was a kid, seeing the V7 Sport in Petersen's Motorcycle Buyer's Guide in 1973, then saw one at the local Suzuki dealer in Oxnard, California where I grew up. Nothing else out there like it, not then, and not now. They just speak to me like no other motorcycle does.

My first Guzzi was this: 1997 Daytona RS. And though this image didn't come off my camera roll, I'm pretty sure I was the original owner. Bought it from "The Spare Parts Company" in downtown Philly, and mine had the Raceco UK 'big bore' exhaust as you see here, as well as the intake trumpets and polished head guards. It doesn't appear to have the Heli Modified clip-ons I had on mine (which gave it a riding position a little closer to that of a sport tourer, though not quite). Fueling was pretty poor, as I hadn't done anything to it and it was pretty bad even before the mods. But on the top end it really pulled hard, to the point of starving the oil pickup in the sump (red light would come one- disconcerting to say the least!). Sure was pretty though.

Next Guzzi was my 2000 V11 Sport: Green/Red V11 Sport. It also had a Raceco UK 'big bore' exhaust, plus the K&N rock strainers. Plus a PCIII. Did a bang up job of just gutting the low end, though from 5k-8K it ran strong (dyno'd at 86 bhp on Ferracci's dyno). There were probably better options out there, but it sure did look cool, at least to my eye. A very nice bike, and I parted with it only because we had our daughter (who is now 9 as of this wriiting). But I couldn't take it any longer. I really missed riding, being part of the greater motorcycle community, and the Guzzi fold specifically! I considered other bikes (Ducati, MV, that's about it- just something about those Italians!). But had to go with the GRiSO. I guess I always knew I'd be back...

Here she is: Rosso Trophy GRiSO, and Rosso Trophy GRiSO (2) and here: Rosso Trophy GRiSO (3).

For me, it's a toss up between the Rosso Trophy and the Tenni, though the Diablo Niro has grown on me as well. What the hell, they all look great! Got a few goodies to put on her (err, him, though I just can't bring myself to think of my motorcycle as a 'him'). Tail-tidy, fly screen (Givi), oil cooler grill, exhaust (should have a Zard I picked up for cheap, as well as a GT-RX Meg-muffler from Todd). For starters.

We Grisisti (?) in the PA/NJ/DE area should do a greet and ride come spring.

Cheers,

Ron

Hi Ron. You have very good taste

Tod. wrote:

Hi Ron. You have very good taste

Thanks, Tod, but I'm not so sure. After all, here's my wife's and my car: Fiat 500L Trekking

Lots of folks sure think this thing is ugly. Not that I care mind ya, because it's pretty much the neatest car we've ever had (and I've had some pretty neat cars over the years). It's just a great car! Largely unappreciated here in the states. Also, the Euro-Twin clutch automated manual trans is giving a few folks fits. But we love it! I guess ugly is in the eye of the beholder too...

Welcome! Nice bikes all.

Looks like the U.S. Mid-Atlantic is becoming a third-front of Guzzi-Cabalism.

I like your idea of Spring ride - but don't forget about us just south of the Mason-Dixon Line!

Tod. wrote:

Hi Ron. You have very good taste

 +1

Hi mate, personally love that colour scheme.

Hello and welcome to the Ghetto

Welcome Ronbo10.

I'm right across the river from you.  There's a pretty active Guzzi group here in NJ and you should ride over and join us when you can.

We have a message board located here: MGNOC of NJ Check it to see when we're getting together again.

In case you are not aware, there is an event called "The Gathering of the Norton's" over at Washington's Crossing Park early in April.  We usually ride our Guzzis over as a group and sometimes there have been more Guzzi's than Norton's    Here's the Flyer:2015 Flyer

If you join us, then there'll be at least two GRiSO's there.  That's enough for a cabal right?

Eric

Nice intro and history/pics. Thanks for posting!

Hi Ron and Welcome to the Ghetto.....

I have a little black 2013 Fiat 500 (as well as my white GRiSO)

I get lots of different reactions, especially when I get my 100kg 6'2" frame out of it. Most though are positive

I don't care what anyone else thinks, because I like it. After all, I drive it and I paid for it!

Some days its dimensions come in handy:

This was taken the day my daughter was born. It was the last park across from the hospital, because, as you can see, no one else would have fitted due to someone's thoughtlessness.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Howdy Ron,

Welcome! Have not even read your post yet....your location caught my eye. Used to live in Buck's County years ago in the Bensalem / Neshaminy Creek area back in '94. Was working at the NE Philly airport for a while and enjoyed jaunts out along the Delaware River up into New Hope etc... I hope all is still well in that part of the world and have many good memories of my time spent there. Glad to have you on board and congrats on that beautiful red / black ride you have!

Enjoy!

Tassiedevil71 wrote:

Hi Ron and Welcome to the Ghetto.....

I have a little black 2013 Fiat 500 (as well as my white GRiSO)

I get lots of different reactions, especially when I get my 100kg 6'2" frame out of it. Most though are positive

I don't care what anyone else thinks, because I like it. After all, I drive it and I paid for it!

****

First, congratulations on your daughter's birth.  Not sure how many of the little ones you have, but if your first, life as you knew it is over.  

And, that's a good thing.

We have three grown daughters (who have givens 10 grandbabies).  All daughters (and most grandbabies   ) are delights.  A few minor speed bumps along the way, but such creatures have charmed their dads over the millennia -- including me -- and yours will do same for you.

As for Fiat, I love 'em.  Had a 1976 131.  Bought it new in Virginia and immediately shipped it to Italy.  No, really.  

Put 215K+ on it.  Brought it back to the US after three years of driving it all over Europe.

Contrary to many folks' apparent experiences, mine was a great car.  Only sold it because family grew larger than it.  Hmmmmm. Hope you don't have to buy a Volvo now, too.  

Trust, too, you have seen the Superbowl commercial for the new model.  If not ...



Bill

Hey Bill, that beats our Jeep ad. Love it.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Love that kid.

1151 wrote:

Howdy Ron,

Welcome! Have not even read your post yet....your location caught my eye. Used to live in Buck's County years ago in the Bensalem / Neshaminy Creek area back in '94. Was working at the NE Philly airport for a while and enjoyed jaunts out along the Delaware River up into New Hope etc... I hope all is still well in that part of the world and have many good memories of my time spent there. Glad to have you on board and congrats on that beautiful red / black ride you have!

Enjoy!

Oops- Sorry, Grignapoco. I think I might have just given you some sort of negative vote- not my intention! Thank you and to all for the warm welcomes. Yes, I came to the Bucks County area in '90, so I guess you could say it's changed a bit since then. Back then I was living just north of you in Newtown. Nice area, but Newtown/Yardly- a bit pricey, and I later learned, also considered to be a bit snooty, though I didn't pick up on that too much. Just the impressions your more salt of the earth folks had of Newtown residents, I gathered. I just had a town home, and a couple of (Egads!) motorcycles, so I guess I didn't quite fit into that mold. It is a great area though- some of the prettiest countryside in the states, in my experience anyway.

You ever find yourself out this way again, look me up!

Cheers,

Ron

Thanks Bill,

She (Matilda) is number 3 and is 9mths old now. My older two are boys: 7 (Harry) and 5 (Clancy).  I know what you mean about "life as I knew it" but I wouldn't have it any other way . Needless to say she is the apple of my eye and I love her to bits.

Fantastic commercial!! I hadn't seen it before.

From where I am sitting, I think the old guy is still doing okay even without his little blue pill, after all his wife (or mistress) is still keen on him!! That's 99% of the battle won.

In Australia when I told people I bought a F I A T I got a lot of: "Fix It Again Tony" responses.

I hope my little Fiat turns out to be as reliable as yours, so far so good.....

Bill Hagan wrote:

Tassiedevil71 wrote:

Hi Ron and Welcome to the Ghetto.....

I have a little black 2013 Fiat 500 (as well as my white GRiSO)

I get lots of different reactions, especially when I get my 100kg 6'2" frame out of it. Most though are positive

I don't care what anyone else thinks, because I like it. After all, I drive it and I paid for it!

****

First, congratulations on your daughter's birth.  Not sure how many of the little ones you have, but if your first, life as you knew it is over.  

And, that's a good thing.

We have three grown daughters (who have givens 10 grandbabies).  All daughters (and most grandbabies   ) are delights.  A few minor speed bumps along the way, but such creatures have charmed their dads over the millennia -- including me -- and yours will do same for you.

As for Fiat, I love 'em.  Had a 1976 131.  Bought it new in Virginia and immediately shipped it to Italy.  No, really.  

Put 215K+ on it.  Brought it back to the US after three years of driving it all over Europe.

Contrary to many folks' apparent experiences, mine was a great car.  Only sold it because family grew larger than it.  Hmmmmm. Hope you don't have to buy a Volvo now, too.  

Trust, too, you have seen the Superbowl commercial for the new model.  If not ...



Bill

Thanks for writing, Bill. My first auto was in fact a '71 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe, with the little 1438 cc engine. It was a hoot, and it got me through the last year and a half of high school, plus 5 years of junior college! Actually, I went to San Jose State for 4, and sold the Fiat with about 145,000 miles on her. Bought her with 80K, and was still reasonably reliable.

A few scary moments- brake pedal to the floor once coming off the interstate (no brakes!), and the thing dying on me at about 11pm in the middle of nowhere on a drive up from my folks' place in Oxnard. Popped the hood and the exhaust manifold was glowing orange hot. Turns out I had forgotten to tighten down the distributor shaft after setting the timing. Went full retarded (the timing, I mean. Apparently I had already gone full retarded earlier that day!)  and finally (I guess) sort of vapor locked or something from the heat. Thought for sure I was going to have a warped head, but I let her cool off, cinched the d.s. down and no further problems.

Another time the brass fitting coming on the intake manifold to which the fuel line ran came off mid drive. Fuel spraying all over the exhaust manifold! Don't know why it didn't ignite, but it didn't. I must lead a charmed life! Stuck the fitting back in and held it together with some dental floss, which was enough to get me home. The things we poor college kids did back in those days, LOL. So all that plus the occasional electrical bugaboo, but nothing that stranded me. Still, good memories.

I think cars were just kind of like that in general back then. We're pretty spoiled today. Our 500L has had 0 problems (in only 7,300 miles so far though).

By the way, some dealers are just blowing out their 2014 500L stock, esp. those with the dual dry clutch transmission (seems either they're great, or they're really bad). I've seen close to $10K off retail reported on some forums. Personally,  I love the DDCT, and after test driving a 2015 500L with the Aisin torque converter automatic, I definitely prefer the DDCT. Still, YMMV. I think we can look for some cool stuff to come out of Fiat/Alfa in the years to come.

Cheers,

Ron

Guzziboy66 wrote:

Welcome Ronbo10.



In case you are not aware, there is an event called "The Gathering of the Norton's" over at Washington's Crossing Park early in April.  We usually ride our Guzzis over as a group and sometimes there have been more Guzzi's than Norton's    Here's the Flyer:2015 Flyer

If you join us, then there'll be at least two GRiSO's there.  That's enough for a cabal right?

Eric

Absolutely, Eric- count me in, and thanks for the welcome!

Cheers,

Ron

Tassiedevil71 wrote:

Hi Ron and Welcome to the Ghetto.....

I have a little black 2013 Fiat 500 (as well as my white GRiSO)

I get lots of different reactions, especially when I get my 100kg 6'2" frame out of it. Most though are positive

I don't care what anyone else thinks, because I like it. After all, I drive it and I paid for it!

Some days its dimensions come in handy:

This was taken the day my daughter was born. It was the last park across from the hospital, because, as you can see, no one else would have fitted due to someone's thoughtlessness.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Thanks, Tassiedevil71- I love the 500's. Came close to getting one (my wife doesn't know just how close), and I think they're great cars. Even the non-turbo versions- they're tons of fun. I could see getting one at some point, maybe once my daughter's in college. Can't make out what wheels you have on yours. They look like they're stamped steel with white walls, which from a distance makes them look like they're plus 2's with ultra low profile tires. You have anything done to yours?

Cheers,

Ron

Cheeky thread hi-jack alert by an old Alfa owner.  Hey FIAT guys, you mean 'Fix It Again Tony' doesn't apply any more?

plantboy wrote:

Cheeky thread hi-jack alert by an old Alfa owner.  Hey FIAT guys, you mean 'Fix It Again Tony' doesn't apply any more?

I think mostly just to the hoards that love to post that comment following any main stream press review of a Fiat, most of them too young to have ever experienced one (at least in North America), each of them thinking they're just as clever as the last to post it, and only if just to show the world that they're auto-savvy and cool. At least that's my take on it. Not to say that Fiat are the most reputable auto manufacturer out there, but I don't think the present day Fiat is worthy of that sort of criticism. Compared to your Hyundai's and Toyota's and Ford's etc. they are a different ride. Sort of like our Guzzi's. To me, they have that special something, and either you get it or you don't.

Now, a late '60's/early 70's Alfa GTV 1750/2000 would really float my boat. I always thought that was just about the prettiest car out there of that vintage anywhere near its price, with good performance for the era. They've been appreciating quite a bit over the recent years.

And as for thread hi-jacking, I sort of left the door open to it in the originating post of this thread, so no worries on my part!

You went to San Jose State? I grew up in Santa Clara Valley. Nice to hear. I had a brief love affair with a 1979 Fiat X1/9 and I still want another one but I keep throwing money at motorcycles instead.

DM

DungeonMaster wrote:

You went to San Jose State? I grew up in Santa Clara Valley. Nice to hear. I had a brief love affair with a 1979 Fiat X1/9 and I still want another one but I keep throwing money at motorcycles instead.

DM

Yep, started out in Geology, switched to Aero. Really enjoyed my time there- loved the whole bay area. It was so different from SOCAL, and college was a great experience any way I sliced it.  Tuition was $94 a semester, plus books. Yes, I am and will always be grateful to the CA taxpayers, for subsidizing my education.  

I remember when the X1/9 debuted in the states- 1974 it was. First time my bro and I saw one cruising down Oxnard's main street, sort of a root beer brown, it might as well have been a Countach. "DID YOU SEE THAT?!!!" We both thought that was the coolest car ever. Test drove a few, but things never quite lined up to get one. Looking at them today, boy they sure are tiny. And expensive to keep up, I gather. I think motorcycles are probably a better investment in time and money- just more involving in a lot of different ways.

Ron

Hi Ron, my little 500 is just the POP manual version, which is the base model here in Australia.

The wheels are just the standard steel rims. I bought a set on nicer 500 wheel covers that have a part chrome finish and had some Atlas whitewall tyre inserts fitted. My kids loved the "Cars" movie so I got the idea from that.

The whitewalls are due for replacement now so I am looking to next install a wider insert and do something like this (below) or get an alternative polished chrome center hub cap:

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Other than getting the windows dark tinted just recently, it is stock.



Taz

My sister has the 500 Abarth version in Red - It's like driving a go kart or something on steriods!!!

I like the interior, especially the front facia.

We always used to hear the saying the only bit that worked on a Fiat was the rear window demister as that was actually to keep your hands warm as you pushed it.

I had a 124 and an Uno later on and had no issues other than rust [ welcome to the UK ]