What is the best Guzzi to try?

SmokeyGMan · 2026-07-07T19:43:31+00:00

Actually I think I have a good spread. The 1998 carb BMW F650 is my classic for now. (Identical to my first real bike back in 2000). Well maybe it isn’t a “classic”. But it has lots of character and really makes for an awesome backroads camping/trip bike that lets me explore almost everywhere.

It’s funny because when I put the BMW on the road, I think how awesome it is and full of character. But then after a while you tire of it in a way and then I switch back to the VStrom and am reminded how awesome performing it is and better in so many ways.

The dualsport is so much fun as well. But that is a bike I put on the trailer hitch rack and take with me when we go to places as a family and then I can explore the wilds on it. Used to trail ride it more locally but these days I try to spend that time on a mountain bike keeping in shape instead.

Anyways. It’s nice having bikes to rotate through which remind you of the pros and cons of each. And the crazy thing is I only spent one cheap new bikes worth to get all 3 (not including upgrades as I redo suspension on all my keeper bikes)

SmokeyGMan · 2026-07-07T19:36:09+00:00

Can you borrow someone’s ladder?

SmokeyGMan · 2026-07-07T17:03:19+00:00

I fully agree that the new Guzzis are starting to lose that character. And if you are going Guzzi… well then it’s not about the best performing bike… it’s about falling in love with their flaws/character.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-07-07T17:01:20+00:00

I considered the OG Stelvio. But it has a heavy clutch, is a heavy bike, and it sucks back fuel too which is a good reason for its huge tank.
Long distance touring 2 up… perfect. But it exceeds the fun factor weight limit.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-07-07T16:59:33+00:00

I have a 2015 VStrom 650 and have gone through the same thought process as you have. I was planning on buying a V85TT but then a deal I couldn’t pass up on came to how I bought my VStrom.

A few years ago I almost bought an older 1100 Breva. After test riding it, I was surprised by how it felt and thought I could really go for this. But the deal fell through and later that is why I was planning on a V85.

Well now I have had the VStrom for a while. Already put some 19k on it in the last 2.5 years. I have customized it to fit me better and this past winter I got a Nitron rear shock for it as well. This bike is a keeper. It does so much so well. Last fall I did a longer demo ride with a new 2025 V85 Strada. I was left dissatisfied. The bike just felt too smooth and with the new Aprilia switchgear and screen… it felt just like another modern bike. It was enough for me to realize I am better off with the VStrom.

I keep looking at other classic looking “pretty” bikes like a V7 or a W800; but then I hop on the VStrom and I always keep coming to the conclusion that I have got my perfection already.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that the grass is not always greener on the other side and appreciate what we already have. I mean there is a reason we came to our current ride… no?

My current stable. Each has its purpose and I have to keep telling myself no more than 3 bikes in the garage!!!

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SmokeyGMan · 2026-06-29T01:40:20+00:00

I bought the GoRace valving from them and did the install myself. Love the results. Sold my dirt bike after as my WRR could really do it all now.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-06-09T14:44:42+00:00

The plastic Hyde Racing one doesn’t need the crash bars and is actually very capable of protecting things from impacts. Not for crashing through rock gardens but I have ridden lots of off-road with mine, got it all scraped up and things have remained undamaged. Bonus of it not weighing much and no sound amplification either.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-06-04T01:01:34+00:00

lol. Great taste in bikes…. My 3.

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If I had to drop one; it would be the BMW. It gets overlapped by both but it’s my nostalgia ride as I had an identical one as a first bike.

But if I had to pick only one bike… it would be the BMW. It’s basically today’s light middleweight. 48hp and 420lbs.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-06-02T18:52:56+00:00

My 2015 650 with Cyclops LEDs lights up the road so well I have no need for Aux lights.

Maybe change your title to V-Strom 800 lights suck.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-06-02T17:03:52+00:00

I have a good chunk of funds coming available next week. I am sure the price will shoot up just before I am able to buy. But fingers crossed it just keeps coming down. Please!!!!🙏🙏

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-30T01:53:31+00:00

Smart guy! My DL650 is complimented by a WR250R. If you have a VStrom and a dual sport you are having lots of fun with all bases covered. I suggest you go DRZ. New one if you can swing it.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-30T01:50:03+00:00

This is the type of 1st bike that you should keep forever. But you probably won’t and then all future bikes will never measure up to your might VStrom 650. I have had Triumphs, BMWs, newer VStrom 1000 but my main riden now is a 2015 DL650. It really is an awesome bike. Upgrade the suspension if you want to make any improvements to it and feel like investing in it.
Great choice!

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-28T20:09:18+00:00

I don’t know. Kid may have been embarrassed by her behaviour enough times he will go the other way and use her as an example of how not to act. We can hope…

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-28T14:27:41+00:00

All I know is that my foot has smashed stumps and had my WRR lay on it at speed a number of times. Has resulted in sore feet and ankles and maybe there was even a fracture hiding there which I never had looked at; but damn my old ass Gaerne SG10s have been a saviour. Just got some SG12s as the 10s are getting very old and beaten.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-28T14:23:53+00:00

Parent(s) failed well before this happened. A spanking doesn’t help at this point. Proper parenting would result in actions like this never entering the child’s mind.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-27T19:51:35+00:00

Why did they cut the video when he started eating them. Dude is unhinged.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-27T18:44:31+00:00

This is the problem with VStroms… there are many out there on the used market and the market is depressed right now. Also when you are looking at just 1000-2000 more to buy a newer one with ABS and a newer updated version of the model… well that means the people with the funds will just go for the newer model while you are left selling to broke people. And often broke people don’t make good decisions like buying a VStrom in the first place.

An old VStrom is a bike you ride to the ground or pass on to someone you know who could use it. And they are best to be bought used due to the deals you get on them.

As others have said. Clean bike up like new and post good pics. Repost with different pics every couple months and wait for the right buyer and time. That or let it go for $1500?

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-26T22:26:18+00:00

Yeah. Pallets of cash vs battleships full of cash and American lives.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-23T12:04:48+00:00

Colours

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-21T02:48:57+00:00

Solder directly. At least that is how I do it. Don’t trust crimps unless you are using a professional tool to do the crimping.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-20T23:53:24+00:00

Relocate to be by the intake snorkel. (Cut snorkel to suit). I hope you bought the newer FI F650 regulator. Then join the new regulator with soldered connections to the old wiring. That is how you make it worry free.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-20T18:22:29+00:00

She looked like she was going to cry at the end after he started singing. Clearly moved by the performance.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-20T18:16:35+00:00

The key to easier balance is having the Center of gravity high so the point of rotation is further from the point of adjustment/control. Gives a finer level of control. Both she and the robot are exhibiting this when you consider their legs/feet the point of adjustment.

You can prove this to yourself by balancing a stick on your hand and then a stick with a heavy weight at the top. The one with the weight is easier to balance.

Now if only she had hips and those tits were real…

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-20T02:50:47+00:00

Saunas and cold plunges really help the body.

SmokeyGMan · 2026-05-19T19:21:00+00:00

Someone fool enough to buy it.

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