Motorcycling – Page 34 – D. Brent Miller

October 2, 2012

1st look at the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone

I have been waiting anxiously for the 2013 Moto Guzzi V7s to arrive in dealerships, and as luck would have it, the local dealer here in the Phoenix area, just took one—their first one—out of the crate.

Arriving first are the V7 Stone models. The Specials will arrive next January or February. The V7 Stone is the base model differentiated by solid color, matte black or glossy white, and cast aluminum wheels. Frankly, the white looks absolutely gorgeous—a sharp looking standard.

Visiting Arizona, I also met up with Doug Klassen, publisher of 40 Years on 2 Wheels. After lunch, we ventured over to the Guzzi-Ducati-Triumph-KTM dealer, Arizona Superbike. Doug, who has owned many different motorcycles, was impressed with the Guzzi, and said it sat better than the comparable Triumph T100 Bonneville. If Doug says it, it must be true.

The bike is smaller in stature than my V-Strom 650, but it feels very comfortable. The seat height and handlebar ergonomics seem just right for my 5’10” height and 30” inseam. The seat is firm, but no one knows whether a seat needs “tweaking” until you’ve ridden on it for a couple of hours at a time. Distance and “break-in” is the biggest factor in knowing whether a change is needed. It’s nice to know that If needed, I can send that factory seat to Sargent Seats for a makeover, and I love my Sargent on the V-Strom.

Doug and I stood there talking about the V7 and other motorcycles for quite a while. It is a very impressive motorcycle, and one worth a long look. The drawback is the lack of dealerships across the country. It’s a wonderful motorcycle, so it’s comforting to know they are easy to work on, and there is a large Guzzi community to give assistance. If you don’t live near one of those dealers and want a Moto Guzzi, you’ll be doing most of your own maintenance. The closest dealer to my home is 180 miles away.

I’m hoping to take a test ride soon. Very soon. Stay tuned.

See you on the highway.

Brent

October 2, 2012

Attending Horizons Unlimited North Carolina

I had wanted to attend a Horizons Unlimited Travelers Meeting for a long time, just to get the experience and learn more about Round-the-World motorcycling (RTW). The idea of riding a motorcycle around the world is a fascinating concept. More riders are doing it than ever before, but I’m not sure I am one of those. Still, everything learned here is applicable to riding in North America and destinations south of the border, like Mexico, Central and South America.

Our local host was Mike Kilpatrick, and he made the HU experience a good one, working tirelessly to see that all the sessions were coordinated and helping attendees with their questions. According to Mike, about 100 pre-registered and walk-ins were at the meeting, held at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort, Stecoah, North Carolina.

What I liked about the HU meeting is the relaxed, informal nature of it. Riders came to learn and share experience and knowledge. It’s not formal at all, and it reminded me of some of the more recent meet-ups which is aimed at sharing and learning. The neat thing about Horizons Unlimited is that they have been doing this for at least eight years at the North Carolina site, and that’s just one of the dozen or so sites around the world!

There is one other HU Meeting coming up in the USA. It’s in Cambria, California, later this month. If you’re interested in learning more about long distance motorcycle travel or border crossings into a foreign land, then seek out the Horizons Unlimited Travelers Meeting nearest you and sign up.

I could write on and on, but here are two audio reports that tell the story pretty well—an interview with an RTW rider and my report on Sidestand Up.

An interview with Paul Stewart

Paul Stewart from Great Britain has been riding around the world since March, 2011, on his Yamaha XT 660 Tenere. Personal setbacks put him on the road to see the world while he still can. He talks about motorcycling, border crossing, dangers on the road, and the incredible hospitality of strangers. He says people around the world have the same fondness for hearing stories of travel, even willing to share a meal for a story.

With about 52,000 miles already completed, Stewart is headed to Central America next, and he expects to continue riding around the world for the next 5, 10 or 20 years. That’s definitely a long way around.

Here is our interview:

[audio:Paul-Stewart.mp3]

Report on SideStand Up

Tom Lowdermilk, host and producer of Sidestand Up, asked me to report on the Horizons Unlimited meeting. Here is that portion of the episode. Below is the weirdest adventure bike that came to the meeting, and was the focus of one session, the Great Survivor of Wesser Creek Scooter Fire Coast-to-Coast Ride.

[audio:Brent-interview-SSU_9-18-2012_.mp3]

Thanks for listening.

See you on the highway.

Brent

August 14, 2012

Post ride maintenance

The V-Strom has been a good and faithful steed. Of course, good preventative maintenance and a little TLC helps. As of today, the motorcycle has 54,206 miles. Over the past week, I replaced the spark plugs, air filter, oil and filter, new chain and sprockets, and a new stainless steel braided rear brake line. New rear brake pads too.

V-Maintenance_7Aug2012-10

V-Strom_maint_8-14-2012-7

V-Strom_maint_8-14-2012-3

It’s ready for the next 50,000 miles!

See you on the highway.

Brent