Day one of my Motor Bike Learners Today

[shane wescott]

Hi uys

Had a great time learning how to ride a morot bike tday :-) Asked myself why I havent done this years ago, probably because i had Alfas to drive.

I now know what the dog feels like when it's head is out the window :-)

So tomorrow - all going well - i should have a learners permit.

Then its onto a crappy bike for a while before getting a Ducati :-)


CAtch ya

Shane

[Andrew Bose]

Shane, well done getting your learners permit. I just read your post and after 10 years selling motorbike spares three of them with Ducati. I agree Ducati bikes are great to look at and ride but if you want sex on two wheels that you love like an Alfa buy a Moto Guzzi. Why, a major service on a 4 valve was around $1000.00  (My Mates ST4) and my Guzzi was Around $300.00. Also his mufflers were $1500.00 in S/S mine were $790.00 and I can drown out a Harley with my LaFrancone mufflers. You may think I'm biased but even my mates MV 1000 F4S is cheaper to maintain. The reason is Ducati use cam belts and they NEED to be replaced (Genuine only $200ish each)every two years due to memory effect weather you ride it or not, cam chains last for 60-1000,000 KM regardless of age.

If you want any more information give me a call on 0409 958 426 after 1.00 as I work nights so late is OK.
Andrew

[alfagtv58]

Guzzi's.....yeah but with the engine layout your knees get hot and every time you give the thing a rev it wants to fall over 

[Davidm1600]

Ah but that is only if you are talking about new Ducatis. 

For instance if you are talking about Bevel drive Ducatis etc (ie. classic bikes) it is a different story, and once set up are extremely reliable, based on my observations.  A bevel drive with Contis on full acceleration is a different beast indeed.  My brother in law has previously had a 76 900SS, a 73 750SS, two '72 750GT and his latest aquistion is a '72 750SS.  Just utterly magnificant    Dukes are so cool.  Guzzis are nice, ditto Laverdas etc.  Basically all Italian bikes are in another league from other bikes.

As much as I would drool to own a Duke, the best I am likely to be able to afford in the near to medium future is an Italian scooter !!

[shane wescott]

DAy two today and now offically allowed to ride a bike.

Stressed about the riding test but the instructors help was invaluable and all three guys on the course passed :-)

Here is the list from the LAMS list. There are a few Moto Guzzi's on it, and a few more Ducatis.

When I searched bike sales there was one Moto Guzzi off the list. Peter Stevens as an example has 20 Ducatis that are on the list so lots more choice with the Dukes :-)

Thanks for the comments though. I think Moto Guzzi was on Twist The Trottle on Disco Turbo this week so looking forward to watching that.

Catch ya


Shane

MOTOGUZZI
350GT 350
Falcone 498
V35 346
V50 490
V65 643

DUCATI
350 350
450 450
400SS 398
500SL Pantah 499
600 Monster 583
600SL Pantah 583
600SS 583
620 Monster Lite 618
620 Multistrada Lite 618
DM 450 450
DM 500 498
Monster 398

[alfagtv58]

Shane, don't bother with the Italian bike first up...just get anything that will get you through your time on P's.  Then you can get what you really want.

[pep105]

Good Job on getting your learners Shane, where did you do it?

Might as well get another fiesty, temperamental italian to compliment the GTV6

If you cant find a good starter bike, buy a Vespa  Right Dave ! 

[Davidm1600]

You bet Pep.  A vespa is pretty damned cool  Would be seriously happy to have one !!

[Sheldon McIntosh]

A 600 Monster would still do okay wheelies with a bit of clutch.

Phil does speak some wisdom however.  Unless you're very lucky, you will drop your first bike at least once, so it is worth thinking about a sacrificial lamb.  Dropping a bike you care about really sucks.

[ProvaRacing]

You could consider one of these...it does mean you don't have to be without your Alfa...sort of
(nice powertrain work)
A mixture of body parts
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/06/05/alfa-romeo-4-cylinder-boxer-powered-motorcycle/
This one's bodywork could do with a "drop" or two.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/09/13/another-alfa-romeo-powered-motorcycle/
This is the one I missed at auction last month, sold $3750 and would be my choice run on my L's
http://www.shannons.com.au/pages/auctions/lot.jsp?id=H0B0490053558IAO