Discussion
I'm currently on the direct access route and, all being well, should have my licence by Mid July.
One motivation for doing this later in life (I'm approahcing 60) was a hankering for an old bike to play around with. I've just been presented with the opportunity of a Guzzi V50 which I am told is in A1 order (enthusiast/collector owned). I've yet to view.
What are folks thoughts on this as a first bike for a new rider?
I'm 6 foot, physically fit, and medium build with a 34 inch leg. It's a small relatively bike, which is an attraction, but might it be a tad too small?
Another criticism I see about the V50 is that they are a bit underpowered - I actually view that as a positive for a first bike but is there a point where you can have too little power to be able to learn how to handle a bike confidently?
I would welcome views on the above points and this bike generally - I happen to love the look of them, and the left of field image!
Cheers
One motivation for doing this later in life (I'm approahcing 60) was a hankering for an old bike to play around with. I've just been presented with the opportunity of a Guzzi V50 which I am told is in A1 order (enthusiast/collector owned). I've yet to view.
What are folks thoughts on this as a first bike for a new rider?
I'm 6 foot, physically fit, and medium build with a 34 inch leg. It's a small relatively bike, which is an attraction, but might it be a tad too small?
Another criticism I see about the V50 is that they are a bit underpowered - I actually view that as a positive for a first bike but is there a point where you can have too little power to be able to learn how to handle a bike confidently?
I would welcome views on the above points and this bike generally - I happen to love the look of them, and the left of field image!
Cheers
Having been through all this myself and examined all the data, analysed the stats, read all the reviews
It's all a waste of time and you need to ride as many bikes as possible to find out what you like - which is hard when you've just passed your test
At least go to a large independent Dealer and sit on a load of bikes to get a feel for the different types
It's all a waste of time and you need to ride as many bikes as possible to find out what you like - which is hard when you've just passed your test
At least go to a large independent Dealer and sit on a load of bikes to get a feel for the different types
KTMsm said:
Having been through all this myself and examined all the data, analysed the stats, read all the reviews
It's all a waste of time and you need to ride as many bikes as possible to find out what you like - which is hard when you've just passed your test
At least go to a large independent Dealer and sit on a load of bikes to get a feel for the different types
He's looking specifically at a 40 year old bike here.It's all a waste of time and you need to ride as many bikes as possible to find out what you like - which is hard when you've just passed your test
At least go to a large independent Dealer and sit on a load of bikes to get a feel for the different types
I rode one many years ago, and whilst a little small (I'm 6'2), I think you'll find that it's got ample power as a first bike, and is quite characterful.
The brakes were a linked setup, with a single front disc on the front brake lever, and the other front and the rear connected to the brake pedal.
If it were me I'd buy it.
If you decide you don't like it you'll likely get all your money back if you sell it.
archie456 said:
He's looking specifically at a 40 year old bike here.
I rode one many years ago, and whilst a little small (I'm 6'2), I think you'll find that it's got ample power as a first bike, and is quite characterful.
The brakes were a linked setup, with a single front disc on the front brake lever, and the other front and the rear connected to the brake pedal.
If it were me I'd buy it.
If you decide you don't like it you'll likely get all your money back if you sell it.
Great, many thanks - I had similar thoughts too, it would hold it's value and I am likely to get my money back or most of it when I eventually upgrade. The other option was a new or nearly new 650 RE Interceptor but I like the idea of the Guzzi, and the price is attractive at around £3kI rode one many years ago, and whilst a little small (I'm 6'2), I think you'll find that it's got ample power as a first bike, and is quite characterful.
The brakes were a linked setup, with a single front disc on the front brake lever, and the other front and the rear connected to the brake pedal.
If it were me I'd buy it.
If you decide you don't like it you'll likely get all your money back if you sell it.
I understand that many convert the brake set up to conventional rear/front system
If you know how to use a screwdriver then go for it.
They’re great little bikes. All the charm of an old British bike with less hassle, less expense and a nicer noise.
I had a 1989 V75, which is much the same thing. Not fast, but it handled nicely and was good fun. The linked brakes are intuitive and work well.
The transmission is particularly agricultural. Expect electrical gremlins and broken cables, but all basic DIY stuff. Original finish is crap, but it’s probably been rebuilt anyway.
If you like Guzzi V50s, then also look at BMW R65s, which are equally charming, but better built, better finished, better wired and just as cheap.
V50s and R45/65s are all ancient and can be insured for £100.
Miles more fun than anything modern.
They’re great little bikes. All the charm of an old British bike with less hassle, less expense and a nicer noise.
I had a 1989 V75, which is much the same thing. Not fast, but it handled nicely and was good fun. The linked brakes are intuitive and work well.
The transmission is particularly agricultural. Expect electrical gremlins and broken cables, but all basic DIY stuff. Original finish is crap, but it’s probably been rebuilt anyway.
If you like Guzzi V50s, then also look at BMW R65s, which are equally charming, but better built, better finished, better wired and just as cheap.
V50s and R45/65s are all ancient and can be insured for £100.
Miles more fun than anything modern.
KTMsm said:
archie456 said:
He's looking specifically at a 40 year old bike here.
I don't see it matters - there are classic bike dealers and I'd still advise trying newer bikes so you know what other bikes are likeHe's asking questions about a Guzzi V50.
archie456 said:
KTMsm said:
archie456 said:
He's looking specifically at a 40 year old bike here.
I don't see it matters - there are classic bike dealers and I'd still advise trying newer bikes so you know what other bikes are likeHe's asking questions about a Guzzi V50.
Pat H said:
If you know how to use a screwdriver then go for it.
They’re great little bikes. All the charm of an old British bike with less hassle, less expense and a nicer noise.
I had a 1989 V75, which is much the same thing. Not fast, but it handled nicely and was good fun. The linked brakes are intuitive and work well.
The transmission is particularly agricultural. Expect electrical gremlins and broken cables, but all basic DIY stuff. Original finish is crap, but it’s probably been rebuilt anyway.
If you like Guzzi V50s, then also look at BMW R65s, which are equally charming, but better built, better finished, better wired and just as cheap.
V50s and R45/65s are all ancient and can be insured for £100.
Miles more fun than anything modern.
Excellent, thanks for this - the sort of thing I was wanting to hear.They’re great little bikes. All the charm of an old British bike with less hassle, less expense and a nicer noise.
I had a 1989 V75, which is much the same thing. Not fast, but it handled nicely and was good fun. The linked brakes are intuitive and work well.
The transmission is particularly agricultural. Expect electrical gremlins and broken cables, but all basic DIY stuff. Original finish is crap, but it’s probably been rebuilt anyway.
If you like Guzzi V50s, then also look at BMW R65s, which are equally charming, but better built, better finished, better wired and just as cheap.
V50s and R45/65s are all ancient and can be insured for £100.
Miles more fun than anything modern.
I have a full workshop and have restored many cars (mainly Lotus) so I can turn my hand to the fettling, in fact that was one of my motivations for getting into bikes and why I want a usable classic
The friend who has put me on to the V50 has just restored an early Guzzi V1000 and likes his classic Italian stuff (has a Jota and a couple of Darmah's) so he knows his way around them and will keep me right. He's also selling one of his Tridents (which looks lovely) but has told me to keep away from it as the V50 would be much easier to live with.
Many thanks for all the comments and I will report back and let you know how I get on.
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