Well spoken , I've owned an example of most-bikes over many-years and I turn-70 next year . Last year I sold my last 130mph-bike and have gone-back to older/simpler-machines . There is something about riding an older-bike that modern-machines don't provide . They are so-much-more Engaging to ride ...and own of course , they have an elegance that only the past can provide (apart from kawasaki W650's !...perhaps ) It's a bit like going home after years , to a place that feels 'Right' , like an old , loved jacket . Dave nz
Congratulations and thanks Joseph. Take it easy for the first few months. I took an intro course after a 30 year hiatus, just to get my head in the right zone.
Wonderful, as often as I can I take a trip on my 850 GT. Its a joy to ride, and gives me a wonderful time alone on the bike. I would not choose any other bike. I has a BMW as well, K1200RS, a very good bike and my old Guzzi would stand no chance following the BMW in a race, but I dont do race. I just enjoy riding the Guzzi, finding the exact right speed for the bike where its all in balance, no vibration and no stress. I will never sell my V7.
Hey Nick , I should have watched this video before replying to your comment yesterday lol . I must say I do see the romanticism in riding old bikes in far away places like you do . Doing a little roadside repair along the way brings a person closer to the stead that is doing all the work getting you from A to B . Also there is a shared sense of accomplishment when she fires back to life ready and willing to keep going . My first car at the age of 16 was a British Leyland 72 MG Midget which needed a little love every once in a while ...to say the least . But as a young man with no mechanical experience , opening the hood and trying stuff until ... she fired back up 🙂🙂🙂 were some of the proudest moments of my life that I will never forget . The longer I had it the more I got to know it and with a few tools and some spare parts I was not afraid of going beyond the 100 mile radius that I once only felt safe within but I never would have taken her to the deep remote areas that you ride to on old bikes . I have been watching videos of Guzzi's this last year , mostly the newer models , but there is still a uniqueness between them and the rest of the motorcycle industry and I find that starting to appeal to me .
Careful there guy. It starts with one then, before you know it you have a garage full of them, all needing some kind of attention. Just this morning I stripped the gearbox out again to replace the clutch. That's two clutches in the 160,000 kms I've ridden that bike. Darn unreliable Guzzis
I used to look at bikes on eBay. I paid close attention to the amount of miles a motorcycle had on it. BMW’s routinely had 200k on them and were running strong. The next ones were the gold wings. Many of these bikes made it to the 200k mark. Then there was the rest. One takeaway is the comfort. Is the bike so pleasurable that you would take it on long trips? I owned an r1150rt that was truly a joy to ride and you could stay in the saddle a long time. There are many factors and I bet that guzzi is a comfortable ride. I have owned Harley’s and they will shake you to death. Someone once joked that that is why they put such a small tank on the sportster.
Hi Nick, Always dreamed of living in Canada, West Sussex great.. but no BC.. or Ontario.. 😊. Now catch myself looking at Elderados on eBay.. it’s all your fault! 😬 Anyway, can fully recommend your books, which I find travel at a relaxed conversational pace.. much like your bikes! Best Jules
Thanks for the kind wordsJules. Each environment has its own charms. I miss the pubs, the hill forts, the old churches and the winding country lanes of the UK and think about them sometimes when I'm riding through endless forest (which, frankly, get get a little dull). Careful with that bike hunt. I may make them sound more wonderful than they are in reality. Mine just happens to suit me. Sadly, my experience of West Sussex is limited to renting a bike in Chichester then riding west and north. I'm sure it deserves more. Stay well. Nick
A rather poetic "blather." I ride a 2022, heavy "adventure" bike with traction control and abs and with probably similar road clearance and suspension as your Eldorado. This spring, I intend to switch the stock tires to 50/50 tires with the intent of experiencing close to what you so eloquently describe in this video.
Usually fairly hard-packed Paul, except where it gets piled up or after it's been graded. Your dust doesn't look like much fun, although I'd give it a go. Good luck with the bike.
Thanks FT. I usually run Duro HF 308s which are cheap and wear out quickly, but are OK on gravel and look 'classic'. The ADVRider front page stuff is fairly new, but I've posted on the Epic and Old Bike forums for years.
@@nick949eldo Thanks Nick, yep they have a similar tread pattern to pricey Dunlop K70’s. I’m putting together a 1973 Yamaha 650 twin as a street scrambler with high level pipes to do some gravel road exploring. The Duros are just the ticket.
Nick, Back roads do offer a more scenic look at life. The occasional front wheel washing out will test your heart. Projected high of 41F today up here, so you should have a nice warm day in 24 hours.
Good show Bro! Forgot all about my 91 Suzie vx800 under the blanket, been busy changing the rad on my 02 Suzie xl suv. Fun and games, screwed up making it fit [ standing on it ] and stressed it out so had top it off with a bit of pepper to seal the weeping- seems to be holding :)! Couple old geezers got too creative.. spring is coming!!!
Thanks, Nick! This vid was like an unexpected visit from a good friend. Welcome and pleasant. New bikes too smooth, too reliable, too fast? Hehe, had to smile about that. I like smooth, reliable, and fast. The problem with new bikes is, they are made of plastic, they sound like weed whackers, and they are ugly. Motors as lumpy as meteorites, smog crap and cooling hoses draped around them like lampreys. Air cooled, two cylinder motors are beautiful, designed by the wind. And they sound beautiful once you let them breathe efficiently. As for back roads, they are paths into and around the bosom of nature where the soul can be salved. ADV touring tires and crash bars on my 2008 1200 Sport. I've ridden some 4X4 dual track roads. Sometimes I stop at the top of a hill and walk down around the next corner to make sure I can make it back up coming the other way. It's great adventure. Sorry for blabbing on. I feel I'm at a table with a band of brothers in the comment section here.
You are indeed. I love your descriptions. There's nothing wrong with smooth, reliable and fast but I agree, too many modern bikes don't sound like motorbikes at all - and most people wouldn't know a lamprey even if it bit them. Great simile.
Enjoyed the video Nick. Been riding pretty regular, except today. It's raining, but this week has been pretty much 60-70deg days. I went and bought a carbureted gear driven cams 96 Honda VFR 750F. Sweet ride 90deg V4 sounds great. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE NICK!
Hi Nick Good to hear from you. Thankfully, it's been an unusually warm winter here in WV. I've been able to ride a few days every month so far. I have also been enjoying your articles on the ADV Rider website. I've been busy with maintenance on the G5 and Convert. It's a pleasant way to spend my spare time in the winter. Cheers Nick TT
Thanks TT. Glad you caught the ADV stuff. They go by so quickly. Lucky you with warm weather but working on bikes when it's inclement is a good alternative.
Hi Mr. Adams, I have been enjoying your content for a few years now and decided to comment on this video. I'm from Montreal, just down the road from you lol. 20 years ago I bought a V11 sport on ebay because I thought it to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It was so different from any other bike I had before, and I fell completely in love with it's character.I still have it today, but last year I got the 85tt centenario so that I could continue my travel adventures. I enjoy doing some maintenance on the bikes but prefer that they are reliable for the most part. Keep up the good work that you do , for it makes the winter more bearable. cheers
Hi Nick, What a wonderful ride along and great commentary! I did buy a DR650 recently partly for it simplicity and old bare bones feel. When I'm not using it for commuting and daily transportation needs I prefer to ride remote country and forest service roads much like the one in this video. I really don't care to ride much more rugged stuff unless it's to get to a special location. My next bike, to go along with the DR, will likely be a cruiser/standard style or maxi scooter I can crunch some miles on in all day comfort. I'm past the speed thing for the most part. I've always liked the classic motorcycles and Guzzi's are one of my favorites which is one of the things that lead me to your channel. Your stories are what keeps me coming back.
Thanks David. Much appreciated. My Cavalcade scratches the lazy, long ride itch and the old Panther keeps me humble with its constant need for work, but I always come back to the Eldo for deep satisfaction. But pleasure is such a personal thing. I hope whatever you choose to partner the DR650 brings you joy.
Well spoken , I've owned an example of most-bikes over many-years and I turn-70 next year . Last year I sold my last 130mph-bike and have gone-back to older/simpler-machines . There is something about riding an older-bike that modern-machines don't provide . They are so-much-more Engaging to ride ...and own of course , they have an elegance that only the past can provide (apart from kawasaki W650's !...perhaps ) It's a bit like going home after years , to a place that feels 'Right' , like an old , loved jacket . Dave nz
Absolutely Dave. Stay well. Ride safely.
Wonderful video, thank you. I just started riding again after almost a 40 year hiatus....feels good.
Congratulations and thanks Joseph. Take it easy for the first few months. I took an intro course after a 30 year hiatus, just to get my head in the right zone.
Wonderful, as often as I can I take a trip on my 850 GT. Its a joy to ride, and gives me a wonderful time alone on the bike. I would not choose any other bike. I has a BMW as well, K1200RS, a very good bike and my old Guzzi would stand no chance following the BMW in a race, but I dont do race. I just enjoy riding the Guzzi, finding the exact right speed for the bike where its all in balance, no vibration and no stress. I will never sell my V7.
Hey Nick , I should have watched this video before replying to your comment yesterday lol . I must say I do see the romanticism in riding old bikes in far away places like you do . Doing a little roadside repair along the way brings a person closer to the stead that is doing all the work getting you from A to B . Also there is a shared sense of accomplishment when she fires back to life ready and willing to keep going . My first car at the age of 16 was a British Leyland 72 MG Midget which needed a little love every once in a while ...to say the least . But as a young man with no mechanical experience , opening the hood and trying stuff until ... she fired back up 🙂🙂🙂 were some of the proudest moments of my life that I will never forget . The longer I had it the more I got to know it and with a few tools and some spare parts I was not afraid of going beyond the 100 mile radius that I once only felt safe within but I never would have taken her to the deep remote areas that you ride to on old bikes . I have been watching videos of Guzzi's this last year , mostly the newer models , but there is still a uniqueness between them and the rest of the motorcycle industry and I find that starting to appeal to me .
Careful there guy. It starts with one then, before you know it you have a garage full of them, all needing some kind of attention. Just this morning I stripped the gearbox out again to replace the clutch. That's two clutches in the 160,000 kms I've ridden that bike. Darn unreliable Guzzis
I'm with you. I like keeping it simple and staying connected to my bike. Nice video. Thanks
Thanks Moto.
You said it just right, simple and connected. Well done.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video my bike is only 18 years old not made for long trips or dirt but never stops me
Thanks Justin.😃
I used to look at bikes on eBay. I paid close attention to the amount of miles a motorcycle had on it. BMW’s routinely had 200k on them and were running strong. The next ones were the gold wings. Many of these bikes made it to the 200k mark. Then there was the rest. One takeaway is the comfort. Is the bike so pleasurable that you would take it on long trips? I owned an r1150rt that was truly a joy to ride and you could stay in the saddle a long time. There are many factors and I bet that guzzi is a comfortable ride. I have owned Harley’s and they will shake you to death. Someone once joked that that is why they put such a small tank on the sportster.
Its going to be warmer later this week...... we are ponding the idea of going to Brockville :)
Thanks, keep me posted 🙂. On the plus side, just finishing restoring the Panthers compression with new rings and hone.
Hi Nick,
Always dreamed of living in Canada, West Sussex great.. but no BC.. or Ontario.. 😊.
Now catch myself looking at
Elderados on eBay.. it’s all your fault! 😬
Anyway, can fully recommend your books, which I find travel at a relaxed conversational pace.. much like your bikes!
Best
Jules
Thanks for the kind wordsJules. Each environment has its own charms. I miss the pubs, the hill forts, the old churches and the winding country lanes of the UK and think about them sometimes when I'm riding through endless forest (which, frankly, get get a little dull). Careful with that bike hunt. I may make them sound more wonderful than they are in reality. Mine just happens to suit me. Sadly, my experience of West Sussex is limited to renting a bike in Chichester then riding west and north. I'm sure it deserves more. Stay well. Nick
A rather poetic "blather."
I ride a 2022, heavy "adventure" bike with traction control and abs and with probably similar road clearance and suspension as your Eldorado. This spring, I intend to switch the stock tires to 50/50 tires with the intent of experiencing close to what you so eloquently describe in this video.
Thanks PassinThru. Whatever works for you is best. This weird perspective just happens to work for me.
your gravel looks better than ours Nick. Mine should be running this week fingers crossed
Usually fairly hard-packed Paul, except where it gets piled up or after it's been graded. Your dust doesn't look like much fun, although I'd give it a go. Good luck with the bike.
Great video! Just wondering what tires you find work best for the “dual sport” Eldo. Nice to see you on ADV Rider as well. Cheers.
Thanks FT. I usually run Duro HF 308s which are cheap and wear out quickly, but are OK on gravel and look 'classic'. The ADVRider front page stuff is fairly new, but I've posted on the Epic and Old Bike forums for years.
@@nick949eldo Thanks Nick, yep they have a similar tread pattern to pricey Dunlop K70’s. I’m putting together a 1973 Yamaha 650 twin as a street scrambler with high level pipes to do some gravel road exploring. The Duros are just the ticket.
Nick, Back roads do offer a more scenic look at life. The occasional front wheel washing out will test your heart. Projected high of 41F today up here, so you should have a nice warm day in 24 hours.
I can hope. It's been too long......
Rather you than me Nick with the Gravel Roads, still it takes all sorts as they say...
Once you get used to them, they're a lot of fun. I'd rather be watching for rocks and stumps than some twerp in a Range Rover.
I seen a bike out. Mark said it's probably Nick lol
Sadly, not me. Family stuff today, but soon
True Words!
Greetings from Germany
Good show Bro! Forgot all about my 91 Suzie vx800 under the blanket, been busy changing the rad on my 02 Suzie xl suv. Fun and games, screwed up making it fit [ standing on it ] and stressed it out so had top it off with a bit of pepper to seal the weeping- seems to be holding :)! Couple old geezers got too creative.. spring is coming!!!
Like the video, like the MG, just got a V85, like it 👍👍👍
The only thing I would say to that is I prefer fuel injection over a carb. Otherwise my 20 year old bikes are great and only one is fuel injected.
Thank you for another affirmation of my own sentiments and thoughts regarding my 50 yr old Eldorado excursions
Thanks, Nick! This vid was like an unexpected visit from a good friend. Welcome and pleasant. New bikes too smooth, too reliable, too fast? Hehe, had to smile about that. I like smooth, reliable, and fast. The problem with new bikes is, they are made of plastic, they sound like weed whackers, and they are ugly. Motors as lumpy as meteorites, smog crap and cooling hoses draped around them like lampreys. Air cooled, two cylinder motors are beautiful, designed by the wind. And they sound beautiful once you let them breathe efficiently. As for back roads, they are paths into and around the bosom of nature where the soul can be salved. ADV touring tires and crash bars on my 2008 1200 Sport. I've ridden some 4X4 dual track roads. Sometimes I stop at the top of a hill and walk down around the next corner to make sure I can make it back up coming the other way. It's great adventure. Sorry for blabbing on. I feel I'm at a table with a band of brothers in the comment section here.
You are indeed. I love your descriptions. There's nothing wrong with smooth, reliable and fast but I agree, too many modern bikes don't sound like motorbikes at all - and most people wouldn't know a lamprey even if it bit them. Great simile.
Enjoyed the video Nick. Been riding pretty regular, except today. It's raining, but this week has been pretty much 60-70deg days. I went and bought a carbureted gear driven cams 96 Honda VFR 750F. Sweet ride 90deg V4 sounds great. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE NICK!
Arghh. I'm jealous. But lucky you. My son had a vfr800 for a while. Lovely bike. Enjoy the Honda.
Thanks for brightening a dull February afternoon Nick. Those surfaces are a good workout for the rider, and for those forks too.
It pays to be looking for the next sump cracking rock. There are a few. So far, so good.😆
Hi Nick
Good to hear from you. Thankfully, it's been an unusually warm winter here in WV. I've been able to ride a few days every month so far.
I have also been enjoying your articles on the ADV Rider website. I've been busy with maintenance on the G5 and Convert. It's a pleasant way to spend my spare time in the winter.
Cheers Nick
TT
Thanks TT. Glad you caught the ADV stuff. They go by so quickly. Lucky you with warm weather but working on bikes when it's inclement is a good alternative.
Thanks
Hi Mr. Adams, I have been enjoying your content for a few years now and decided to comment on this video. I'm from Montreal, just down the road from you lol. 20 years ago I bought a V11 sport on ebay because I thought it to be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. It was so different from any other bike I had before, and I fell completely in love with it's character.I still have it today, but last year I got the 85tt centenario so that I could continue my travel adventures. I enjoy doing some maintenance on the bikes but prefer that they are reliable for the most part. Keep up the good work that you do , for it makes the winter more bearable. cheers
Hi Nick,
What a wonderful ride along and great commentary!
I did buy a DR650 recently partly for it simplicity and old bare bones feel. When I'm not using it for commuting and daily transportation needs I prefer to ride remote country and forest service roads much like the one in this video. I really don't care to ride much more rugged stuff unless it's to get to a special location.
My next bike, to go along with the DR, will likely be a cruiser/standard style or maxi scooter I can crunch some miles on in all day comfort. I'm past the speed thing for the most part.
I've always liked the classic motorcycles and Guzzi's are one of my favorites which is one of the things that lead me to your channel. Your stories are what keeps me coming back.
Thanks David. Much appreciated. My Cavalcade scratches the lazy, long ride itch and the old Panther keeps me humble with its constant need for work, but I always come back to the Eldo for deep satisfaction. But pleasure is such a personal thing. I hope whatever you choose to partner the DR650 brings you joy.