What Are We Riding?

This simply must begin by saying that for this writer, few things beat a good, old fashioned motorcycle trip. Leathered up and bag tight against torso, a rush of excitement washes over me as I steer for the city limits, and beyond. Traveling alone being my preference I’ve no doubt missed out on some fun, but the freedom to pull off when I want is important to me…yet really annoying if you’re with a group. Snapping some of my best pics doing just that, nothing inspires a motorcycle story like actually riding one somewhere. Make that, somewhere far away…a least a couple nights in a strange bed. Happily, these solo rides usually or almost always include a friendly meet up. Or should. Breaking tradition last August by reaching out to local Euro types Mike Larson and Jim Robinson, a route was made for the Guzzi rally in New Mexico. Envisioning two striking S-models book-ending my Le Mans, the reality proved even better and all totaled, nearly 800 miles under the Sonoran’s monsoon skies.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written one of these. And while continuing to believe time is better spent covering moto-history on these pages, reaching out in a personal way has some benefits. Not so funny, I always seem to find editorial inspiration during election season, but who wants to hear it? Feeling the unanimous decision through the electrons, I’ll share this instead; since leaving rural Casa Grande and getting married in 2019, I’ve carved out a few spots in my bride’s lovely Phoenix home. Started after the honeymoon, building a service bay in the west-end garage has given Merry a barrel full of birthday and holiday gift ideas, and thanks largely to her, it’s a space providing my overloaded mind some key solitude. Holding my phone way up shows a resprayed CX-100, serving as a promo bike/main rider since 2016. Behind, the recommissioned 1100 Sport jolts things fifteen-years forward. 

Being an annual happening over some of my very favorite roads, Datil Well seemed an ideal shake-down for the 1100 twin. Looking forward to a few days on the silver carbie, my focus was strangely interrupted by the old Tonti. Feeling sentimental in my old age, I’ve packed decades of personal memories linking Datil and Berliner’s 1000cc Le Mans. Noting some stray drops on the rear drive proved reason enough to bench the 1100 for the Le Mans nero, with full approval from my riding mates. Here, for various reasons are the motorcycles I’m riding currently. What about you?             

Actually, if you’re a regular I already know the answer. Or at least a strong hint. According to the click-counter provided by hosting WordPress, this readership plainly adores classic superbike specials. I’m astounded how many different languages this website is translated into, and the process deepens when enthusiasts connect. Noting a (mostly) even spread of interest, an editorial crossroads appeared; Focus on European and special production, or across the spectrum? Choosing both slowly widens the reader base as opposed to deepening it, but all motivated by my desire to connect with a broader range of owners. On my mind of late, I’m again forced to acknowledge the loss of old contacts, goodfellows, legends and mentors. Time waits for nothing, not even a fast Le Mans, but not all of us are gone. Not yet. My deepest appreciation, dear friends!  

Relaxing with a whiskey at the motel, Jim, Mike, and new friend Roger all very thankfully skipped the negativity so common at events these days. Don’t misunderstand, moans and groans about our beloved pastime aging out are valid, but motorcycling has never been for everyone. Maybe fewer yet, for old dudes. Growing larger, the controlling tightasses in power might think the working ants are having a bit too much fun riding those two-wheel rockets…who needs to go that fast? Steering out of politics again, for years I’ve strongly felt the poor economy was keeping people away from (all) bikes, but some stuff just doesn’t add up. Attend the Mecum auction and note the number of pennies on the dollar deals, not to mention the unsold dozens practically being given away on social media. For the average 25 year old paying rent, is anything but basic transportation out of reach? Not including of course, the 30% or more still living with their parents. Wanting to make a sales comparison, Jim Robinson and I studied the USA new bike market (Jim just recently buying a new Guzzi V7) with somewhat surprising results. There’s a slight up tick in sales the last few years, with Honda, Harley and Kawasaki selling the most big bikes. Who knew? Still, making it a habit to look around the dealership at least once a year, I see little of the wide array promoted online. “That’s mostly because they haven’t ordered them,” says Jim.                  

Truly a smooth, polished, two-wheel veteran, Mike picked up this 1977 R100S a couple years ago. One of many (or several) motorcycles he’s bought and sold since I’ve known him. Looking for a perfect fit, the all black 100S gives Mike his big bike platform in a slim, comfy sports package. Just a tad heavier but lower and more direct, Guzzi’s CX-100 puts the rider exactly where it wants, and there you will stay. Through the good (fast sweepers) or the bad (city traffic) with equal cheerfulness, thanks to its creamy ‘small valve’ 949cc touring engine. Mike’s R100 likely throbs a bit more than Jim’s glowing 1975 R90/S, a long term redo that has lavished BMW’s most important model with key (and subtle) modern touches. At this point, I’d say the claims made by both Moto Guzzi and BMW have been proven true, at least, in terms of sheer longevity. Besides offering performance and stability that allows them to run on the fastest modern expressways, each brand benefits from a long, parts-overlapping production. Maintenance and service items remain available in large part, with the aftermarket playing an increased role in providing spares. Exhibiting nearly ideal riding posture, watching Mike steer through Salt River Canyon opened the BMW’s handsome lines to my eyes, and a quick peek in the mirror gave the same show from the front. Cylinders jutting out majestically and through the mist in a confident, muffled purr.      

Trying not to forget something important, there’s more roadworthy seventies and eighties classics than room to list them. At least in this article. Making an editorial point, most of the motorcycle featured here reflect this ‘still good today’ philosophy, but the list is far from complete. Some unmentioned standouts include GoldWing fours and sixes, two stroke Yamaha RD twins and decades of big bore, twin or multi cylinder metric cruisers. In terms of power and road holding prowess Laverda’s DOHC triple excels, but they’ve thinner on the ground than ever. “80% of the bikes I work on have fueling issues from sitting,” says Tom Hull. One of the few remaining technicians for vintage European brands in AZ, Tom is an ace fabricator specializing in Ducati. Also having dealer experience with Bloor Triumphs, Tom acknowledges these mod/classics are worth more parted on eBay. It’s all a shame really, and while Bloor’s first threes and fours are 80’s tech heavyweights that led Britain’s mid-90s renaissance, they remain a handsome and very well made machine, Easy to find, Bloor’s inlines group with a vast number of Japanese designs that in many cases cost more to repair or service than purchase. That’s a resale killer and the math works out the same for everyone, but many enterprising owners apply the DIY to make them fly. Way back when, I too sought out the experienced hands for guidance and it still happens all the time. One reader made a really nice 600 Hurricane out of two junked ones, and is looking at a third to round out his parts stash. If you’re keeping a belt drive Ducati or a SOHC 750 you probably don’t need a parts bike, and that’s the point. Time and money are often the same thing.           

In the end, it’s the time that proves most valuable…given largely by the fact that we can’t get it back. Starting out on street bikes in 1977 motorcycles were the easiest, cheapest way to serious speed, but it didn’t take long before I realized the real benefits. Like you, I’m a product of my unique environment and background, yet it is the shared experiences that unite us. Over and on through the decades Guzzi twins have reliably delivered this rider to the long anticipated bear hugs given by my mates. Truly, I cannot think of a greater accomplishment or mission for any motorcycle. Doing far more wrenching and fixing than writing of late is the primary reason it’s taken weeks (and weeks) to spit out this editorial – or at least a finished one. Three or four were written before disposal, and the reasons have more to do with doing right, as opposed to being right. Getting personal again, this writer falls in love with every bike he’s ever covered, and I hope it never changes. Few things are better than crossing vast distances on a well tuned, fast and comfortable thoroughbred. What that works out to be is the fun part, for sure. Nolan Woodbury