Howdy!

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...What I would like to hear about is anybody who has put some serious miles on the Bonnevilles because after 30 years of Guzzis I think I want to try something new.
What's the longest ride you have taken?
What is the most common failed parts?, etc.



Longest ride was 7,500 miles last September, solo. Like you I prefer backroads. Kinda the point of cross country riding eh? Seeing things cagers only dream of. Many times I have ridden from Florida up to the finger lakes of New York State. New Hampshire too.

The failed parts on that New York via Montana trip was, uh, I had my clutch cable too tight. Noticed that in Hot Springs Arkansas. Replaced the clutch a month ago or so btw at 70,000 miles.

One thing about riding these ‘look for fuel at 130 miles on the trip odometer” bikes is that long distance riding on rural roads yield substantially higher mph averages than riding to work or around town. Try 46 vs 40. That means reserve is closer to 150 miles on the trip odometer. This limited range of 150 miles till reserve really only comes into play in the SW deserts and the midwest and Western states. Heck, just say West of the Mississippi River! When rolling slabs finding gas is easy. Rolling rural the zumo 450 is worth its weight in silver. Okay maybe gold!





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The Guzzi's have 6 gal tanks and go about 300 miles on a tank, I've gone out on a Sunday and had to fill up and been mostly empty when I got back to the house. Anybody else ride like that?



Yes Sir. Tank-to-tank is a main stay of solo riding. When In groups and after a long day riding solo, the century mark is a nice time to stop and stretch. Now in the deserts, or the howling winds, 75 miles is more like it. Nothing worse than a hot wind than riding into a hot wind when the temps are in the 100s.

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I would really appreciate any feedback as I am ready to buy new and honestly the new Guzzis just don't do it for me. I considered the Harley Nightster but I really like to lean without wobbling so it's a new Bonny or fix the old Guzzis again.


Some words on buying new. No spokes. No tank indents. No classic looks. These motors are good for 100 grand easy. Why not consider buying a used motorsickle with say 15,000 miles give or take 5K? It’ll just be good and broken in by then too.

Having written what I wrote above let me say that the newer models do have two distinct advantages if vanity for nostalgic rides is not paramount. 1. Alloy wheels: Fix flats roadside. 2. Larger fuel tanks for longer rides between fill-ups. That’s about it.

The America is a fine colonial cruiser. The purchase of one is a sure bet for pleasure.

P.S.: Other road related mishaps include the chain guard bolts falling out necessitating the removal and disposal of the guard while en route. The pillion bolt came out once. Grrr. Noticed that at Wattstull Inn in Virginia. A flat battery at the Branch Davidian Compound the second day I owned Cinnamon Girl. (Not really a problem as the dealer in Waco had one charged up and ready to install. ) Humm, Oh Yeah! I tried to do the yute thing once and consequently was looking for a front tire in Jefferson, North Carolina years back.

Picture below was taken in Dublin, GA on my home from the SWTF 2011.

Blowing gravel off rural roads