I blame you Nick. Last Saturday I purchased my first Moto Guzzi, a 1979 V50. Your right about that sweet V twin engine. I live just outside Birmingham, UK in the Black Country. The bike is just right for those winding country A and B roads. The bike is now in my garage next to my 1932 BSA 500cc side valve and 2004 BMW R1150R.
I'm going to have to start writing damning reviews explaining what shit bikes Guzzis are and how they break down every time I ride them. Oh, wait, don't I do that already? Good luck with your V50 (a bike I've never ridden) and the others too. My teenage years were spent south of Birmingham, so not too distant from the Black Country. Great riding for you heading west.
Thanks for the adventure Nick. As an immigrant who spent a fair few years being eaten alive by bugs up on BC's north coast, I came to the conclusion that they loved the smell of an Englishman's blood!
Ah a cavalcade what a beauty . The only reason they never took off was price when new $2000 more that the goldwing or top to the range Harley at the time they were far superior . V4 1400cc with all the bells and whistles . I saw a beautiful two tone blue one advertised with only 30000 miles for a great price too late in the night to ring the number so I sat up all night researching them . By the time I rang in the morning I was totally smitten with that bike but alas it was already sold . I was gutted and not sure what to replace my Honda transalp 600 with as the miles were stacking up on it . Probably a week later I bought a Ducati st2 so I finally got to scratch that Ducati itch and lucky for me it's one of their hidden treasures . It's comfortable its got a center stand I added panniers a top box a scotoiler and a bag lux tank cover and bag . A fantastic machine to ride . That got me thinking I never got to scratch that Guzzi itch so I sold my Honda varadero 1000 Fi and bought a two valve Norge 1200 in silver . It's a fantastic bike my only problem is the hot left foot so I bought a used Remus revolution that I'm hoping will allow it to run cooler ? I decided to sell the Ducati as it's too fast for me so I bought a Honda nt650v deauville as my work horse and long distance touring bike hopefully .it's 2003 so has linked brakes which I love it's like a shaft drive transalp . It reminds me a lot of the moto guzzi . It's a very satisfying bike to ride they are very durable with couriers racking up over 250000 miles on them . For road use they are perfect they handle great and pull great up to legal speeds . If someone wants a racer look elsewhere but they have everything else covered and best of all inexpensive to buy and very easy to live with even for mechanical challenged riders . Having a good mechanic watching your back and your golden 👍 as always a very enjoyable video Nick thank you . I decided to keep the Ducati after all too just put it out to grass . I was stacking the miles up on it but I would hate to part with it . Snap them up while they are so affordable .
@@nick949eldo Thank you Nick i would love to buy an older guzzi I had a short ride on a new falcone a few years ago and I was charmed by it I would probably trade my Ducati for one if I got the chance . If one comes up on the market I will get in touch with the owner see if they are interested .
@@harrykuntz878 The Nuovo Falcone's are indeed charming Harry, but it's hard to overstate how slow they are. You can squeeze them up to around 60mph, but they're far happier at about 55, and they take a qhile to get there. Delightful, but not practical for most people's riding in these days of 80mph highways and impatient truck and SUV drivers.
I am currently reading your book, "Do It While You Still Can". And I just came across the line where you reference to your UA-cam videos. So I got on UA-cam and searched your name and found your channel. I'm on here now watching a few of your videos ! 👍👍
@@N9KGC many thanks. I hope you find something entertaining there. I think there are something like 150, so be choosy. I think this is one of my best ua-cam.com/video/8UnERTs5dzk/v-deo.htmlsi=njpu6G4X2_Ui5q5Q
That's a proper adventure Nick. Another great video. The Cavalcade was a great touring bike. It warms my heart to see you on the road on one of those. They don't build them like that anymore. Thank you for sharing the trip with us.
Thanks Nick. Im from Minnesota and quite familiar with mosquitos while camping, trying to enjoy the rest of nature. also anywhere in Minnesota. Ive lived in San Francisco since 93, I've counted 10. Not moving
Thanks for another enjoyable evening Nick. I always look forward to your ride video's for inspiration and your books for a comfortable evening relaxing.
Fresh, soft sand - maybe the worst thing to ride on with anything other than a dirt bike with knobby tires. I'm quite impressed you managed it on the Cavalcade. Those little moments where the front tire starts to push in a different direction than the rest of the bike is pointed, we call a " sphincter - tightening moment". When you were on your way home, just before you crossed the slightly sketchy-looking wooden bridge ( around 10:00 mark ), was there something moving across the road on the other side of the bridge? It almost looked a person walking. Maybe it was Bigfoot?
You know what? I hadn't seen that before - and certainly not at the time. My guess is that it was yet another bear, scuttling off into the bush as it heard the bike. On one of my other trips (to Biscotasing) I only noticed a couple of bears when I was reviewing video footage afterwards. When you're concentrating on the road, sometimes you miss stuff. Well spotted.
I just bought a 99 Moto Guzzi California V11 and looking forward to adventures such as yours in the coming years. I absolutely love the bike, The way it handles ( very nimble for a bigger bike), the style ( she is a looker), and the seemingly workhorse of a drivetrain. My first Guzzi and I am hooked. My riding buddy at the moment has a 2013 V7, he converted me over. Safe travels sir,
I am still wondering why handlebars shaped like that went out of favor. Definitely my favorite grip position. It is all good on gravel until you have to make an emergency maneuver. LOL!
Yes, comfortable and good control. Interestingly, the bars used to be rotated forwards an inch or two and it never felt right. Once I rolled them forwards a little, viola - instant control. Suble changes can make a big difference. And yes, emergency maneuvers are best avoided, lest other voidng occurs.
Cruise control, air levelling suspension, auto-inflatable passenger seat back and bottom, CB, communications and rubber mounted everything. Luxury liner.
I am sure that I don't have the confidence to ride a heavy tourer on those gravel roads. I'm glad you did, so the rest of us can see what you saw! Does the Cavalcade operate on 87 octane gas, or does it need higher octane to avoid pinging and or knocking? Thank you again!
Looks like fun! But that bit on the soft gravel with your handlebars swishing about, did not look like fun. Also , I think in every one of your books you use the phrase..."like an idiot I...."
That's'cos it's true Dave. Plenty of enthusiasm, not too much forethought. Pulling to the side to avoid the logging trucks is a double edged sword. Crushed by wheels, or flat on your face...
Good Canadian stories.
Thanks (smily emoji)
Thank you again for your video and narrative.
I blame you Nick. Last Saturday I purchased my first Moto Guzzi, a 1979 V50. Your right about that sweet V twin engine. I live just outside Birmingham, UK in the Black Country. The bike is just right for those winding country A and B roads. The bike is now in my garage next to my 1932 BSA 500cc side valve and 2004 BMW R1150R.
I'm going to have to start writing damning reviews explaining what shit bikes Guzzis are and how they break down every time I ride them. Oh, wait, don't I do that already? Good luck with your V50 (a bike I've never ridden) and the others too. My teenage years were spent south of Birmingham, so not too distant from the Black Country. Great riding for you heading west.
Heeyyy, Cavalcade, got my wish, thanks! Nice ride, pleasant vid.
Thanks for the adventure Nick. As an immigrant who spent a fair few years being eaten alive by bugs up on BC's north coast, I came to the conclusion that they loved the smell of an Englishman's blood!
True. My first couple of years working in the bush were grim. Now I probably have a better tolerance than most.
Ah a cavalcade what a beauty . The only reason they never took off was price when new $2000 more that the goldwing or top to the range Harley at the time they were far superior . V4 1400cc with all the bells and whistles . I saw a beautiful two tone blue one advertised with only 30000 miles for a great price too late in the night to ring the number so I sat up all night researching them . By the time I rang in the morning I was totally smitten with that bike but alas it was already sold . I was gutted and not sure what to replace my Honda transalp 600 with as the miles were stacking up on it . Probably a week later I bought a Ducati st2 so I finally got to scratch that Ducati itch and lucky for me it's one of their hidden treasures . It's comfortable its got a center stand I added panniers a top box a scotoiler and a bag lux tank cover and bag . A fantastic machine to ride . That got me thinking I never got to scratch that Guzzi itch so I sold my Honda varadero 1000 Fi and bought a two valve Norge 1200 in silver . It's a fantastic bike my only problem is the hot left foot so I bought a used Remus revolution that I'm hoping will allow it to run cooler ? I decided to sell the Ducati as it's too fast for me so I bought a Honda nt650v deauville as my work horse and long distance touring bike hopefully .it's 2003 so has linked brakes which I love it's like a shaft drive transalp . It reminds me a lot of the moto guzzi . It's a very satisfying bike to ride they are very durable with couriers racking up over 250000 miles on them . For road use they are perfect they handle great and pull great up to legal speeds . If someone wants a racer look elsewhere but they have everything else covered and best of all inexpensive to buy and very easy to live with even for mechanical challenged riders . Having a good mechanic watching your back and your golden 👍 as always a very enjoyable video Nick thank you . I decided to keep the Ducati after all too just put it out to grass . I was stacking the miles up on it but I would hate to part with it . Snap them up while they are so affordable .
Great taste in bikes. My Breva 1100 was also hot on the feet in the summer, but I rarely ride when it's hot. There are hidden treasures out there.
@@nick949eldo Thank you Nick i would love to buy an older guzzi I had a short ride on a new falcone a few years ago and I was charmed by it I would probably trade my Ducati for one if I got the chance . If one comes up on the market I will get in touch with the owner see if they are interested .
@@harrykuntz878 The Nuovo Falcone's are indeed charming Harry, but it's hard to overstate how slow they are. You can squeeze them up to around 60mph, but they're far happier at about 55, and they take a qhile to get there. Delightful, but not practical for most people's riding in these days of 80mph highways and impatient truck and SUV drivers.
I am currently reading your book, "Do It While You Still Can".
And I just came across the line where you reference to your UA-cam videos. So I got on UA-cam and searched your name and found your channel.
I'm on here now watching a few of your videos ! 👍👍
@@N9KGC many thanks. I hope you find something entertaining there. I think there are something like 150, so be choosy. I think this is one of my best ua-cam.com/video/8UnERTs5dzk/v-deo.htmlsi=njpu6G4X2_Ui5q5Q
What a beautiful ride, thank you!
Thanks John. Yes, a bit of a marathon and some parts were dreary, but the good parts compensated. Stay well. Nick
That's a proper adventure Nick. Another great video. The Cavalcade was a great touring bike. It warms my heart to see you on the road on one of those. They don't build them like that anymore. Thank you for sharing the trip with us.
Thanks Ken. It's a shame they stopped using the V4. It's a fabulous engine.
Excellent Nick! Cheers
Thanks Nick. Im from Minnesota and quite familiar with mosquitos while camping, trying to enjoy the rest of nature. also anywhere in Minnesota. Ive lived in San Francisco since 93, I've counted 10. Not moving
Nice adventure and relaxing ride through N. Ont. Glad you entertained and fed the bugs !! 😲😁🇨🇦🇨🇦
Suzuki seems to be a strong contender. Enjoyed the vid Nick.
Thanks for another enjoyable evening Nick. I always look forward to your ride video's for inspiration and your books for a comfortable evening relaxing.
Thanks Tim - happy to oblige
Fresh, soft sand - maybe the worst thing to ride on with anything other than a dirt bike with knobby tires.
I'm quite impressed you managed it on the Cavalcade.
Those little moments where the front tire starts to push in a different direction than the rest of the bike is pointed,
we call a " sphincter - tightening moment".
When you were on your way home, just before you crossed the slightly sketchy-looking wooden bridge ( around 10:00 mark ), was there something moving across the road on the other side of the bridge? It almost looked a person walking.
Maybe it was Bigfoot?
You know what? I hadn't seen that before - and certainly not at the time. My guess is that it was yet another bear, scuttling off into the bush as it heard the bike. On one of my other trips (to Biscotasing) I only noticed a couple of bears when I was reviewing video footage afterwards. When you're concentrating on the road, sometimes you miss stuff. Well spotted.
I just bought a 99 Moto Guzzi California V11 and looking forward to adventures such as yours in the coming years. I absolutely love the bike, The way it handles ( very nimble for a bigger bike), the style ( she is a looker), and the seemingly workhorse of a drivetrain. My first Guzzi and I am hooked. My riding buddy at the moment has a 2013 V7, he converted me over. Safe travels sir,
Great bike Mark. Best 2 valve engine. Plenty of power and a very robust drivetrain. Many happy miles to you. Stay well. Nick
I am still wondering why handlebars shaped like that went out of favor. Definitely my favorite grip position. It is all good on gravel until you have to make an emergency maneuver. LOL!
Yes, comfortable and good control. Interestingly, the bars used to be rotated forwards an inch or two and it never felt right. Once I rolled them forwards a little, viola - instant control. Suble changes can make a big difference. And yes, emergency maneuvers are best avoided, lest other voidng occurs.
cavalcade was best bike I ever owned..looking to buy another..leave comment if you know of one...they are great
Sorry Donald. I see them advertised very occasionally. Try the Worldwide Suzuki Cavalcade Facebook page.
This 1980s bike has cruiser control !!!??
Cruise control, air levelling suspension, auto-inflatable passenger seat back and bottom, CB, communications and rubber mounted everything. Luxury liner.
I am sure that I don't have the confidence to ride a heavy tourer on those gravel roads. I'm glad you did, so the rest of us can see what you saw! Does the Cavalcade operate on 87 octane gas, or does it need higher octane to avoid pinging and or knocking? Thank you again!
I only ever use 87 octane and it seems fine. I've never noticed any pinging. or knocking.
Looks like fun! But that bit on the soft gravel with your handlebars swishing about, did not look like fun.
Also , I think in every one of your books you use the phrase..."like an idiot I...."
That's'cos it's true Dave. Plenty of enthusiasm, not too much forethought. Pulling to the side to avoid the logging trucks is a double edged sword. Crushed by wheels, or flat on your face...