FreyZI

Nearing completion (I hope) '79 V1000 G5. Frame's powder coated, lots of new bits, cleaned up reasonably well. Tank's got a fresh coat of paint (black with white pin stripes -- matching her cousins, the R1xRs). You'll notice that I've scrapped the old electronics and I'm in the process of rewiring with a Motogadget M-Unit. I'd love to do something a bit cooler than a restoration, but this is a father/son project and my old man is more of a purist (maybe some day). He has done many tractors, but this is his (and my) first MC. Been waiting on my order of a new set of Lafranconis for, oh, about nine months now.

My F800GS (30 Years of GS model) on a fire road at Indian Steps. I got the 800 because I thought the 1200 would be too heavy and bulky, and I'm not going to be doing any serious touring for a decade (single dad), so I didn't need touring capability. At 392 pounds dry, it's reasonably light. I've been getting about 52 mpg in mixed riding (city/trail/highway). I've nothing to compare it with, as I'd never ridden off road before, but I was impressed with how intuitive and confidence inspiring the handling is on the slightly more technical bits. One drawback is the amount of heat the parallel twin engine throws off: spring and fall it's great; high summer = very sweaty balls. For that reason alone, I'd go with a 1200 or a different brand altogether if I planned on many days of riding in a toasty climate. And that highlights one of the truly great characteristics of jugs to the sides: cooling.

Frey here. #112 with me in Happy Valley: State College, Pennsylvania, USA.

Ciao, Guzzisti. This is Frey, new owner of Tenni #112. I distinctly remember 15 years ago -- having never ridden a motorcycle in my life and having had no interest whatsoever in motorcycles -- driving my cage to a Barnes & Noble in Denver, Colorado, where I saw a gorgeous motorcycle parked (illegally -- as without a care) right in front of the entrance. That singular moment was the reason I bought my first motorcycle. Unfortunately, at that time, I was awash in six-figures of student loan debt and any Guzzi was way out of my price range (a Speed Triple would also have fit the bill, but another non-starter). Instead, I bought a 1977 Yamaha XS-750 for $900. It was eventually towed by the city -- they claimed it appeared to be an abandoned vehicle. Admittedly, it was a bit of a rat bike. When I learned how much they wanted to get it out of the pound, I wished them the best at auction. Family and work intervened in the motorcycle thing for a few years until I bought (used) my first non-beater bike, a 2007 BMW R1200R (black with white pin stripes, like the airheads of old). I love that bike, which is my daily rider. However, I could never shake from my mind the image of the Tenni. Fortuitously, I stumbled across Lauri (a fine steward of #112) last week and he lives a short two-hour drive from Happy Valley. Also fortunately, I hadn't pulled the trigger on buying the K1300S I'd had my eye on. So, after 15 years, I finally have my Tenni. Docc, that's an excellent idea (it's actually a Soobie, though).

Well this gives me another reason I can't continue to ignore the rowing machine I bought off a friend a few weeks ago.

Thanks,czakky and stewgnu. I did check out cycle-ergos.com (note the dash in the URL). While I was at it, I checked out my other bikes. Seems about right for the R12r. Appears that knees would be alright as long as not sitting as close as possible to the fuel tank, but it will be a bit more of bend to the bars than I'm used to. Of course, customized pegs and bar solutions could increase comfort. My daily commute is only about 10km each way. Longer rides are less frequent and touring is non-existent, given parental responsibilities. Cheers, Frey

Hey, all. I fell in love with a Tenni 15 years ago, before I'd ever ridden a motorcycle. Inspired to ride, but without the bank account for a new Tenni -- or much of anything, for that matter -- I settled on a Yamaha XS 750. After a decade plus of student loans and leaner wallet, I've been able to start filling my stable with bikes (other than UJM): BMW R1200R, R1100RL hack, K100 cafe project, Guzzi V1000 G5 restoration. Although I'd really prefer the Tenni, there's an affordable, one-owner (with service history) 2003 LeMans available for my purchase. Maybe it can be a temporary fix until I find a Tenni. So, the question: Will this bike fit me? I'm about 6'-5", normally proportioned (I'd like to think), 34" inseam. Are the cylinder heads/valve covers going to be a non-issue, a mere nuisance, or a deal-breaker? Unfortunately, I live in BFE Pennsylvania and these bikes don't come up for sale regularly, so I've never sat on one; I'll have to buy this one at a fairly long arm's length. Thanks for any input! Cheers, Frey