New Guzzi museum at Mandello: MG MUSEUM

Motociclismo magazine reports today that there are plans afoot to build a new museum at the Guzzi factory at Mandello. There's a museum already of course, but opening hours are a bit loose at best, and though there's plenty of bikes to see, some of the exhibits have gone awol over the years. Plans are to make the museum bigger, and have it open independently of whether ther factory is open, or whether any activity is actually going on in there. There would also be a decent shop too, a bit like the setup at the excellent Piaggio museum in Pontedera.

Apparently the museum would be called the 'MG MUSEUM', and would be supported by the local Lecco regional council who sees the Guzzi factory and museum at Mandello as a vital part of the local tourist trade. It'll all cost about 8 million euro though - so in these times of financial rack and ruin, it's doubtful it'll happen very quickly.

I first went to the museum in 1992, and I was the only person there. I had called beforehand and was told to be there at 3pm, which I was. A little old man unlocked the door, and ushered me in, and said I had 15 minutes! It was all in one room in those days, and the floor had an aged but fantastically period 1950s green linoleum covering. The bikes on display were unloved and not looked after, covered in dust and cobwebs. There was no 750 S3, and I asked why. "Don't know came the reply." Some bikes had bits missing, or different sidepanels. Anway, an experience, and how the museum has changed nowadays.

Here are some shots of mine from that very visit. The Motozappa was my favourite exhibit, and I regret not buying one cheaply a few years ago when I lived in Italy.

No Love Lost

Still my favourite Joy Division track, with Novelty a close second. Play loud...

MV 175 crank is krank

The crank is knackered. It's a lovely looking crankshaft though, and deserves some love and attention. It's also got the date it was installed engraved on the side of it, nice touch.

Maybe I can use the original Pirelli though? (no, only joking..though I would if I could). 

Anyone out there got a pair of cheap 2.75 x 19 they want to sell me?

Would you bother?

Been spending quite a bit of effort on this MV recently. This is how it used to look.

Black Guzzi Roadster special

John W's beautiful black and neat Guzzi roadster coming up soon in Issue Five.

Ace Cafe Italian Day 2012

A few photos by John W of yesterday's Ace Cafe' Italian Day 2012. We couldn't attend because of family illness unfortunately, but looks like there were a few interesting bikes out in the cold, including my old Guzzi Mk1 Le Mans - funny how your old bikes still turn up...

RIP MCA

Adam Yauch, or MCA of the Beastie Boys has died, aged only 47. They've been one of my favourite bands since I saw them on their first tour of the UK back in 1986. Their creativity and refusal to remain static has been inspirational. I last saw them three years ago and they were still fantastic, and I still listen to them often. 'Paul's Boutique' is required listening, as is 'Check Your Head'. A sad day. This is one of their best ever:

MV 175 project - cases split - good and not so good

Found some time to go and see good friend and MV guru Dorian yesterday. I'd left my MV motor with him some weeks ago with my three legged puller gripping the flywheel desperately but not pulling it off. Dorian's puller is bigger, as is his gas torch, and he got the flywheel off. We spent an hour or two pulling down the rest of the motor yesterday, well Dorian did while I took the photos. His roofer's torch did the job, though the little motor need a lot of persuasion, and heat.

There's good and bad. Good that it's not all completely knackered and the bottom end has never been apart before. The cam is in good condition, incredibly. Crank is knackered and will need looking at. All bearings are shagged. It'll need a rebore - anyway, read more in Issue 5 of the mag coming soon..