Issue Four off to the printers - and we're off too..

Finally Issue Four has been completed and has gone to the printers, but we're off too for some rest until late next week. We'll hopefully start posting out copies to subscribers the week after that - see you then!!

I just can't get it

These are shots sent to me by the MV Agusta press office. They're of the new MV Agusta Brutale R 1090.

Now I bet that it's an awesome (to quote our US cousins) motorcycle to ride with 144bhp on tap, and I'm sure if I had one parked outside the house, I'd be mighty proud.

But looking at it, it leaves me completely cold  MV says it has 'unique design.

It looks a mess. It reminds me of a Honda Hornet. Is this wrong?

Moto Guzzi at 90: rumours in the sauna

The 90th anniversary bash has just taken place, and it appears that there have been announcements here and there about a new factory being built at the Mandello site with the old one being retained as a tourist attraction. Someone also spotted a photo playing as part of a presentation at an impromptu sauna session on the shores of the wonderful Lake Como (!) with Colannino, Piaggio chairman, that showed the current 1200cc 8v motor (as in the Stelvio and Norge) shoehorned into a V7 racer/Classic type frame. So looks like they'll be doing what everyone has been asking for, bigger motors with the retro clothes (even though it was denied tome personally three years ago.)

Anyway,  with sales up 31% on last year, things are on the up for Guzzi which is a good thing - though it must also be said that many owners would want that some money was reinvested in sorting out their attitude to customers needing spares or service after they've purchased a new Guzzi. I sometimes get to go on some Guzzi launches so will report any substance when I'm next out there.

Looks like Leo got to Mandello on his supercharged 500cc Falcone, which we featured in Issue Three, despite its appetite for pistons. Good job Leo!!

My friend Paolo

This is my friend Paolo Cei of Livorno, hard at work at an autojumble/swapmeet/mostra scambio selling Lambretta bits and other stuff. He loves Mods (which is a shame as I'm more of a rocker..)

His fantastic Lambretta Li 150 special is in Issue Four, coming so so soon.....

More Mondial to tease Mick

Mick's a reader of the mag and is looking for a winter project. Well Mick, how about this Mondial 175 sat in a garage (in Italy)? Almost too good to restore. Problem is, I don't know if it's still there or not. Should have bought it when I had the chance. Blimey, it's lovely...

Ducati scrambling through Tuscany

My pal Ugo in 'my' corner of Tuscany rebuilt this 450 Scrambler and I rode it. Just wonderful. Decent weather always helps. I put together an article on it for 'The Classic Motorcycle' magazine but they recently published it in a crappy much cut-down effort recently so I'll stick it in the mag some point soon to give Ugo's skills, and a fine motorcycle from Ducati, some justice.

Riff Raff

I ain't no headbanger but....these four AC/DC albums are some of the best music I have. I've been travelling a lot for work the last few days and been listening with intent again.

Thanks John 'Cavie' Webster for telling me about them back in '83 and to bandmate Stan Stammers for confirming in '86 that it was ok to love AC/DC and still be a punk and not a 'banger..