34: Moto Guzzi with Jim May from Matthews Fun Machines

12/11/15 • 66 min

This episode we sat down with Jim May from Matthews Fun Machines and he shares his riding experience from last 45 years and his passion for Moto Guzzi Motorcycles.

Rico has made it back to the states, but is off traveling again with his new found mezcal.

We have officially kicked off our patreon page. Patreon provides a way for us to establish the "value for value" relationship. If you find value with our show, then your support is much appreciated. We have three goals identified as well as rewards for different pledge levels. Please visit our Patreon page for more detail and look forward to hearing more about this as we move forward and start to post Patreon only content.

Jon surprises Rich and Rico with the thought of giving up riding motorcycles if given a billion dollars. As this was one of the topics from Matthew Williams moto blogging videos. After Rich and Rico thought for a few moments they both agree they could as they could use put the money to A LOT of good use.

Interview with Jim May:

Jim has been working at Matthews Fun Machines for 2 years.
We discuss new and upcoming Moto Guzzi motorcycles and the history of the company
Moto Guzzi started using the 90 degree v-twin in 1967
Modified exhaust can sound like a V-8 engine and some aftermarket exhaust is made across the street from the Moto Guzzi factory.
On the roof of the factory is an oval track. Moto Guzzi still takes bikes to the roof for a 1-2 miles ride to make sure bike is function correctly before being shipped to dealers.
Bikes are 100% hand built in Mandello del Lario, Italy.
Jim has been riding since 1975.
- First Moto Guzzi was 850T and trading in a 750 Ducati for it.
- One of his favorite bikes was a Moto Guzzi SB1000
- Le Mans line was another favorite bike
- Previously owned a California 1100
- Currently has a California 1400, which Rico test rode this back and we talked about it during episode 31
- Has owned 7 Ducati, 8 Moto Guzzi, Buell, Harley Davidson and some small Honda bikes over his lifetime.
- Has restored a 1970's Moto Guzzi 750 Bike and might see it a Easyriders show in Charlotte in January.
Jim said that Matthew Fun Machine is hoping to get 2 Moto Guzzi Flying Fortress once they are released. One might be a demo bike so that will allow Rich to take it out for a little spin.

Upcoming events that one or more LoudPipes! members plan on attending:

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Running time: 1 hour 07 minutes
Questions or comments: [email protected]

Support Loud Pipes!

This episode we sat down with Jim May from Matthews Fun Machines and he shares his riding experience from last 45 years and his passion for Moto Guzzi Motorcycles.

Rico has made it back to the states, but is off traveling again with his new found mezcal.

Interview with Jim May:

Jim has been working at Matthews Fun Machines for 2 years.
We discuss new and upcoming Moto Guzzi motorcycles and the history of the company
Moto Guzzi started using the 90 degree v-twin in 1967
Modified exhaust can sound like a V-8 engine and some aftermarket exhaust is made across the street from the Moto Guzzi factory.
On the roof of the factory is an oval track. Moto Guzzi still takes bikes to the roof for a 1-2 miles ride to make sure bike is function correctly before being shipped to dealers.
Bikes are 100% hand built in Mandello del Lario, Italy.
Jim has been riding since 1975.
- First Moto Guzzi was 850T and trading in a 750 Ducati for it.
- One of his favorite bikes was a Moto Guzzi SB1000
- Le Mans line was another favorite bike
- Previously owned a California 1100
- Currently has a California 1400, which Rico test rode this back and we talked about it during episode 31
- Has owned 7 Ducati, 8 Moto Guzzi, Buell, Harley Davidson and some small Honda bikes over his lifetime.
- Has restored a 1970's Moto Guzzi 750 Bike and might see it a Easyriders show in Charlotte in January.
Jim said that Matthew Fun Machine is hoping to get 2 Moto Guzzi Flying Fortress once they are released. One might be a demo bike so that will allow Rich to take it out for a little spin.

Upcoming events that one or more LoudPipes! members plan on attending:

Running time: 1 hour 07 minutes
Questions or comments: [email protected]

Support Loud Pipes!

Previous Episode

33: EICMA 2015 and Artesenal Destilado de Agave (mezcal)

This episode we review some exciting news from the EICMA 2015 show in Milan, Italy, and a big thanks to Jonathan Lockwood, co-host of the Borderless podcast for joining us.

Rico is still south of the border and has managed to string together enough bandwidth to join us again and we make it the second episode with international flair.

Jon was on tap to monitor the feedback email box and reviewed a note from a listener with concerns about security of the donate page. Rich mentioned that the donate button directs you to the secure back end of Squarespace and that payment processing is handled via Stripe. We do not hold save or have access to any credit card information.

Jonathan gives us a overview of the Borderless podcast.
Talk about Mescal and be sure to check out his brand at (www.guinoguino.com)
Jonathan asked Rich and Rico why do they ride. Check out episode 17 for detail as Rich and Rico go into more details.

EICMA -

No official attendance numbers for 2015, but figure saw increase number of visitors with respect to the 2014 show. Total visitors for 2014 was 628,600 and was (+14.7% over 2013)
There was over 1,400 exhibitors and companies confirmed their presence for 2015 show. 60% of them come from abroad and 44 different countries.
Indian Scout Sixty - New Smaller Displacement (60 cu in, 1,000cc) less expensive ($8,999) version.
Ducati XDiavel - Visitor elect it as the "Best-looking bike"- 60.78% voted for it.
Moto Guzzi MGX21 Flying Fortress - Rich wants one of these... and we have a long time Guzzi rider coming up on the next episode.
Victory Ignition Concept
- European drag racer and custom bike builder Urs Erbacher took on the challenge of wrapping this motor in a package capable of putting the world-class power to the ground. The concept features and aggressive stand and frames the engine with a cast aluminum chassis, performance suspension and brakes with an aggressive Project 156 inspired paint scheme.
- Combustion (some soft of production bike) coming 12/11 at New York IMS (Motorcycle Men are planning on attending)
Ducati Scrambler SIXTY 2 - 399cc version, should be cheaper, pricing unknow at this point
BMW R nineT Scrambler - A scrambler with some serious ponies - 110HP and 85.5 torque.
We will be talking in more details of the BMW and Ducati's in coming episode as we are looking at getting Charlie from Motorcycles of Charlotte on the show to give us more details.

Upcoming events that one or more LoudPipes! members plan on attending:

Running time: 1 hour 04 minutes
Questions or comments: [email protected]

Support Loud Pipes!

Next Episode

35: 2016 motorcycles from Ducati and BMW with Charlie Hearne from Motorcycles of Charlotte

Our guest this week is Charlie Hearne from Motorcycles of Charlotte and we talk with him about motorcycles from Ducati, BMW, Zero, Triumph, and events.

Rico is finally recording from his home studio after traveling and is enjoying some Kentucky Bourbon Ale he brought back from his travels.

Unfortunately Jon was unable to join this week due to family issues.

Rich has the KLR road legal again after an inspection and a little extra donation to the state for being late.

Conversation with Charlie Hearne from Motorcycles of Charlotte:

Charlie currently rides a BMW R1200 GS
Ducati xDiavel. Should be showing up at the dealership around March of 2016
- Has three modes (Full, Sport, and Rain)
- Belt drive: a nod to cruiser style and is quieter than chain with less maintenance
- 1262cc engine that puts out 156hp and 95 lb-ft of torque with a weight of 485 lb dry and 545 lb wet
- A 40 degree lean angle is unique for cruisers for sure
Nationwide tour - Motorcycles of Charlotte is the only North Carolina location to see the XDiavel.
Check out Motorcycles of Charlotte Facebook page for details on upcoming demo ride and events.
Ducati Scrambler
- Six different models - Charlie likes Urban Enduro
- Three different colors
- Ducati might be releasing a 7th model, but no news on it as of this recording
- Top seller in US. and dealership sold 35 this past year
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro
- 160 hp and 136 Nm of torque
- Charlie and Rich really likes this bike.
Ducati Multistrada 1200 Pikes Peak
- Ducati selling bike from that was built from the win at Pike Peak race
Dealership had Adventure day that had over 150 people attend to ride a 22 mile route
Zero Motorcycles
- Limited maintenance on the bikes, mainly belt drive replacement. No oil to change, spark plugs, valve adjustments, etc.
- 3 modes Sport, Eco, and Custom. Custom allow you to connect with Zero app via iPhone or Android to make custom profile.
- Zero S - 197 mile range, 54 hp and 68 ft-lb
- Zero SR - 100 mile range, 67 hp and 106 ft-lb
- Zero DS - 179 mile range, 54 hp and 68 ft-lb
- Zero DSR (New for 2016) - 140 mile range, 54 hp and 68 ft-lb. 98 mph top speed
- Zero FX - 41 mile range, 44hp and 70 ft-lb. Bike is designed for off-road riding. Weights less than 300 lbs
- Zero FXS (New for 2016)- 90 mile range 44 hp and 70ft-lb Bike is designed for off-road riding. Able to do 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.
BMW Motorcycles
- Charlie was a sport bike rider, took a BMW R1200RT bike for ride and fell in love
- Concept 101 - K1600 motor - 160 hp 6 cylinder engine
Triumph Motorcycles
- Explorer - 8 different models
- Switchable ABS and Triumph Traction Control
- 1200 are shaft drive, 800 are chain drive
Will have Triumph modern classic event January 15th, check the Facebook page for details.