How important was "made in Italy" to you?

[PITA]

Got into a discussion with a KTM buddy re. KTM moving more production out of Austria. I said I wouldn't have bought my V100 if it wasn't made in Italy (I know parts come from all over, but it's important to me that it comes off the line where the brand originates from).
Do any of you feel as strongly as I do?

 

[scottmastrocinque]

Yes.

 

[Mindis]

I'm a spring chicken to the brand, not an old wolf rider either, so my opinion shouldn't be taken too seriously...
That being said, I think Guzzi would lack some soul and character if they were assembled elsewhere. Dunno why I think so and can't explain why.
KTM owners know that their engines are made by CFmoto and some bikes are assembled in India and they're fine with that LOL

Yes.

LOL There's no elaboration, 2 page essay, or anything else. YES and that's it. This Is The Way. I feel ya said everything that needs to be said here

 

[santuz]

The right question should be: how much money would you spend to have a bike produced in Europe (Italy for MG, Ducati, Aprilia, Austria for KTM, Germany for BMW, UK for Triumph) rather than the "same" bike manufactured in far east (China, India)?

 

[Dave.N]

I was thinking of buying a Triumph Bonneville then I found out they had moved production to Thailand, that put me right off the idea as I wanted a British bike like my T100 R Daytona had been. So I don't think I would have bought a none Italian Guzzi.
Having said that I have just bought a Citroen C5X made in China, it's a great car and we'll made and I don't care that it wasn't built in France. So it must be a bike thing.

 

[scottmastrocinque]

LOL There's no elaboration, 2 page essay, or anything else. YES and that's it. This Is The Way. I feel ya said everything that needs to be said here

Yes.

 

[Raven]

Yes.
Actually I'll elaborate. Made in Italy, by hand, in the same factory and in some cases by the same family members.

 

[scottmastrocinque]

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I reject China the same as I do Social Media. Plagues and poxes on mankind.

I go out of my way to avoid giving the Chinese my money if I can avoid it.

China is evil. I’ve watched the United States lift that cesspool of a hellhole out of the dirt and mud after WWII, only to become a complete slave and addict to their “cheap” shit, and China has become a bully and oppressive neighbor. I fully expect a Taiwan invasion soon.

I hate China.

India is evil too and makes nothing but shit.

My opinion. My money. My choice.

The day Moto Guzzi motorcycles are no longer made in Mandello del Lario, is the day I no longer own or ride one.

Yes.

 

[William H.]

Wife and I went and bought a new Buick ( still can't believe I own a Buick ) back in 2020, we/she wanted the Encore but found out it was made in China so we bought the Enclave that was made on this side of the pond at GM plant in Canada. Triumph also lost their luster to me by opening a plant in Thailand.

 

[moparnut72]

I just can't see MG abandoning the town folk. I am sure the economy of Mandello is dependent on MG. It would probably survive without the company but would suffer some. I like Italian things, there is a certain flare to the products that can't be gotten elsewhere.

 

[scottmastrocinque]

I just can't see MG abandoning the town folk. I am sure the economy of Mandello is dependent on MG. It would probably survive without the company but would suffer some. I like Italian things, there is a certain flare to the products that can't be gotten elsewhere.

Actually, they cannot leave without Italian Government approval.

This is why each owner of Moto Guzzi had to agree to this fact when they bought it. Piaggio knew this as well and this is why they have sunk $$$$ into the factory. They have to. No other option.

 

[Vagrant]

I just can't see MG abandoning the town folk. I am sure the economy of Mandello is dependent on MG. It would probably survive without the company but would suffer some. I like Italian things, there is a certain flare to the products that can't be gotten elsewhere.

Have you forgotten Detroit? The "motor city".

 

[Raven]

Have you forgotten Detroit? The "motor city".

Speaking of suffering and surviving. That gives ghost town an entirely new meaning.

 

[MikeBike]

Got into a discussion with a KTM buddy re. KTM moving more production out of Austria. I said I wouldn't have bought my V100 if it wasn't made in Italy (I know parts come from all over, but it's important to me that it comes off the line where the brand originates from).
Do any of you feel as strongly as I do?

To be honest I wish they were made where parts were readily available. My bike was in the shop from Jan. 2023 to late Nov. 2023!

 

[GTM®]

To be honest I wish they were made where parts were readily available. My bike was in the shop from Jan. 2023 to late Nov. 2023!

Very little to do with Guzzi, and more to do with the dealer and their resources. Very little that can be had in a few weeks unless it's really not on the shelf in Italy. A lot of fairly recent parts are showing as No Long Available (NLA) meaning out of production completely.

 

[JasonC]

To be honest I wish they were made where parts were readily available. My bike was in the shop from Jan. 2023 to late Nov. 2023!

Yes, me too. It irks me to wait months for a part when a comparable brand would have the part in stock or if not have a short lead time.

And a part that is NLA is not an acceptable situation to be in.

Jason

 

[Roblatt]

critical

 

[GuidoVeloce]

A french professional motorcycle reviewer on YouTube claims that the V100 gearbox is made in China. He says that he saw them in crates during a factory visit. Could it be true?

 

[PITA]

The right question should be: how much money would you spend to have a bike produced in Europe (Italy for MG, Ducati, Aprilia, Austria for KTM, Germany for BMW, UK for Triumph) rather than the "same" bike manufactured in far east (China, India)?

That is a good question. BMW and Ducati make their lower end bikes outside of their country of origin, but I wonder how their loyal customers would respond if their higher dollar mainstays like the GS or Multis followed the same path.
But Triumph doesn't seem to care, and now KTM. These are manufacturers with definite brand cache, and premium prices, so considering how well they're doing I don't think most consumers care or even notice! Especially considering many believe quality standards can be managed regardless of location.
But so far responses on here are proving me wrong. Which is telling me much about the Guzzi brand and its owners that I'm only starting to get familiar with. I like it! But let's see how long Guzzi stays the course - my guess is their next small bike with break with tradition.

 

[PITA]

I was thinking of buying a Triumph Bonneville then I found out they had moved production to Thailand, that put me right off the idea as I wanted a British bike like my T100 R Daytona had been. So I don't think I would have bought a none Italian Guzzi.
Having said that I have just bought a Citroen C5X made in China, it's a great car and we'll made and I don't care that it wasn't built in France. So it must be a bike thing.

Wife is replacing her car and I was suggesting a BMW M2, until I learned they were now making it in Mexico for worldwide consumption. M used to be BMW magic, plus you had the option of picking it up in Germany, drive around for weeks, then have them ship it home! Imaging now picking it up in Mexico - that thing would be on blocks after the first overnight!