If I were not a freelancer, but with a permanent contract? Then of course I would be very rich. People with a permanent employment contract are the blessed of our time and they smile and pay a workshop rate of 100 euros-hours ex VAT and only buy 'Original' or 'original parts'.
Every importer earns a huge amount on the margins on parts… And for modern motorcycles, after tough negotiations, the profit only starts in the workshop. Well, things will be a bit more relative. Fortunately, there are still plenty of 'old school' motorcycle shops where the workshop rates are humane and friendly, and craftsmanship are even cost-limiting factors. Fortunately! And riding on the famous English 'shoestring' has also given me more pleasure in richer times than having a motorcycle that the dealer says you shouldn't even give him encouragement in the workshop.
And so you come to look at the parts of my daily driver, a Moto Guzzi V65C from 1984. Or 1986. I keep forgetting that.
Such a small Guzzi is already ideal for enthusiasts with limitations in all areas. First of all, you're two grand in ringside. That you have to massage away some Italian bad things afterwards is only nice. The second-hand parts supply is top notch. No dealer puts such a machine in the showroom after trade-in, because a major service plus delivery, plus the purchase price will quickly exceed the market value. For budget drivers: This also applies to a lot of nice or sweet more recent old-timers or young-timers. So they go into demolition to become parts donors.
Life can also be funny on consumer goods. The brake pads were replaced during the recent winter turn. This also turned out to be about time during the inspection. An official set of brake pads turned out to cost almost 22 euros per set. And it takes three sets. Locally, at a very universal provider, so not through the reprehensible Ali, I paid 9 euros for a set of Genuine Versrah brake pads whose box cheered proudly: "JAPANESE QUALITY". In addition, the boxes reported “scooter disc pad” and Kevlar. That could possibly lead to downsides on the track, but on a medium-duty classic in a country where '100' is the new normal, I dared to take the gamble. In the meantime, it has been proven that things are doing well in terms of response and braking power.
Also read:
- Moto Guzzi and the great crooked thinking
- The Italian way
- The same parts for a lower price
- Starting problems, battery and trickle chargers. Winter time; battery time
- Cheap nostalgia
Nice story and enclosed tips again for nothing, I also had to think of the Motor workshop in Deventer, run by a young man with 30 years of key experience in motorcycles who always wants to think along when it comes to the client's wallet. I am from Arnhem but I always take my Guzzi to the Motor Workshop in Deventer.
Another good address. Thanks!