Renewed Strong Love - Moto Guzzi

by Kate F
(Oshkosh, WI)

Kate and Filomena Geared Up for a Ride

At a point in my life when I needed to make a lot of changes, I found a bike I'd been dreaming of for a few years.

My riding history includes being immersed in the sport as a child. My Dad and I took trips across the country to see friends and family, and I took the MSF course when I was 18. My first bike was a GZ 250 Suzuki. This bike did not have the gusto for me, so we passed it along to someone who wanted a good starter bike.

My second bike was welcomed home after I had taken a three year break from the sport. My Breva has all that I need, including more than enough power and an easy riding position. "Filomena Rinovarre" is a 2004 Moto Guzzi Breva 750 ie with 3,900 well manicured miles on her. This Italian beauty comes from a history of hand-built racing bikes, and she doesn't keep it a secret!

I discovered this Italian ride at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in 2003 when the model was new. Falling in love with the bike was easy. The style and the maneuverability were top notch, perfect for someone who hadn't ridden in years, and wanted a lightweight bike to get around town or take for a longer ride. The shaft drive means low maintenance and the silver and black color scheme go with any outfit.

Filomena is the name of the bike in Italian, a name I picked out via an Italian baby name website.

And baby she is. I love this bike. I held onto her as I came out of a rocky relationship and a rocky employment situation. I got a hold of the 744 cc's for way cheap. I paid $3,400 on Ebay and shipped her from Southern California when she hadn't even hit a thousand miles!

My freedom is getting on the bike and enjoying the fresh air and the smells. My favorite is the honeysuckle in St. Louis. I love taking her to work and I love doing the 'bike wave'.

I hope other people will look at the Moto Guzzi line because they make high quality bikes and they are not too expensive for basic models.

I still have the bike and I left the boyfriend who didn't support me in the sport. I know I'll keep this bike for a very long time.