Gilera 500 / SR500

[manxie]

Hi fella`s. Just looking for some of your friendly advice    Does anyone know what the Gilera Saturno 500 is like as a bike? Any good? Parts availability? I MIGHT have sold my Guzzi  so I`m just having a look around. This is the bike I`ve spotted ....

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C669275

Cheers.

[timbo]

My goodness, that's a bit different. Only ever seen one in the flesh, and that was at last years MGP 

[SteveC#222]

I've seen one, very pretty bike but as I recall physically quite small - only about 130 Kg's.  The Japanese had a hand in the design of the 'Nuovo' version  ( the original Saturno has been around since the 50's) and I'm not sure if it doesn't have Japanese engine ( don't quote me on that). Practical Sportsbike  did a test alongside an SZR660 and the Bimoto single thingy and It came out top of the three. I'm not sure if I still have that copy but I'll have a dig around.  Spares may be a problem, and probably quite scarce/expensive. A bike for sunny summer days rather than day to day.

http://classic-motorbikes.net/gilera-nuovo-saturno/

[iansoady]

I thought you meant a real one:

[manxie]

Yeah,the last thing I want is to be stuck finding parts when something breaks. Just been watching some youtube videos of people riding them, I think it may be to much of a back breaker for me...plus my gut will get in the way!!

[SteveC#222]

I have to say that if I was shopping , after a nice GB500, the Enfield Continental GT would be pretty high on my list. Affordable, useable  and looks the part ( OK not fast but you don't always want fast).

[Moto63]

" you don't always want fast"........ YEAH YA DO

[manxie]

I like the Continental GT, in fact only last week took my Guzzi to the local bike dealership and tried to strike a deal on a new yellow one, but couldn`t agree on the outcome. Yes, I do like the GT`s    Oh, it would nice to have something that`ll cruise around 80mph though 

[timbo]

Yep, I really like the modern RE Continental. Now also in black I believe 
Was that the dealer in Ramsey Manxie?

[manxie]

Hi Timbo, yes in Ramsey down by the Mooragh Park ..... Paul Dedman Motorcycles. Did you survive the latest storm ok? They closed the mountain at 6am this morning due to the forcast?? Pain in the a$$ getting to work, took me about 1 1/2 hrs instead of 25 mins and I don't think the weather was as bad as it was a couple of weeks ago!! Ooops, a rant.... sorry  ....... The Enfields are nice aren`t they 

[manxie]

Well fella`s, I`ve knocked the idea of this bike on the head. As I said earlier, although no money has changed hands yet, I think I`ve sold the Guzzi (fingers crossed) and I`ve just found my next bike all being well. I`ve located a very nice SR500, been wanting one for a long time so fingers crossed all will go well   

[Smithy]

Good choice, the SR500 has a great following and Kedo in Germany do loads of stuff for them including tuning goodies. I love the looks of the Continental GT and I believe Hitchcocks do tuning parts for them but given the choice I'd go for the SR.

Good luck with both the sale and purchase.

Ian

[manxie]

Thanks Ian, I`m keeping my fingers crossed. Are there any SR "experts" on here I could PM a few technical questions? Thanks, Steve.

[timbo]

Not me personally, but I know a man who can 
My mate has years of experience of owning an SR, and I'm sure knows all the trials and tribulations of them, so feel free to contact me, and I will get his advice anytime. I would have had a Haynes manual for you, only I just sold it at a jumble 
I love SRs but have never owned one. Most owners hold onton them and don't sell.
Storms here were OK, though power wentn off briefly.

[manxie]

Cheers Timbo, PM sent already