From Zundapp to Moto Guzzi: A Lifetime on Two Wheels
From Zundapp to Moto Guzzi: A Lifetime on Two Wheels
Bruce's love affair with motorcycles began at 15, a necessity born from a bustling family and limited car space. "My parents only had one car," he recalls, "so the sons will be getting motorbikes." This wasn't just a convenient solution; it ignited a passion that has spanned over 55 years, taking him from the streets of Africa to the open roads of Australia.
His first ride, a Zundapp 50cc, was a surprising powerhouse, leaving Japanese bikes in its dust. From there, his two-wheeled journey took him through military service as a dispatch rider on a Yamaha 350, where he enjoyed the perks of "screaming down the road" with little interference from traffic police (though the military police were a different story!). He then moved on to a Honda 305 Super Sport while serving in the Commandos.
Moving to South Africa, Bruce's bike collection grew, including a Kawasaki 650 and a pair of magnificent 6-cylinder, 1300cc Kawasaki with shaft drives. These were meticulously restored and became his pride and joy. However, life took a turn, and the demands of family life meant less time for riding. Regretfully, he sold them, a decision he laments to this day.
Australia beckoned, and once his children were settled in high school, the call of the open road became too strong to resist. A ride on a friend's Moto Guzzi sparked a new chapter. "It was the most fantastic bloody feeling that I'd ever had," he exclaims, leading him to purchase his own Moto Guzzi California 1000 from Motociclo in St Peters. This was followed by the even more exhilarating California 1400. The V9, while powerful and enjoyable, had one drawback: its small fuel tank, he loves the sound, especially with the Agostini pipes.
Bruce's loyalty to Moto Guzzi is clear. "When you ride a Moto Guzzi, you start developing a love affair," he explains. He highlights the shaft drive and the unique V-shaped, opposed cylinders, which simplify the drive shaft mechanism. "Moto Guzzi is the world's best-kept secret," he declares, encouraging anyone to experience the thrill of riding one.
His riding experiences extend beyond Australia. In Africa, he traversed diverse terrains, from Cape Town to Durban and up through Zimbabwe and Tanzania. He recounts a tense encounter with some locals who wanted not just their money but also their bikes, a situation diffused by the timely arrival of border patrol. This experience taught him the importance of caution and awareness on the road. "Don't antagonise people," he advises, recounting an incident where someone tried to push him off the road. "Four wheels are far more stable than two."
For Bruce, motorcycling is more than just transportation; it's a connection with nature. "Riding a bike really puts you back in touch with the nature part of everything," he says. He compares it to riding a horse, acknowledging the shared connection with the outdoors but preferring the horsepower of a motorcycle.
Bruce's story is a testament to the enduring appeal of motorcycling, the camaraderie it fosters, and the unique connection riders share with their machines. His passion for Moto Guzzi, in particular, shines through, making his story a compelling invitation to experience the world from the saddle of a truly special motorcycle. As Bruce concludes, "Moto Guzzi's are the kind of motorcycle that attract an incredibly loyal following, and for good reason."