Subject: Smart Dealer - Alex Gifford
Author: David Washburn
Date: Jan 19, 2004, 11:55 AM
Post ID: 1715794964
In the Summer of '99 I rode my '72 Eldo up to Branchville Motors in CT.
to look at the new Guzzi dealer. Alex took a look at my bike and
chatted with me about the old bikes then took me in back to look at his
unrestored-but-immaculate Ambo. He told me a story about taking his son
to camp on the Ambo and how cool it was to ride the back roads on the
comfy old loop.
We looked at the the new Jackal he had on the floor and he mentioned
that it would be going out for magazine test rides shortly after he had
broken it in a bit and settled any little setup issues. Eventually he
asked my opinion about whether I would consider a (then brand-new)
Jackal. I was impressed, but I didn't care much for the silver color or
the solo saddle on his soon-to-be demonstrator.
I was conducted to the shop area where a black Jackal was emerging from
its crate. I was knocked out! The quoted price was less than 8K so I
ran to get wife and checkbook. I ended up trading in the '72 and began
work on the Eldo/SP restoration as the Jackal became my daily driver.
I would buy the new Ballabio next but I just don't fit. I am now
cafe-ing the Jackal as my current project. The Eldo/SP has taken on the
daily driver role and is as reliable and a little more comfortable as
the Jackal was.
See non-loopframe pictures here:
http://guzziownr.tripod.com/le_jackal.html
http://guzziownr.tripod.com/le_jackal2.html
Alex has since taken on Triumph as well. It's not a company mandate for
dealers to act like idiots -- they volunteer!
David in NYC