Pro Italia Los Angeles

Newcomb's Ranch opened on March 12th

2010-03-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Angeles Crest will remain closed until sometime this summer due to road repairs between the bottom and the Palmdale turnoff.

You can get to Newcomb's by taking the 210 freeway exiting at Sunland Blvd and heading east 2 miles to the Jack in the Box and turning north on Oro Vista which becomes Big Tujunga.

The first part of Big Tujunga is very bumpy for about 1/4 mile with some damp patches. Continue on Big Tujunga to the Angeles Forest Highway and turn left. After you pass through the tunnel the road narrows to one lane just before where Hidden Springs Cafe used to be.

When you reach Upper Big Tujunga (9 mile) turn right. The road is clear all the way to Angeles Crest where you will turn left. The shady section about 3 miles ahead is damp and icy early in the morning so head up after 9 or 10am.

Newcomb's is now open limited hours until April but you can be sure it will be open during the day. Happy riding.

Guzzi Stelvio is here.

2010-03-13T10:46:00.001-08:00

Soup on the new MTS

2010-03-09T10:52:00.000-08:00

"The 2010 Multistrada 1200 S is arguably the most important Ducati introduced since the 916, a game changer not only for the Bolognese manufacturer, but indeed for every company producing motorcycles today."

The article is being broken up into three parts - be sure to check back at Soup for parts two and three.

Kevin Ash on the new Multistrada

2010-03-03T16:12:00.001-08:00

"I'll be adding more Multistrada features in the next few days, but as far as the riding experience is concerned - the most important aspect after all - this bike absolutely rocks. It’s searingly fast, laden with torque, handles superbly, the electronics not only work they're extremely useful, it's comfortable, characterful, beautifully made, and one of the most exciting motorcycles you can buy. If you've placed an order already...lucky you!"

We are, naturally, taking deposits for the new Multi. Call them boys in Sales to save your place in line.

A (very) Brief Primer on Moto Guzzi

2010-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Moto Guzzi, one of the brands owned by Piaggio and Co. SpA, was established in Mandello del Lario, Italy in 1921. As an anonymous wikipedian wrote: "Similar to Harley-Davidson and other storied motorcycle manufacturers that have survived for decades, Moto Guzzi has experienced a series of business cycles and a series of ownership arrangements - some complex, some brief, some that have endured. "

The early days of Moto Guzzi featured a horizontal single; the early days meaning the first 40+ years of the companies existance. The company competed on the world stage and garnered 5 consecutive 350cc world titles in the mid-fifties.

The mid-sixties to early-seventies saw Guzzi in financial trouble as well as develop the engine configuration that has become symbolic of the company; the 90 degree V-twin with longitudinal crankshaft with the cylinder heads protruding on either side of the bike. This engine was designed by Guilio Cesare Carcano, a Guzzi legend. A 750cc version of this motor was used for the original V7 Sport that the company pays homage to with the V7 Classic.

Through continued ownerships Guzzi still was able to create the 850 Le Mans - a highly regarded masterpiece from 1976. Five versions, or Marks (Mk II, Mk III...) have been created over the years - whether patina'ed road warriors or mint rebuilds, Le Mans' never fail to draw a crowd. Created around the same time was the Tonti frame. Named after the engineer Lino Tonti, "the Tonti Frame represented a significant breakthrough for Moto Guzzi, giving the company a new and up-to-date structural backbone for its cycles beginning with the famed V7 Sport of 1971. Tonti designed the frame with racing in mind, with the goals of mass centralization, lighter weight and compactness. The frame is especially light and strong, and remains in use to this day in modified form in the small block Breva 750 and Nevada Classic and in the big block California. The design contrasted sharply with competitors' frame designs at the time of its introduction; many motorcycles were noted for their "hinge in the middle" feel. Notably, the frame tilts the engine slightly rearward."

Continuing to build intriguing motorcycles even through yet more choppy financial seas, Moto Guzzi was bought by Aprilia and then finally the whole kit-and-kaboodle was absorbed into Piaggio. For you this means that these days availability of parts and bikes is better than it has ever been. Pro Italia is now getting parts and accessories from Aprilia and Moto Guzzi at least as well as from Ducati. The days of not being able to order oil filters and/or replacement mirrors are behind us.

Want to start driving yourself mad with Guzzi lust? Simply wander around the internet looking at some of these bikes. Like other Italian bikes with so much heritage you'll find drool-worthy bikes from home-made customs, Japanese made racers, restored beauties to futuristic show bikes and articles about heritage.

Motocycle Tour of Thailand

2010-02-20T15:50:00.001-08:00

Motocycle Tour of Thailand, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Snazzy Honda Super Cub seen in northern Thailand by PI's capo Bill.

2010-02-20T15:48:00.001-08:00

DSCN1586, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Pre-owned MTS

2010-02-14T10:08:00.001-08:00

Beauty shot, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

BMW S1000RR

2010-02-13T16:04:00.003-08:00

BMW S1000RR, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Bell Helmet

2010-02-13T16:04:00.001-08:00

Bell Helmet, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Cretins Sticker on a Paul Smart

2010-02-13T16:03:00.001-08:00

Cretins Sticker on a Paul Smart, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen around the shop.

MCN catches the new MTS out and about

2010-02-13T10:58:00.001-08:00

Natually we are taking deposits on this HIGHLY anticipated motorcycle. Call 818 249-5707 or email Pro Italia Sales to save your place in line.

Joe Kopp will be riding the Lloyd Brothers Duke in Flat Track

2010-02-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Pow! Sideburn has the info.

Bike Wash fundraiser for Haiti - This Weekend, Jan. 30th and 31st

2010-01-25T22:51:00.000-08:00

For the next three weekends (January 30-31, February 6-7, and Feb. 13-14) Pro Italia will be holding a bike wash to raise money for the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation. We will wash your bike for a suggested donation $35, with all proceeds going to the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation. Each bike will take about 45 minutes, so we suggest that you make an appointment by emailing rsvp.proitalia@gmail.com or by calling Amy at 818-249-5707. Ducati executives will be flying in to wash bikes as well as PI owner Bill Nation and others. In addition we will give $5 to this worthy charity every time you buy a Pro Italia T-shirt, and $10 for every Pro Italia sweatshirt, or jacket.

Through our good friend Donnie Graves we've learned of an orphanage in Hinche, Haiti that has been providing shelter, healthcare and education for orphaned children in Haiti. The Maison Fortune' Orphanage Foundation is a Virginia-based 501 (c) (3) IRS approved charity, committed to raising money to benefit the children. Fortunately they were spared direct effects of the quake, they are preparing to accept 150 to 200 children dispaced from Port au Prince.

QD exhaust on a Monster (note the NCR cover)

2010-01-23T18:20:00.001-08:00

QD exhaust on a Monster (note the NCR cover), originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen around the shop today.

Arman Sarkissian of Madduc - a craftsman of Ducati parts - out side with his 62 VW Transporter van.

2010-01-23T18:19:00.001-08:00

Arman Sarkissian of Madduc - a craftsman of Ducati parts - out side with his 62 VW Transporter van., originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen around the shop.

Last Chance Sale Items

2010-01-15T23:08:00.000-08:00

We've posted some incredible deals in our online store. Most of these sale items are the last ones we have in-stock so when they are gone, they are gone. We've got new sale stock for your bike (accessories) and for you (apparel) in our Sale section while slim supplies last. Hit it!

To go 1,600 kilometres with an engine that goes over 19,000 rpm isn't a simple assignment.

2010-01-14T22:33:00.001-08:00

Domenicali runs down the changes to the Ducati GP10.

Seen Around The Shop - Cool vintage Triumph

2010-01-11T19:30:00.005-08:00

Cool vintage Triumph, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen Around The Shop - Hang on, I gotta take this call. Part 2

2010-01-11T19:30:00.003-08:00

Ped, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen Around The Shop - Hang on, I gotta take this call.

2010-01-11T19:30:00.001-08:00

Ped 3 - Hang on, I gotta take this call., originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen Around The Shop - Ruckus!

2010-01-11T19:29:00.001-08:00

Ruckus!, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Seen Around The Shop - F800GS

2010-01-11T19:28:00.001-08:00

F800GS, originally uploaded by Pro Italia.

Steve Jones' Ducati GT 1000 by Omoto

2010-01-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Jonsey's Jukebox on the interwebs

2010-01-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Jonesy picked up his modded GT 1000 the morning of the Roxy/Ducati gig. But even better for everyone else is that Jonesy's Jukebox is available on the interwebs. It can be had at http://www.iamrogue.com/live

Get on it!