My Christian Experiences in Taiwan (2) Church Life

Good Morning!   

   As a devoted Christian living in Taiwan for many years, I would like to share some of my experiences on this 'Beautiful Island' or Ilha Formosa as it was known since the Portuguese passed it in 1544.

   I've decided to move to Taiwan in the year 1989, the same year as the violent Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace!) Massacre in Peking and peaceful fall of the Berlin Wall, marking the reunification not only of East and West Germany but of all Europe, happened. For many both of these events may not have a lot in common but for me these two events followed me like a silver lining through the rest of my life. While as a German I try to consolidate or find reasons in everything, my Taiwan neighbors are not only divided 'under the surface' but often very unreasonable to put their own egos or own agendas above anything else.

   I personally have experienced rejections and even open violence against myself while living in Taiwan up until today. My wife's family did neither welcome nor recognize me based on the simple fact because I am a foreigner and therefore 'different'. Because of tradition I have no right for an own opinion or a personal view on things. I can speak Mandarin, the official language, very fluently, but in the south of Taiwan people communicate in Taiwanese (or Hokkien), spoken by the Taiwanese Hoklo people who descended from immigrants form the southern Fujian during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). And, of course, when the family gathers they speak Taiwanese, which I neither speak nor understand, when I am present. So, as a foreigner, I am simply invited to be excluded. But at the same time, when I talk to my daughter in my native German language, I am told that it is 'ill-mannered' to speak in a foreign language.
   Some years ago I've decided rather to be alone than to waste my time with ignorant people, if family members, friends or anyone else unreasonable. 

   Strange thing is that the same happened and happens to me in all the different churches I've attended during my nearly 30 years in Taiwan. Originally all main churches in Taiwan have been founded by western foreign missionaries in the 1950s and 1960s and were given after the 1st generation to local Taiwanese. The problems I experience is that many pastors don't see the church as the 'body of Christ' with 'Christ as the head of the church' (Ephesians 5:23) but rather as their own fiefdom with the pastor himself being the duke making his own rules. This leads to much competition and distress between brothers and sisters to gain favors from the pastors and all other leaders; something I've never expected in German churches and simply is wrong. But leaders clearly appreciate that and, as long as they are supported and benefit from it, why should they change it?

   A very bad idea was the arrival of the 'micro groups', a development from 'successful' churches in Singapore and Korea. The idea is that one church member opens his or her home and invites nearby living brothers and sisters to worship, prayers and reading of the Bible. Intended as a 'help' for the pastor it replaced the original work of the pastor, meaning the responsibilities of the church leaders were loaded onto the 'micro group leader'. In my micro group the pastor never showed up... But the group leader had not only to prepare the 1 1/2 hours but also to clean and prepare his house or an apartment, prepare snacks and, of course, has to clean up after everyone left. This might be declared as 'service' to brothers and sisters but as most group leaders have no theological background or any Christian education and are, as mentioned, only leaders because they are favored by the pastor or elders, there is not much Bible work done but rather trivial or worldly matters be discussed.

   I've experienced only proud and dominant pastors with a focus on the tithe or donations as a source of income for the church. I've only met one pastor interested in me and my family but more from a 'responsible' standpoint. My wife was very active as a Sunday school teacher and therefore much appreciated while everyone made a 'curve' around me, the 'unable' foreigner.

   I was never invited to take over a responsible work even after I attending one church for 10 1/2 years! I was never chosen to be a speaker but was allowed to sweep the floor. As my wife and I were successful with a youth group of 72 people (!) within two years the pastor became outright suspicions to a point that we've decided to return the whole group to the church and left the church. Needless to say that the pastor decided to closed the whole group and, in fact, 'kicked out' young Jesus seeking people and the future of his 'own' church.

   Later I've joined the church of a Korean pastor, a war veteran of the North-South Korean war. I never understood how a soldier who killed others can lead the church in the same violent way without any remorse concerning brothers and sisters or a hint to the 'Love of Jesus'.

   Reading about all these problems it might be difficult to understand that I still went to a Seminary in Taipei, spend my own time and money to study and finish a degree in the evening education department. One reason is that I feel a kind of responsibility to the Lord and the people out there who are without knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that the world could be heaven and I could play a part in it.

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28)"

   Without a church, I had the chance to serve homeless and low-income families independently as a volunteer. From their eyes, I've seen that people can accept Jesus Christ even under most severe conditions and from faith they have get the power to change. I had some wonderful experiences and many touching moments in these 2 1/2 years. A clearly demon possessed sister became a great co-worker willing to share her bad experiences to help others to find the Lord. She told me that she did no more see the black shadows hunting her in her house but became a peaceful person! What an amazing transformation! 
   But, as readers can imagine, helping others in truth means bitterness for some who can not stand seeing themselves in the mirror. So I got fired because I remembered the 'co-workers' to the teaching of the Lord. 2 1/2 years of time and service erased by an Email! But I don't have to carry this cross... "22 But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead. (Matthew 8)"

   Despite all the human problems between church leaders and me, despite all the stones thrown on my path serving Christ by Christians (!) I've opened my own Bible study class on 01 Dec. 2018 in a nearby activity center with only 1 person attending. But, as Confucius said, "every journey begins with the 1st step"...

   Sometimes I don't know why I do this all - I could have a simple life by following earthly pleasures, why should I care about Taiwanese who care so less about this foreigner? Because there is something inside me knowing that God is watching and that I should give and do the best in and for Him despite all these hurdles! Even I am not important and a no-one I still can not compromise on the Truth of the Bible and, in fact, on the Truth of the Lord!

   While not sure where this might leads I believe in the power and glory of God and know that I am not alone...
   Wish everyone a successful and Happy New Year, Gerhard

My Christian Experiences in Taiwan (1) Freedom in Christ

My Christian and Church Experiences in Taiwan (1)

   I came to Taiwan after I've met my later wife during a trip around the world which was cut short due to some financial problems. While on my last days in Hong Kong I've discovered an unknown little island called Taiwan, around three hours by plane. I've arrived on a polluted and very busy island and decided to leave the capital Taipei as soon as I could. Traveling around the island I've discovered many passionate people, working hard to support and improve their lives.

   On my trip I accidentally took a ship to Orchid Island off the coast and met a kind teacher on her trip to the same island. In 1989 I’ve decided to move to Taiwan, married her and one year later and became a father in 1992. 

Married in Taiwan in 1990

   In the beginning, I was not very passionate about our Lord but, because I thought I should introduce the Lord to my young family we’ve attended a local church.

   When we started to join this church I have to admit that I was not very much a part of it. Of course, my body attended the worship, sang the songs of praise, prayed and I ate the free lunch but my soul was not very much connected to the church, the pastor and the brothers and sisters. Basically, the way the whole church worked and the environment showed a clear discrepancy to the teachings of the Bible but because of my family I tried to fit in…
   The pastor himself was the Christ, much admired and even worshiped by many members. Furthermore, the contents of the sermons were rather focused on earthly things and made for entertainment than teaching Christian education and values through the Bible.

   After some time the pastor invited me to attend a meeting concerning the management and work of the church. I hesitated but agreed and was very disappointed by the attitude of the other attendees. Several times there were senseless arguments about trivial matters which could be simply solved by ‘love’ as taught by the Bible. After the meeting was over I discussed the contents with some brothers and had in my mind the opinion that it is their church – not mine. But suddenly I realized it is neither mine or a Taiwanese church but God’s  'body'. With this ‘touch of the Holy Spirit' my attitude towards the church started to change.

   I took my church service more seriously, volunteered for kitchen work and started with my wife a youth group. But as more as I dived into God’s grace as more I got disappointed and even met resistance. The church was still a one-man show, the entertainment element grew even larger and there was, understandable, no spiritual growth of the church members at all! But as more effort I put into the church as hungrier I got (for the truth of God) as less nutrition I found! Strangely, I was the only one who felt something was going wrong.
   I experienced several very intimate revelations like a fire coming out of a cross or youth, after moving from a room in front of the cross, were singing like angels etc. But as I’ve tried to share these close experiences with the Holy Spirit I did not meet any compassion or interest but rather rejection and suspicion for this foreigner.
   Once I've attended an American missionary team and joined them to spread the Gospel in the south of Taiwan. During this one week long trip, there was one pastor teaching us healing people with the help of the Holy Spirit. On a Friday evening, I had some very astonishing results in healing unseen blisters, muscle pain etc. after their own testimonies. Back in the church’s micro group I’ve tried to share these experiences enthusiastically but was met with disbelief and even warnings! And these reaction despite the clear Bible promise “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion (Romans 9:15).” 

   Simply put, if a church does not teach, follow and act according to the word of the Bible for me it is not a church and, at one point, it was very clear for us to leave. Why so-called faiths like the

- Mormons (The Church of the Latter-day Saints) expect life devotion for their organization 

 from their members or associates

-  FLDS (The Fundamental Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) have their own militant

 group to ‘protect’ their interests

-  Scientology even split family members into ‘faithful’ and ‘unfaithful’

etc. 

makes me wonder why they have members at all. Because the Bible teaches clearly:

"Freedom in Christ

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5)." 
The Bible says also: "36 So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8)."

If Jesus Himself assures every Christian that you are free (in Christ) how can anyone including a government, an organisation, a church etc. take this freedom away?
  

(to be continued) 

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Frohe Weihnachten!

Wish everyone deep from my heart not only a merry but also a thoughtful and touching Christmas!

   I come from a broken family with an alcoholic father and a very violent mother. As a child, I can only remember violent and very disappointing Christmas Holidays. My father had the habit to destroy the ‘Holy Night’ while my mother was in her violence too vulnerable to enjoy the Birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. There were gifts under the Christmas tree, a worldly tradition in a family without connection to the Christian faith at all. What a pity!
   I only remember once that I was actively involved in preparing gifts for our parents and for each of my four sister incl. my stepsister of my mother’s first marriage. I remember that on this Christmas I bought a beautiful orchid from a flower shop as a present for my violent mother in an attempt of let her see that I care but my hopes were again crushed in a very violent and hurting way.
   I remember once I’ve tried to mend the relationship with my Dad after their divorce while he was living with his third wife many years later. We had, as usual, an argument over trivial matters a few days before the Holy Night. I remember that I did not want to accept their invitation as a result but while taking a bath I’ve heard a clear voice ‘Go!’ Therefore I’ve decided to jump over my shadow and give in.
   It was a snowy Holy Night with much ice on the road and the bus was nearly empty. Visiting my father I usually went through the backyard to knock on their glass door. I can’t explain why but on that night I went to the front door and rang the doorbell. My father did not expect me to visit them after the previous argument but when he opened the door I saw tears in his eyes, the first and the last time in my life! It was the only Holy Night I was drunk and had to walk home because it became too late to catch the last bus. But I hope this night restored some faith of my father while he was still alive!

   For me, the Holy Night is the highlight of every year. During this special evening, I feel very clearly the presence of the Spirit of our Lord. When adults in trouble want to see hope they have to look into the eyes of children opening their wrapped gifts; when the very young and innocent still believe in this magic on Christmas evening even they do not quite comprehend the story of Jesus Christ’s birth.
   Many adults but also many children do not recognize the magic in ‘the night when Christ was born’ and are apathetic because they can not dream anymore. Their life became hopeless and dull through disappointments; they don’t have shiny eyes anymore.

   While serving homeless and low-income families I often encouraged them to call their relatives during the Holidays, many times I’ve shared my own experiences with them. But no one would overcome him- or herself to pick up the phone because ‘they felt shame’. I can kind of relate to that but as Christians, we can overcome this with the help of our Lord. Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Church in Galatia: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
   If someone is out there alone, out there for a lonely Holy Night because of many arguments, disappointments or broken promises I encourage everyone to be brave not only to face their problems but also to overcome these difficulties and be open for challenges. I encourage not only the homeless to research what happened in their lives that this once beautiful newborn baby become homeless – without parents and family. Jesus encouraged us to pray for our enemies that they may change…

  As mentioned I came from a broken and violent family myself; at a low point my own mother asked me several times “why did Goethe have to die and you are still alive?” This hurt me so much - but with the help of our Lord I was not only strong enough to forgive her but found the strength to learn from her mistakes and built my own healthy family. “31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).”

Wish everyone a peaceful

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! Frohe Weihnachten!

in our Lord Jesus Christ!

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 33 Walhain to Chastre

This blog continues the previous Part 32
https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_19.html

Friday, June 29, 2018

“The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.”

Wallace Stevens, American modernist poet (1879-1955)

   Walking along the relatively flat and very straight Chaussée de Namur I noticed that my shadows on my left grew very long. The sun prepared to set between the fields on my right - time to look for a place for the night.
   I've carried my sleeping bag and the small tent in my sports bag on wheels which I pulled the whole time behind me. So I’ve decided to spend this night besides the road I was walking on. I don't think there would be many hotels around this part of Belgium anyway...So I walked with one eye on the road and the other searching for a nice place.
   Right before a tiny country town, I discovered a wheat field with would be harvested soon. Between the road and this field was a small stripe of green grass, a natural cushion beneath my sleeping bag for the night. But I’ve decided against the tent; I wanted to see what's going on; the air was clean despite the nearby road and, most import of all, no insects were flying around bothering me in the night.
   As I wrote before I am an early sleeper and an early riser. Just as the sun sent its last red beams into the evening sky I pulled out my camera, put it on the tripod and took some last shots of a beautiful sunset literally right out of my sleeping bag...

Sunrise somewhere in Belgium

   It was a peaceful night only occasionally some cars driving by on this main road. After dark the street light got switched on and lit during the whole night. To protect my eyes I pulled my multi-functional neck warmer over them and slept very well...

   The next morning the sun prepared for another show - a beautiful sunset. Again I pulled my tripod and camera out of my bag and took some shots, this time out of my sleeping bag. 

Sunset somewhere in Belgium

   After the excitement of saving the sunset on my memory card through a very cheap 2nd hand lens, I ate and drank something which I would call a 'breakfast'. The main road was still very quiet but the sleeping bag had to be packed. Before I took a picture to record my night camp.

My simple Camp for the Night

   Refreshed and full of energy I continued the easy walking on the Chaussée de Namur until I came to a road sign telling me that I am in the 'Nil-St-Vincent' area which merged with Nil-Saint-Marin in 1812. 'Nil' is the name of a small river just like the more famous brother in Egypt.

   To make my walk more interesting I've decided to leave the main road and to turn right into an small country town near Chastre which is called Perbais. 
   There it became even quieter during these early morning hours. I've noticed some children walking to school through tidy small and clearly marked roads. Even in the countryside, there are clear green road signs for cyclists showing the directions and distances in kilometers. A country like this is a nice place to live and the reason why I visited Belgium in the first place.

(to be continued@https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2019/01/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in.html)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe on Blogger.com, I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/travel

Fighting the Cobbles - My trip to Belgium in 2018, Part 32 - Louvain-la-Neuve - Walhain

This blog continues the previous Part 31,
https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_19.html

Thursday, June 28, 2018

   

“Hooray! Hooray! The end of the world has been postponed!”

Hergé, Belgian Cartoonist

   After leaving the very interesting Musée Hergé I crossed a small forest belonging to the Parc de la Source with some children running around and playing or adults reading or watching their smartphones. The shadows gave a pleasant cool feel under the hot sun which would be my companion for the rest of the day.

Small Forest with a Commercial of the Musée Hergé with Herge's Face on the Banner

   I came to an open space with many fast food restaurants and shops. Here I had the chance to find a free WiFi and called my wife and daughter in Taiwan. I let them know what I did and ensured them that Belgium is a safe place.

   What followed was a long walking tour through the extensive shopping pedestrian area with many activity centers and I believe classrooms belonging to the University with the L'esplanade, a large department store, in its center. I went inside and downstairs to visit the supermarket for some food and drink. It was pleasantly cool and airy inside, a glass roof gave a lofty feeling. 

   Back in the main pedestrian area, I followed the stream of young people until I stumbled upon a bronze statue from a half man moving with both legs pedals of a wheel. It is the '24 Hours Velo 30 Years Memorial (1976-2006)' by Vincent Rousseau. This commemorates a student festival and was launched by UC Louvain's circle of engineering students, the Cercle Industriell, in 1976. The organization has since been taken over by student members of the Kot-à-projet CSE Animations (Student Sports Center). Over the years, this event has become the largest student party in Belgium. In fact, every year in October nearly 50,000 students meet in the university town for this sporting event. This event consumes a lot of beer (73,000 liters in 2012): which would make it, the second largest beer event in Europe after the famous Oktoberfest in Munich.

'24 Hours Velo 30 Years Memorial (1976-2006) with my Luggage and me in the Window

   Somehow I got lost in all the corners and separating roads with handicapped ramps and road furniture and small sidewalks but somehow still managed to find the main road by crossing some grassland. Turning back it would be great to be a student here...
   Standing on the crossroads of the N233 and the N25 I had to stop a female biker and asked for the direction to Namur, my final stop of my walking tour. She was a little surprised that someone wants to walk this far and suggested to hitchhike which would be must faster.  After I explained her that I am on my holidays and that I walked already from Brussels to here she gave in and told me that I should follow the road signs to Gembloux.
   After a while, the N25 became the N4 or Grand'Route. The road was still very straight and a kind of boring but I've tried to enjoy the way. There were not many cars and I had a nice sidewalk the whole way, only occasionally surpassed by some lonely bikers. It could not get more countryside than here, beside the road were fielded as far as the horizon would let me see.
   Sometimes there were shops, but only a few conveniently located directly beside the main road. I passed 'poils and plumes' or 'Hair and Feathers', a shop for pets. One of their attractions is a purple bulldog and while there was nothing else to be done I could not resist but to take a picture together with the shop attraction.

Me and a Purple Bulldog

   Walking in nature with passing cars I had a lot of time to look and wondered why I did not travel like this my whole life...It was so peaceful that I found myself surprised by a Carrefour supermarket on the left side of the road. I crossed the street at a traffic light and went inside to fill up my supplies. 

   I walked my walk but felt a little tired and stretched myself on some green grass beside the road. I did not want to sleep so early so I picked up myself and continued step after step...

   Not after a few meters, I've discovered a McDonald's restaurant (Corbais, Grand'Route 58, 1435 Mont-Saint-Guibert) also on the left side. In Belgium the trademark is not red with a yellow 'M' but it is green with a yellow 'double arch'. I went in and ordered a meal with extra ice cream. I enjoyed the food and took some time to take a picture of a beautiful girl with big blue eyes under her curly blond hair enjoying her meal.

A young Guest at McDonald's enjoying her Meal

   After my late afternoon meal I continued the road and came to a brown sign with stands for 'Tourist Attraction'. On it says 'Walhain, Centre Geographique De La Belgique'. The Belgian National Geographic Institute calculated that the geographical center of Belgium is here in this municipality of Nil-Saint-Vincent at 50°38′28″N 4°40′05″E. And they should know...

Reaching Walhain, the Geographical Center of Belgium

   After this sign the Grand'Route became the Chaussée de Namur, a hint to my final destination of this walking part of my trip. The road itself did not change (straight and flat) and on a long stretch I've noticed some police cars passing me, stopping not in a far distance from me. During the late afternoon traffic there was obviously an accident. A car did not keep the distance and hit the car in front of him.

  As I came closer there were several policemen busily controlling the traffic and taking care of the accident. As I tried to pass the car hitting the one in front of a female police officer told me something in Dutch. I smiled, looked at her and said:" I don't understand what you've told me but I suppose I should not walk on the street (on the outside of the accident) but rather on the grass (the safer side)." She looked at me and answered with a smile "You are right..."

   The accident was not serious but there was surely some excitement from the police officers, the drivers and the traffic. But no argues, no shouting, just mature people solving an obvious problem...

to be continued@

https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/12/fighting-cobbles-my-trip-to-belgium-in_19.html)

Disclaimer: I traveled Belgium by myself, I am not sponsored by anyone. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe on Blogger.com, I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com/travel

Moto Guzzi V7 III Limited - Presentation (5 of 5 ), Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy

Moto Guzzi Eagle returns to the racetrack

   On 6 November 2018 the Piaggio Group, owner of the Moto Guzzi Brand, announced that the ‘Moto Guzzi Eagle returns to the racetrack.  2019 will bring the new Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance Trophy, a new single manufacturer series, organized together with the Italian Motorcycling Federation. There will be five big events, held at five of the main Italian racetracks, which are becoming increasingly successful year on year in terms of their participant and spectator numbers.

   Moto Guzzi Fast Endurance is not only aimed at gentlemen riders of varying ability but also and particularly at young motorcyclists who want to test themselves on track for the first time. A unique experience in which to enjoy that great sense of Moto Guzzi belonging and appreciate the racing world in a fun way. The format of each event involves a 60-minute “fast endurance” race, with an evocative “Le Mans-style” start – with the bikes lined up on one side of the track and the riders having to run from the other side before jumping on board – and a mid-race rider changeover.

   The Trophy will involve two-rider teams on Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone bikes fitted with a specific kit, the same for everyone, of course, to ensure maximum equilibrium and enjoyment. Taking part is simple, as the Moto Guzzi sales network takes care of fitting the dedicated Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone kit required for participation, the kit developed by Guareschi Moto, a respected Moto Guzzi tuner also in the racing world.’

See you at the racetrack!

Disclaimer: all material based on Moto Guzzi's homepage, otherwise specified! I am not sponsored by anyone an therefore enjoy the freedom of free expression. Interested subscribers and/or followers in traveling an in this small but beautiful country are more than welcome!

Moto Guzzi V7 III Limited - Presentation (4 of 5 ), Moto Guzzi V7 III, V9 & V85 TT

This article continues my previous part 3, 
https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/moto-guzzi-v7-iii-limited-presentation-3.html

   With the Moto Guzzi V7 III the manufacturer not only pays honor to their own most important motorcycle, the original V7, more than 40 years ago but also continues their path to become a force to be recognized with on the motorcycle market.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Limited 

   From the outside this 'small' motorcycles did not seem to be changes noticeably on their way from Mark I to the current Mark III but under the tank the engine developed quite substantial. The first generation had 48.8 HP with a torque 58 Nm @ 5,000 RPM, the 2nd generation 50 HP and a maximum torque of 60 Nm at 2.800 rpm (!), the current V7 III 52 HP @ 6200 rpm, 60 Nm torque @ 4900 rpm despite tighter restrictions on emission standards in Europe!
   It is great that a company does not throw new motorcycles on the markets now and then but tries to make existing models better or, as I would say, rather make an evolution than a revolution. Consulting my dictionary 'evolution is a process of gradual change that takes place over many generations, during with species slowly change some of their characteristics'. With the V7 III the manufacturer is doing just that...
   Not only are there currently several V7 III models to choose from. Because 'every bike is different, every biker is unique' Moto Guzzi itself offers a wide range of accessories or, as they say, 'infinite ways to customize your bike'.

Windscreen, Side Covers, Real Leather Seats on a Moto Guzzi V7 III from the Original Catalogue

   The Italian manufacturer goes as far as creating their own Moto Guzzi Garage (http://www.motoguzzi.com/en_EN/accessories/) where interested people can 'Discover the world of Moto Guzzi Accessoires, designed specifically to enhance your bike and your riding experience.' This homepage gives not only fans of the Italian brand some ideas but everyone interested in customizing or just dreaming about your next motorcycle.

   The brand Moto Guzzi is with the V7 III on a good way and found with this motorcycle it's own unique niche in the hard fought motorcycle market. Like my blog on MV Augusta the manufacturer can not only survive on its on history but has to evolve to stay in the future. 
   
Outlook of Moto Guzzi
   Like the original 700 cc engine followed the 850 cc engines in the 1970s and 1980s; today the company follows with the V9 the same steps. It has a 853 cc engine, a reminder to past. The bigger of the smaller Moto Guzzis is currently available in 3 different models, the V9 Roamer, the V9 Bobber and the latest V9 Bobber Sport.

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber Sport

   The same 853 engine is used in Moto Guzzi's newest creation, the V85 TT, designed to 'Awaken your urge of Travel!' The introduction of this motorcycle 'dedicated to travelling in its purest form' would carry this blog too far away, but one teaser will show the potential of Moto Guzzi even after its nearly 100 years of history! I wish them well...

Moto Guzzi V85 TT 'La Prima Classic Enduro''

(to be continued @ https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/12/moto-guzzi-v7-iii-limited-presentation.html)

Disclaimer: all material based on MV Agusta's homepage, otherwise specified! I am not endorsed by anyone, subscribers or followers more than welcome! If not convenient to subscribe here I've started my own homepage @ https://gerhardwanninger.wixsite.com.

Moto Guzzi V7 III Limited - Presentation (3 of 5), V7 I-III Engine, V7 III Carbon, Rough, Milano, Stone, Special

This article continues my previous part 2, https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/moto-guzzi-v7-iii-limited-presentation-2.html

   Moto Guzzi reintroduced the name 'V7' (Mark I) as Classic in a retro-styled 'small' motorcycle in 2008. The 744 cc OHV air-cooled engine was not a downgrade of a larger engine but an upgrade from the smaller V50 which appeared already in the late 1970s. Competing with other retro bikes on the market, like the Triumph Bonneville, it had the disadvantage of only 48.8 HP (torque 58 Nm @ 5,000 RPM) by a dry weight of 182 kg. 2009 saw the introduction of the V7 Cafè, a sports variant of the V7 to join the existing Classic. Over 7,000 (!) examples of this first generation were sold worldwide between 2008 and 2011.

   For 2012 the V7 (Mark II) received a major makeover with a notable power increase of 12% to 50 HP and a maximum torque of 60 Nm at 2.800 rpm (!). This V7 was a completely new bike, more powerful, faster, thriftier, more ecological, better refined and more comfortable than the previous version. It was available in the three versions: V7 Stone (entry level), V7 Special, V7 Racer.

The 2012 V7 (Mark II) line-up with the V7 Racer, the V7 Special and the V7 Stone
(from left to right)  

    To celebrate the 50th year of the introduction of the original V7 Moto Guzzi presented the V7 III (Mark III) in 2017. The power has increased to 52 HP @ 6200 rpm, 60 Nm torque @ 4900 rpm by a weight of 189-193 kg depending on the model.
   The homepage of www.motoguzzi.com there are now seven different Moto Guzzi V7 III models including the mentioned Limited:

- The Carbon, 'Built in Limited and Numbered Production'

has a completely matte black look, a shade that enhances the parts in red, the color chosen for the Brembo front disc caliper, the logos on the side fairings and the Eagle on the fuel tank. The 'Made in Mandello' mechanics also stand out thanks to the satin finished red cylinder head covers. The saddle (dedicated only to this model, as it is with the others) boasts brand new water repellent Alcantara®, ideal for outdoor use and weather resistant.

- The Rough, 'The Stylish Country Dweller'

Character and authenticity are the defining traits of the V7 III Rough, a bike which takes the Moto Guzzi urban / country spirit to another level with its aesthetic and functional touches. The knobby tires mounted on spoked rims emphasize the urban country look and make it tough enough to even take on light dirt roads. But, with its meticulous styling details, it can also more than hold its own among city slickers.

V7 III Rough

- The Milano, 'Born for the City Catwalk'

To be truly great, you have to know how to move with the times and the V7 III Milano has embraced this philosophy fully, combining classic elements from the V7 III Special with the best of modern materials. A retro dual-dial instrument panel, the chrome exhaust and passenger grab handle and the glossy tank colors are perfectly offset by the aluminium fenders and side fairings. The result is an eye-catching, seductive siren.

V7 III Milano

- The Stone, 'Discover it'
   now has stronger and more personal aesthetic connotations than its predecessor. Eclectic and essential, it foregoes any chromium parts, embracing the darkness of its matt black paintwork that goes well with the graphic dedicated only to the V7 III Stone of the saddle, fitted with a passenger grab strap. It is, however, available in other attractive, satin finish colours inspired by typical '70s shades: Nero Ruvido, Azzurro Elettrico, Verde Camouflage and Giallo Energico. The total “dark matt” look characterizes the V7 III and distinguishes it from the other versions, but that is not the only difference.

V7 III Stone in Nero, Verde, Azzurra, Giallo

- The Special, 'Classic and Elegant'

   is the one that comes closest to the spirit of the original model. Classic and elegant, it has numerous chromium parts and decidedly bright graphics. Like the famous 1975 V750 S3, it has the typical colored stripe on the side panels under the saddle that complement the matching colored horizontal bands on the tank. The spoked wheels have polished channels and black hubs; the instrumentation is made up of dual circular displays and the chromium plated steel passenger grab handle comes standard. V7 III Special also boasts a saddle with “old school” stitching, elements that highlight its classic and elegant roots. Unlike the Stone and the Racer, the V7 III Special and Anniversario have fork stanchion protectors instead of dust boots. The available color schemes are also new: Nero Inchiostro, Blu Zaffiro.

V7 III Special

(to be continued @ https://gerdiwanninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/moto-guzzi-v7-iii-limited-presentation-4.html)

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