Leaderboard

I installed several new grounds, including one from the rectifier where I abandoned the old ground that was fastened to it and cleaned up stuff as best I could and reassembled everything. The bike seems to start more easily and run much better and more smoothly. I put a meter on the battery and all seems normal, so no drain. Hopefully a new normal of normal Moto Guzzi electrical bliss rules from now on. Just kidding, but thanks to all who had the patience to sift through my many onerous descriptions without throwing up your hands. The advice was invaluable.

Yeah, you're right, Docc. I'll overhaul the ignition switch. It's an easy job. It's no guarantee that it will fix it, though. I still think I'll buy a couple of spare fuses..

2004 should not be very prone to vapor lock. I do believe you have the in tank filter and pump.Earlier models had the pump and filter mounted on the spine under the tank....definitely vapor lock candidate. If the starter switch ever doesn't "work", try to jump the starter. It will spark, but if the starter engages, it eliminates a few things. If the pump is not priming ...as said...look at the relays...you can also find the fuel pump connector some where under there and give it 12volts. Should be fairly simple...Check all your grounds too!!! magic smoke seems to disappear on these bikes

Eewww, that's ugly. That's *not* an airworthy connection.

That seems rather un-pilot-like . . . When was the last time the ignition switch was inspected for broken wires, cleaned and restored?

The vapor lock issue is an interesting one, on it's own. I am not versed in it. I did however, have an issue similar to yours some time ago. I thought it was vapor lock. I would shut it off to get gas, and it would not restart. It would crank, no fire. Let cool, and it started. This happened 3 times, the last time no start at all. It was relay #5 and I'm fairly sure what I experienced was that it failed "gradually" .. similar to an incandescent light filament that will break and sometimes repair itself. It gets hot in Indiana, and I have a fuel filter between the jugs. I've never had any symptoms of what I might describe as vapor lock, other than what turned out to be a failed relay for the fuel pump. What were your vapor lock symptoms?

Here is a short (no pun intended) thread on my fuse 4 issue. Mine was an easy fix.

So, those Scotch Locks are to eliminate the bullet connectors? Might as well take them apart and make more secure connections (Lap splice, crimp connectors, etc.) and seal them well against the weather and blow. Those connections could still be problematic. Lights come on? Horn? (Edging toward relays next . . . .)

To see where the main battery ground goes. It's hidden under it. I'd serviced it back in SoCal during the Pleistocene, but had forgotten. Had a dead bike syndrome, and just *knew* it was the main ground. That wasn't it. No fone service in SW Wisconsin, so I couldn't look here, or download a schematic. I didn't even have a volt meter with me.. after all, the Mighty Scura is the most reliable motorcycle I've ever had. It was an interesting experience anyway. Got to meet some new people..

330km today, she loved the cool air like 11c at 1100m . Heden church from 1200 and some. Enjoy it if possible. Cheers tom. Sent fra min SM-G903F via Tapatalk

Haven't been around in a while, but here are some recent pics...

Superb bike roads in Telemark, BUT WATCH OUT for the guys in blue. Cheers tom Sent fra min SM-G903F via Tapatalk

270km with CURBS today, now D IPA time. Cheers tom. Sent fra min SM-G903F via Tapatalk

I don't know if I posted these before, but I have high rez scans of Marabese design proposal to Guzzi for the V11 LeMans. Mike

I need to cross-post a couple posts here, to help archive these informed insights, on Luciano Marabese's designs and their design studies: Inspiration for the Marabese designed V11 tail section (and tank): Gambalunghino racer c. 1951: Another Marabese design that made no sense to me until the designer was quoted saying the Centauro was informed by the (1946-51) Dondolino . . .

Last Sunday, Brisbane had its largest Motorcycles show with about 4000 people walking through and 180 bikes on show. Laverda Concours 2017. There were a LOT of nice bikes this year including some major standouts like a CX500 and an Egli Vincent to name but a few. My fav was a lovely Guzzi powered Morgan 3wheeler. my clunker and some silverware

Best of luck with this. If you find a reception with Piaggio, plese ask for the production of the entire V11 series. After this much time, perhaps they wil be willing . . .

Here's to Marabese I think the V11 is his piece de resistance. Apparently, he did too . . . The photos of him with the early production V11 and prototype tail section are precious.

RIP, sir.. your legacy *will* live on.