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I am reacquainting myself with a 2003 Lemans, a bike I had owned from 2004 to 2011 and regrettably sold. This year I became very ill and during my recovery I decided I wanted to ride that bike again, and I acquired one a lovely black Lemans from Arizona. I remembered spending lots of time and money sorting out the ergonomics on my earlier bike and realized I had to do the same on this one. This weekend I installed Apex bar risers, which, after hours of fiddling, worked perfectly. As for the seat (I had a Rich Maund seat on my earlier Lemans, but he's retired now), it still needs improvement, but it's basically tolerable with a seat pad. I tend to slide forward into the tank. Any thoughts on aftermarket seats? Russell seats look comfortable, if not attractive, and expensive. I relocated the stock footpegs using existing mounting points, and not leaving well enough, I kludged together a pair of adjustable pegs with bushings and shims to lower the pegs even more (probably a total of three inches). But the foot controls are way too high and are awkward to use (I miss lots of shifts). Are the stock foot controls adjustable? I discovered the Motobits footpeg relocator kit -- are there others? I had an Evoluzione kit on my earlier bike, no longer available, nor is the Motratech kit. Is there another option to adjust the foot levers, now that I got the pegs right? My Lemans burps and stumbles at low revs, and especially when decelerating. It's rather jolting and unpleasant. Riding at low speed is no fun. My earlier Lemans had a Power Commander III, which sorted out injection issues. Should I look at some electronic management device/remap, or is there another solution to the issue? The engine doesn't miss a beat over 5000 rpms. Lest it seem that I have nothing but complaints, I haven't had this much fun on a bike in a decade (when I sold my first Lemans, I guess), especially when riding with revs 5500 to 7000 rpm. It's an absolute joy to ride, and to look at as well. I love this bike --

That’s a good idea! I’m going to bring my https://motool.co/products/slacker-digital-suspension-tuner-v4 and tools so we can check and set suspensions also. I’ve decided to trailer my bike down. I just don’t wanna wipe myself out cramming In 1,500 miles in a few days and then get right back to work. My project is picking up steam and I need to crack the whip! So o don’t want to take too much time off. We’ll have a emergency vehicle if needed... I can bring tools along. My significant other wants to tag along... should be fun. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

HI New Zealand Moto Guzzi Rally is on again this year (Covid allowing) See website for details of where and when https://tattleyrappet.wixsite.com/rally

i'm no coach, that's for sure. but if you're ever up west of Portland area (north plains) on a ride, i'm willing to offer what i have, which is some shop space plus the stuff i've needed to get/keep my machines in good shape. i'm no expert with the V11, but am comfortable with the whole process, basically as spelled out in the docc's decent tune up, though based on what you've written I'm guessing you're largely referring to the computer stuff? if so, i've got an old windows machine with guzzidiag installed and the cables set up and working for my 2 V11's, and what's needed for TPS, and then other more common things like my old twinmax, and just-arrived-yesterday new carbtune toy/tool to mess with at some point to supplement the duty of the twinmax. Time is much more limited for me this time of year, with work being busy and the ideal riding season being short and precious, but glad to offer what i can. I'm in Bend every month or two for a couple days for R&R when i can, and could bring you something you needed if i have it. wish i was there in Bend more, but always seems to be too much going on.... a mixed blessing. Was there a couple weeks ago on the Duc Enduro, touring around a bit on that gorgeous route 242 up over the lava fields, then over to the Aufderheide for both on-road twisties + scenery, and off-pavement exploring, then back to the budget-busting dinner at Bos Taurus (that crown jewel of steak joints!). That largely defines the perfect day. You live in a great place! too bad so many others are figuring that out... we've had our condo there for decades, and have watched the metamorphosis.

And why can't current production MGs look this good???

Once you get familiar with Guzzidiag and Tunerpro you will realise you have previously been tuning your bike with one hand tied behind your back. Ciao

Forget the parts book,pull the cover and thread a bolt into the hole until it bottoms out or is flush with the end of the open threads and then measure the distace from the sealing surface to the underside of the fastener then the thickness of the cover and gasket and subtract 1mm and use that length. On the open holes you can obviously be a little longer but not too much as you dont want dirty/corroded threads running through the threads on the way out. Ciao

Interestingly on modern sports bikes and all road race bikes the rear end jacks on acceleration as a consequence of swing arm droop and the swing arm pivot positioned where it is (within adjustment capability) It's actually a benefit from the apex of the corner to the upright transition to keep the front tire on the ground and the rake steep and prevent understeer. You can see how it works from on board cameras these days. Interestingly Ducati with others following now have engineered a squat mechanism to compress the rear after the transition to the almost upright for traction and anti wheelie. So you get the jacking initially to help the steering and when you need the traction and anti wheelie you get the opposite via a dedicated system to produce the squat when it's needed. It's really apparent on the Ducati MotoGP bikes as they look like a chopper at the last phase of corner exit. As an aside Dr John's original degree was as a mechanical engineer and after 2 tours of Vietnam he transitioned to Dentistry as it was the fastest way at that time with his qualifications to translate to a decent paid job. Old bikes with skinny little crossply tires look weird to me these days docc. They actually look a bit scary to be honest as i grew up on them and remember how appalling the suspension and brakes were. Riding something where a degree of your concentration was simply absorbed by making allowances for mechanical shortcomings doesn't appeal anymore. Ciao

Cadwell is my track of choice. Plenty of opportunity to mix it with some high tech stuff and show them up.

Checked fuel pressure today, all good. Next step is the interwebworld, ( Guzzidiag ), I rather go skydiving. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-A505FN via Tapatalk

I purchased this bike 13 years ago from Ken Johnson at Atlas Cycle in Tulsa, Oklahoma just before Ken retired and sold the business. Ken told me that it had been on display at the shop for many years. The bike hadn't been licensed for the road since 1977. All of the tinware retains its original paint. The frame and other black bits were re-painted, and the rusty hardware was cadmium plated. I tore the bike down, ordered a Gliardoni cylinder set and for the next 12 years the bike was in boxes. Last year I got serious about finishing it. Today I finished the wiring. I installed one of Greg Bender's fabulous wiring harnesses. I also installed his slick "relay solution" panel. Everything worked flawlessly. This was a very rewarding project!

Dave that’s a beautiful motorcycle. One of those was my first Moto Guzzi of course it wasn’t as tasty as the one you finished . To quote the country singer George Jones “it reminds me of the one I loved back then “ thanks for sharing, great job.

Starting on page 53, bottom of the first column, they describe the Dr. John rear suspension...

I see someone already mentioned that the early versions of the spine frame with the floating rear drive unit used a reaction rod with heim joints and not bushings, so the rear suspension moved smoothly. That is how my Daytona is, and I am pretty sure the reason later versions of the design used the rubber bushing was mainly due to cost reasons. The Daytona and Centauro were much more expensive motorcycles than the V11Sport. They had to reduce the manufacturing costs and while this was only one small part of that it was likely part of it. I think switching to something more free floating, something more like it was originally designed, would be an upgrade.

Magni developed the “Parallelogrammo” in 1985. I think it was Dr. John who convinced MG to use the rod that he developed for his race bikes.

Like 90% of British circuits docc, narrow and a bit scary. Most haven't fundamentally changed at all since the days of the Manx Norton, Hailwood, Surtees, Bill Smith etc. Ciao

Standard reaction rod?....No. Cadwell a typical race circuit? ...No. A 50cc Scarabeo scooter takes off there. Ciao

I have a 2010 ML550. Chambered pipes, K&N Filters and it’s been flash tuned along with a sprint booster throttle controller. Working on a 6.2 AMG engine and some other fun stuff! Love the sound of Merc’s small block motors!

pursue it with an ad in 'classifieds wanted.' You never know what may turn up. I have had success there. My '02 LM came with a solid (not padded, not carbon) chin pad that can be pulled off like the black padded ones, so they are out there. If you can get a padded one cheap enough you might convert it to what you want. With the right bits I don't think it would be that hard to fabricate something. patience + example.. too much $$ imo but ... https://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-V11-Sport-Tank-Chin-Pad/164192102045?hash=item263a9ca69d:g:Xw0AAOSw3axepyNW now that I think about it with all the mount points at the top of the early tanks a handy person could fab a piece of flat stock and space it up to desired height fairly easily, replacing the chin pad altogether. From there, add attach points for whatever.

Power Commander or Beetle Map.

Awesome, bridge! Please share pics as you sort your bike along! This may be something that you are totally not interested in, but using grip pads on the tank may help as an interim aid until you sort the seat out. I put a set on my V11’s tank (TechSpec has a V11 templet) and they do help me to stay where I want on the seat and I get an easier grip on the tank without squeezing so hard.

Mmmm . my Greenie does this and as soon as I get it fixed I will let you know ! At 30 mph or so , in town it is pathetic . Under acceleration , highway speed or anything else : PERFECT

I put the link to the one you need in the first post on this thread..it tells you the part number and all the models this one fits..doubt anyone would have one in stock..but AF! can get you one in about a week, they are good at shipping and ordering. If you tell em or any other dealer that it's for a Guzzi they wont have a clue as the manufacturer doesn't even realize its the same as these Aprilias https://www.af1racing.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=94017&sku=TW-TRT.00.640.17500.B&description=SW+Motech+Quick+Lock+Gas+Cap+Tank+Ring

Nice looking Miata and nicely photographed with the warm sunset backlight.

I'm on my second Miata now

You're never done w/a Mustang ..........

I'm thinking by "foam strip" you are referring to the "chin pad" of early tanks? I found this thread by @cash1000 , but can see what you mean by making the ring stand out more. Also, be aware that deforming the chin pad can make them prone to loss by compromising the attachments underneath:

Sounds like a proper nice garage! When the Norge first came out I had reserved one to rent from Agostini’s, and was pretty excited. Plane broke down in Detroit on the way over to Italy, and I spent my “work vacation” in Wichita getting the plane fixed. A painful memory. Rode Red to work today, during this brief interlude from the hot summer temps (I know.... hot is all relative). Was about 50F in the morning, and the cool clear air along with a fresh throttle body sync helping to lift both our spirits, she purred like a kitten. Love it.

Sardegna 2006!

I rode to Astech and they didn’t have time to do the custom leather work I planned. So I’ll be shipping my seat to them later. The modifications did seem to help. I had them scoop out the seat so you aren’t cantilevered at such a forward angle. They also added their proprietary 11 herbs and spices of foam and gel. It feels better.. I ran a whole tank before stopping. The price was a reasonable $220. I’d only recommend having this done by being there with the bike. They took the time to let me sit on it and give them feedback during the process. They contoured the front and took out the sharp edges. Trimmed the passenger pillion so the cowl fits better. Nice people... It took about 3hrs from start to finish. There was a couple other guys there also and I must say, if I got a dime for each time someone said “A Moto Guzzi! I used to own one years ago“ mhmmm..... I’d solve this national coin shortage real quick.....