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(beating a dead horse) Remember how old these bikes are, and how antique the electrical systems are. Most electrical connections are unsealed, and the above corrosion on the neutral switch is the result. Getcha some Caig DeOxit and completely go through the electricals. All of them. You'll be good for a few years. After all, the most likely failure on any Guzzi is electrical.

Blasphemy alert... I am going to share some more first impressions. It feels in some ways like my old BMW K75S. And I mean the good parts of my K75S (which had upgraded suspension). Let me just preface by saying that the comparison stops at the engine, which is like comparing a gorilla to a sewing machine. But check this out: In 1989, you could buy a BMW K75S or a Moto Guzzi Lemans 1000 at your local dealer. The overall shape of the frame-mounted fairing and seat are remarkably similar. Both have metal tanks that hold close to 6 gallons. The front tires are exactly the same size (100/90-18), and the rear tires are close (The LeMans rear is 120/90-18 compared to 130/90-17 on the brick). Both are shaft drive through 5 speed transmissions. Same Brembo 2-pot calipers on both bikes. The BMW was 30 pounds heavier, but carried its weight lower. Now the engines... in stock form: K75S - 75HP @7500 and 50 ft/lb at 6750 LeMans - 81HP @7400 and 56 lb/ft at 7250 (that's stock, this bike has a bit more. Obviously the LeMans is far superior in the intangibles of engine feel and sound and just plain fun factor. But I was really surprised at how much it felt like the little brick in the corners.

I'm getting to the point where all things wiring related are simply "Plug-N-Dismay."

(In best Elvis voice) Thank ya very much! I'm on kind of a roll with this electrical stuff. For the ever necessary voltage check via the SAE charging cable:

Thanks for that, Scud. If we *ever* manage to get back to SoCal.. Actually, I'm familiar with them. I saved a 5000 mile (!!) one of 17 black Ultimate Editions from a clueless dealer in Chicago. WGs Rocker 59 told me about it, and said it was his dream bike but he didn't have the money. It was cheap for what it was, but the above clueless dealer didn't know until I had a deal over the phone. By the time I got there, the Guzzi world had blown up, and his phone was ringing off the hook. He said, "What *is* that??" (and tried to rip me off, but that's another story.) I went through it, fixed the slipping clutch from CD's clueless "mechanic" grossly overfilling the transmission, etc. It was truly a museum piece and I hated to ride it. Rocker saved his money, and I sold it to him for exactly what I had in it. I thought he'd keep it forever, but shortly thereafter he sold it to DRS Dave in Wisconsin. Dave still has it, and probably *will* keep it forever.

Given the fine direction provided by the IllumiGuzzinati, here is the TPS harness all dressed with multimeter connectors attached and the yellow terminated with liquid electrical tape and tucked into the harness.

While you are poking around, the ground to the trans is on the opposite side - just trace the fat black wire from battery to the transmission casing, pop it off for a bit of a clean, then (if you have some) CAIG DeoxIT will clear out the oxidation and ensure a better connection.

Neutral light switch.

I've also got my '94 Miata (owned since new), but that's not for sale.

I think docc it's less confusing to identify the wires as earth, Input ( 5 volt power supply) and output (the variable voltage seen by the ECU so it knows what the throttle angle is) All the positive, negative etc seems confusing to me as there are actually 2 positives, one a variable and one not. So Violet is earth Yellow is Supply Violet/Black output. BTW the 99 V11 doesn't have the Violet as an earth according to the WD, it's black. Ciao

Seems that the South'n SpineRaid slogan: > Get there. < > Bring Tools. < Is some kind of code for: " Send lawyers, guns, and money!" > Dad! <

For 2002 model V11

No fire here either, just smiles. Put in a 70amp relay, why not overdue it. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-A505FN via Tapatalk

Also, in the spirit of fairness let’s add these as another point of reference...

@Cabernet That’s why I preferred to install a brand new tube indeed. The difficulty was mostly to find one !

If you want to know what amperage this starter solenoid is drawing ; purchase a mechanical ammeter / amp gauge and wire it into the wiring terminal at the end of the harness that plugs onto the solenoid . Then go through the ammeter and back into the spade at the solenoid . Crank the engine and see what A it uses to operate the starter . It may go to max A in the beginning . Just see how much it takes to operate the starter . This will be the amperage required to operate the solenoid . Make your decisions then . I was too lazy to do all this .

Maybe if the price was super right .. but I've just got this new convertible and getting rid of the Miata. Wife will do some trips in it not like the Miata or motorcycles. Last bike trip she was on was 2010.

@fotoguzzi, are you still looking? I'm about 95 miles south, in New Ulm, and have been thinking about selling my 2001 Rosso Mandello. I'm the second owner, 17K, factory bags and tankbag, Teo Lamers centerstand. I'm just about to order a new rear tire for it. I love the bike, but I'm turning 70 this year, and maybe the riding position is getting to be a bit too much. On the other hand, when I had it out yesterday it was such a joy.

Created topic in Fileshare. When the early Sport/Rosso Mandello diagram comes available, I'll add it there. Thanks, again, @stewgnu !

Remember the wedge garage of the Triumph TR-7 and TR-8?

Chuck, you might know this bike. It belonged to a Wildguzzi member, Groundhog. This particular LeMans is surprisingly nimble. He got the suspension tuned perfectly and I weigh about the same as him... so it really is a "hand-in-glove" fit for me. Come ride it next time you are in Southern California.

I'm a fan of the LeMans I fairing.

Why is that? If it is aluminum, is only bent a little, and can be straightened, I wouldn't be afraid of it.

Thanks, mate! I couldn't bring myself to buy a fourth Veglia speedo. The Speedhuts make me nervous in the rain, but 20,000 miles so-far-so-good. Steady, accurate speed and odo. Illumination is stunning. We shall see if they actually outlast my usual 27,000-30,000 mile lifespan of my Veglias . . .

$3-4k pending condition. If it were a greenie you can fetch a little more depending on the buyer.

My Father in law ( RIP) had an antique Art and collectables store in SF for years...When my wife would ask how much something was worth..he would say..its worth whatever its worth to you? How much do you have ? How bad do you want it? I always kind of go by that..How much do I have? and How bad do I want it?..that is really all that matters.

If a pristine, well-cared-for Nero/Rosso Corsa or Coppa Italia is worth $7500-8000US (and I believe they are), an original, unmolested (but cared for) early RedFrame Sport should be pushing 4000-4500. Maybe even 5000 if it is >perfect< and I loved it at first sight. Trouble is, just how much Beta testing and neglect these poor old RedFrames have suffered. I don't feel so much guilt because my one-owner Sport will never be For Sale. And I so much enjoyed molesting her my-own-self . . .

Just made our reservations. Same cabin as before. Nice talking to Walt just now, too. And, ah, yes, the memories. Here are few quick grabs from the past: 1921 - 2021! Bill & Kathi

My longtime buddy, Scott, is returning on his ST1300 from NY. He would like to split a room if anyone will take him in? As a token of commitment, he said he would send his half of the money now, and apply Guzzi stickers over all the ST's Honda badges . . .

I talked with Walt (Lodge at Tellico) today on the phone. What a golden guy. Our Seventeenth "South'n Spine Raid." I told him I thought it is our twelve'th staying with them at The Lodge at Tellico. Yep: year one there (in Tellico): 2010 . .

There really is amazing riding at the South'n Spine Raid, but there is something special about the Parc Fermé . . .

Well , it worked and didn't catch fire .... That's good enough for me !