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Well, finally managed to get out on the bike yesterday! After 10 weeks of covid lockdowns ( total of 3 x weeks ) crap weather ( plenty ) family commitments ( 1 x weekend catch up between lockdowns ) and household chores I was asked to help out at one of our metropolitan branches due to staffing shortages yesterday. ( been working from home last 12 x months ) It's about 80 kays ( 50 miles ) away and I thought bloody ripper I'm taking the bike even if it fookin snows!! So 5.15am and a balmy 6 degrees I'm togged up and hit the starter.Jeezuz, she's not been used for 10 weeks and she explodes into life at the slightest touch of the button. I reckon she's looking forward to this as much as I am! So even though it was just a commute/drone down the highway it was great to be on the bike again and I can take the longer twistier fun way home after work! Well it wasn't quite meant to be, the weather decided to turn, really strong winds down by the coast not so much fun and knackered after a crazy day so thought I'll take another less fun but better than the highway way home. Bugger just before the turn off the low fuel light starts flickering on so that's out as no gas stations that way. No choice but to just drone down the highway again and stop for gas at the servo close to home. Ha ha bloke at the servo really loved the bike and could'nt get over the colour! Surely that's not a standard paint job ha ha . ( she's a greenie ) Anyways hit the back road behind the servo and gave her a taste of the redline in second third and fourth just to clear the cobwebs ! Ahhhhh SUBLIME before constabulary paranoia set in.I'd seen a few rozzers about as this is the first weekend of freedom after the latest lockdown. Home, change and a glass of Shiraz in front of the fire with the wife and the weekend to look forward to. Bloody Marvelous. Cheers Guzzler

6th Stop: Etape #7 Freeport Texas; "Mistery Boat". This was interesting since I could test the cooling effect of a good shower followed by the sun...

Did you watch the movie "The accidental Tourist" with William Hurt? in this movie, he tells that packing is an art that comes from experience, and this is where "less is invariably more" came from, when it comes to packing for travel. When I traveled with my motorbike, the 70's, I had a tank bag, and carried another bag on the back end of my bike, where a passenger would have sat. Most of my travel was week-ends to go to the races around Europe. In these days, I carried a two spots tent. As I am exhausting the Tour du Texas stops around me, I am going to need to overnight somewhere, and bundle stops together. I only want to carry the strict necessary, and go with only what can fit in the small bag at the back of my bike (see the video herewith). I think I would only spend maximum two nights, so I can get by with nothing but the indispensable. Clothing, my riding gear will be on me, socks and shorts won't take much space, jerseys neither. What will take the most space are the compulsory accessories, mainly the stuff to charge all these batteries. Because they are all different; AirBag, Phone, Camera, Video Camera, Helmet Bluetooth. The Airbag, Camera, Video Camera all have dedicated chargers with their own cords. The Phone has a lightning connector; the Helmet audio, a micro USB port. I am not considering my phone to take pictures or make videos. Anything I may need on the road, I would buy. What do you guys pack on short trips? what do you favor to carry the stuff? any of you carry a back pack while riding?

I think the world is going in complete FUBAR mode with the back and forth botched communication that took place almost everywhere. I am now totally confused on what the message is. I am going to go with riding my V11 is going to keep me safe from the Delta variant. Why not? wearing a helmet is the best protection... lol...

On the east coast, frankly there is little one can do except sweat. I did not actually "need" another mesh jacket, but I saw this Viking Cycle jacket on Amazon and could not resist. It was apparently a promotion, but at $29.95 delivered and free returns (which I did not), it was a done deal. The "pads" were junk and I switched them out. But, this thing flows some air. Interestingly, the pockets are waterproof for those climates which have sun punctuated by tragic downpours. They run between $26-$59 now, depending on size and color. Still, a great knockabout mesh jacket. Super bright Hi-viz, but that did not stop some somnolent driver in a white Mazda (saw him first) merge across my bow completely unaware. Score one for pilot eyes.

Don't know if this has been previously posted, but here is nice article on Dr. John: https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-italian-motorcycles/moto-guzzi-1000r-zmcz18jazhur/ Cheers!

While you are cleaning the throttle plate edges and the throttle bore, and throttle shaft - see if you can locate the air bypass hole on the inside of the throttle bore and apply some kind of release agent. A fifty-fifty mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid is a known contender ("Ed's Red"). Dab a bit up into the air bypass recess from the outside, as well. Let it sit a overnight and maybe apply some heat from a hot air gun. Insert a screwdriver blade into the slot and give it a sharp * RAP * with a little hammer, perhaps even while turning the screwdriver in then out, in then out. Those screws and their channels benefit from a periodic cleaning...

Considering how fussy this is to set the last thing you need is "spiked" wires to get your reading. Just add another layer of fussiness you don't need. Ciao

So, yep, the lower cam wheel circlip had jumped it's groove allowing the wheel to move inboard against the "banana plate" where it would not actuate the Neutral Switch. Since it was against the plate retained by its own circlip, it felt solid pushing it or striking it with a punch through the switch hole. The circlip was retained on the shaft, so it wasn't going to drop off and get onto the gearbox. I was leery of rotating the cam wheels on the bench as I knew they were in neutral (and marked them as @Lucky Phil did) and didn't want to risk getting them out of synch with the gearbox. Yet, as @Scud said: Glad to have it sorted (checkride tomorrow). Thank you all for your replies and encouragement. Thank you @MartyNZ (once again, I might add! )

A connection is a connection. What the Caspers does is reduce the hassle and frustration. With a pair of multimeter terminals on the two loose ends, it is much much easier.

I just cleaned the inside of the throttle bodies and the throttle body plates the best I could with carb cleaner. Then I took another TPS reading, It now reads 180 to 190 MV. before it read 230 to 240 MV. I tried to adjust the TPS, there was room to turn the TPS but by tuning it the reading would not go any lower then 180 to 190 MV. I then found that I was able to turn the left air bypass ., So I set the left and right bypass screws one turn out. Then I hooked the carb mate up. The bike was spot on at idle and 3000 RPM. I"m not sure what more I can do about the TPS reading so I think for now I will just leave it where it is.

@po18guy I received the preowned jacket today; not in time for my trip to Freeport, which I did with my Icon. But it was a very educating trip, because throughout there were patches of showers followed by intense sun. So I got drenched, and then dried by the sun. I must say the "cooling" effect of wearing wet clothing did not convince me at all. It felt wet, but it was not really "cooling" me. I found it rather unpleasant. And the "cooling" effect did not last much under the sun. However, the rain was so heavy that it was hard to see, and the asphalt accumulates water pretty fast. Bottom line, I don't mind riding in the heat!!!

It is only postponed though.... Not as bad as if it was cancelled. So let's hope for the best next year...

I know nothing of Power Commanders, it always seemed to my mind they were a sticking plaster fix, perhaps not, but I've always been suspicious of them. Sounds to me like what @docc has already pointed out, the plate needs to completely close. Fouling on the body or throttle plate (sometimes called a butterfly) or the RH throttle stop screw not being backed off, may be causing the odd readings. Lightly opening the plate and allowing it to snap close a few times also helps, (don't go mad). The connecting rod needs to be disconnected too (pointed out as well). Personally I have the RH throttle stop screw completely backed out and only use the LH stop screw when adjusting the system. The TPS can (will?) move when tightening, snapping the throttle plate closed a few times will help confirm its set up right, you'll get slightly different readings every time you open and close the plate, but as long as it's in spec, I'm happy. I've seen reports that there can be a difference between the readings when the engine is running. Mine has always been Ok, I guess battery condition might have an affect, but that's just a guess Setting the TPS is the very first move This is just how I understand the system, I've been wrong in the past and excuse me if I'm teaching my granny.............. The TPS is an input to the fuel map, it will alter the fuel flow sent to both TBs. Once its set correctly then you adjust the throttle plates to ensure both bodies are flowing the same amount of air, because no matter what the airflow to each body is, they will still both be getting the same amount of fuel from the ECU. Close the Air bypass screws and adjust to get balance using the linkage connecting rod, I check at 3k RPM. When that's done adjust the idle via the throttle stop screw (I just use the left one) Finally adjust the airbypass screw to balance the idle airflow, you might then might have to readjust the idle, but its usually just a one shot. If I've done it right, then air bypass screw adjustment only has a small affect on the idle rpm. Personally I wouldn't be too bothered about the stuck air bypass screw. Preferable if you can get it move, but not worth damaging the throttle body, as you're achieving good balance at high RPM and idle. At higher RPM the airbypass screws do little, they are there to balance the airflow to each body at idle, once you have good balance at higher rpm by adjustment of the linkage rod length. They are too small to make a significant impact at higher RPM, besides if it's stuck it's probably completely closed and been screwed home by a shaved ape. Don't get overly caught up in trying to dial it all in until it's absolutely perfect, you'll go nuts. IMHO if the bike is idling fine and pulling well, I'm happy with it, during a service or in the Winter I might check it, but that's about all. I only mess with it when something is amiss, rough running, bad flat spot, persistant stalling etc:

My business class seat has a USB port in the armrest Ciao

The business with different chargers is a PITA so the way I deal with it is I take my LiFe starter pack and it's charger and as it has a couple of USB ports it can charge crap up on the run and then I can charge it up again at night, (I don't camp any more except in extremis.). My Mana has a 12V socket in the 'Helmet Compartment' where the tank would be on a conventional bike which is handy. The Griso has nothing, probably like the LeMans. Before I do my next 'Big' trip I'll probably put a double USB thingy on the bars somewhere but I really don't like having too much clutter on the bars. Perhaps I could hide it under one of the 'Wings'?

For charging, I carry a solar-powered battery with 2 USB charging ports. I can charge 2 things in the tank bag, backpack, or overnight. I charge it fully in advance of the trip, and I can set it in the sun to top it off. Then I don't have to carry all the other charging stuff for the accessories - just the cables. I like using a backpack, and for long trips, I take the Klim one that has a 3L water bladder. I'm not clear if you are intending to camp or use hotels. That would make a big difference.

The question reminds me of this thread . . .

I made a mistake, the TPS read 230 MV not 2300 MV. And would only drop to 190 MV.I did all that you listed but I did not clean the plate edges and throttle bores. Not sure what to do about left air bypass screw because it wont move so I dont"t know where it"s set.

Wow that brings back memories. Lived just across north side of San Jacinto river from the monument first 22 years of my life and now have same Lemans as yours but not near as primo condition. As kids we had a mix of scooters and bikes from cushmans to cushman 3 wheel trucksters to hondas, bridgestones, suzukis and so on. We all rode together many times on the Lynchburg ferry from Highlands, TX across the river and to the monument and museum. If the parents knew we would all have been in big trouble.

Needs more bacon!

29c today, NOT normal up here. IPA time, for sure. Cheers Tom Sent fra min SM-A505FN via Tapatalk

Pre-gapped spark plugs and resistor caps (in case breakage due to tip-over).

Docc, are you the hipster or the guy with the feigned surprised look?

Damn! I've gotta hand it to you Docc- keepin the true info going after 5,688 posts! Sir is Irrepressible! Never met you but I think I love you....!

Thanks - I ordered 7 Omrons. 5 as replacements and 2 spares. I'll keep the current 5-pin relay as a 3rd under-seat backup, and ditch the quad-pins. It's not the small expense (heck, I spent more than that changing silver bolts to black ones on my bike for no functional reason whatsoever) - just really trying to understand anything that I change. I like the simplicity of all five relays being the same part number. Knowing that two of these are likely to fail - and now having a plan to have extras on the bike puts me in a better position to "fix it on the road." What was that saying I saw somewhere? "Moto Guzzi - making motorcyclists into electricians for over 50 years."- or something like that. I guess it's better than "Lucas Electric, the prince of darkness." It would be cool to "spine-raid" with you all - but that's a long way from here... We need a "surf'n spine raid."

Well, that is ANSWERING the original question with credibility, conviction, and completeness. I'll be traveling sans-luggage, but there are a bunch of things from your post (and others leading up to it) that I will figure out how to squirrel away under-seat. You and your kit remind me of the sweep riders on the dual-sport events that I ride. I imagine that more than one stranded South'n Spine Raid rider has mistaken your silver V11 for an angel.

News flash: Docc's secret stash revealed. This is not hijacking... sharing is caring.

https://www.leccotoday.it/notizie/salta-motoraduno-moto-guzzi.html 😱