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This is my 97 RS which Pete has mentioned, it currently has the Euro fairing/headlight and a full Staintune exhaust system. I changed the belts a couple of years ago but it still has the original oil pump which will have to be addressed at some point in time though it has low miles. I know others have taken the gear route but I was just going to get the V11 series oil pump and a set of chains whenever I get around to doing this work. In terms of selling the bike, I'm a bit on the fence as I really like riding the bike though it kills my neck after about 150-200 miles. These bikes are more comfortable for someone who has some long arms and that is not me. And to be honest I have no idea what one is currently worth. This bike was originally owned by a collector who put no miles on the bike and it sat in a basement in Wisconsin until about 2003 when my friend David bought the bike. He only put maybe 3,000 miles on the bike and then I have put another 2,500 miles on the bike. It is fun to ride, and the engine is like no other Guzzi.

There was only ever 3910 Hi Cam models made in total across all the versions so if you are going to own one and put miles on it parts will be an issue. With so few built the aftermarket world will never be interested in re manufacturing stuff either. They aren't really like your traditional Guzzi BB that will do big miles as well. So it's a collectors piece in a sensible world. Bikes like these aren't for the average guy anymore like bevel drive Ducatis. Add up the cost of an engine rebuild on a Bevel drive these days and be sitting down when you get to the total and they built a lot more than 3910 of those. Even if you already own one the nagging worry in the back of your mind will always be parts cost and availability. Personally I'd buy something like a Ducati 1098R if I was after a classic that will appreciate and buy some still readily available spares for it. Ciao

How cumbersome is it to get an imported bike registered in the US? Has anybody US based on this forum done it? Once I graduate from the V11 Le Mans, I would not mind finding a companion... and I just found this one.... Look at this beauty! 1996, limited and numbered edition. But this one is in metric units. Where I am coming from, you would not be able to register a vehicle with different units, unless it is classified as historic or vintage. If I had the funds, I would have purchased this beauty already....

If you’re suspension is smooth and compliant… you’re riding a different bike 😀

Excellent points, Docc. I tend to prefer narrow, lighter, high-torque motorcycles like the 900SS with buckets of midrange and a smooth engine. That said, I can still appreciate big bruisers like the Daytona 1200, Guzzi V11, BMW K, etc. I'm sure the V11 will be a little culture shock for me, and I welcome it. Torque pulling the bike to the right when you blip the throttle, smooth compliant suspension eating most road irregularities, a smooth but very mechanical gearchange...rattling dry clutch, a nearly turbine-like engine above 3k RPM that just pulls and pulls all day long through sweepers...All from what I hear about the V11. VTwinStorm, and his damned run-on sentences...I know. I can't contain my excitement. I ordered the factory shop manual from a nice gent in New Zealand. I'll begin reading it when it arrives. I have MUCH to learn about big Guzzi V twins. Another planet entirely from my air-cooled Ducatis I'm so used to. The V11 must be the prettiest production machine ever to emerge from the factory in Mandello. I'm torn between the Sport and LeMans. They both are breathtaking in person. How a machine with such a brutal drivetrain can be wrapped in such elegant and understated bodywork is a miracle of style. Tamburini level style.

If I was to ride a bike that fitted me well, I would not be here. I ride a Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans because this is the one I wanted, not the one I settled for. When I think of riding motorcyles, I think of special people, passion, devotion, affinity. Such as those who become Doctors because they want to do Doctors without borders type of life.

If you are seriously interested in a 'Special' Daytona I have a friend in the US with a Daytona RS. Like all US RS's it's an 'A' kit bike but in all honesty they are a much happier thing than the 'C' kitted bikes. You also get a variety of improvements with the RS package, broad sump, better pork chops. Anyway I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to sell it to the right parson at the right price. He only ended up with it because it's previous owner sold it to an Australian who only after he'd bought it found he couldn't import it here. So it was bought as a 'Mercy buy'.

If your V11 weighs 500 pounds, its probably out of fuel . . . I can remember two, or maybe three, female forum members. I think two of them actually rode V11 and the other had some pretty V11 jewelry on offer. Recalling just a few lady riders coming through our local "sport-touring" community reminds that the more talented ones chose bikes that fit them well (shouldn't we all?). The most adept of these wore full leathers and rode a Honda Hawk GT. Quite svelte, nimble and capable. The bike, too.

Purchased. Thanks. I did not get it for the Guzzi brand, but she attempts to explain why we enjoy riding motorcycles, and the effect it has on us. I know what it does to me, but I don't know why it did it, and why only a few of us get the virus. A lot of the people I know here, don't think I am sane. Riding a motorbike at this time of my life, and especially in this "difficult" environment. So let us see if she is able to explain to me why.

People are telling me I should live my present instead of looking in the rear view mirror and being nostalgic. I am guessing you will have you moments too, later, remembering when bikes were not electric...

Here is picture.I fitted California panniers to her

Hi from Napier New Zealand. I have number 114

Thank you, Docc! Will buy and install one post-haste!

What you are seeking, my friend, is the "RUSTY STAR PICKET PROJECT." Accept no substitutes!

Assumedly, because you have found a Tenni...

Larry, I sent you PM.

Yes.

Reservations in for Thurs and Fri nights, only problem is waiting to see if there is a cancellation for Saturday night . Didn't know if I could get the time off until today.

My penance for being spineless...

I get that and I think I know why ladies usually stay off "bois" forums.

I am a lonesome rider too. I used to ride with a few friends, always the same, following the races around Europe in the 70's. We rode safely.

I am not a professional, but I always liked photography. It started a long time ago, so I did photo with a film camera and moved with the technology. I so far refused to use a phone, because I feel it denatures the purpose. Photography has now become a thoughtless process. I don't do selfies either. TS-E lenses are fascinating, and they can be used for anything as a standard prime one. There are a few domains where they excel at; you understood it correctly! if you look at the 6th photo from the top in my thread, you can tell I used this principle to have only the front row in focus. It is very useful in architecture too, as you get the perspective right. There also is the miniaturization effect, and the ability to shoot from the side and make it look like it is straight. Like shooting yourself in front of mirror, but with the camera invisible: The major draw back of these, they are bloody expensive (obviously), and manual focus only. But once you start using them, you are usually hooked up. I have two of the older ones. The 24mm and the 90mm. When I get around it, I will make some Le Mans Tilt and Shift examples. I also like Candid photography, the Robert Doisneau style. In today's world, people no longer want you to take pictures of them. However this Japanese lady was kind enough to let me. This was in Grom, NYC.

Facts.

Luciano Marabese level style!

That being the case, and your having asked the other inmates on the ward if this is not actually crazy . . . GET IT!!

I would rather you take it to Europe, to make it a bit more challenging.

Here's a 1993 Daytona in Los Angeles on Craigslist: https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/d/venice-moto-guzzi-1993-daytona-1000/7352811864.html I'd be willing to ride it to Mexico for you so you can enjoy getting it back across the border.

I think I'd just look for a US model. They're out there. Be prepared to maintain it.

Where is it now? Does it have a US title? Check with DMV Austin, as there are certainly specified requirements. Vintage or special interest is an exception in many titling/licensing cases. EDIT: It is entirely possible that one may have to register the vehicle in an "easy" state, such as Oregon or Alabama, before titling it in Texas. That may require a "trusted" friend who would temporarily place it in his name before transferring to you. However, at each exchange, the taxman loometh.

Your kidding me right? have you ever lifted the rear wheel of a V11? I was in shock at the massive weight of the rear wheel of a std V11 the first time I removed one as i'm used to dealing with real sports bike wheels such as those on my 1198 Ducati and GSXR1000 Suzuki track bike. It was there and then that I decide that excellent handling was never going to be achievable with the V11 as on top off all that wheel lard there was still the weight of a bevel box and 1/2 of a reaction rod and drive shaft to consider. So a 3mmx 6mmx 230 mm ring of disk rotor material missing is but a drop in the bucket of lard that is the std rear end and it wont make a scap of difference in the real world. BTW the first thing I did when I felt how ridiculous the weight of the rear wheel/drive assy was on a Guzzi was to go and buy a decent high quality rear shock purly out of sympathy for the poor old std Sachs unit. The rear shock on a V11 has a man sized job to do thats for sure. Ciao