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Owning a Guzzi is more like a marriage. The honeymoon will be awesome. You'll love it. Then some quirks will come out which will begin your "sorting out " phase. Some days she'll piss you off. Some days you'll want to get rid of her. But then the quirk will be repaired and when you ride her it'll be more satisfying and even thrilling. Then dudes will look at her and wanna ride her. You'll either be nice and blow it off or tell them to "Get bent." You'll take the time to perfect her and she'll age like wine.. Won't be the fastest in town. Some days will let you down. But you won't get rid of her. Cuz she's YOUR b!tch.. True story.. I own two. Straight polygamist. Don't judge me. 😅👍

So, repair and maintenance done, I am packing and loading today. Not the Norge, but the chase vehicle, our 2009 Honda Fit, with 258K miles. It's a C-130 of a car, and today I am the loadmaster and crew chief. I am ensuring that the critical supplies make the trip: Bourbon. Check. Grappa. Check. Espresso machine. Check. Tools and fluids for depot-level maintenance. Check. That pretty much does it, and there's still lots of room for Kathi's six weeks of essentials for a 5-day (for her) trip.

Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon were two (French) actors well known in Europe; peak of their careers 70's and 80's. I saw the Fear upon the city at the movie theater, and instantly fell in love with the Z1; and I was not the only one.

So is there a consensus amongst the Guzzi community about their preferences? Short red frame & short tank (chinpad) long black frame & short tank (chinpad) long black frame & long tank (internal fuel pump) On balance I find black frames feel a little more planted in corners. Must be the 20 mm longer wheelbase plus all the extra bracing around the swing arm / subframes. I don’t feel the fatter 180 rear tyre has much of an effect in slowing the black frames turn in. I have a 2002 transition model (registered in 03),and the extra 20 mm of frame visible behind the steering head doesn’t bother me. I don’t find it aesthetically less pleasing than a long tank

At a point when I had three V11s, a friend asked me. "How do you decide which one to ride?" "Easy," I said. "Whichever one is giving me the least shit."

It's an engaging, and just plain fun motorcycle. From my past bikes, I'd say the V11 takes the best features of my ex BMW R100CS and my ex Ducati Sport Classic Monoposto. From the BMW - ease of maintenance, reliability, comfort. From the Ducati - styling, sound (Guzzi actually sounds better, IMO), broad torque curve (like the DS1000 motor), and sporty orientation. My Sport Classic was painful in town, perfect on long uphill grades, and tolerable everywhere else. The V11 is more comfortable in more places without giving up the level of performance that I can realistically use on the street. The R100CS was a better two-up tourer than the V11. (But my Stelvio has that job now). As for the V11 tranny, it is a good one. But with the Red-Frame bike, you should plan on getting yourself a frame brace and installing it ASAP (to avoid an expensive case-cracking experience). Next up, a few tweaks will make the tranny shift even better. Get Lucky Phil's shift extender lever. Also do the whole shift-improvement thing to the pre-selector, including the Chuck-designed "unbreakable" shift return spring, which you can get from me. The stock spring is a known achilles heel, and if (when) it breaks, it will leave you hobbled.

If you own a Rubik's Cube , you are halfway there , If you own a Rubik's Cube , tore off the stickers and moved them around , a little closer . If you bought books , learned all the combinations , then finally "got it" , you are ready . If you are still able to work it , good for you . Now go gas up n go ! p.s. this is not a Japanese bike and never will be , That is what the V-Strom is for .

The V11 is a very real roadster! You’re gonna love it! There is mass and a bit of bulk, but she loves to be ridden like you mean it, and she will pay you back with a visceral, steady and comfortable ride. Push it and it handles pretty good for how heavy it is. Mine is an ‘01 red frame, and I find the bike to be very stable. Don’t lug her! Guzzis like to be revved. My V11 Sport starts to smile and lighten up once past 4K, and opens up and seems very happy around 5K. There are a lot of great bikes that are lighter with more power, but the V11 engine is great, and the bike will really grow on you. I love mine more and more as time goes on. Congrats!

You could have done a lot worse....said the man who has ridden one just a little. But then I'm a touchy feely kinda guy

All of the above is true, as it comes from rider/owners. Guzzis are an acquired taste. Growing up around radial aircraft engines, certain parallels may be seen. They are, by definition, the road less traveled - and for many of us that is precisely what we seek. Being shafties, they prefer to corner on the gas, or at least neutral throttle. The shaft itself is very well controlled and your rear wheel will be dusty rather than greasy - a more than fair exchange. The suspension runs from very good to excellent. Cruising at 4K or just above, the engine is notably smooth and you make excellent time, provided that where you are going allows (or overlooks) such velocity. You don't always want penne arrabbiata - but when you do , nothing else will satisfy.

I noticed it too. I spent time in about every country in Europe, around the 80's, and a lot of French ladies, even now were on two wheels. Maybe because it makes you feel good about yourself? wipes out any worry? makes you forget about the dull day? brings a smile to your face? sets you free? keeps you free?

For the frame center support plate for the RedFrame Sport, @LowRyter says, contact Don . . . https://www.motivcycleworks.com/ Best picture I've seen of one mounted. Might also be the easiest way to install one:

I have. For *me* the Mighty Scura is very comfortable. I bought a Rosso Corsa to have in Indiana because I liked the Scura so much, and prefer the Scura except in the rain. I sold Rosie. Properly set up.. it is also surprisingly capable in twisties. I practiced it a lot on The Snake on deserted days. Yeah, it helps, but is that stuff really needed on the street? It's not a race.. we're just having fun. Yep. It's one of Guzzi's best. I have two spare speedos and one spare tach that I've picked up over the years..just in case. So far, in 38000 miles, it hasn't needed either.

After a few miles and more than a couple challenges from mySport, I oft return to a quote from one the journalists when the V11 was introduced. If necessary, I can locate the reference material. Otherwise, I paraphrase (or, rather embellish) . . . "It is a bike that will benefit from a dedicated level of owner involvement."

And this is her, in 2020 with the helmet she used on all her motorcycles trips.... At least she kept it...

All of this Jazz is so refined and hip and cool and gone. I love it! Then I knocked a knuckle open getting mySport ready for the South'n SpineRaid. Perhaps, I uttered some new combinations of special appellations . . . . . . what I meant to say was, You Got to Pay the Alligator !

Here's the map of what Anne-France Dautheville did; the "raid" was ending in Ispahan, Iran. But she went all the way to Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Today I did 6 miles with my Le Mans....

I received the book today, and took a quick peek in it; right away, I had the feeling this was written decades ago.... I was correct. The copyright is from 1997. The depiction of the two types of bike riders does not ring true with the current world any longer. I now think there are more than two types of riders. Anyway, I will finish the book before I come back to exchange.

Quick update ... life is a circle ... the PJPR01 gentleman is a very good friend and former co-worker, Guzzi lover and motorsports fanatic ... we just reconnected yesterday because of this forum ... so I'm feeling thankful and confident I meant to own a Guzzi Centauro

Hi all. Needing to raise some funds so my cafe sport is up for sale. Original condition not messed with has 5.6k miles and needs nothing. New brakes battery and conti road attacks. Lovely bike in every way. Original handbooks and history etc. Runs and rides without fault j bike is in Northumberland England and is ready for anything

you've already answered it

I appreciate your point that one tends to prefer that which one is bonded to. I personally arrived in the strange situation of acquiring 5 V11’s because I was genuinely interested in discovering the subtle differences of some of the main sub-models, and I couldn’t bring myself to sell any, so the collezione just expanded over the years. My justification to myself in buying a Greenie this year, when I already have a silver red-frame, was that Greenie had Mistrals, a belly pan, tail tidy, and various mods whereas my Silver is entirely stock, and apart from the future addition of a Roper plate will remain that way. I don’t really have any strong preferences of one derivative over any other, but I’m sure that there are some folk out there in Guzziland who have both red & black frames, and I’m interested in hearing other’s opinions. My local Guzzi community is awash with various Calis, 1200 Sports, various LeMans, Stelvios, V7s, and a growing no of V85s; even a Spada, but only one 1100 Sport, and no other V11. It’s like the Spine era was bypassed. I was seriously looking at an 1100 Sport earlier this year, but I decided that I just couldn’t get along with the hardcore riding position….

Just a reminder, the front zerk fitting on the drive shaft is tricky to get at. But don't ignore it. get a Roper plate right away if it doesn't have one yet. im 5'10" had 2" bar risers and it fit me perfect. Sadly I traded it for a Miata in a weak moment. But I got the better deal, later sold the Miata for a bigger profit that should have been illegal. then got a Buell, torq monster and it had a similar character to the Guzzi. I'm waiting for the perfect V11 at the perfect price to get back on someday. notice the chrome, None! Oh wait the rim around the tack and speedo was chrome I think. Oh, I added those beautiful chrome mufflers to shine it up just right.

So what's was Doc Martin's prognosis? (May be applicable to my '16 Norge as well, always worth a look ). Looking forward to meeting you Bill, as I still haven't decoded your VA proximity. Sounds like you have all the ingredients covered for a great weekend. Wish my wife still rode with me!

I forgot to tell you... I purchased mine from a dealership in Pensacola FL. I always told them I was going to bring the bike to H'town riding it. This is how much trust I put on a Guzzi right off the bat.. I went to Pensacola as promised, and made it as far as Alabama realizing the Odometer did not work. The Speedometer did. I returned to Pensacola and flew back to Hou. When I picked the bike, I had not been riding bikes for decades. I would say close to 30. The Guzzi felt like I had just parked it the day before.

Me thinks you may have the beginnings of a dead spot or corrosion in your TPS. Guzzi Diag can help with this, also check your CO settings. Of course it could be a bad slug of gas. Paul B

Speaking of girls on Guzzis.. She's (ahem) quite a bit older than she looks, and is more than a good rider on her Grease O.. Also French, has an apartment in Sandy Eggo and Paris.

The lady has style and is lovely, then and now. I wish I knew some people like her. Sometimes I feel that I am trapped in a small petty society of wage slaves who worry too much about themselves and others, and their friggin’ relationships with others, known and unknown! She’s the type of heroic human with the spirit that I look up to. So grand! Man, I need to get the you-know-what out of here and hit the road!

The gearbox is great. I was told that Guzzi had a formula race car designer come up with the design…..anyone know about this? Apply the slightest pre-load pressure to the shifter and your shifts will be clean and easy. This is an analog real motorcycle, and 20 years old. Very charming machine. The vibes are great, nice low frequency stuff, not like the buzzy crap that makes your hands go numb on other bikes. The shaft torque is a comforting sensation to tell you she’s got it. The only real problems that I have had have been grounding issues with the headlight, but nothing that has kept the bike off the road. My trip meter stopped working soon after I got the bike, but I can remember OD numbers and my low fuel light works so that’s ok. So long as you keep up with basic maintenance, keep the oil clean, remain connected with her, like a good pony owner should, Guzzis will just keep going. Heck, my other Guzzi is a ‘78 that just turned 180,000 miles, and that bike has been my daily rider for the past few weeks while my V11 is off-line getting some upgrades. The ‘78 runs every day, back-and-forth 38 miles each way to work. No problemo. That bike is a testament to the build of the Moto Guzzi, and certainly to the care and upkeep it received from its previous (and original) owner, Bobby D. One other thing that you may notice, on hot days after hard rides, when you come to a stop at idle, these engines will give an occasional hiccup. Apparently this is how they shrug off the heat. Kind of like how a fast horse will give a shiver when resting after a ride. If you are riding in cooler weather this may never occur.

You of course realize a lot of the answers are going to be subjective to their respective riders? How it will "fit" is entirely up to you, if you have the specific chromosome, you will not notice anything odd. I would like to start by reminding you of some differences; there is no ABS on the S/LM. If you have ABS on any of your other bikes, you will have to keep that in mind if you have to do an emergency stop and the asphalt is slippery. This is the inconvenience of having multiple rides at a different level of technological evolution. I have not made any serious "all day long" riding trips, I am 6' tall too, but the body position on the bike is bearable. Of course, you will eventually get the flat bum syndrome. Fortunately, you can easily walk it off during the numerous stops you will have to make to refill the tank. It is surprisingly stable in long radii curves at speed. It takes some efforts to throw in short bends. The bike goes better with smooth. I keep the steering dampener completely off clutch. I keep the suspensions on the hard side of the settings. I sacrifice the comfort but I like to feel on "rails". I am old school rider. I keep the body on the bike. I don't know if modern riding, e.g. leaning out of the bike in curves help with the V11. I have not tried yet. The Gear Box is fine, and follows your impulses either slow or fast changing. On slow changes, you may found a false neutral between 3rd and 4th? I am yet to find anything that I don't like, but I have limited experience with it. I am yet to make it face some real challenges. It always starts easy. Steaming hot or dead cold. On mine, at least here in Texas weather, hot and humid, the engine is known to cough if I keep at a steady rpm. Also starting from a traffic light, in 1st gear, I have had the engine coughing when I open the throttle. Idle is super steady once warm and sizzling hot. Mine came with a non working odometer. A disease that affects a lot of the V11 from that era. either ITI/hur gauges, or Veglia Borletti. There are several solutions available in the forum. I found an o'ring resting on the left hand side of the bike, and I lost the right clip on bar end weight. That is the limit of my casualties so far.

Well , this 10 wants only YOU

And, there is a certain "lucky" guy here who invented a simple bolt-on device to make shift throws even shorter. Made and sold (when available) by other creative V11 forum members. As to false neutrals, those on my '04 went almost completely away when I thoroughly bled the clutch. I installed a bleeder bolt at the master, so there is nowhere for air to hide.

At the risk of sounding politically incorrect, the V11 is a man's bike. It is big and heavy and 1st gear seems too high and low-speed maneuvering takes some practice. It must be commanded what to do. She's a big gal, but she can dance...and oh can she sing! Aprilia must have worked on the trans between '02 and '04, as mine goes 1-2 and so on with zero drama. Caveat: The shift lever must be adjusted to fit your seating position and even the boots you wear, or it will 'reward' you with false neutrals. False neutrals going up are no big deal, but downshifting, you may get a rather horrendous crunch unless you match gear speeds precisely.

ok I have some more.... It's a fair reach across the tank. I'm 6'0" and it's perfect for me but noticeably further than bikes of my experience. I like the feeling of laying into it somewhat. The look over the bars has no match. No crotch rocket bend in my back. Stretched out with superbly positioned foot rests and easily adjusted controls. Some don't like it but I'm still pretty limber and am quite comfortable. Trans shifting is smooth once broken in (the bike AND you). From starting out, neutral to first may take a double clutch. 1st to 2nd is the least friendly. Keep the revs up and the toe off the peg prior to a positive shift. There are shifting 'upgrades' available to perform once you get to that point.

good description. And the only reason I have to compare them is they are both old world twins in a new(er) world sport tourer. To me the V11 is a good old reliable design motor, with 'some' up to date (for then) componentry, connected by questionable electronics, in a race bred frame. What's not to like?

I bought my LM without a test ride. Didn't need one. I knew, and I was right.

Between the Triumph and your Ducatis, it will be very interesting to hear your impressions of the V11. Expect a period of "courting." Then the marriage. Then that part that comes later . . . you know, "the long haul" . . . Like Andy York's 125,000 miles - that don't come easy if you're expecting someone else to keep your V11 roadworthy. " . . . touchy feely . . . " = "polished wrenches for polished things."

" What does the gearbox act like? The engine? The delivery of power? The braking, suspension? Any quirky/eccentric qualities of the machine? " > Yes. All of the above. < " Also, what compares to a V11, so I have a baseline? " One can only compare to his own baseline. Long ago, I learned to ask riders, "What was your last bike?" That will be your baseline. If you are lucky, and have really found what you are looking for in a motorcycle, the V11 SpineFrame is incomparable.

She was born on March 22nd 1944; I doubt that she is still a "Demoiselle"...

A Saturday morning low of 59ºF is going to make the Cherohala right brisk. Big block Goozies looooooove this!!!!!!!

Details over beer or bourbon or both at the campfire in Tellico Plains next weekend, but the short version is that I took a chance on that website -- http://MotoGuzziFirstRespondersOnLine.com -- and Dr. Martin showed up in minutes. In short order, he diagnosed the problem and, we all think, fixed it. Then, with only a "Hi Yo, Silver," he was gone. Impressive. "Dr. Martin" is, of course, a local Guzzisti (tho sans one just now) who is a gifted moto-tech. Agreed. Only fly in that optimistic ointment is, as I have no doubt observed here before, that it has been my experience that God does not watch Weather Channel. But, yes, sure like that forecast. See you and all there ... rain or shine. Bill

His opening riff and the tone and feel that follows it always knocks me out! When ever I feel like crap, that riff and what follows pulls me up.

That MT-01 really looks the business next to a V11. Great contrast and great taste.

Okay, so there could be some loose cannons and unknown quantities . . .

Just want to say that I have PM'ed with a couple of you (Chuck, LuckyPhil, Denis, others) and I'd like to specially thank Weegie who's literally an encyclopedia on anything related to the Centauro (and other Guzzi's). I got quickly hooked up with both Will and Joe Caruso and am in love with my Centy. Thank you all ... I'm illiterate in motorcycle mechanics (despite owning 7 now and several other the years), but I have chose the Centy to change that Hope to contribute some to this forum ... thank you all

@p6x, Check your dipstick to see if its O-ring has gone missing.

Stunning....

That's a beauty but Pete and Lucky Phil have a point, if you start to rack up the miles, you may find yourself with an ornament. Parts are getting scarcer. I had a "cooking" Daytona and now have a C kit HiCam bike. The cooking bike was a much better behaved and happier thing and the difference is about 6hp, which I'd be pushed to notice. The build quality varied, mine overheats (BADLY) at even the site of a house, let alone a city. They are more like race bikes in their temprement. By that I mean they run fine when in free air with plenty of revs, but don't expect the well mannered behaviour of a 2v/v engine, nor the longevity. Like all HiCams they also have well known weak points to boot. I'm not trying to put you off, on a run out they are glorious and enormous fun, but just saying they have real downsides too. Just be prepared, for some grief as well as some fun That bike looks absolutely MINT, I'm having a green cheese sandwich as I'm typing

Put $400 a month in jar till you have enough to buy one that runs. You will spend less money and have a running bike sooner. Did you notice the spoke wheel up front and the mag in the back? If it had a pair of good condition "snowflake" wheels, it could be worth $400 just to get the wheels. If it was an R90S, I might sing a different tune, but there is nothing special about a /6.