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Since when did the Germans constrain complexity to utility?

Next time I flush the clutch fluid I am going to try installing a hose for remote bleeding as my Stelvio (and I assume other CARC bikes). My Stelvio has a line where that bleeder valve goes. It terminates under the seat with a bleeder valve.

I read in the book " Not much of an engineer" By Stanley Hooker a massive name in RR the classic line from Hives who ran RR during the war when he first had a meeting with Frank Whittle to discuss RR building Whittles jet engine. Whittle said to him that his jet engine was a "simple Engine" to which Hives replied, "Don't worry we'll engineer the simplicity out of it" lol. Classic and true to this day. I've worked on American, European/American and English RR turbo props and high bypass jets and RR always seem to do it the complex way. Ciao

Indeed, I was expecting a busy place, and it was almost deserted. Possibly because not in season? there were a few barflies, but those were locals, I could tell. The other cabins where I stayed for the night were occupied by people on trikes. When I ran the RR337, albeit sunset and sunrise when the light is the best for photography, I only saw two groups of HD riders. Nobody else. But I can imagine what it is like in summer. Besides, the Frio river offers a lot of aquatic activities. I am planning to go back there off season. I want to ride the twisted sisters fully, and multiple times, to further master the Le Mans. At the moment, I am trying to complete the Grand Tour of Texas. I am not making the best of the tour stops, because I am always on the clock. I am missing a lot as I ride most of the time.

I was in Paris yesterday (Oct 23rd, 2021), and during my pre-departure check, I noticed the engine oil level was at the lowest mark of the dipstick. I don't understand how it went from mid to low between Houston and Paris, but it can only be an erroneous reading on my part. I only found this thread today (Oct 24th). O'reilly could not provide any help. When I think of Oil, I think of standard. Each oil manufacturer will advocate they have the best oil for your application. So how can we judge? how can we compare? beyond the SAE classification, should we check which standard(s) the oil conforms to. Our good friends at the API will provide us will invaluable information about the current standards: here! Here is the list of Oil categories for Gasoline Engines; the current moniker is "SP". The API standard for 2004 was "SL", and "SJ" earlier. "JASO" (Japanese Automotive Standard Organization); JASO T503 latest issue is JASO-MA2 (2006) from JASO-MA, for motorcycle engines that use the same oil in clutch, engine, gear box; JASO-MB for motorcycle engines with dry clutch, separate oil for gear box and engine.converters. JASO-MA2 for motorcycle engines equipped with a catalytic converter. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Automotive Lubricant Viscosity Grades: Engine Oils – SAE J 300, Dec. 1999 Bottom Line, I picked Castrol Power1 because it conforms or exceed the requirements of API SP, JASO-MA2, is classified as SAE 20W-50 which means I can start my engine safely up to -20 degC (-4 degF). Castrol has a Product Data Sheet that lists the Power1 oil characteristics: https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/674DB92D31BE7CE0802583050045159E/$File/BPXE-A3QE84.pdf Other oil brands, don't necessarily gives you as much information; here's an example with Mobil: https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/motorcycles No standard specified, no product data sheet. It does not mean the oil is not as good as the others. Another Oil brand to consider, is AMSOIL; https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/motorcycle/2004/moto-guzzi/v11-sport-v11-lemans/1100/?volume=us-volume And they have a product data sheet: https://amsoilcontent.com/ams/lit/databulletins/g2090.pdf They lists the previous API Standards, but not the latest SP, they also conform to JASO-MA and MA-2. Just for fun, let us look at comparable reported results: Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D445): Castrol=19.99 mm2/s; AMSOIL=18.5 cSt (Centistoke) units are comparable. Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D445): Castrol=152.9 mm2/s; AMSOIL=132.8 cSt Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) : Castrol=151 AMSOIL=156 Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D92) : Castrol= 253 AMSOIL=228 NOACK Volatility, % weight loss (g/100g) (ASTM D5800/CEC L-40-A-93 ): Castrol = 4.8% AMSOIL=4.2% (not a direct comparison as Castrol did not use the same ASTM standard than AMSOIL). So, which one between the Power1 and AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil has the best characteristics? The Castrol has the highest viscosity results under D445 at the reported temperatures. The AMSOIL has a better viscosity index. higher number is better, but does not tell all. The Castrol has a greater flash point. Go figure....

I’d love to see how that turns out, @Scud!

Really? Ciao

...and I was hoping that this post was going to be about a newly discovered anatomical oddity la-la Scaramanga...how's that for obscure references?

So why even have the brace if its purpose is not really air control? Resonance, the heat shield over the header would vibrate like a metal blade Venetian blind against an open window in a hurricane and the brace mass dampens it. The twist in the blade is an after thought and detracts from its real reason. How's that for conjecture? On another site there is a claim that the tank mounted air brakes are actually hand warmers. (Wow, and here is me thinking that was cylinder heads were for at stops.) So open the flaps and stick both hands in like pop up toasters whilst riding?

You hit some great spots on a lightning tour to pick up stops in the tour! So strange to see the Frío café empty! It’s usually packed when I go thru. A nice stop for your return trip is the Lone star motorcycle museum just south of Lost Maples state park near Vanderpool. Good riding!!

Checking off your "stops" list and having it just be a "thing" in such a captivating part of the country, is such a cool way to enjoy riding. I could live in Texas, and for a number of reasons. Thanks for sharing this

Consider it done! Glorious 133 mile day on hilly backroads, almost no traffic (I did pass that one Porsche. Because I could.) Perfectly clear, dry 60ºF/ 16ºC. Not the greatest view, but gives an idea of the roads here. This is the point that mySport posted an honest 200,000 kilometers. And ran sooooo great all day!

perfect riding weather, PM me for a great deal on the lowest miles Rosso in the USA -$7800

I had a 03 v1100 sport, have a 2v 08 Norge. Love it, not as noisy as 4v heads and no recall plus only 2 more ft/ per torgue from 4v not worth it

I look forward to meeting Bill's wingman someday.

I am here to say, the right wingman matters!