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Very few A&Ps actually fly. A pilot sits there fat, dumb, and happy thinking, "what could possibly go wrong?"

First run and short hop off the ground.. I was just slowly advancing the throttle with neutral controls and suddenly we were 20 feet in the air. I hadn't even done fuel flow tests yet, so discretion won out over valor and I cut the throttle and landed. It has *plenty* of power.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_umQOUVJUQw

The V7 Classic with it’s light and nimble chassis and predictable power would be a terrific bike to learn on. The Royal Enfield line-up would also be a good place to look for a more affordable first bike.

As an aside, it is interesting to hear this younger rider comment about his considerations coming into turns and downshifting with a lack of traction control and ABS. While that is absolutely true, and always has been long before TC and ABS were even available technologies, it does make me wonder how spoiled modern riders are with these technologies, and if their riding skills are now such that they would be really disadvantaged and more at risk on an older bike without these technologies than an older rider who grew up without. Conversely, I wonder if older riders would ride "slower" in some cases with or without those technologies present, because they grew up riding a little more conservatively without those automated safety nets?

Proper conditioning of the OEM Hawker Odyssey matters: As well as attention to the critical relays "under the seat" . . .

Haha, well, time to give some additional consideration to what is under the seat . . . First, battery: > Notice how the seat has been cutting into the hold down strap. This could also indicate undesirable seat pressure on the battery case. While the seat pan can be relieved with a rotary cutter (Dremel®), consider a "battery basket drop" that places the forward basket mounts beneath the subframe. Drops the battery considerably and no more interference seat <-> battery. > The terminal stacks are prone to loosening and developing corrosion. While a simple loosening and dose of Caig DeOxit® would be well advised, tightening might best be achieved changing those fasteners to hex heads. Consider adding L-brackets. > Check the date code on the Odyssey PC545 and learn to "condition" it, especially if the static voltage has dropped below the 85% (12.65 volt) threshold. > While not actually under the seat, the battery negative cable leaves this are to connect to the back right of the gearbox. This is THE critical main ground. Be absolutely certain it gets cleaned, serviced, and sealed regularly. Next, ECU: > Check that the isolation blocks that fasten the ECU are intact. Very common that they separate and should be re-adhered or replaced. > Make certain the ECU case ground wire connection terminal is clean, treated (DeOxit), and tight. Be careful not to make a connection with your wrench to the nearby Positive Battery Terminal! > Groom the connectors lying on top of the ECU off to the side so the seat is not pressing on the ECU through those connectors. Relays (shown as the topic of discussion, image above, upper left, dismounted and taped): > Learn about "Best Relay" applications and Relay Base Repair. > It is evident when inspecting under the seat when there is seat pan contact with the relays. There are very distinct signs of abrasion and "dusting", dulling, or chafing where there has been contact. Good method to observe the corners and edges of your relays for this and take action to create clearance. Fuse Block and tail connectors: > The connectors that have been dragged into the tool tray can easily be serviced (cleaned, treated, tightened) and tucked back out of the way. > Open the Fuse Block lid and treat (DeOxit) all of the fuse connections. Carefully inspect the green 30 amp Fuse #3 (Charging/Regulator) for signs of excessive heat (melting/deformed case or burnt blades without "blowing the fuse"). Any signs of heat should lead to certainty that the Regulator case has an additonal ground strap directly to the engine timing chest. > By prying the fuse block up out of its isolation blocks you can inspect, tighten, and treat the hidden spade connectors that feed the Fuel/Ignition and ECU relays.

The only people I know more careful than aircraft pilots are Airframe & Powerplant Mechanics . . .

A fairly new offering from Dunlop which popped up on my radar recently as well. No personal experience, but I've read mostly raving reviews from testers. Definitely interesting construction and looks. I'm highly considering trying them next, they could be effective around here as the tarmac on secondary roads is often in bad shape. Albeit not on the V11S but on the Griso. I think in terms of looks it would suit the Griso nicely and even maybe in name, as I think of the Griso as a bit of a - dare I say it - MUTANT.

The V11 Sport/Lemans is now apparently considered a "Historic Model" ... well, according to Wikipedia at least I guess that is fair, since the oldest V11 Sport is now 26 years old if it were built in 1997 for the 1998 model year. Even the newest model in 2004 would be 19 years old. Hard to believe, but how time flies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Moto_Guzzi_motorcycles And the link from the main article takes one to the French entry for the V11. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_Guzzi_V11 (Here is a link translated to English via Google: https://fr-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Moto_Guzzi_V11?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp ) And so, we have the following review, covering what is now considered an "Italian Classic". It is interesting watching this younger fellow describe the V11 in terms of a vintage motorcycle, especially commenting on how he's never ridden a motorcycle without features like traction control and ABS. In contrast, I've never ridden a motorcycle with those features!

This is another nice recent review with some perspective after all these years:

Fast Bike Industries (Hendersonville, NC) was acquired by Andreani USA, and just as they were with FBI, you'll download their service form, complete it with what services you would like performed, then ship the entire shock to them. They of course are happy to discuss the service options and costs with you prior to your shipping the shock to them. Fast Bike Industries Andreani USA | Hendersonville NC | Facebook https://www.cyclenews.com/2023/01/article/andreani-opens-u-s-distribution-arm/ I haven't actually shipped the shock to them yet, but they were very good with communicating quickly and very friendly. BTW, noting some other related comments by V11 owners with the OEM Marzocchi forks looking for performance and comfort upgrades, and wondering if Andreani may make parts or a service available for those forks; I've reached out to them to ask if that is something they currently make available or might consider looking into. I'll let everyone know in a dedicated thread if they respond affirmatively.

@MartyNZ suggested this link to the nefarious, melting 30 amp charging fuse:

Yup, they’re rollers.

Hi Al, What's the procedure? Do you just ship them the whole assembly and they send it back? So far every seller I have contacted spoke in turn with Andreani and said it can't be done. But it just struck me, that the sellers were all in Italy and almost certainly were talking with Andreani in Italiano. I'm beginning to suspect my issue may be a non-issue if everybody just spoke l'Americano.

Excellent condition Rosso Corse. About 9,000 miles, 2nd owner. Many extras installed, including H&B Bags with rack, Russel Day-Long saddle, Bar Risers, Roper Plate, running lights. Bike had upgraded performance package and titanium exhaust. Located in northern Wisconsin. Send a message for more info and photos.

These bikes haven't been getting any cheaper for well maintained models.

Thanks, and yes it is an ultralight. By definition, the FAA doesn't call it an airplane, so you can fly it without a license (ahem, not recommended) no taxes, no medical, no biannual flight reviews, no fooling with the state and federal authorities, etc. Just kick the tires, strap it on, and light the fires. You *do* have to know airspace regulations..wouldn't want to get ran down by a triple seven don'tcha know..

Probably in part, but most certainly also because as you get to grow into your classic age, your physical and cognitive abilities are not quite the same as your younger self and that sense of invincibility you used to carry as a shield as eroded to where your heightened awareness of the breaking point might come a little sooner...

30+ years working various aircraft logistics and parts & repair contracts, sorta puts me in a different mind set. There are all kinds of variations and contraptions out there. And all kinds of repair sources. BTW- there isn't any "Yelp" in this system. All certified repairs are treated alike: "certified". Once in a while, certified parts aren't and then you have to find them. Then there's the unexpected and new failure conditions. A common phrase, "build a doubler". In all due respect to GA, I'm not getting into some guy's plane, particularly if he's a doctor or an engineer. I don't know any architects. I know Chuck and I think he's the best. Don't for a minute think that I'm painting my broad brush on him or anyone else for that matter. Heck, I thought I was competent rider and binned my California EV coming around a corner running over some plastic wrap.

I feel like I'm falling into that historic category too.

great review. "no riding modes"

Same case here. I think we will buy a third one for the youngster and sell it in a few years. A v65 or V7 classic or something, like that.

We're looking at rollerized tappets here, right? 2012 8v Close to the cutoff date, engine numbers are right but the visual will be the true verdict.. Current owner pulled cover off for a look since I am far away. Don't really know what channel locks and vice grips were used for.

The Speedhut speedo install is proceeding slowly. Leveraged Scud's lamp fixture idea, but I wanted to distribute the loading across a larger area of the speedo's case so Macgyvered this: Gorilla glued the step-up washers and lamp nut together as an assy then JB welded it to the back of the case. Finally, loctited the center post in place. While the "center" post is off center, the assy (including the gauge) was installed in the OEM gauge cup for the JB weld and now slips easily slip in/out of said cup. I have a direct line to the battery available to power the GPS, will use one of the now unused OEM speedo lights to power the speedo needle/dash lighting. System test went ok, with gps acquiring and dash lighting functional...though the jury is out about the needle lighting. I had to turn off the shop lights to see the subtle dash lighting...maybe the needle is subtler!

Ha ha Griso as Mutant....! I get it and don't think I'll look at one the same again now... Cheers

The Bullet Connectors for the Clutch switch are a very common V11 Start Failure, yet . . . It is important to note that when the Bullet Connectors, or the Clutch Safety Switch fails, the bike does not crank, click, or make a peep. Push the starter button and: *nothing*. When this occurs, hold the clutch lever in with thumb firmly depressing the Starter Button and rotate the bars lock to lock. This "Wiggle Tests" the clutch switch connections and may cause the starter to engage: positive test that indicates the Bullet Connectors. If a V11 cranks/clicks/snicks/buzzes/or whirs, but won't start, it is not the Clutch Switch or its connectors.

I have the omron relays ( after all the great advice here ) I changed the fuel pump one and the fuse . The 30amp fuse was a bit melted but still functional unrelated i think., changed that too. ( got a maxi fuse ready to fit.) Battery on charge now so gonna have another go today. If i remove the sidestand relay will that indicate its that or not ? ( sidestand switch )

The Dunlops have a stiff sidewall. You may or may not like that.. Gimme a Conti.

It's winter here my friends. Not riding my V-11, rather my MXZ. Put 144 miles on this weekend in some crisp, clean and sunny, cold air. .

We've got some of the best riding weeks of the year around now in the south east and west. This summer has been virtually nonexistent around here but we're finally getting some almost perfect weather. Since Michael is on holiday I can skive off as well so I might take a ride down the coast and get some pics in the next day or two. Still won't know how to post them up but Docc or someone usually takes care of that for me.....

81 degF here in H'town today....

Well, then, I owe you another one, mate . . . I just cannot stress enough how the V11 just devours this cool, dry air. While the cylinders ring like trumpets at the gates of heaven . . .

Doc, I don't see how external charging can effect the 30 Amp fuse, for one thing you are charging at quite a low rate say