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Etsa notta noise, etsa sound. It *is* a radial engine after all. A fair amount of wind noise. Probably will need ear plugs, although my sweetie has ordered me a Lindbergh era leather aviator's cap. We'll see.. but no armored jacket, boots, gloves, etc. for this "flying motorcycle." Sure, it's a cockpit. I wonder where that term came from?? Altitude? Dunno.. whatever seems natural. There's no altimeter, but probably 400 to 1000 feet. Another regulation is no larger than a 5 gallon tank, so it's not for going places although you could, I suppose. They are also supposed to only be able to fly 55 knots wide open, and fuel burn is a little over 2 gallons per hour. It is just a toy with no real use except for the joy of "operating the machine" and maybe looking over the local crops, watching sunrises and sunsets, etc. without worrying about that bluehair in the Buick or brain dead texter that are tryin to kill me on my motorcycle.

I prefer “Classic” as a defining moniker rather than “Historic”. It implies a sense of (well..) class and high style opposed to the later that conjures visions of a forlorn ancient past and cobwebs. As for modern amenities on motorbikes, my V11S stablemate, 10 years younger sibling Griso(the Mutant), still has no ABS, no TC, no ride-by-wire and algorithmic riding modes.. Those are Classic bikes built for real classic men(read old) and as we all know, real men don’t need no stinking “riders aid”. And before you jump on a 160+hp crotch rocket and rely on electronics to keep you on the road, go learn how to ride a motorcycle... Isn’t that how we all did it?!

@Guzzi-in-Vancouver posted this delightful track in another thread, but I thought it deserved a place here. As pretty and talented as the vocalist is, I can't take my eyes off the funky, animated clarinetist!

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!

That's the way Brother.............

This one easy to look at too. It’s all about the 10 finger base

You know you're on Lago di Como when the dock fenders are old motorcycle tires . . .

Those covers started off kind of orange anyway, right? Like the Rosso Corsa and Nero Corsa that don't match anything else on the bike (porkchops were darker red).

In my work (heavy eq. mechanic) I have tried to tell the higher ups , there are helicopter pilots and there are helicopter mechanics . You are one or the other PERIOD

Ah, the trappings of selling trinkets to V11ers, always harping, "This is the latest last batch! "

I'm quite convinced it is intended as an alternative to the helicopter to get to the yacht. Probably uses heaps less fuel...

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...

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

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:

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

As I mentioned in the "Ohlins service recommendation?" topic, I had reached out to Andreani USA to see if they had any upgrades, parts, or service for the OEM Guzzi V11 Marzocchi forks for the Sport/Lemans. I have Ohlins forks, so this wouldn't apply to me, however I have seen several posts here over time where some were wondering if Andreani provided that service. So since I was already corresponding with them about shock service, I thought I'd ask. Below is my inquiry and their response, which as usual so far has been very speedy and friendly: So, as you can see from Luciano's response, if someone interested in pursuing this perhaps had a set of take-off Marzocchi V11 Sport/Lemans forks to loan to Andreani, they may be able to see what they can do or develop. I let him know that I'd share this with the community to see if someone had a set of forks and were interested.

Nothing wrong with the . He fitted them to his Norge but only ran them once and decided he preferred the chain and sprockets. Each to their own. Anyway he phoned me asking if I knew anybody who might be interested and since there is a lot of chatter about them here I said I'd mention it. They cost him either $1,100 or 1,300 landed, I can't remember which honestly, but he suggested $800AU plus postage. If anyone's interested PM me and I'll put you in touch.

Please post any links to the CL "for sale" thread for Nero Corsas at that price

My valve covers are faded like most Rosso's. Since most people don't color match the original paint correctly for resprays, I'd rather run them faded.

That's how I am with my 02. My candy red is turning to a slight red/orange from the desert sun. I thought about a repaint, but the fade kinda brings it character.

I have had an issue that I could only explain as an intermittent relay failure. Same deal as yours. Ran fine, shut it off, won't restart, sometime later it will start. Finally it shut down while riding. Swapped out #5 (Injectors?), fixed. I was not using Omron at the time. It's possible that moving the relays around *caused* a better connection. Recalling the sequence of failure, I'm sticking with intermittent failure.

I just found another one: https://www.road-race-service.de/product-437.html I know absolutely nothing about that vendor. Just stumbled across the site whilst looking for a screen for my V35 Imola. Hens teeth are easier....

That sounds like a connections issue or a relay issue. It does not sound like a bad fuel pump. Not long after buying the wife's V11 years ago she stopped for gas and ran into the same issue. It was the relays. If it does it again, test for power at the pump. My bet is the pump was not being sent power.

The likelihood that the trouble is with the connections, rather than a component like the fuel pump. Definitely clean and Caig DeOxit every connection you can get your hands on.

Aha..the old Renato Carosone tune! Nice version!

True enough. Generally, there are flyers and there are fixers.

Thanks folks, this a great forum. Bike will now will start under all the above conditions, but i would like to find an issue so i can have confidence again, the fuel pump is buzzing away well, but i dont trust it. I will source a new pump ( thanks docc ) but not sure thats it, do they fail interrmitantly ? ( spell ). Cant seem to find a reason it didnt work. When i disconnected the sidestand and it worked i was happy, but then all back together , no pump. I can only think connections on fuel pump. I think my rides will be near home for a while, but we got a great burger place 15 miles away so 👍

It’s hard to criticize the younger generation for doing things differently than we did. Every generation does things differently than the previous one, I know I certainly had a different upbringing than my parents did. Better technology with more accessibility, different times. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, we didn’t even have a telephone in the house until I was 14, same year I graduated from a bicycle to a moped... guess where I spent most of my free time (hint: it wasn’t on the phone). At 16 I was able to buy myself a brand new 125cc with the proceeds of a couple of summers jobs. And so we went from 49cc at 14yo to 125cc at 16yo to 500cc and beyond a couple of years later. Young formative years to learn the subtleties of riding at speed on two wheels. Despite all that, there would always be some amongst our peers that faced a steeper learning curve, overestimating their abilities and crashing way too often. Most of them didn’t make lifelong riders... natural selection I guess. But it’s also possible it could have been a different experience had they had access to today’s electronic aids.

Understood. The dial lighting is powered off the supplied inverter while the needle lighting goes directly to 12V. My electrical connections weren't robust during the systems test...and if I wind up without a lit needle once installed it'll be a small price to pay to avoid removing/reinstalling the OEM gauge cups.

His Bike His choice imo

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.

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.

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 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!

Interesting...a friend with a Stelvio just installed PR 6's here, he couldn't get PR5's! Ironic! Although it seems like there is no PR6 GT version which we like especially for the rear tire to get more tread life in the center. I don't know if it's true or not, but several other riders claim they like the 6's better than the 5's from a durability perspective...will be interesting to see. I'm still riding PR4's on all my bikes, hope I can keep sourcing them!

Here's one for @p6x: https://www.daidegasforum.com/forum/forum-specifici-di-marca/bimota-benelli-moto-guzzi-triumph-ecc/foto-e-video-ac/221924-moto-guzzi-girls/page17

Wheelies on a Griso

Y'all boys can make threads hard to save . . . "Hamstring" definition + Gastrocnemius + Gluteus Maximus + etcetera = greater impact than barends and exhaust tape. I mean, of course, there is not even a "Big Block."

I always thought this as "just another photo shoot" of the V11, but seems it is rather a celebrity shoot at the 2003 European Motor Show Brussels ("Brussels Salon") of the "V11 Playboy EE" (Exclusive Edition) . . . Is this the only known image of that v11?

Far too much money, even for that mileage.