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...I wouldn't take it too seriously. But i think it somewhat accurately depicts BMW as always pursuing the latest technology (at times to their detriment), and Guzzi getting the job done well with less tech flash. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Guess whos just discovered he's going to be in Mandello for this without a clue it was actually going to be on. Pleasantly surprised. https://www.motoguzzi.com/en_EN/moto-guzzi-world/events/moto-guzzi-open-house-2024/ Phil

Yup, cleaning was the third one. Phil gets a golden elephant stamp!

Lubrication, cooling, and forum fodder?

Have to say its kinda true, and i love the fact that the guy on the right representing Guzzi took a silver medal that night in his low-tech livery. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Yes, I've been enjoying my '03 Le Mans for over 4 years now. But thanks for reaching out. Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Seat of the pants testing.: With the "failing transmision" issue, the very prominent SNICK! into 3rg gear was getting my attention giving me concern even after the confirmation of the service/04 tranny. Somewhere between the 12k mi at purchase and the recent present ....about the last 400mi /15,,000 mi the snick is gone. About 400mi after switching to Red Line too. I also switched to OEM Clipons. The VIBRATION is ridiculous. My LM had no such issue though I often read complaints. I presently have foam grip covers. Hate them. Fine at speed but fancy maneuvering on campground grassy conditions. I feel I don't "have a hold" of the fat pig. (Let's face it..these things are no ballerina under 20mph. Add wet grass and tree roots...ugh! ) so any reduction in vibration due to "break in- smooth out " will be noted and reported. I got a 800mi weekend coming up so we'll see. ( *Sportys Iron Duke Saloon* Minerva NY.. A spatering of Guzzis, Beemers and good folks camping out if anyone is in range an interested. Spectacular lonely, well surfaced, un-patrolled 😈 roads)

II usually show up on Saturdays to PDX C&C on one of my bikes. It's under two miles from me, no brainer. Bunch of regulars always there and some interesting bikes. And the cars...so many of everything. You think us Guzzi guys are nuts? It would be great to get a bunch of V11's there on Italian day, Aug 24. Or even a bunch of Guzzis. It would be nice to see the Guzzis outnumber the Ducatis for once. Check out this Brough Superior a guy rode down from Camas. Over an hour away on a 1938 model. He had his Indian at the Vintage MC Show last Sunday. From what I hear he is quite the collector.

Alright, then, I finally got time to watch the Fireball guy's promo video. Makes me wish I could get a mini-Fireball (I don't need a 259 pound vise!). His design analysis and assessment of the failure points is very instructive. I am now even more impressed with the Wittner Columbian C44. Looks like it has held up to serious hammering and sawing and chiseling for half a century or more . . .

And that's @activpop beautiful Coppa...

Do your std clip-ons have the std bar weight assemblies installed? The vibes aren't normally particularly obnoxious on a 2000 V11 Sport with the swan neck clip-ons. The later clip-ons and weights are a little better but you can't use them. Phil

Absolutely.

With @po18guy's definitive wording, I say he's eligible for the Silver Elephant Stamp.

You're right, according to Pete, but Phil has already collected the elephant stamp.

Unfortunately these two motorcycles are not even close to being comparable!!! Both nice indeed but very different animals.

Send plenty of pics !

Yea I know. We'll still have a couple of days there after it's over to hang with George though so that will be relaxing. Phil

For emission testing the restistance of a vehicle is tested with a coast-down procedure. The vehicle is shifted to neutral (or clutch is applied, not completely sure about the exact requirement) at 140km/h and is coasted down to approx. 10km/h. With this a second order diagram is determined to use on a dynamo-meter. I do know manufacturers prefere tu use bearings and couplings (CV-joints, differential-gears) that are run-in for 30.000km or more. This reduces the internal friction of of the drive-line.

Technique wise Pre loading the shift lever in both directions is the secret to sweet shifting on the 6 speed box. Phil

I don't disagree with any of the points you make, especially the engine break-in comments. That seems to be the conventional wisdom for a while now. I had no idea whether a gearbox would improve with use, but it seemed worthy of hoping. Your opinion there makes me glad I have an extender ordered and am prepared to follow the process you posted in the shifter mod thread if necessary. Thanks for all of that by the way. I definitely get better shifting on this bike with a more focused and deliberate technique, my sometimes lazy efforts just don't fly, wanker shifts brought on by more forgiving Japanese bikes I suppose. All of this verbiage and what I mostly meant with my comment was "yes, I scored a sweet very low mileage bike"!

The 20,000 klm break in is a bit of a myth in my view. The rings are 90% seated in the first 200klms and nothing else inside the engine needs "breaking in". It just starts wearing out from day 1. There's 2 reasons manufacturers want you to follow a break in process. One is to cover themselves if they've made an assembly error so if something fails they may be able to get away with a repair not a replacement and so owners are guided towards driving conservatively when they first get the car or on the bike because it's in no ones interest that they snot themselves immediately due to unfamiliarity with the machine. The reason cars and bikes seem to perform better after a few thousand klms is because the rider/driver is more comfortable and subconsciously relaxes and starts to ride/drive in a bit more deliberate fashion. Bigger throttle input rates, faster shifting, harder braking because they're getting more comfortable on the machine. Even clutches and gearboxes don't loosen up anymore. A race engine isn't given tens of thousands of klms to break in because nobody has the time and it's not necessary. They are built to slightly looser tolerances in some areas to deal with the additional heat generated by running at high engine speeds and loads on the track but it's not a massive amount different to a road engine these days. Many years ago when bore finishes and machining tolerances were pretty poor the break in period was protracted but those days are long long gone and things have gradually been refined even over the last 20 years or so. Once the rings are seated in a few hundred KLMs that's as good as it's going to get. The rest is in the mind. Phil

The cost of the oil is the main thing and the fact it will shear down faster and absorb more engine power. Also bear in mind that higher viscosities also means reduced oil flow through the engine bearings and therefore less cooling for the bearings. What you want is the lowest grade oil you can run for cold starts and the lowest grade for normal operating conditions with some "headroom" for times when the engine is run hard such as flogged up a mountain pass or a track day or a high speed Autobahn run on a hot day. I remember years ago I read about a mod to the SB 4 valvers using Suzuki valves and springs was it? I also recall the main issue was the cam design in those engines as the reason they dropped valves. ZDDP is Zink Dialkyl Dithiophosphate a sacrificial anti wear additive that basically bonds to areas inside the engine under extreme pressure and acts as a sacrificial boundary layer if the oil film is compromised. So the lifter face to cam lobe interface on a flat tappet engine is a prime example. Interestingly too much ZDDP actually causes greater engine wear. PPM is parts per million. Zink levels have been gradually lowered over the years due to catalytic converter issues and the fact most modern engines don't use flap tappet lifters and have 4 valve heads without the heavy valve seat pressures of past years. Phil

Lubrication, cooling and cleaning. Phil

Lubricating, cooling a bit, making a mess of the workshop floor? I dunno, do tell. EDIT: docc posted whilst I was writing. I hate it when he is quicker than me.

It is not my motorcycle. This is a Moto Guzzi Quota though, and that is why I liked the photo. The guy that rode all the way up there is from Spain. He is also a Moto Guzzi aficionado.... sadly, he does not graze on our side of the pasture! although everyone has a notion of English, I am yet to see a single post in the Shakespeare language from him.

Do not neglect your brake fluid and caliper piston service at every (every) tire change. The difference in brake feel, even after a year, is always delightful and rewarding. And, yes, thoroughly clean both rear drive hub surfaces. Klüber Stabürags makes me happy here . . . Perhaps, above all, do not neglect the right side rear drive needle cage, inboard of the right swingarm. Unlikely that any shop technician will see to this critical lubrication point! Make no mistake, neglecting this simple (but hidden) clean/grease maintenance can become perilous for our rear drive . . .

Sew, Incoming weather cut it short. Made it to Prince Rupert (typical cruise port city, nothing to see here) but grand views in Jasper NP and Banff area. Tons of pics and vids which have to wait until I get near a PC. Now in Michigan, trip will continue with a Route 66 to Albuquerque.

Who knew British Columbia had deserts? 103*F today, quit at 2:30.

Don't overthink it, just clean it and grease it. You'll be in there again in a few thousand miles anyway. Burn that rubber!

If you are seeking out guidance on mini-split AC units for your garage, please type Starter motor repair in the search box.

I have been using one of these for a few decades, it's awesome. Mine is actually generic though. https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0143

Friday ended in Chama, NM. Didn't ride the Cumbres & Toltec train as weather Saturday was wet. Saturday, surprised myself by finding my route passed the Durango & Silverton steam railroad as well. Spent a couple hours in and around, then moved on to the 4 corners monument- a monumental waste of time as the entry line went from the road to... Eternity. So I have a picture of the sign. Then through the lesser-travelled road through monument valley; lesser views but zero traffic. Also, lesser places for pictures as the good views were narrow 2 lanes with huge drops and no shoulders. Hot, too, the kind that withers and makes you long for coldbrain, (I'm leaving that spelling error in) or even a spot of shade, of which there was none. Pressed on to Moab, UT where I'm now having a fabulous mocha latte.

Now l have to do some organizing in my shelfs with the enormous amount of parts. Many new, Titanium ex, carbon fender, side covers, complete fuelpump asembly ++++. 10013km, all original. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

I remember when the Greenie first came out. I loved it immediately (but didn't commit and just kept my BMW). It's fun that everyone thinks their own model is the best - when everyone knows, by any reasonable and objective criteria, that the best looking motorcycle of all time is the Scura. That's why the Scura is the only bike on this forum to have a dedicated smiley-guy. In fact, it has two:

It's August. You blokes are heading for Spring and Summer. Today I had the feeling, although it wasn't that cold, that the first signs of Autumn are showing. Far too early, actually.