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I bought the bike that started this thread. It was REALLY heavy to move around when I got it but adding a little air to the 6 psi tires fixed that up. Oil change got done right away. A new battery was installed with purchase. There are oil drips (not up to leaks yet) from the bottom pan and the front pan (I'm not sure what's behind it yet) gaskets. I started with cleaning the old oil off just to see what was there. I added a Puig universal wind screen for good wind protection. I'm part way through painting covers red to match the tank. New paint is red with silver sparkle underneath. By the time it's done I expect it will look great (to me any ways). There is no stuttering or anything suggesting air getting into the fuel delivery system. Noises are typical for a tractor ;-). The speedo works well. I haven't owned a bike with a Veglia since the '71 Ducati Desmo 450 single I had. The glitter silver was tempting for the Guzzi paint. I thought glitter purple would be too much. In the end I stayed with the deep red. I rode a Yami 600 last year which redlines at 14k. It was always spinning at high revs. The Goose doesn't need to rev at all but likes 5 grand better than 4. 90 miles an hour isn't work for this bike. Suspension is stiff but the bike settles down right away after bumps and feels glued to the road. Tires are from '21 but only have a couple hundred miles on them. They aren't sliding at the speeds I ride at. Plans this year include finishing paint more, checking valves, and changing most oils. A gasket or 2 might get replaced as well. Within 10 minutes I get to some of the nicest riding roads in my area. There is a 60 mile loop that has almost no straight road in it. Bush all around. Gravel on the road at times because of people that go off the pavement so isn't for knee draggers but always entertaining. A ride earlier in the year had deer making me slow down in 2 places. Keep the rubber side down. Grant.

This took some doing, but I found this pic of @guzzler's GreenQueen . . .

My daughter came up for a visit yesterday and as I was checking out her car...oil level, tire pressure, etc I saw she had a nail in one of her tires. I took the wheel off and threw it in the truck and headed over to Discount Tire for a free fix. About four miles from home there were two bikers pulled off in a bad spot. I parked nearby and asked what the problem was. He said he picked up a nail and couldn't ride because it was hitting the frame. I don't know how or why that tire picked this thing up but it was in the tire to the bend. I asked him what he was planning to do. He said he would take his wife's bike home and get the trailer. I told him to sit tight, I'll go home and get my stuff to fix it. Came back with my plug kit and Airmoto and got him good to go. They were an older couple on two well traveled '17 GSA's and were very appreciative. I felt good about getting them going again and I got on my way to get my tire fixed. Also I think he will be carrying the right tools when going for a ride. It's not like those bikes don't have any storage space. 8

I, too, have a wonderful wife who indulges my Mandello Syndrome. Don't want to mess that up by using the word "lust" here, but that sure fits my (continuing) yearning for a Rosso Corsa. I happened to be in an Atlanta dealer c. 2004 looking at one in their showroom window. As I drooled, a truck pulled up. loaded it, and took it to https://www.barbermuseum.org where, at least, I and others can look longingly at it. About the only "cheesecake" in my Moto Grappa is this ... I do, however, disagree, Andy, with your assessment about Moto Guzzi "soul" vis a' vis the V85. Aside from having, as do you, a saintly wife, I, too, own an "Oreo Guard." My V11, a Ballabio ... ... left my Moto Grappa, actually, even earlier, the Moto Grappa's beloved Atlanta predecessor, the GarageMahalo ... It makes me smile to think of it. With those Mistral cans, it made riding along water courses on backroads, inside tight, palisaded valley walls an absolute aural, and near-spiritual delight. It's why we ride motorcycles and Moto Guzzis, in particular. But, ah, the Guardia. When I first saw a V85, I found its "beak" and other Jurassic Park looks off-putting. I still am not at complete peace with that. Yet, overall -- after owning seven new Guzzis and ridden at least a dozen more from several Loops, two Nuovo Falcones, lots of Tontis, a Centauro, my own and others' Spines, and (ditto) Carcs, including several Spine LeMans variants, I think the V85 has 100% Mandello DNA, and ever bit as much of that elusive "soul" -- but, as did the SCOTUS justice, Potter Stewart, with pornography, we know when we see it. It is -- again, IMO, i.e., YMMV -- quirky beyond its gawky looks. Power? No, not the raw grunt of my Griso, or visceral joy of my Ballabio. Still, way enough for me; youngsters in years and personality may disagree. Comfort for long multi-day rides? Best of any motorcycle I've ever ridden. Better than my Norge -- minus weather protection. OK, wait; I did ride a 2003 Goldwing for some miles once. It wins. Go anywhere, even off-pavement? Except with my spunky little "Let's go!" Stornello, I am rarely on gravel, and never (Intentionally) with my EV or V85, on dirt, dual-track, or worse, but I get there more often than I want by following my GPS instead of tempering that with common sense. Handling? I find the V85 composed, willing, and certainly more capable than I am to take on the tight stuff at speed. I rode two V85's -- a '22 & a '25 -- in Corsica and Sardinia last fall. The pace was way faster than I like to ride on technical and unforgiving roads, but the V85's just said "Hang on!" and I did. Overall, it's Best in (My) Show ... [For C&W connoisseurs, in the second pic, that's Patsy Cline's first home on Back Creek Road near Gore, Virginia. ] Enough, with apologies for droning on, but I needed to help Andy understand that he was wrong. Seriously, how blessed we all are to ride this remarkable marque. Whichever Guzzi I am riding at the moment is my favorite. That is a great reminder that I need to get the V85 off of the lift ... ...and road ready for a jaunt to see the grands and then house- (and dog, cat, & gerbil!) sit in N.C. next month, followed by the Mutton Run to Kentucky and Catfish Crawl in the Ozarks. Retirement: best job I've ever had. Ciao! Bill

The snow has cleared and a recent rain has removed the tons of salt left on the road. The V11 was rolled out of its warm bed to make this video commemorating the start of a new season. Remember to like and subscribe. Bwahaa! 2004 V11S

Finally off the stand! Yep, this project certainly dragged. It's easy to neglect the project bike when other bikes are ready and waiting. I got my ass in gear this last month and got it done.

I'll never forget the day I went to look at the Green one... As I've said before I actually called them ( the shop ) to enquire about it and remember asking about the colour.....It' not that lurid green one is it? My heart sank when they said yes as I really wanted a silver one! Anyway during the next week, the boys at work convinced me I could always paint it, and I should go and take a look at it...and so I did. You know even in a sea of exotica...MV Agusta's, Ducati's (modern and even a green frame replica! ) the odd Aprillia and the owners Vincent collection, you get the picture....The V11 STOOD OUT from the crowd! I was smitten completely the moment she fired up and bought her on the spot. The shop told me afterwards that the colour would grow on me and even though it was some time before I actually got my hands on her they were right and I can't imagine now how I didn't like the green at first! I love the bloody thing even more now! Cheers Ps I think the V11 LeMans looks much better in reality than some photos too. Pps Sorry but ole greenie is just a supermodel.....

Do NOT mess with what the Norwegians might think what tires could look like on a V11 . . .

I don't expect there will be many takers for this here, but I've just written something on the subject somewhere else, and I thought I might as well put it here too. As I have mentioned elsewhere, I have a V35 Imola. About the only thing that annoyed me about it was that the clutch was so heavy. In the German forum that I am active in, a couple of bright sparks figured out that the clutch from a V85 will fit in any of the small block models. The only restriction is that the V35 and V50 have a different input shaft on the gearbox to the V65 and later models, including the V85. This means that the clutch plate for the V85 clutch wont fit on those early models. However, the V85 produces close to 80 PS, the V50 only 49, and the V35 a bit more than 30, maybe. So it is a safe bet to just use the smaller clutch plate in the newer clutch. Long story short: I bought a brand new clutch in e-Bay for about 150 Euros (price for a new V85 clutch from a dealer about 250 Euro). It turned out to be a V9 clutch, but is obviously effectively the same as the one in the V85. The original clutch in the V35 required a full hand, and a lot of effort. Now I can operate it with one finger. Need I say more? And.... the newer clutch is lighter than the old one, so blipping the throttle at the traffic light is much more effective. So... if anyone has a small-block Guzzi and a bit of spare cash, and a bit of time, think seriously about doing the mod. It is worth the effort. If anyone is interested and needs more details, let me know and I will elaborate.

OK, so here are pics of my vast tool! Well, actually three tools. I’ll endeavour to get the pics up and then if anyone needs further explanation I can add some. The largest one is for the clutch boss nut, the intermediate one is I think the driven shaft nut and the two smaller, three gear shafts use the smallest one. The dimensions are nut OD and tooth size for the peg slots. Many thanks to Rolf for making them for me and sending me a set. They’ve served me very well over the last probably quarter of a century!

Dunlop TT's on, just steering bearings left to check. She will be a sweatheart. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

Guzzisti provided the tees. Beth made the quilt. Eric delivered it. Chet loved it. blob:https://www.v11lemans.com/463c4903-6991-4a2d-91e2-c832cbb677be Bill

My Quota 1100 ES is also a 2000, which I bought new in 2001. Was my exclusive ride until I bought my V11S this year! No vintage/antique MC tags available here in Colorado.

Exactly. The Tenni was the first V11 I'd ever seen. I didn't even have to ride it. That said, any temptation regarding a motorcycle should be acted on.

You won't. Someone will stop to help you. It is in the human nature. In all that madness that seem to surround us nowadays, you can still find good people aplenty!

Elegant. Sensible airbox Phil

Yes, it is a Sport of course, but It will always be a Lemans to me. HA! It keeps my 77 (and my 73) company, and the Sport is the only bike that rivals the Lemans aurally

South'n SpineRaid Special!

Ahm, no.

I love the sentiment, but have to say for my part that despite now being solidly in the “smitten for life” category, the V11 was an acquired taste for me. I’m that way with a lot of things…. a character flaw. I’ve related here elsewhere on the forum that I literally scoffed at my riding buddy who originally bought one of the LeMans I now own, telling him who would buy such a ridiculous machine, as I compared it to my ST4, in a friendly competition type way, but in my mind the ST4 beat it in every category. I do still have a soft spot for the ST4, but it’s long gone, while it’s unthinkable to imagine selling the LeMans. And not that such detail is important, but since we’re musing, i’ll add that the first V11 for me, the one I had scoffed at earlier, was the one that I became smitten with, but it wasn’t true love till I got Red. Not really for the difference in paint, but I got Red completely sorted and purring like a kitten, in a way I could never quite do on Goldie. Same process, mods, etc., and Goldie now runs excellent, but there’s some kind of buzz/vibration and different “power band” that just isn’t quite right… or i’ll at least say its just different in a way i don’t prefer, while Red is "perfect" in my estimation (and Reds suspension is better dialed-in, which of course makes an important difference…i gave up on Goldies suspension when Red came along). Personality! part of what is endearing about these bikes.

9

Hello everyone! I'm Jaide, I've just turned 24 and with that I'm finally rid of the A2 license, and with that I've just upgraded from my restricted XSR 700 to a low mileage V11 Lemans. I'm probably the youngest member here, but I figured I'd join in case I need some advice with this bike. I came close to buying a V7 for my first bike, and after getting a Yamaha instead I just couldn't get those Guzzi's out of my head. And after a test ride I was immediately convinced I needed to get one!

I haven't checked it for any brand names but just looking at the design compared to a ledperf, it looks identical. And it seems to fit very nicely in there.

Yes, some dreams never die. So ... there is the Moto Grappa, home of my Guzzi moto-harem. Fewer now than in this pic four years ago, parading on the occasion of Moto Guzzi's 100th. I mentioned my (quite possibly loony) plan over on Griso Ghetto, and "Street" worked up this mockup. Yee ha! Looking into options to execute now, e.g., @p6x's mural approach. Obviously, if this happens, there will be a party. Last time I had such an event -- in Atlanta, for the christening of the GarageMahalo 20 years ago (gasp) -- the local Peroni distributor helped wet down the festivities. If the "Moto-Duomo Doors" happens, count on a similar event at the top of Virginia. This post constitutes your invitation. Bill

A little minor maintenance…decided to install new ignition coils…had them in the box for a year now…and since the tank was off…might as well. No difference vs the originals so that’s actually good! Ran a wire for my TomTom under the airbox to the battery since I had the tank off, I had an extra mount so now fully wired. Resealed the fuel sender unit at the tank with some Hylomar blue…no more leaks ( last leak was two years ago)…had some very minor drips over the last couple of weeks. Did a valve adjustment…a lot quieter…would like it quieter still but will run as is for now. Bike running beautifully…out for a ride with friend today…lent him my Griso.

I carry kits in the cars, but I have gotten silly with too many bikes, and do not have a kit for each one. So I don't do a good job of swapping the kits between the bikes - and am therefore unlikely to have the kit when I need it. And as I write this, I realize how dumb/cheap I am. If I can afford multiple bikes, I can afford multiple repair kits. I really like the airmoto pump. Just went to Amazon and it is on sale (28% discount) today. Add to cart...

Best looking Centy I've ever seen!! Good luck with your project!

This belongs here today.

I am not going to participate in a thread about leather and pantyhose

. Just made reservations for Friday and Saturday nights in our "usual" room, 301. Have a moto-spot reserved, too, but may be caging it with Kathi. I have hernia surgery -- my sixth! -- on 7 August. Yes, I am obviously defective. My first such surgery was after my first unplanned dismount ... an honorable "I laid 'er down" -- from a tricycle in San Antonio in 1949! All since have been from lifting things I should have known better to call for help, but, well, didn't. So, as for riding a day or two short of a month after procedure, not sure surgeon will "let" me (or that I'll care about that ), but it may be an issue of reality then, something I do care about. Even if I do ride, Kathi will cage it. I'll store the (selected!) Guzzi in Hiawassee and we'll head out on lengthy "Visit Old Friends in the South" tour. On the way back, I'll retrieve the Guzzi and we'll see how tall the grass is back here by our return. Be all of that as it may, we look forward to our reunion at SSR XXI. Bill

Thanks for giving us the final answer to this quest. Always interesting. And also nice that you connect it to Occam’s razor[emoji3] Regards, David Verzonden vanaf mijn iPhone met Tapatalk

John Prine has a great writing style imo. A- not so snarky -protester. A similar, somewhat under the radar, lyricist is John Hartford Both artists have a boatload of tunes that are covered by others.

The AMA has come through for me twice, and couldn't get to me a third time. The first overage was maybe $70. The second tow was 310 miles and the overage was $700. Yet, the advantage was: I called for assistance late on a Saturday evening in a relatively small town in North Carolina. The recovery operator had me loaded by sunset and was determined to get me home (at 3 am). I gave him a good tip. Ah, of course: the bass player. I can hear the keyboardist tell the lead guitar player, "If the bloke is never seen or heard from again, what bass I can't do with my left hand, you can do with your thumb." Cannon fodder!

That's a nice piece of jewelry! Only 105 Octane should pass thru that gate into the Greenie...anything less is not worthy!

Here's my latest tank cap. Titanium mount screws etc. I had the above Aprilia screw cap fitted for about 6 years or so before this one. Worked ok. Bit plain Jane but worked. Be aware that the flat body seal the Aprilia and all of these caps come with is Nitrile rubbish and will degrade and fall apart in a few years. I just bought some Viton/FKM sheet rubber of the correct thickness off fleabay and made my own. You can buy it in 100mm x 100mm squares of the desired thickness. Phil

Heh, well, we certainly get more of them per mile!

When I bought it 8 years ago, the bike looked like it had been under water. So I'm not surprised to say the least. What is surprising, is that the corrosion forms an edge exactly on a quarter if the print. As if it was physically dipped in water. I started her up yesterday evening and she runs like a sewing machine again. Very happy!

To clean the PCB I used Isopropyl alcohol, a very soft toothbrush and before everything dries a modest rinse with demineralized water (to move all that oxidation residue off). Then make sure the board is completely dry before testing.

But after turning it over, I noticed a bunch of oxidation connecting the traces on the board. The components close to the corner have been visibly hot because of this.

And kilometres are much more fun than miles.

SFS has a "city tax" and maybe from memory a separate tax on "environmental" as well. Even Americans when you speak to them about all this rubbish just put their heads down and start mumbling incoherently into their laps when you ask about it all. Looking around restaurant you see people with calculators working out the bill. While you are in DC visit the Smithsonian air and space museum, It's FREE and very very very good. I've also been to the Dulles museum as well and it's well worth the visit. Washington DC and Alexandria and Arlington are all must see places when in the USA. Richmond VA is also worth seeing if you're into Civil War history which I am. Phil

I'm sure you kept this opinion to yourself ! Calculate the most you think it's gonna cost and double it .

Don't overdo it. It's a tractor motor, and it has to rattle a bit.

Many thanks, of course we have a minimum wage, about £11 an hour going up to £12 in April. So of course as it is illegal to pay less the tipping thing is less important here. As an engineer I have never been tipped the same for my son who works for Hollywood Bowl. I assume our travel agent has paid all taxes on the flight and hotel, must check this. Life was so much easier when I was alive.

The only thing I can add is if I were going to use a Daytona seat assy I wouldn't be using this god awful bread box version but the Daytona RS version. Gundagai where this one is made isn't a million miles away from Pete Ropers place and about a 5 hour drive from mine. This one has been on the HMB site as a special for years. Take off 19% and add shipping. Michael may cut you a deal who knows. https://hmb-moto.de/Rear-Cover-Sport-Corsa-yellow-black

Well it's amazing what a little tappy tap tap can do! Solenoid fuel valve was stuck shut. Gave it some light percussive maintenance and hey presto, she fired up instantly!

@motortouring I understand... When I was doing the continental circus Grand-Prix in the 70's, we had a guy from the motoclub on an MZ 250 who literally carried every single tools required to take an engine apart on the road. Including bolt and nuts and spare chain links and every bells ans whistles for just above everything contact points and carburators. His only interest was to save broken down bikes on the road. An early version of the road assistance I guess. His nick name was "savior". You could call him any time of day or night, and he would come to the rescue.

Still amazed by this bike, after 20 + years. Here picking it up in New Orleans in 2004 on my 50th birthday, an incredible gift from my wonderful wife. The next year Hurricane Katrina would wash this shop away! The Rosso still runs strong....I compare it to my other Guzzi, a 2022 V85 Guardia d Onore, and it has about 100% more Guzzi soul. Yes, both the bike and the wife are keepers for life. Andy