JRD

Chuck, maybe you can answer this. If that rocker arm has been moving sideways across the valve stem, is it possible it could be pushing the valve stem sideways instead of straight up and down? This would cause the valve guide to wear in an oval/oblong shape? The only reason I ask is this was a major design flaw on the old Triumph T150/T160's. Poor valve train design and valve guides would be worn out with 14-15 thousand miles. Since Tim has the heads off do you think he should check the guides now?

doc-my toughts exactly! But geeze they would really need to shave alot of metal to reduce the piston to head and valve clearance wouldnt they? And what would that raise the compression too? Is it possible the piston is contacting head, not the valves? thelonewanderer- being air cooled engines, and basic ancient designs, these bikes have relatively loose clearances. Those valves should not come anywhere near the pistons!!! Something is definitely amiss! Just a wild a$$ guess here but it sounds like the crank/cam timing is off. I have never had one of these engines apart but it can be very easy for the crank and cam to be one or more teeth off when installing the timing chain on an engine. At this point if there is even a remote possibility the valves came in contact with the pistons, I would disassemble the heads, remove the valves and check for possible damage to the valve stem and seats. If nothing else, just for peace of mind, (Now I KNOW the valve train is ok). Very frustrating but a deep breath and one step at a time checking and re-checking will reveal the problem.

Wish I could photo play just to see what a v-11 Sport or LeMans would look like with a stock tank and seat with the Ghezzi fairing.

If memory serves me correct, they were on display at the Orlando, Fl. EICMA(?) show several years ago and pretty sure they are manufactured in China.

Where's the popcorn?

For anyone so inclined.........Airtech Streamlining makes replica Ghezzi & Brian fairings and one piece tank/seat/rear cowl assemblies at very reasonable prices too!

Georider- Just re-read this thread and recalled another company that manufactures 1100 Sport tail sections. Check out Airtech Streamlining. #MOTOS2, Hope this helps

that would be an interesting tech session....how to adjust the valves on that monster!!!!!!

68c- Another fuel tank builder on your side of the pond is: TAB ll. I had been directed to them via a Brit Bike Forum when I was searching for a new tank for my T160. TAB ll had a nice web site and as I recall, they had photos of a tank they fabbed for a Guzzi. At the time their prices seemed reasonable, until you added freight to ship it over here

Coreytrevor- I re-installed the chrome cap nut onto the steering stem after I installed the RM mount. I dont think you would get too far if you left it off :-o

Swooshdave- We are now at our Georgia cabin and I have access to my LeMans. I inspected my RAM mount installation and realized I removed the chrome top nut to the steering stem in order to install the mount. Just as you did on yours. I have had my mount installed for over two years now and have never had to re-tighten or adjust the mount which amazes me as the road to our house will rattle your fillings out of your teeth.

Looks like I will not be able to make it this year! Received word that our neighbor's mother passed away and the funeral is Saturday. They have been absolutely wonderful neighbors and have treated us like part of the family. I would feel terrible not being there for support. Will miss you all. Have a great weekend and safe riding. Jerry

Some people have trade mark helmet and leathers, Chuck has a naked bird!

Swooshdave -WOW, just Wow!!!!! Thanks for posting that. Jerry

Doesnt that plug into the flux gate capacitor?

My '08 Norge is the most "modern" bike I have owned or rode in many years. Prior to that I had a '95 Suzuki RF900 which I felt was very smooth and plenty enough go power. But pretty much your basic rice rocket, liquid cooled in line four with carbs. When I first purchased my '03 Haga Replica Aprilia, I discovered how much suspension and engine technology had advanced. With the Olins suspension I was riding on air and the power from the V-twin would pull like a freight train and all the way well past the 160 MPH mark which was plenty fast enough for me. Several friends with 750 crotch rockets begged to ride it so we switched rides. Sure it was impressive to see the tach needle jump past 14,000 RPM, but the fours just felt "buzzy" to me and I really missed the torque and grunt coming out of sweepers and turns. The Norge has plenty enough gadgets for me, ABS and electronic hand warmers, only used on the trip to Canada, and they certainly are not building the new bikes to be worked on by their owners. I enjoy seeing the advancements in technology but is it all really necessary. At some point in time those relays and sensors will need to be repaired or replaced. And like Chuck says, will they still be obtainable. Look at the problems we have just finding the proper relays, switches, etc. for our old tractors. I ride to get away from all the techno gadgets.

Glad to hear you have solved your flatulence problem, that must have been terribly embarrassing in public. I guess most of us with the spitting and coughing problem have been fortunate to solve the issue by opening the valve clearances slightly, it worked on my bike. Thanks for sharing, replacing the plug caps will be another tool in our tool boxes. Jerry

But "high sides" make for such spectacular photographic moments As long as Im not the one in the picture!!!!!!!

GM- great explanation of the cause and effect of increasing preload/decreasing rake/trail and its possible consequences . Thanks for posting.

Oh that poor girl, she doesnt have any shoes!

"Sometimes, an Italian woman will stab you for no reason at all." Oh geeze thanks docc, Im married to one and have three Italian ladies in the garage. I ll be sleeping with one eye open from now on!

How did I know from this photo that we were looking at a bike in the UK. I knew straight away that it was, maybe it's the tarmac, the grass is green not brown, the mud, the sunlight..the hedge..I don't know but i did and I was right. It's parked on the "wrong" side of the road? Nice shot Jerry

Save the Tenni!!! Buy a 1st Gen. Aprilia and flog the begeezus out of it. You can find them relatively cheap, weigh less, more ponies, tons of after market and used go fast parts, will handle better and go a hell of a lot faster.

Docc- there is a greenie advertised for sale on C/L Atlanta. Dont know if it belongs to a forum member. Just in case............... Jul 13 2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport $4900(Lawrenceville) hide this posting

When I lived in Western NY a family friend had one like yours. Road raced his all over the place till he crashed and put a few holes in his lung. Sorta ended his racing exploits. Anyway, he discovered you can drill a 1/4" hole in each of the indentations of the baffles and it REALLY helps them breath without adding to the noise. Not sure what he had to do after that for jetting but you might start there before you spring for a set of expansion chambers. I would concentrate more on suspension and tire upgrades. You can spend more money there than what you paid for the bike.