k99

Looks like a pretty good deal to me on a 2004 Cafe Sport. http://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Hopper-Cycle-Center-2975952/listing/2004-Moto-Guzzi-V11-Naked-Cafe-Sport-116943269

Good to know. I love the way the bike handles so I definitely would not want to change the geometry that much. I took a closer look to see if I could mount below the top triple tree clamp and noticed that the fork actually gets narrower about 2cm down. It seems I have just as little room at the full 54mm as I do above the clamp. Here is a photo to clarify what I am working with. I wonder if I would have to go all the way down to the 53mm section and add clip-ons with a higher rise. I haven't found any sets with bar clamps short enough to fit within 20mm. I guess it is either that, or go with a stock set plus top triple-clamp from a LeMans. (Not looking to swap. I'd like to keep all my original parts)

So while I am waiting for the exhaust system to get coated I will fill you guys in on the next two projects for my bike. Thoughts and advice appreciated. 1) Remove that ugly "goose neck" and mount the headlight/fairing/dash proper. I've been scouring Harper's parts diagrams of the '02 bikes to figure out what needs to be purchased to accomplish this. I am also deciding on whether to keep the fairing and have it mounted like a Scura, or get a bigger headlight and go the naked route. I have seen others mention projects like this before, but nothing in detail. The modification seems simple enough, but any knowledge, experience, warnings on this effort would help. 2) I find the handle bars put me in an awkward half-way position. I think a bike like this really needs clip-ons for proper ergonomics. Plus it would just look better. I have found quite a few sets for 54mm forks that I like. The question would be to go with aftermarket or a stock set from a LeMans. I would also have to consider mounting above or below the triple tree. After measuring I only have 21mm of usable fork space above the triple tree. I would most likely have to adjust the fork height to mount from above. Can I assume pushing the forks up a centimeter or so would not affect the bike too much?

Samples from Jet-Hot came in. I think I'm going with 2037 Bronze.

Received some new parts this week. Mistral crossover, and GuzziTech headers and flanges. Now I just need to pick a cool color for the ceramic coating from Jet-Hot. I'm leaning towards a gold, bronze or brass color. I always liked the golden color stainless steel pipes turn when you first start using them. (too bad they don't stay that way for longer) That might match well with the Cafe Sport's color scheme as opposed to silver/gray.

Fixed! I'm actually really happy with the look and build quality of the new brake lever. Makes me want to replace the perfectly adequate shift lever on the other side just to have a matching set. Of course that side looks a little tricker to remove. Now I just need to find some matching touch up paint to fix that scrape mark. Not sure I want to remove the whole porkchop to replace/refinish it.

Oh, that's interesting. We actually discussed that bike a little bit in this thread. http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18375&page=15 I was wondering who ended up with it. Seemed like a great deal. Good to know someone on here is enjoying it.

Hmm, what do you think about this one guys? http://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Newport-Italian-2984478/listing/2003-Moto-Guzzi-V11-Sport-116649111 I don't even know where to start. I like the "great value" tag they chose to add.

That reminds me, I was actually going to ask you about that, Scud. Saw some photos of your bike and really liked the belly pan. One more item to add to my list then. Hopefully I can find one! On the headers/exhaust subject, I ended up ordering the replacements from GuzziTech. People seem to say good things about them and Todd has always done me right with my other bikes. Ceramic coating is something I am seriously considering for them. I also ordered a Mistral crossover from MGCycle. (and of course the shift return spring... just in case)

Well my Cafe Sport finally arrived yesterday. This is the one from Illinois discussed in this thread: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18375&page=15 I took it out for a quick spin today. Overall it looks to be in pretty nice shape. Unfortunately the shippers broke off the rear brake lever. I ordered a new one from Harper's the moment I noticed it, so we'll see how that goes. Otherwise the only thing I noticed wrong is the front crossover pipe being completely loose on one side. It rattles around like crazy once I get up to speed. I tried tightening the clamp but it was corroded shut. I'll try to loosen it up with solvent and give it another shot later. I was thinking about just getting new headers (sans front crossover) anyway. These are looking pretty rough as they are. Is the front crossover worth keeping? I understand it is supposed to give more midrange power, but does anyone even notice the difference in the real world? I saw Todd offers some at GuzziTech and Agostini has a full exhaust kit, or I could just buy OEMs from a previous model. Obviously I should have pipes nice enough to match these when I install them: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19286 On that note, I will mostly likely sell the exhaust system that came with the bike. The dealer was no help in identifying them. He thought they were stock before I told him otherwise. I think they might be Mistrals but I'm not positive. If anyone can help identify let me know. They're in prefect shape and sound great, just not my style. I have lots of updates I'll be making to the bike and will be documenting them in this thread. Stay tuned, Keith

The kit just came in today. Here are a few photos. Notice that my ECU was also blank, but the Titanio decal was packed with some of the smaller parts. The decal is transparent, the yellow color is just the backing. Price from AF1 Racing was $1,428.10. Unfortunately I was too late to catch Harper's deal, but at least I got one before they were gone.

So I feel a little bad about snagging the last good deal on a Cafe Sport. How about I make up for it by posting the next deal? I don't have any information on this bike other than the ad, but if you are in the market for one maybe this helps. http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2004-Moto-Guzzi-Other-116397333 http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/5336790803.html -Keith

I've been trying to track down a titanium exhaust kit for the '04 Cafe Sport I just purchased. Harper's said they were out so I emailed AF1. They said Guzzi was out of the 03-04 kits but could order me a 00-02 kit. The day after I put in my order I received this email: Did I just snag the last new titanium exhaust kit ever?! Fingers crossed it actually arrives at my doorstep. So consider yourself lucky if you've already got one. I'll have to document it thoroughly with photographs when I ceremoniously open the box. -Keith

Sorry to disappoint anyone, but that bike is already sold... to me! After a long search I'm finally joining the V11 club. I'm a little curious on its history if you know anything about it. I did a VIN check and the dealer had some details but not everything. I'll post pics and give updates once it comes in. -Keith