Guzzirider

I still think the Eighties were naff- the bands in the seventies and nineties were much better. There was only one good looking one in Bananarama but I must admit to Debbie Harry giving me the horn when I was 11.

I have a mental age of 18 actually

I bought one from Agostinis- its heavy duty and does the job. Mine is black. http://www.agostiniduilio.com/accessori/portap_2_gb.htm Helen has a Guzzi one on her V11 in silver- a lot lighter than mine but still seems to do the job: Its on the 3rd line down on this link: http://www.corsaitaliana.com/index.php?f=data_moto_guzzi&a=2 We have carried shedloads on these racks taking our camping gear etc. Guy

Hmmmm...memories of Yoof...Ashman Boots...Top Tek helmets....paddock jackets....hanging outside the Wimpey Bar tring to impress girls with your bike....no speed cameras...jumpers for goalposts etc etc etc. Guy

Depreciation only matters if u want to sell. Longer term these bikes will hold their value, especially after all the "new" stock is sold and there are no more unregistered V11s. Guy

Tyre choice has been debated many a time on this forum- have a search and you will find a million posts. If you want long life I understand that the new Contis have a good reputation.

Loud is nice but I meant how do they perform BHP wise? Mistral have a good track record so hopefully they will go as well as they look. Guy

We beat them 2-1 and therefore came top of our qualifying group for the world cup. Good news for you is that Poland qualified too. Guy

I have a soft spot for the old Yamaha XT600- I hired one 5 years ago and rode it from Darwin to Melbourne- tough, reliable, small enough to ride on the rough stuff but big enough to do the distance. Here's a few pics I took.

Very sleek- wonder how they perform.

I had similar bars on my Jackal- and when I dropped it there was barely a scuff on the crashbars- no damage to the frame at all just a broken screen. A couple of years ago I was riding down the Bwlch Y Groes pass near Bala with a BMW1150GS Adventure in front of me. An idiot in a people carrier came charging up the hill (single track road) and did not even try and slow down for us- result he knocked the guy off the BMW. The car driver was an arrogant git and did not stop- when we caught up with him he had a 6 foot gouge in the side of his car with the bodywork caved in. The BMW? A slight scratch on the crashbar where it had gouged the side of the car! Justice done. Guy

If you really want one Corsa Italiana sell them. Never had one come loose in 17 years of Guzzi ownership. Having to take off the sump is a good excuse to give it a look and a clean up inside. Guy

The NEC show is in Birmingham 29th October to 6th November. Website is down at the moment but it is www.motorcycleshow.co.uk Watch out for them sheep in Wales! Guy

Here are a few pics of the Griso at the Paris show taken from Corsa Italiana's website. Looks nice in yellow. http://www.corsaitaliana.com/index.php?f=d..._griso_1100&a=0 Guy

Just looked at the list of exhibitors for the NEC show in a few weeks- no Moto Guzzi presence from the look of it apart from the MGCGB which will be flying the Guzzi flag as usual. I hope they make a late entry cos with the new Breva 1100 and Griso actually for sale they have an opportunity to actually sell some bikes. Becuase the Milan show is afterwards I guess we will miss seeing any new models too. Guy

Yes the stand clamps onto the swinging arm pivot bolts- and the other stand slides under the sump and lifts the front. To be honest, if I had a big enough garage I would get a proper Snap On hydraulic motorcyle lift but theres too many bloody bikes lying around taking up all the space. Have used the Abba for years including my previous Guzzi- the main stand is about £100 and the front one somewhat cheaper- bought them both from Amadeo at Raceco. I am sure there are better more expensive stands out there but the Abba works for me. One person operation- no need for any straps and stores away nicely in the corner. Guy

I use Abba stands front and back- can easily get both wheels off the floor and it is dead stable. Cheap too. Guy

Some pics at last- the close up action pics will be a week or so. I am in red on a red bike- Mal is the evil one in Black. Guy

During half time of England v Poland last night, I watched a programme on Motors TV called MONDIAL 2 ROUES which featured new bikes from the Paris show. They had the Grisos on screen for about 2 minutes- looks good in yellow actually. Programme repeated on Friday lunchtime if you want a teasing glimpse. Guy

196 Euros including UPS shipping. Yes they are a bit pricey but maybe cheaper in the long run if you drop your bike. Email Paulo at RP if you are interested- he speaks good English. Regards Guy

You could use the Rossopuro mushrooms as I do- but would need to buy them from Italy. Click on the Rossopuro link above for info. Guy

Sounds wonderful. Should u be more worried more about this creature taking your carrott crop?

What is a bob please Grandad?

I'm not dead yet- I intend to reach the age of 75 at least and die like Adam Faith did! Guy

Yep- God help the neighbourhood moggies during the next fuel strike I will be processing them into diesel to run Helen's Passat.