Guzzirider

Other cheap track hacks that can be a lot of fun are TRX850s, YZF750s and even 90s 900SS Dukes are pretty cheap.

Great news BFG! Hope she's not too battered. I know in this modern day and age, we should be understanding the social issues that causes people to steal things, and maybe counselling them and helping them understand that its better not to steal, but I cant help but think that cutting off their balls would get better results in the longer term. Guy

Bugger

I like it!

Bin those baffles!!

No problems with UJ angles? Not to my knowledge Keith!

Not a great pic but if you zoom in you can see some of the modifications where the shock joins the frame.

When Gyles (RIP) was racing his Daytona RS he made a cheap and clever modification and that was to simply relocate the mounting bolt of top of the rear shock giving him loads more ground clearance and speeding up the steering. I'll try and dig out a photo.

Its sort of growing on me the Diavel- like I've said before I'd never buy one but am starting to get used to the looks and principle of a cruiser that goes, handles and stops properly. Not sure if the V7 is selling that well Keith- well not in the UK anyway. There are currently 24 "used" ones on Bike Trader, many seeming to be pre-registered new bikes. I was surprised to see that a standard V7 motor made just 37bhp on the dyno- and I think that is the problem- would not be so bad if it was cheap and cheerful but Guzzi are asking big money for these bikes. Well down on power compared to a Triumph Bonnie which is cheaper too so we know where most punters will spend their cash. I've sort of given up on Guzzi as a company now- I will always ride and enjoy them, but can't see myself ever buying a brand new one again unless they make something a bit more exciting and value for money- I walk around the Moto Strada showroom and yawn as I walk past V7s, Brevas, Norges etc, Griso and Stelvio are both ok, but I really wake up when I see the MGS01 and the original Daytona in the corner- and that is the problem- I want a bike that Piaggio wont build.

That's settled then. The 2012 European V11 meeting is at Euan's place! Good luck with the move! Guy

Issue 3 arrived this morning! No time to read it yet but it looks good. I understand that European subscribers will get theirs next week, and Rest Of World in the next few weeks. Guy

Good luck to 'em and I hope they succeed, although it will be tough.

Its all about the mid range- ignore the Ferracci hype about extra peak power, but you will get a big shove of grunt just where you want it. I know a few members of this forum have fitted them with no issues at all. I have sold my V11 but it never had any problems with the new pistons in the 15000 miles or so since they were fitted. Take a look at this thread: FBF pistons

Exactly Keith! My V11 also did 140mph on the dyno but on the road I never got it past 140mph on the speedo which read very optimistically. Bends are more fun anyway!

It was recorded in the dyno yesterday. Speedo is pretty accurate cos she revved out at 140mph in top gear- I was expecting something along the lines of 130mph!

When I did the first oil change on Helen's V11 after buying it second hand, I dropped the whole sump (only takes an extra couple of mins)and found some curly swarf which had presumably lived there from new because only the manhole had been removed in previous services. Make sure the new filter is nice and tight! Guy

If you can hold of an old hub, maybe you could get some wheels made up for you. I did this for my Jackal cafe racer through Central Wheel Components in Birmingham. Morad alloy rims powder coated in black with stainess spokes. I know a couple of other places that could do this too, or build them to your spec.

Where this time? We will land in Rotterdam and make it up from there- I guess we will end up in the mountains somewhere- maybe Austria, or northern Italy, but if it is raining there it could be France. Making it up as you go along is much more fun than having routines, agreed timings and planned routes. Cheers Guy

We are doing our usual two week tour of Europe in late June / early July and will be staying one night at La Chaussee on the way back and I know Jaap and Soren may be able to meet up there. I don't have the time or money to do any other meetings unfortunately but am happy to organise a meeting somewhere in 2012.

I think a Facebook page is a good shout! Nice and easy to set up, and you can attract new members easily as the word spreads.

Stating the obvious here, but why does he not just walk? Enjoyed the Boat That Guy Built- think he is going to be the next Fred Dibnah! Guy

The latest version of the Monster is a bit fugly even with a plain paint job and this just makes it look even more gaudy. I know Ducati will want to cash in on the Rossi hero worship but this just looks nasty. Even though I would love to see Rossi win Moto GP this year on a Ducati its looking unlikely at the moment, but he is not a man to be written off!

A custom built Maxton shock is expensive but still cheaper than most alternatives- around the £500 mark I think. To get your forks converted by Maxton (they basically take out all the standard internals and fit their own higher quality parts) is about the same price- I have done this with both our Guzzis with decent results- compare that to the price of some Ohlins! The only trouble is that if you are in a rush they may be a bit slow as the racing season is about to begin. Cheers Guy

Hmmmm Dad's Army was funny I've found the new forum! Guy