Guzzirider

V11 has to be RHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUBARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRB!!!!!!!

I would drop the organisers an email- I would suspect it would depend upon what sort of racing licence you have. Hope you can do it! Cheers Guy

Go for it Antonio! Size matters!

If you want to enjoy the live timing on the Moto GP site for free just input quest as your password.

Eurosport are showing live Moto GP testing at 1pm today (2pm in Europe). First chance to see the new riders and bikes.

Maybe he's hanging low to one side- a relative of Martin or Raz?

Been watching the timesheets for the Jerez test today- so far: 1/ Rossi 1.40.641 2/ Toseland 1.40.768 3/ Stoner 1.40.893 4/ De Puniet 1.41.082 5/ Dovizioso 1.41.193 6/ Hayden 1.41.197 7/ Edwards 1.41.244 8/ Lorenzo 1.41.309 Go JT!

Nuff said

I don't have my head buried too much in the science of these things- all I'd say is that the damper on my Rosso Corsa is permanently set on its lowest setting and I have never had any stability problems, tankslappers or wobbles. I've tracked it several times, raced it in a hill climb and thrashed it on some of the bumpiest roads around and its been the most stable bike I've ever owned.

UK dealers have hiked the price up already from £8250 otr to £8670- good job I got my order in early at the lesser price. Will be in red or black and arriving last week in Feb hopefully. I've asked for a blackie. Guy

Actually although I have been a resident of Yorkshire for some time, I am originally from Hampshire where it is more traditional to wear a smock and chew a piece of straw.

What is so bad about being a transvestite anyway? The clothes suit me and it sorta feels natural.

Cheers Pete! I hope it turns out well!

Mine will never see any mud or dirt short of a rally site! If I wanted an off road bike I'd buy something much smaller- I'm looking for a tourer with a comfy seat and suspension, plenty of steering lock, punchy motor and preferably a Guzzi. The Breva / Norge / 1200 Sport do nothing for me and I found the Griso too uncomfortable. I think anyone buying a Stelvio for serious off roading will be either mad or seriously talented, 'cos it is a road bike, in my opinion! Guy

Beauty is in the eye of the beer-holder! I did consider the Triumph- its a bit cheaper (in the UK) and a little sportier but deep down I wanted a Guzzi, and the looks and spec have grown on me. I have phoned my dealer and have requested a black Stelvio if they can get one after seeing Paul's pics. Guy

Hi Paul Thanks for posting the pictures of the black version. Do you know whether this was a production version or a prototype? If black will be available from the start then I think thats my favourite. Cheers Guy

Motorworks in Meltham do a similar service and also stock Odyssey batteries- I think the V11 model is a PC545. Cheers Guy

That's scary as I only decided this morning- what else do you know?!!

And I have just paid a deposit for one- swapping the Ducati as I have only done 2800 miles in 18 months and want a touring bike.

I went to the GMG in 2001- just too many people- I like to go to Mandello when its dead!

I'll confirm that BFG's bike on the road did not seem hindered by the Quat D and it does sound nice- more like a muscle car than a V Twin motorcycle. The Quat D probably does make less power and torque on paper, but V11s are comparitively slow and heavy so the odd couple of BHP here and there does not make much difference, and I am sure that the system will be lighter than stock. Rider weight and ability probably makes more difference than the type of pipes fitted to the straight line speed of your V11. Guy

First UK Stelvios are due to arrive next month.

Yes this story happened in Mid Wales too, was relayed to me in a pub by a drunken taffy in Dinas Mawddwy a few years back- nice to think its true but maybe its an urban myth.

He did seem like a decent guy on Top Gear but if he was a true rocker he would have told his record company to shove it. He's much more likely to get a nasty injury from hitting those girly high notes.

Thanks for nudging me guys- it was about time I sent Jaap another bribe on Paypal so I have just done so! Spring will soon be on the way, rallies and rides beckon and I've booked time off work for my annual European tour. Happy Days! Guy