Guzzirider

The Ducati build quality and reliability is now up there with Honda, but of course with added soul! Sales are healthy after a steady decline, mainly down to the strong model range i.e. Hypermotard, 1098, Sport Classics etc. I don't like the style of the new Monster though- that now looks like a Jap clone of a Ducati!

Phillip Island Test Stoner 1.28.777 Hayden 1.29.734 Toseland 1.29.754 Dovizioso 1.29.780 Edwards 1.29.795 Vermeulen 1.30.216 I'm not getting too excited about Toseland 'cos he's in learning mode and I don't think the Yam will be as quick as the Hondas and Dukes, but its good to see him up there and faster than his team mate, Colin Edwards who has a lot more experience on the bike and tyres. I'd be chuffed to see JT win just one race this year- he has the talent for sure, and I reckon some the other riders may under estimate him 'cos he's new. Can't see anyone beating Casey for the title again unless he gets injured. Qatar is next month!

For accommodation I recommend Al Verdes. Lovely location at the top of the town overlooking the green mountains, lovely friendly owners who are also Guzzisti, great food and reasonably priced. Only downside is that it is quite a walk down into town, but if you have no transport sometimes one of the staff will run you down into town if they are going that way. Best thing to do would be to rent a bike from Agostinis and then you have your own wheels. Have fun Guy

Not sure if its the best one but I have used botophucket with no probs for the last couple of years- free too! Guy

If anyone wants a Rosso Mandello, my local dealer has one that has sat unloved in his showroom for about a year. He also has a Tenni sitting gathering dust needing a loving home. A friend was going to buy the RM but decided to pursue a Rosso Corsa instead 'cos he had Ohlins lust. Moto Strada stock list

When she revealed the tattoo showing "Guy" I assumed I had pulled a transvestite once again!

This is getting silly now. I don't know either of you guys personally, but I do know that Pete gives his time FOC to meet up with GB club members and give demonstrations of engine strip downs and gearbox rebuilds whenever he visits the UK, so I think the personal attack is unwarranted. I'm not sure what the bug is, but there are a lot more important things in life to worry about. Guy

Teo Lamers in the Netherlands hold a decent stock, speak better English than me and dispatch stuff quickly. If you have the part number you can check whether it is in stock online. Teo Lamers Agostinis in Italy are also reliable, yards from the factory- there are several English speakers including Peter the Aussie guy who works there. Agostinis HMB Guzzi in germany bought a lot of V11 parts from the factory. Never had any personal dealings with them but they seem to stock a lot of new V11 bits HMB Motomecca in Dorset are also worth a try Motomecca Corsa Italiana are the official spares importer Corsas I find its best to shop around- prices and availability differ so making a few phone calls normally pays dividends. Good luck with getting sorted. Regards Guy

Congratulations on your new baby! Not sure about how many were brought into the UK. Its a nice bike- it has a single plate clutch which is lighter than the twin plate. I would not get carried away about the desirability- basically nearly every single variant of the V11 is a special limited production run- Rosso Corsa, Nero Corsa, Cafe Sport, Coppa Italia, Tenni, Scura, Scura R, Ballabio etc. Sometimes I think the standard V11 Sport and Le Mans are the rarieties! The important thing is whether you like it- if you do, then I am sure you will want to keep it, special edition or not, but I would not necessarily assume it will be worth a fortune in years to come. Have you joined the Moto Guzzi Club GB yet? If not, its well worth joining up. Cheers Guy

Not as pretty as the swan necks but you could get some adjustable Tarozzi clips ons with which you can alter the height and angle of the bars.

No worries at all mate- I may be on a funny Bologna bike myself if my V11 does not start! I'm sure Steen will also want to see the land where you guys did all your raping and pillaging just over a thousand years ago! Mike- I'm working up as far as Alnwick although I spend most of my time in Newcastle. May get along to a local club meeting if I get time.

The front wheels for Guzzi models are similarly priced compared to the Jap stuff- but the rears for Guzzis are more expensive, which hopefully means there is a cush drive- be interested to hear what Marvic say. Cheers Guy

I must say that Belfastguzzi looks very different when he is dressed up for a Saturday night! All I remember about Belstaff wax cotton jackets is that the riders always smelt of fish.

Should be plenty of room for camping if you want to make a last minute decision! Please let me know a few days prior if you are definitely coming so I can keep track of numbers. I'm working up in Northumberland for the next 3 months so will explore a few possible ride out routes while I am up there. This event seemed a very long way away when it was first planned but I think its going to creep up fast now! Cheers Guy

I don't care who they have borrowed stuff from- it still sounds great to me! Seeing as much of this stuff was recorded nearly 40 years ago its a pretty old debate! Guy

Tested with BMW R1200R and Yamaha MT01. Reasonably objective test. Interestingly, the claimed 95bhp "most powerful Guzzi ever" dynoed at 77 rwbhp and 65 ft lbs of torque. Praised the quality of finish, predictable handling and equipment, but drew attention to the relative lack of poke when compared to the other two. Guy

We rode through Death Valley last July and it was pretty warm. We decided to ride through early morning which was a good idea. It was lot easier than I expected- in fact the Mojave was worse the week before with temps as high as 120 degrees during the heatwave.

I found it on there Antonio.. Stelvio The UK dealers are expecting them to arrive in the spring.

Here's hoping for a green Xmas for all the Tennista!

I've done at least one European tour every year since I bought my V11 in 2004, and also managed to squeeze in a tour of Ireland. Here is my brief summary of the the countries we have travelled in: France- great empty quiet N roads, especially in rural parts. Great food and wine, nice campsites and CALVADOS! Most natives very friendly, especially if you make an effort to speak some French and engage with them. I like their slow pace of life. Germany- an underrated country. Lots of scenic empty hilly forest roads, great Gasthaus's (Inns) serving excellent beer and nice food. A very hospitable people, many of whom speak good English. My German vocabulary is limited to ordering food or booking accomodation, but you always get a good reaction if you try a few words. Switzerland- very charming, especially the Germanic parts like Luzern. Stunning scenery, pretty medieval towns (never been bombed!) and some awesome mountain roads. Does seem to rain a lot though! Italy- a mad country! Everyone seems to drive like they are in Formula 1- even old ladies in Fiat Pandas! Tailgating one inch from the bumper of the car in front at 100mph, and weaving to try and intimidate the driver in front is a common sight! Riding in Milan was particularly crazy! Friendly people (especially if you are on a Guzzi!) and fantastic food. My favourite roads are in the Sud Tyrol / Dolomites although there are many parts I have yet to explore. Belgium- again underrated. Some great roads in the Ardennes, and some excellent beers, although we always seem to get soaked when we ride through it. Austria- understandably similar to Germany and with some great mountain passes. Netherlands- full of pot smoking, hard porn obsessed uitsmijter eating motorcycle website creators. Just kidding boys! I love the Netherlands- its a bit crowded but there are some charming rides along the dykes if you get away from the traffic. Nearly everyone under the age of 60 speaks great English. I always seem to get very drunk there. Spain- I have only ridden in the North in the Catalan region so have much yet to see, but great seafood restaurants and light wines- effing hot too. I don't speak a word of Spanish but Helen is quite good so we got by. Luxembourg- full of French and Belgians queuing for fuel on a Sunday! Ireland- where do I start? Great scenery, most people are friendly, although some are a little mad (ok by a little mad I mean totally bonkers!), especially in rural parts. Roads are bumpy as f*** in the Republic and its not uncommon to find a rock or a tree in your path as you ride round a bend. Best to chill out and enjoy a slow ride, rather than charge around like a nutter. Dublin is traffic hell, especially in rush hour. I have never spent a sober night in Ireland. Some strange people living in the Holywood area. Guy

No prob- just drop me a PM and we'll sort something out- I will be away from Sunday until New Year.

I'm just 20 miles away in Huddersfield- I have a spare solenoid if you want to borrow it to see if yours is faulty. Guy

About a month ago I bought the recent DVD simply called Led Zeppelin and I have been so busy tonight is the first opportunity I've had to sit down and watch it. So far I've just watched the first disc and its very good- mainly concert footage from a 1970 gig at the Royal Albert Hall- much fresher and bluesier than the stuff filmed for the film The Song Remains The Same. Recommended for those long winter nights!

Try either the Guzzitech or Power Commander sites- I believe they have some maps.