Guzzirider

Ok here is what is happening to my Odyssey. I bought a new one a few weeks ago. I charged it up before fitting it to the bike, after fitting all seemed fine, with the bike starting up in the garage. However, a week later, I went to ride the Guzzi, and there was no juice left in the battery. Again, I charged the battery up and it started fine. Left it for a week again, a hey presto- same problem- battery has discharged and only just enough juice left to turn the starter, then when I went to restart it a few minutes later, no juice left at all. My immediate thoughts are either: 1/ The Hawker is faulty. A possibility, I guess, but I have used these batteries for years without any problems and would be surprised. 2/ Something else is causing the battery to discharge within a week. I'm going to swap batteries with the other V11 to see if the same thing happens. In the meantime, do any of you wise old lekky heads have any thoughts as what may be the problem? Cheers Guy Edit- just checked the battery- it is showing 12.66 volts whilst fitted to the bike (inc immobiliser). Normal voltage for an Odyssey is 12.84V so I am not sure there is a problem with the battery. Further edit- defintely not the battery- battery is fine but still cranking very slowly. Connections seem fine so I am wondering if starter motor is faulty. Have a spare one on the shelf so will swap 'em and see what happens.

I know it is all speculation, but a well built reliable Guzzi Enduro styled bike could do really well. The BMW GS is a clit bike- every c**ts got one! When you ride around Europe, you see literally hundreds of the bloody things, all the riders dressed from head to toe in BMW corporate clothing pretending they are "adventure touring", whereas they are really on the way to a 4 star hotel! Room for some orginality in the market, and to provide an alternative for those who don't want to pretend they are Ewan or Charlie. If they used the 4V motor (assuming it exists), and put a big tank on it, Guzzi could make a bike that would kick the BMW's arse. A Guzzi will never sell better than a BMW but I reckon there is potential here. Guy

I spent a long time looking at a Griso today and decided it was too fat. I do, however, like those wire wheels but am unprepared to pay a silly price for them. I wonder if another wheel builder would be willing to make say, 10 sets of wire wheels that would fit a V11, complete with cush drive? I reckon if the price was reasonable (I mean half the price of the Alpinas!) then we would have some takers. Guy

Yes the Gulf Stream sometimes sends it to Spain, missing us entirely! P.S. Don't worry Ben- I get you- but there are some sensitive souls out there!

Nice!

Got home about midnight (late shift) and found my drive and front garden covered in bits of my roof. Getting it repaired as I type this. Plenty of lorries and trees blown over yesterday in the storms. Luckily we were both at work at the peak of the storm and our cars were away from the house. Rear garden looks like Baghdad- debris and broken pots everywhere. Guy

You do need to ride a Duke differently to a Guzzi. Whereas you can get away with murder on a chunkier V11 when it comes to gearchanges, being in the right ratio is more important on the Duke, although when it does spin up the power keeps going for a fair while longer. I have ridden a Multistrada and the main issue for me was ergonomics- funny seat and riding position was a bit alien to me. ST3 is a beautiful bike to ride but ugly as sin. Guy

Area 51 maybe? I'm with Keith on roundabouts- if they are empty they are great play areas, not only on 2 wheels but on 4 as well. Guy

Joking aside, if this sort of legislation ever becomes reality, then track days will become massive in popularity- the only place to let off steam. If it became a serious threat, I'm happy to start a fund to send an ICBM to blow those satellites out of orbit! Guy

Well we have a choice- we either sit here moaning about it or join MAG online for £20 who will fight against silly proposals like this. Nobody else is lobbying for our rights in parliament. Motorcycle Action Group Guy

No it was my fault I trapped some wires when I made it naked!

Any similar Bosch headlight will do- I used an item from a BMWR850R when I converted my Le Mans. Same size as the V11 unit. Ducati Monster headlight is also the same size as the V11 Sport unit. The V11 sport brackets are about £70 each new. Guy

Dry and sunny enough to for a chilly ride over the moors- bit blowy though. Lots of bikes out today- first decent day of the year. Guy

Wetter than an otter's pocket!

Just booked the last double room!! Will be overnighting in Moffat on the Thursday night and arriving at Aultguish Friday teatime, Guzzis permitting. Lady at the Inn said the event was picking up nicely so I advise you to book now if you are think of going. Look forward to seeing you guys up there! Cheers Guy

Hmm that seems expensive- I pay less than that for both my Rosso Corsa and S4Rs combined- fully comp with Carole Nash full no claims and 3 points on my licence. Carole Nash have just been taken over by another group-wonder if they are hiking the prices. Guy

At least Clinton preferred the ministrations of young ladies!

That's very expensive. My local dealer Moto Strada is selling road registered MGS01s with lights for 25 300 eur. Mind you it may be much more difficult to get one registered in Germany. Guy

Moto Guzzi V11s are f*cking marvellous machines

I always wear a cheap digital watch for the same reason as I always wear cheap sunglasses- if I had anything expensive I would either break or lose it. Plus every spare penny I get gets spent on the bikes! Guy

Hi Keith It is a great location- and I guess bigger meetings would bring some money into the locality. I read that there will be in effect 4 circuits- a long FIA one, and 3 smaller ones- maybe the old track is being retained. Never been to Three Sisters- heard it is more like a go kart track. I know they do supermoto racing there. I have booked to do a track day at Mallory in July with the Ducati Monster Forum- my hands work properly now so I will hopefully be able to do more than 3 laps and still use the brake! Are you up for another track day on your Scura Keith? Cadwell maybe? Cheers Guy

This Angelsey circuit is in the process of being extended from its current 1 mile length to 2.5 miles. Works are due to be completed in May. I hope it does not lose its character and that the straights stay short and Guzzi friendly! I am keeping an eye out for any track days scheduled after then and will publicise them on here again. Guy

I have just bought this Ducati Monster carbon flyscreen for my V11. Is brand new and I got it half price. Will hopefully fit! Guy

I spent a long time admiring the MGS01 in the shop today- first time I had taken a really close up look. The details are exquisite- the rear brake pedal is a work of art. The dealer Moto Strada is making both MGS01s road legal, with lights and registrations for an extra £1000 on top of the purchase price. They are relocating the oil cooler from behind the fairing down to the front of the frame (like a V11) so some lights can be fitted. An R1 numberplate hanger is being used. One bike has been sold to a customer, the other will be retained by one of the owners of the shop. Also popped into Ducati Leeds to admire the new 1098S- now that is a pretty bike in the flesh but I preferred the chunkier looks of the MGS. Guy

If you wanted to fit the larger headlight to a Scura, you could do so if you bought the brackets from a V11 Sport. Not cheap new though- about £70 each. Guy