Guzzirider

Weather forecast Weather looking very good so far!! We are stopping at the Red Lion hotel in Dinnas Mawddwy near Dolgellau on Wed night if anyone fancies joining us. About 90 miles to do in the morning to Fishguard for the 11.30am crossing. Front wheel bearings have been replaced, new rear tyre fitted and scrubbed in, new tent tested in garden, Euros collected from bank, GPS unit charged up- stuff gathered and put in a big pile for packing. Have I forgotten anything? Guy

I cant make any plans until my new holiday year in Jan 2007. Helen is keen on going to Eastern Europe so we may go there instead but I am not sure yet. I would say best to book in advance to be safe- try Motorsport Travel in York- just used them to book my European ferry tickets and they can get a discount on many routes. Saying that sometimes you can squeeze on without booking but there is a risk they may be full. Whitchurch to Newcastle is an easy days ride I would say- maybe 4 hours roughly if you keep to main roads- about 200 miles. Guy

Just seen loads of bikes heading past on the way to the IOM- lovely day for it. Guy

I think they look great and am interested but would like to know whether they have cush drive (I do the odd bit of run what you brung drag racing) and also, the weight in comparison to the originals. I'll drop Rossopuro a line when I'm back from holiday and find out if nobody knows the answer already. Guy

I'll be taking mine to a good Ducati mechanic for anything complicated- that engine scares me.

I understand that there may be a "cheap" version of the V4 launched at some point with lower quality chassis components but with similar power. Could be the usual MCN guessing games but they say it wil be priced around £16000. Guy

That V4 is very nice- and over here £37500. A guy paid the local dealer a £3500 deposit for one 2 years ago- his order was confirmed today- a very patient (and rich!) man. Guy

Keeping the arseless chaps though!

You can get screw on adaptors which come out at an angle allowing you to use a forecourt pump. I aways check my tyres at home because those forecourt pumps are often very inaccurate. Guy

Just ordered a new Ducati Monster S4RS Testastretta. It is basically a naked 999S. Mine will be red and is being delivered on Monday 26th June. I have specified the factory race kit- Termignonis, filter and ECU so it should sound as nice as it goes. Keeping the V11 of course but have sold the Harley to fund this- we had some fun but did not hit it off for the long term. I basically bought the HD to slow my riding down shortly after a friend was killed in an accident and I was quite ill myself, and very aware of my own mortality. Now that I am fit and well, I have ended up riding the HD beyond its limits and was more likely to have a crash by running out of ground clearance or brakes so decided last weekend it had to go. Just been perving over the Duke in the showroom- it is so pretty and much tidier and well finished than the earlier watercooled Monsters. And just look at those sexy Marchesinis! Better go now before I get carried away! Italian bikes Guy

Oh so they have got quicker!

Hey another V11 rider in N Ireland! Have you met Belfastguzzi yet? Guy

Thank you very much for the advice guys! Reckon I may pack my lightweight breathable fabric bike gear rather than take the leather and jeans. I rode from Darwin to Melbourne a few years ago right through the centre of the Australia so I know what its like to be very warm on a bike. I'll check out your route recommendations too. cheers Guy

On 1st July, Helen and I will be flying to LA and a few days later, will begin a 3000 mile motorcycle tour (map attached). I would very much appreciate some advice as to what clothing to pack- I was intending to take: Leather Jacket Armoured denim jeans Lightweight summer boots Roof Boxer flip up helmet Summer gloves Waterproofs I know it gets cold at night in the desert, but will we need any winter riding gear if we are riding mainly in the daytime? What will the climate be like in the mountains that time of year? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. cheers Guy

More stable if the bike is on the sidestand and tied down properly. I always take my own ratchet straps as quite often you just get some greasy ropes and basically you do it yourself. Worth putting it in neutral and taping the front brake lever to the grip to stop it moving. Guy

I think it would only work if both reds were identical- I think the Duke 999 looks nice with the frame and bodywork the same colour. Metallic and plain red? Sounds iffy to me but if you like it, sod everyone else's opinion and do it! Guy

I thought my bike was not handling brilliantly in Scotland and I could feel some vibes through the front wheel. Just checked it out on the stand and sure enough there is some play in the front wheel so new wheel bearings for me too. Rear Diablo Corsa is nearly shot after only 2500 miles and front brake pads need replacing again soon about 6000 miles after I last did them- and I have a 3000 tour round Europe coming up! This Moto Guzzi lark is getting a bit expensive! Guy

I have mounted it to my left clip on- I am happy with it there- does not snag or obscure anything, but still easy to read as you are riding. Guy P.S. the B500 running south of Baden-Baden is an ace road in the Schwarzwald.

Hi there! I have a Garmin Quest on my Le Mans. At present I use the units battery power as it lasts so long, and just recharge it overnight. But I have a power lead from the GPS warehouse, and when I get my Autocom properly set up I will also use this lead to provide audio to my helmet. QPAC cable Guy

Taking off the fairing is an easy job- mirrors, four bolts and disconnect indicators if my memory serves me correctly, but you wont need to take it off to remove valve covers. Guy

Have a look at Erin accomodation news The rally is 9th to 11th June. Would be good to see an MGS01 there- maybe the first to set foot in Ireland? Guy

From the sound of it you will be fine. Maybe its the really tall guys who have comfort problems- I personally find my V11 comfy enough for long distance touring. Having a break every 130 miles or so to fill up is just about right for me. Guy

Sounds good- there may be three of us on very dirty thrashed (trashed?) Guzzis. Not sure of our exact plan yet but we will probably be riding from France en route to Valkenburg on the 14th June. Will give you a shout nearer the time if you want to meet up. Regards Guy

http://www.motoguzziclub.co.uk/forum_test.asp

Nice roads and nice bike!