Guzzirider

The first film clip is very far fetched and unrealistic. I mean, whoever thought that a woman could ride a motorcycle for God's sake??

Excellent thanks for sharing John! I see that his bike is made in Hull- the British cycle industry is doing well I believe amongst the rest of the misery out there.

Made me giggle. Reminds me of when I got a bizarre text from someone asking me to kick her puppy- how strange!

Because Piaggio wont do anything remotely exciting with Guzzi, and i dont think thst motor would pass current emissions tests. You can make one road legal and register if you have the money to buy one.

My little nephew Benjamin is 5 years old and he was able to have a sit on a very expensive OCC style chopper that belonged to a friend of my sister in law. The owner was dressed in a bandana, leather waistcoat, earrings and chaps so Benjamin very innocently asked him why was he was dressing up as a pirate?

I think you can still buy a new one for "only" £18000 on special order.

Inspired by the genius wit and master of the clever witty retort Oscar Wilde: "if you say one more bad word about my Guzzi I'll rip your f*cling head off and shit down your neck, my son".

Brakes are normally a strong point on a V11 but remember it's a heavy bike- ignore the factory claims because a V11 Le Mans weighs about 270kg with fluids. If you feel the need to upgrade you could fit a Brembo radial MC to give a bit more power- I'm doing this for my Daytona project. But assuming there is nothing wrong your brakes may be worth simply riding the bike and getting used to it. When I had an Ohlins V11 I liked to have the compression damping on the front forks wound up reasonably stiff to counter fork dive under heavy braking.

Many Italians tend to use utilitarian vehicles like Fiat Pandas and scooters so I'm guessing that on average they use less fuel than other countries where big cars are popular status symbols. Maybe if a new Italian currency is devalued to help support growth then it will be a cheaper place to visit.

Yes shhhhhh!. I also love the A896 heading north from Lochcarron to Kinlochewe. There are a few really fast stretches with wide open sweeping bends fit for a Moto GP track completely devoid of traffic against a stunning background of mountains and lochs.

Just kidding boys and girls! Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Peaceful New Year to everyone on the forum. Guy and Helen x

Interesting that the series of books is very popular with female readers- although there is some graphic stuff there I think the general theme is about overcoming abuse.

The current V7 makes about 38bhp on the dyno. Guzzi claim an extra 10% for the new motor, so even if they are not exaggerating like they normally do, the new motor puts out 41bhp. I know some love the small block but many others do enjoy plenty more poke. Always seems to lots of V7s for sale with low mileage- is this because riders like the looks but end up disappointed with the ride?

Yep heard it all before. How exciting.

I fully agree with Orson. I've done the Stelvio a couple of times, first time just after a big snowfall and even though it's a challenge that you feel you must do it's not actually that much fun. Best to avoid weekends when it's very busy. Ive had the pleasure of riding Highway 1 and was surprised how quiet it was- stunning views. I enjoyed it so much I proposed to Helen on the beach at a place called Lucia Lodge. Enjoyed the Great Ocean Rd in Australia too which is very similar to Highway 1 and just as twisty. I'd love to try this one: http://vimeo.com/m/8010978

Always enjoyed your enthusiasm for all things green! All the best to yourself and your son- glad to hear he is on the way up again. Kind regards Guy

The book is good and the original Swedish film is excellent- I can't see the need for a Hollywood remake.

On my last two visits to Mandello I have been told by someone in the know that the new "Monza" sports bike is going to be launched at Milan later in the year. Apparently it exists and has been seen in the flesh. Still waiting.........

I'm sure many would agree with you. I've given up on waiting for Guzzi to build a sports bike so have bought a Daytona RS. Stelvios are good touring bikes, Grisos are different and stand out from the crowd but the rest of the range is bland and there are no sporting machines apart from the MGS01 which is expensive and not road legal.

Great news well done!

Ive advised Gutsibits and Reboot Spares. Helen has put notices up on Facebook on various club pages. Hope you get her back

Sorry to hear that. I will tip off Ed at Gutsibits in case someone offers it to him. Bike theft in Sussex seems bad at the moment I have heard a few unfortunate tales recently.

Looks credible unlike a lot of these projects. I like it- that 1050 motor is a peach too and will be quick in a light bike.

May be worth whipping stater motor off and checking neutral switch behind it.

No point in me owning a Guzzi making 130bhp at the wheel if I weigh too much for it to get off the line! I'm waiting on a special order for an uprated oil pump plus a few other bits so Bruce can finish the motor- hoping she will be ready in March ish.