PJPR01

Moto Inspections cost a whopping $7 bucks in Houston...MPH did my inspections for years but any car place can do them as well. Sometimes where I take my cars they don’t even charge me for the 3 Guzzi inspections

Well...in that case, we shall have to throw a welcome party Docc and have a proper escort at the Texas / Louisiana line! My suggestion wasn't to prescribe anything specific, other than some OTC pain killers as I sure as hell can imagine the kink in the neck after a few hundred miles on an unfamiliar bike in a new riding position... Anyway...by all means disregard the suggestion if it causes any harm, just speaking from experience here...

...and a pocketful of Advils as well as preventative (take them before you start to hurt), and plenty of hydration. Personally, I would avoid I-10 as much as possible and go on parallel highways. First thing I'd look at would be the tires too, and check their pressure AND age (so maybe bring a small plug kit and mini air compressor that hooks up to a cigarette lighter with you as well), and possibly a mini Lithium jump starter.

No...but you're going to need reasonably good abdominals and back muscles so that you can support yourself in that riding position comfortably...if ever there were a bike that encourages "core" muscle development, it's the V11 Variant.

You're looking far too happy there John! Surely you're not drinking that fine Macallan out of a King Henry VIII coffee cup!

Ok...good to hear. Boots are definitely out then. I have a practically brand new Nolan XL that might interest you (not modular), and if it fits, it's yours for a coffee and pastry at Fellinis and a small donation to the site here. The guy who owned it (also Guzzisti, passed away a couple years ago) wore it two or 3 times and he also wore glasses....It's as if it were brand new. Can send pics if you are interested. Spring Valley - got it! I lived in Spring Branch less than 1/4 mile away from Spring Valley for about 5 years, still have my house down there, but we live now on the NW side again. (Bingle/Westview area). By the way, I presume you know that MPH (Park Row and I-10) is where you can still get great service help for your Guzzi - I presume you're familiar with Mike Haven's long history as one of the best Guzzi dealers in the U.S., but if not, he's just down the highway from you for any service or parts needs, even though he doesn't sell new bikes anymore. Davey is the mechanic who works on Guzzis now at MPH. Hope the fly and ride goes well! A few other Guzzisti live out towards Katy, when we ride out to Brookshire or Fayetteville, we'll rope in those guys to join us from time to time. P.D. Down in Texas, note that it's Yee Haw, rather than Yee-Haa! These are important cultural nuances, as I'm sure you know! (I'm a Californian, living in Texas for more than 23 years now! Ci vediamo pronto as they say...

To be fair, it's only hot and humid here in Houston during the summer months, which is why you'll likely need to have gear for summer (lighter weight or mesh) vs. gear that works the rest of the year or can be used with layers. Anywhere else in Texas will be hot, but much less humidity once you get away from the coast a bit. If you're looking for good brands to try, you can find lots of good gear on Ebay also, whether that's Fieldsheer, Kathmandu style jackets, Aerostitch, Joe Rocket, Alpinestar or Klim gear. Best way would be to figure out if you're sticking to a budget. Depending on what size gear you wear or helmet, I have some very lightly used extra boots (I think size 10.5, will check) and practically brand new helmet (Nolan in XL) that a friend of mine no longer uses and they are too big for my use. If those are in your sizes, happy to have you take a look. Occasionally also on Wildguzzi a fellow by the name of Bikelee has very good deals pop up on high quality gear, I've bought a few of his items...impeccable, very lightly used high quality Aerostitch items. You can also look online for gear thru many online motorcycle vendors...tons of gear available at reasonable prices. Depending on where you are in Houston, let me know and can arrange to show you the gear. Once you get your bike in your hands and are comfortable riding again, there are several of us Guzzisti who go out regularly for weekend rides/coffee/lunch. Hopefully in 2021, the rallies will resume as well, there's the GRIT rally (you can also sign up on Facebook for the GRIT - Guzzi Riders in Texas) site, where we post up if we're doing a lunch somewhere around the state. October is when the Texas GRIT rally occurs, also the Oklahoma rally (Talihina state park) and then there's Cedar Vale Kansas in May, Louisiana rally, New Mexico rally etc...) So if you can get your V11 and self into a comfortable touring condition, those are fun events to meet other Guzzisti. Cheers, Paul

Thanks Footgoose! Nice history there! Indeed...I just did a major garage overhaul (sealing the floor, painting the walls and installing some overhead racks) and now going thru a few hidden pockets of items, I may even find a few more "goodies" to offer up...although some of them will be for other Guzzis not just V11's. Happy to help these items find a good home for items I am sure I won't use. Cheers and Merry Xmas all!

I've got a set of the original Scura lollipop mirrors in case anyone wants one or the pair. Small donation to the forum requested and you cover postage and they are yours. Thanks, Paul

Great video! Formidable on peut dire aussi...did she write any books...will have to see, would be a good one to read if she did. The cartoons looks interesting...a bit of the same drawing style like Asterix combined with Lucky Luke!

Thank you...no rush at all on the bar ends...family first always! Happy to place an order ASAP whenever you are ready to ship out a set! Thanks again.

I’d be interested in a set of bar ends, presume they would fit a Scura? Thanks!

Those tire pressures are far too low...your mileage is going to suck and quite honestly, unless you're riding offroad and want some absorption from fire roads, you're going to wear out your tires prematurely. If the bike is vibrating at normal pressures, there's something wrong, lowering the pressure is just masking the issue.

The items you are describing could be easily cured with a Guzzidiag session, resetting TPS and parameters and balancing throttle bodies properly. Bike should be smooth enough to ride w/o that vibration, so unless something is amiss, probably a tuneup is in order. Post some pics when you can...Stelvio's are lovely bikes indeed. Did it come with the 8.5 gallon tank or the smaller one?

The guys at Baxley must be V11 fans, notice that their Black one is called "Black Crinkle"...just perfect for the engine paint on the Scura. Very appropriate! Looks like they have a whole line up of colors, might just have to get a Red one for my Red/Black Griso too!

That’s the same Baxley one I have as well, only in black. I do like the yellow one!!

John....if you had a high quality wheel chock, you could take all of the pressure off the side stand while keeping it vertical and Bev could be drinking a cool one instead of holding the bike for you! I always park the Scura in the chock just as a safety precaution rather than leaving it on the side stand.

Having a Norge and a V11 (Scura), well and a Griso in the garage, each does its thing well. But agree, the Norge is a mileage muncher and much more comfortable for the passenger! I see you bought the proper Silver color as well...Enjoy!!!

Guzzis are like that famous country song refrain: Love me or hate me, but please don't ignore me!

That's a nice fun loop, always enjoyed stopping in Tortilla flat and then heading for Roosevelt lake...quite scenic! Nice to see the Scura getting exercised properly!

That looks really great...the rear tail piece and skirt are wicked.

and Pasta Puttanesca and Pistacchios! So that would be 7 P's!

JB, I'm interested in the tail bag...can Paypal tonight if that works - package deal? Thanks, Paul

I'm sure next year will be well attended! Let's hope for safer times by then!

Yup..sorry about that...bleary eyed after a long week of work. Corrected now...thanks for the catch!