FreyZI

Looks great, Rox. I have a lead on an Amish guy/upholsterer a half-hour or so away that does good work, cheap. Unfortunately, my motorcycle work productivity is going to be pretty low the next couple weeks as I concentrate on actual work productivity.

Was this Q for me? No fill or paint, just a LOT of Goo Gone and careful removal of a rather significant layer of adhesive. Would have been great if adhesive had come off with vinyl grip pads, but no such luck.

Docc, why does that certainly refer to the brown? I'm still not 100% sold. As best as I can make out from the sales brochure -- which is riddled with errors (much like the users manual): "A modification the stoic and spartan champion would have not appreciated[,] but which present bike[r]s will certainly pleasantly welcome[ ]: an imitation leather unique saddle..." Or to paraphrase, 'Omobono wouldn't have been happy with an imitation leather saddle, but modern bikers will welcome it.' Tenni apparently liked the grip offered by the more coarse stuff, and so he would have shunned a smooth, slick (imitation) leather saddle. Perhaps the brochure was talking about the "extra" imitation leather saddle? Of course, there's nothing "unique" about the black imitation leather saddle, so my argument may not hold up. However, we may be too quick to jump to the conclusion -- because the brown suede seat is quite unique (as in "uncommon", "exclusive") -- that the brochure is discussing the brown seat. But, for the sake of argument, "unique" could be a poor translation (not entirely improbable) for "separate". Read that way: 'modern bikers will appreciate a separate imitation leather saddle.' Devil's advocate in me says further investigation is necessary. Since I brought it up, there are -- I've just learned -- several different leather products that can be confused -- suede, nubuck, and roughout. I'd have to say that the Tenni "suede" looks more like roughout. I was able to flip a corner and get just barely a peak of the underside and edge. Still can't tell for certain. Not trying to be a PitA, but I won't know how to dye it if I don't know what it is. So, has anybody actually had the seat cover off? I guess I'll get best results if I don't try to dye the seat cover in situ, anyway, so I'll probably remove it tomorrow. Incidentally, what's the best tool for re-stapling? Pneumatic staple gun, I suppose. I think I bought one of those years ago for a project that hasn't yet happened.

I must say, if it's imitation suede, they did a pretty damn convincing job. I looked online and found the book, The Complete Book of Moto Guzzi: Every Model Since 1921, by Ian Falloon, which may shed some light. However, Amazon's preview of the book includes page 207 -- and not 206, where the answer may lie. According to that source (beginning with the first words on page 207), "... the 1950s racers, also including an imitation leather seat..." My guess is that page 206 mentions a suede seat; and that the "imitation leather seat" noted on page 207 is referring to the black imitation leather seat. Anybody have that book handy? If so, I'd be curious to know what it says on page 206. I did take the seat off to look at the underside, where I hoped I would find an edge of the suede under the staples where I could take a look. However, I was surprised to see the material neatly trimmed and meticulously stapled to the pan -- showing no edge of the suede. Thus, I put off the physical investigation.

The pic:

Yes, the suede seat. Maybe roughout leather is a better description. Pic follows.

My Tenni's leather seat is a lovely saddle brown to tan in color. UV has seriously faded the front seat. I rather like the color, but when the pillion seat cover is removed, the richer cocoa brown is revealed. Anybody tried to dye their seat back to original color? Or put the seat in a tanning bed?

Removed "knee pads". Back to bare.

Nearing completion (I hope) '79 V1000 G5. Frame's powder coated, lots of new bits, cleaned up reasonably well. Tank's got a fresh coat of paint (black with white pin stripes -- matching her cousins, the R1xRs). You'll notice that I've scrapped the old electronics and I'm in the process of rewiring with a Motogadget M-Unit. I'd love to do something a bit cooler than a restoration, but this is a father/son project and my old man is more of a purist (maybe some day). He has done many tractors, but this is his (and my) first MC. Been waiting on my order of a new set of Lafranconis for, oh, about nine months now.

My F800GS (30 Years of GS model) on a fire road at Indian Steps. I got the 800 because I thought the 1200 would be too heavy and bulky, and I'm not going to be doing any serious touring for a decade (single dad), so I didn't need touring capability. At 392 pounds dry, it's reasonably light. I've been getting about 52 mpg in mixed riding (city/trail/highway). I've nothing to compare it with, as I'd never ridden off road before, but I was impressed with how intuitive and confidence inspiring the handling is on the slightly more technical bits. One drawback is the amount of heat the parallel twin engine throws off: spring and fall it's great; high summer = very sweaty balls. For that reason alone, I'd go with a 1200 or a different brand altogether if I planned on many days of riding in a toasty climate. And that highlights one of the truly great characteristics of jugs to the sides: cooling.

Frey here. #112 with me in Happy Valley: State College, Pennsylvania, USA.

Ciao, Guzzisti. This is Frey, new owner of Tenni #112. I distinctly remember 15 years ago -- having never ridden a motorcycle in my life and having had no interest whatsoever in motorcycles -- driving my cage to a Barnes & Noble in Denver, Colorado, where I saw a gorgeous motorcycle parked (illegally -- as without a care) right in front of the entrance. That singular moment was the reason I bought my first motorcycle. Unfortunately, at that time, I was awash in six-figures of student loan debt and any Guzzi was way out of my price range (a Speed Triple would also have fit the bill, but another non-starter). Instead, I bought a 1977 Yamaha XS-750 for $900. It was eventually towed by the city -- they claimed it appeared to be an abandoned vehicle. Admittedly, it was a bit of a rat bike. When I learned how much they wanted to get it out of the pound, I wished them the best at auction. Family and work intervened in the motorcycle thing for a few years until I bought (used) my first non-beater bike, a 2007 BMW R1200R (black with white pin stripes, like the airheads of old). I love that bike, which is my daily rider. However, I could never shake from my mind the image of the Tenni. Fortuitously, I stumbled across Lauri (a fine steward of #112) last week and he lives a short two-hour drive from Happy Valley. Also fortunately, I hadn't pulled the trigger on buying the K1300S I'd had my eye on. So, after 15 years, I finally have my Tenni. Docc, that's an excellent idea (it's actually a Soobie, though).

Well this gives me another reason I can't continue to ignore the rowing machine I bought off a friend a few weeks ago.

Thanks,czakky and stewgnu. I did check out cycle-ergos.com (note the dash in the URL). While I was at it, I checked out my other bikes. Seems about right for the R12r. Appears that knees would be alright as long as not sitting as close as possible to the fuel tank, but it will be a bit more of bend to the bars than I'm used to. Of course, customized pegs and bar solutions could increase comfort. My daily commute is only about 10km each way. Longer rides are less frequent and touring is non-existent, given parental responsibilities. Cheers, Frey

Hey, all. I fell in love with a Tenni 15 years ago, before I'd ever ridden a motorcycle. Inspired to ride, but without the bank account for a new Tenni -- or much of anything, for that matter -- I settled on a Yamaha XS 750. After a decade plus of student loans and leaner wallet, I've been able to start filling my stable with bikes (other than UJM): BMW R1200R, R1100RL hack, K100 cafe project, Guzzi V1000 G5 restoration. Although I'd really prefer the Tenni, there's an affordable, one-owner (with service history) 2003 LeMans available for my purchase. Maybe it can be a temporary fix until I find a Tenni. So, the question: Will this bike fit me? I'm about 6'-5", normally proportioned (I'd like to think), 34" inseam. Are the cylinder heads/valve covers going to be a non-issue, a mere nuisance, or a deal-breaker? Unfortunately, I live in BFE Pennsylvania and these bikes don't come up for sale regularly, so I've never sat on one; I'll have to buy this one at a fairly long arm's length. Thanks for any input! Cheers, Frey