R.I.P. Mikko

I’m doing some research on reverse engineering and 2d/3d cad files to have some pieces made in magnesium alloy. Lo and behold what do I stumble upon? A pair of factory magnesium valve covers from a Raceco bike. One needs some TLC.... I’m pretty sure I can get that addressed. That will save on the R&D as now I’ll just go with the frame plates. I’m going to have them tweaked a bit. Like replicating the the plates from the Daytona as seen here. Specifically having the hole and recessed areas between the bolts. Always thought that was a very purposeful look. The guy who has the covers also had a complete set of heads and Raceco cams. Not that I needed them, but it’s good to have a spare set as they are getting quite scarce.

It must have been around 2002? I was in Grand Rapids Michigan and noticed a small Moto Guzzi Dealership (Grand Rapids Guzzi) long out of business now. I decided to stop in and look around. There on the tiny showroom was a red frame greenie. I was smitten on the spot. I took it for a ride, came back and they wanted to sell it. Offered it to me for $7,500 and it was brand new. Went to my bank, got a check and picked up my GF and brought her home. Then all of the trouble with Guzzi started and I was worried about whether they were going to remain in business. I had it about a year? Sold it to a guy for I think $7,000? Regretted that... she was beautiful. Glad I have my Scura now. They are still beautiful all these years later. Things probably would be more traditional had Ivano not passed away so untimely. Piaggio has a reputation it seems of saving historic Italian motorcycle companies, then ignoring their rich history. They bought Gilera and slapped that name on scooters.

*******UPDATE****** Big thank you for @cycles4fun He supplied me with a Jefferies MyECU to replace the stock one. I decided to stick with Fuel Injection as I don't ride my bike as often as I would like. Carbs can develop problems from sitting for long periods of time. Plus, with this new ECU, I can have a perfect tune and map made for my unique engine. Dynotec uses a proprietary ecu if I am not mistaken, so I think it makes sense to have my own ecu and I can develop the maps here. Ordered all the bits and pieces for fitting the MGS-01 Rear Wheel. Also ordered the complete MGS-01 triple tree and parts. Weird how some things are still available. The Front end is just about finished. Going to go with Sicom Dual Matrix Carbon Ceramic T-Drive custom front and rear brake rotor's. And Brembo GP4-MS Forged Monobloc Aluminum Calipers That should complete the hard parts for the front end. Definitely the pinnacle of the current era. This will all tie in nicely for my vision of the front end. I'm leaning towards a red candy for paint, like how this Pagani is "painted" Have the wheels Cerakote white for that Daytona vibe. Hmmmm.......

I like the QD exhaust, but I think I will go with the Tubi mufflers I picked up awhile ago. I received my crossover from Agostini Mandello. That was the fastest shipment I've ever had from Europe. Since Mother nature is conspiring to ruin my ability to enjoy a ride today, here are some unboxing pics.

Still haven’t finalized what I want to do with the exhaust. Having traded my complete system for the QD, I no longer have the nice crossover. I did manage to find what appears to be the last new crossover that agostini mandello had on their website. Looks to have the provision for a O2 bung also, that’ll be helpful as I think I will keep the fuel injection set up. It’s good to have options anyway so having this in my Pile ‘O Parts never hurts... I have a MYECU coming and now I can pull these throttle bodies off to be bored. I was going to to do that with my 2v but the 4v already has 50mm TB’s so getting them rebuilt, bored and new butterfly’s would be the better choice as this is the engine I will use.

On this 4v I noticed these NASCAR style plug off’s. Doing some rootin around I find out they are supposed to have screw caps. This similar to the 2v set up? I’m not home to peek at mine. Putting a finger over the missing one on the other side I can feel a very hot vacuum.

I’m not there yet, but I will say blunt head force trauma and 1 too many acid trips has effectively impacted my memory to some degree.

If you have to ask how much...... then this ain’t for you. Irving Vincent

Why not?

French dude, builds “new” Vincent’s. There was also some guys in Australia IIRC that we’re building and racing new new Vincent’s

I would have never considered being called a Luddite in a positive way. Smart phone controlled drones? What a strange trip it’s been.

You and me both. I’ve already had to recalibrate my neck swivel quickness ratio since people have all transformed into smart phone zombies...

This had me wondering if the company wasn't bought out by some deep pocketed Mexican(s) Brembo New G Sessanta Concept

I do love a classic Norton.... It's a shame the guy who started up the "New" Norton turned out to be a a&*hole. Last I heard. they were shut down and in bankruptcy, but before they did that they ripped a guy off who had his mega buck VR4 in for warranty work. Stripped it for parts to finish another one he said. Came up there and picked up what was left of his bike. Norton scandal

Looking for the black plastic Cam Belt cover on the 4 Valve. Number 17 in the picture. Thank You....

Doing some research reading the December 1992 issue of AMA Magazine I came across this advertisement. Then it hit me, I too, have been primarily driven by my shaft in a lusty manner for the better part of my entire life! Hmmmmm......here I was thinking it was more complicated then that.

http://www.accessoryinternational.com/product/hepco-becker-650-529-complete-rack-le-mans-v-11.html

My 1st Corso ate one entire leather work glove. I wondered why she wasn’t eating and being very aggressive. Took her in to the vet and they cut her open and returned to me in a plastic baggy my missing glove. i was wtf? How? Huh? Really? Geeze these dogs can do some wild shit... I’ve had to erect mini barricades around my speakers at home because I would absolutely freak if she started chewing on my cables. I’m not into $10,000 a inch cables... but I do use quality stuff. Stuff I’d rather not have to try and replace at today’s prices... Ohh btw, she discovered what bass feels like hahahaha... was playing some Steely Dan ( Lunch with Gina) and turned it up just a bit. She was in awe! That was hilarious.

Before I went with the carbon, I was talking with evan wilcox. He is the man for all things metal......

Yeah... my lovely, little, precious furry best buddy has chewed into oblivion a very expensive Canada Goose winter cap, about $50 worth of apple charging cords, a pack of log books, 2 pillows... did i mention I love her? Etc.....

No, she’ll be 6 months old the 9th. Here is a picture of my 1st Corso when she was around 4 months old? 20 years ago

I’m actually renting this, mine is in the shop getting the cam box gaskets replaced. The old N-14 Cummins Engines all start to leak oil around these cam covers. There are three of them on the left side of the engine and you have to strip everything off to get at them. Fuel pump, ECM, Air Compressor, Power Steering Pump.. It’s a rather lengthy and expensive repair. Considering this week is the annual “DOT Inspection Blitz” I’m certainly not running around with leaking cam covers. This is a Freightliner Coranado, quite roomy and it has a Detroit Diesel in it, straight 10 speed. Not so bad, although the cheap plastic interior is signature Freightliner.

“Imma gonna need your license and registration please”......

Yes, but he is talking about multiple tightening of that fastener. Bolt thread stretch and fatigue come into play at some point...