Enzo

People who come to a board to rip-off some information they need seldom come back. They are internet shoplifters. I would hate to pass on a real GOOD tip to such a person. People who start a community visit with each other and also talk shop. Life as a motorcyclist entails more than a technical tip or two. There is a big difference I think.

Pete keeps us all on the straight and narrow. Somebody has got to.

Redneck, That is a beautiful story of true love, and I've already ripped it off for the Crow site.

I don't know about squish - someone will have to key me in on how this could affect vibrations. I think it is because the new piston set is better balanced and lighter. It has taken some harsh vibes out of the bike.

My two-into-one header really changed the character of the bike. If I open it up in first either the front wheel comes off the ground or, if it is damp, I completely lose the back end. If I drive hard into second gear, the front end comes up again. Like I say, today I was losing the back end in second gear on a wet surface in a straight line. There is nothing about my bike that is 'pussycat.' It doesn't sound very much like a kitty either. I think a lot of Lemans riders would be quite surprised by it. The FBF pistons gave it a smoother ride, a deeper, mellower sound, and a noticeable increase in mid-range power. Wasn't that your experience?

FBF 11:1 pistons. Made by Weisco. A nice set. Light weight. I notice a smoother engine now. Less vibration too. It's like a different bike. I didn't even bother to hone the cylinders. Just dropped em in and ran.

I had to ride today. Had to. 35 degrees f. and damp roads. I wanted to do some high revving burns in first and second with heavy engine breaking - in order to 'seat' my new pistons. I think they are definitely seated now! Good lord. Maybe its the way my Enzo Cobras allow everything to really breath, but I'm getting some awesome power. Frightening really. I did a roll on in first gear from about ten mph, going perfectly straight, and the back end swung out like I hit oil. Saved it, though, on pure instinct. I found I also couldn't open the throttle hard in a SECOND GEAR roll-on - going straight!. I could feel the back end coming out so I had to back off. And I am running sticky Dunlop 208s. It's sort of exciting because I had good power before, but now it is actually scaring me. Now I have to think of throttle control in all situations because I can now have a 'power accident.' But the sound! Oh, it is so sweet. Deeper and more mellow. Sort of like a Ducati 999 on steroids. Moto GP on a Guzzi y'all!

HJ, I've read this guy's stuff before and like him. I did not hone the cylinders, but I did go out and put a load on the bike. I am continuing to do this. Fast accelerations. I see he says decelerations (engine breaking) is also very important. I probably only have 30 miles on the new pistons. I need to thrash them some more. So far so good. I do notice a stronger feel in the mid range area right off.

Hey Helicopterjim, Did you hone your cylinders when you dropped in the FBF pistons?

The first thing I want to know when I hear of ANY crashes or unusual behavior on a Lemans is HOW MUCH DO YOU WEIGH? I am of the opinion that the V11 in its STOCK form is not completely safe for anyone over 170 pounds. I weigh 170 and my settings are maxed out, but it handles just right for me under thrashing conditions. I would go to different shocks or springs if I weighed another pound.

Yes Jim, I already noticed a big increase in midrange. Very nice, usable power. Top end I don't know about, but so far it seems about the same. Also, a smoother engine with less vibration all over. Antonio: The pistons were under $300 USD from FBF. from Pete: Pete, this is exactly what we TRIED to do, but the stock circlips with the 'ears' were a bit too big and we couldn't use them. I hear your warning about bending one of them. We debated it and took a good look at it in its track. These clips were so 'sprung' and stiff that I think I am OK. It is sitting in its 'race' pretty well and looks ALMOST just like the other side. I am an impatient fellow, and was pissed off that FBF wouldn't send a couple goddamn spares with the set. Wouldn't that have been nice? After all that work, I wanted to get it buttoned up and put back on the road. Jeff - we did it just like you say. And, we also shot one or two which made me pretty damn nervous when you don't have a spare.

Jim, I'm running my own custom two-into-one exhaust that I designed. I had my bike dynoed to match the pipes. The bike runs very well with no pinging or backfiring at any time. Since I dropped in the FBF pistons, I don't notice any new problems with the map I have already. It will take some time to seat the new pistons, and then I'll look at my plugs and keep an ear open for any unusual signs that I need a new map. How did you get those retainers in? I think I bent one of them with my pliers and that is not good. I put it in anyway and hope it is ok. They are sprung SO HARD that I don't think that thing is ever going to budge from its track. Did you use your fingers to pinch them and just force them in?

I have recently dropped in the FBF pistons into my 2000 V11 Sport. Greg Field basically did this for me in his garage. Under clean and warm, well-lighted conditions (which we didn't have), it is not too bad an operation. However, the retaining pieces that go on the ends of the rod pin ARE A BEAR TO INSERT. (Did you also find this to be true Helicopterjim?) I have pictures of this operation on my website at the link below. Also, my early impressions. I will have to say that I do not have a firm opinion at this time until the rings are well-seated. I did NOT hone the cylinders. Just dropped 'em in and rode away. It may take some miles to seat properly, so I don't know about the effects. My initial impressions and pictures are here: FBF Piston modification

I hate buying from Italian sites that don't know English. - And then the Paypal hassles. Does ANYONE know where to get sliders using a credit card? This really can't be do difficult to fashion. Hell, I bet I can make up a few that will work. Anyone interested? Too bad there are not a million V11s out there. I already have several custom pieces that are tried and proven......tooo bad.

Al, I ordered the 'hard copy.' Thanks everybody. By the way, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND everyone do a little business with Sport Cycle Pacific. I talked with Dave over the phone and he sounded like a super guy. Very friendly and honest-sounding. Here's the link. Buy something from this guy: Sport Cycle Pacific Tell him Enzo sent ya.

I need specific torque values so I think that would be more likely found in the actual shop manual - no? thanks.

Helicopter, I really appreciate this link, but it only again takes me to a previous post on manuals. Surely there must be a copy of the SHOP MANUAL somewhere........Al????????

I really appreciate this, JRT, but all I seem to be downloading are different OWNER MANUAL versions. I don't see a SHOP MANUAL. Maybe I am missing something?

Har there me buckos.... I'm going to be dropping in the FBF pistons soon with the help of Greg Field. We just jump in this stuff and see what happens. Problem is, I need to know some critical torque values on such thins as the frame, swingarm and shaftie. Maybe someone out there can give me these numbers or suggest where I can get a CHEAP copy of the shop manual for my 2000 V11 Sport. The factory wants $200 for the thing. F that. Thanks in advance.

Good info. Yes, if you broaden 'porting' to mean even building up a port with more material - making the cross-section SMALLER, then, yes, I agree with you. It depends on your application. Keeping all this in mind, some sort of porting could benefit any rider. We'll see what is involved in my milling. I'll try to get details on actual amounts and readings before and after.

I have ridden the Rosso (it had RAM - does it come this way?) and noticed right off how 'grabby' the single plate clutch is. It would have been easy to stall it out at a light it is so 'catchy.' So, it may be more of a hassle in town going from light to light. Also, I am sure that the throttle is more touchy at low speeds. All draw backs. Harder engine braking also. Yet, in aggressive driving - my usual mode of action - these same 'faults' would be more fun to me. I am always trying to squeeze out more blood from the V11. It is just my style of riding. I am quite happy with the results. I WILL be ordering the RAM, and, in the mean time, I am also having my head milled for more compression. (I was told by George Dean that porting is useless outside of full throttle application on the track. If you are not using FULL THROTTLE, porting actually DECREASES velocity of air flow. Not good.) So, George thinks that milling would be the best bang for the buck in the real world. Stand by......

Here is a picture of the kit from MGCycle. It is five hundred dollars - $498 U.S. I'll call them this morning and ask about a thickening in the center etc.

It DOES include an aluminum fly wheel. I haven't heard anything definitive about it.

I wanted to lighten my flywheel on the V11 Sport. Greg Field suggested I go with the MGCycle aluminum single-plate RAM kit. I have ridden the Rossa Mandello with the single plate and know that it is 'catchy.' Supposedly, this kit has fewer parts for less wear. Lighter flywheel effect. Faster revving. Any drawbacks?????

My friend in Miami has a Triumph Sprint. He's keeping it unlocked out by the street so someone will steal it. He hates it and so do I after taking a few spins on it. That bike is the most anti-handling machine I have ever been on. Anyway, I totally believe in Dunlop 207s. I've never slipped on them in any condition. And they give me feedback; if they are a little low in pressure, I can immediately feel the difference. Jason down at Moto International races on them and swears by them also.