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I was in Paris yesterday (Oct 23rd, 2021), and during my pre-departure check, I noticed the engine oil level was at the lowest mark of the dipstick. I don't understand how it went from mid to low between Houston and Paris, but it can only be an erroneous reading on my part. I only found this thread today (Oct 24th). O'reilly could not provide any help. When I think of Oil, I think of standard. Each oil manufacturer will advocate they have the best oil for your application. So how can we judge? how can we compare? beyond the SAE classification, should we check which standard(s) the oil conforms to. Our good friends at the API will provide us will invaluable information about the current standards: here! Here is the list of Oil categories for Gasoline Engines; the current moniker is "SP". The API standard for 2004 was "SL", and "SJ" earlier. "JASO" (Japanese Automotive Standard Organization); JASO T503 latest issue is JASO-MA2 (2006) from JASO-MA, for motorcycle engines that use the same oil in clutch, engine, gear box; JASO-MB for motorcycle engines with dry clutch, separate oil for gear box and engine.converters. JASO-MA2 for motorcycle engines equipped with a catalytic converter. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Automotive Lubricant Viscosity Grades: Engine Oils – SAE J 300, Dec. 1999 Bottom Line, I picked Castrol Power1 because it conforms or exceed the requirements of API SP, JASO-MA2, is classified as SAE 20W-50 which means I can start my engine safely up to -20 degC (-4 degF). Castrol has a Product Data Sheet that lists the Power1 oil characteristics: https://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/674DB92D31BE7CE0802583050045159E/$File/BPXE-A3QE84.pdf Other oil brands, don't necessarily gives you as much information; here's an example with Mobil: https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/motorcycles No standard specified, no product data sheet. It does not mean the oil is not as good as the others. Another Oil brand to consider, is AMSOIL; https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/motorcycle/2004/moto-guzzi/v11-sport-v11-lemans/1100/?volume=us-volume And they have a product data sheet: https://amsoilcontent.com/ams/lit/databulletins/g2090.pdf They lists the previous API Standards, but not the latest SP, they also conform to JASO-MA and MA-2. Just for fun, let us look at comparable reported results: Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D445): Castrol=19.99 mm2/s; AMSOIL=18.5 cSt (Centistoke) units are comparable. Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D445): Castrol=152.9 mm2/s; AMSOIL=132.8 cSt Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) : Castrol=151 AMSOIL=156 Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D92) : Castrol= 253 AMSOIL=228 NOACK Volatility, % weight loss (g/100g) (ASTM D5800/CEC L-40-A-93 ): Castrol = 4.8% AMSOIL=4.2% (not a direct comparison as Castrol did not use the same ASTM standard than AMSOIL). So, which one between the Power1 and AMSOIL 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil has the best characteristics? The Castrol has the highest viscosity results under D445 at the reported temperatures. The AMSOIL has a better viscosity index. higher number is better, but does not tell all. The Castrol has a greater flash point. Go figure....

Stop #8 to #14 of 50: The Frio Canyon run; étapes 10, 13, 14, 21, 23, 40, 50. Summary: 717 miles (1154 km) run. Starting on Friday 15th, 7:30, back on Saturday 16th, 16:00. Highlights: Getting acquainted with what the Moto Guzzi can do Understanding the limits (mainly mine) Riding in different weather conditions The pro's and con's of minimalism packing Meeting people Lowlights: Not enough time to really enjoy the tour stops The Frio Canyon better known as the "Three Twisted Sisters": These so-called sisters are Ranch Road 335, 336, 337. While my objective was to add some stops to the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas, checking the sisters was also on my list. I only got to ride on one, 337. But the experience was incredible. More on that later. I set out early on Friday. I had planned that trip to begin on Thursday, but we had a full day of storm in H'town, and I did not want to ride under adverse conditions. I made my first stop at Gonzales Texas; Tour Stop #50 I then proceeded to my second stop, Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop at Leakey, Tx. Approaching Concan Tx, I got surprised by an unexpected torrential rains thunderstorm. I was on 83, in the open, and I could do nothing but keep riding. Fortunately, I was behind a truck, and I only had to follow its lights from a safe distance. The rain was so strong that I had zero visibility, and I got soaked wet in no time. In Concan, I stopped at a gas station to let the rain pass. I was literally dripping water. All my clothing was water logged. The Guzzi did not mind at all the ride in the storm. I finally made it to my destination, the Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop on Ranch Road 337. Tour Stop #23 During summer days, this spot is extremely popular. However, I found the place completely deserted, if excepted for some locals. The Bent Rim Grill has tables outside and a very peaceful view. The River Hills cabin where just right above the Motorcycle stop. As you saw on the time lapse, there was a lot of wind that Saturday morning, and the temperature had dropped from close to 80F (27+) to 50F (10+). The cold air was unpleasant filtering through the forearm aeration of my Marsee jacket. But riding at sunrise was so beautiful that it did not matter long. The 337 was very narrow, and there aren't any way to stop to take pictures. There were also plenty of bicycle riders, and you need to factor that in. Then I went on to make the required stops on my way back home: Tour Stop #10 YO Ranch Hotel Kerrville Tour Stop #40 Kerrville National Cemetery Tour Stop #13 Javelina Harley Davidson Boerne; Tour Stop #14 Alamo BMW Boerne Tour Stop #21 Gruene Harley Davidson Gruene Conclusion and lesson learned: There was a lot of wind for the ride back home. It became very painful for the neck. Possibly because I lack the muscle mass. I could alleviate the problem by riding leaning on the tank, with the helmet right behind the fairing. My rear end was sore, but the worse problem I had was the thighs for some strange reason. I do not know why. Harley Davidson Javelina and Gruene were full of people gathering for a Saturday. This was quite incredible!!! Food truck, Music... In comparison, the BMW dealer was completely deserted. I am going back to Leakey, this is certain. And this time, I will stay long enough to ride the three twisted sisters multiple times, each direction.

It seems that I am going to have to go with the Becker Technik Central lifter. I have about rounded all the options, including Harris Performance which specializes in such equipment but told me they have never tried any of their paddock stands on a V11 Le Mans. Can you explain why you need to remove the shift lever? would it make any difference if I ordered long reach 18mm sockets? such as these ones https://www.facom.eu/fr-fr/generaltooling/productdetails/hierarchy/7200/catno/S.18LA

@docc Interestingly, I got a reply from DigiKey Canada to my query to DigiKey in Belgium. I asked the question in French to DigiKey Belgium and DigiKey Canada replied in French. I had asked the same question I did to CIT Relay and Switch; -what would they recommend as a replacement for the "Crème de la Crème" G8HE? They could not come up with anything fit for purpose.

I have received my OMRON G8HEs yesterday Oct 12, 2021. Kudos to the eBay seller, the packaging was outstanding and the Relays appear to be new. He has three more left, if anybody is interested; here's the link: 10.89 per relay, and 4.90 USD for the shipping.

I have answered that we are in the testing phase; Should we try to put in a bulk order? Who would be interested to replace their 5 original Relay with those?

@docc OnlineComponents have them on back-order too. 1000 expected on 12/13/2021. 26 weeks factory lead time. https://www.onlinecomponents.com/en/cit-relay-and-switch/a11csq12vdc15r-51176058.html

@docc My 5 OMRON are on the way for about $46. What's funny, is when I searched for relays here in the USA, I draw a blank. When I searched in EUROPE, using QWANT, I got that hit on the CIT through DigiKey. Alan Romero has kindly proposed to quote; let me see if he wants to send me a free sample. But if the CIT works for our application, at least we have a replacement for the defunct OMRON.

I found these relay while searching in Europe; Here's the pricing from a Belgium based company named DigiKEY; https://www.digikey.be/products/fr?keywords=A11CSQ12VDC1.5R As you can see, it is quite cheap. 1.66 EUR for one, 1.55 EUR for 10 and so on. Our good friend at CIT Relay and Switch has offered to quote. Should we make a collegial order, to be stocked for those who need them? I could ask him to send a sample, so we can give it a trial by fire. Once confirmed, we purchase a quantity that someone with space can stock?

Here's the reply from CIT relay and switch;

@doc; It does not make sense to me that the relays could not have a continuous carry load. It is not specified in the CIT A6 data sheet, but I expect it is the case. I sent an email to the company in Belgium, with the OMRON G8HE data sheet attached. Let's see if they answer.

Only the #1 relay has three prongs.(pins) #2,3,4,5 have two prongs.(pins)

@docc I found this relay from a company Belgium based; CIT, 30A SPDT; Here's the data sheet. While it is not 35A NO, 30A, it probably works. It costs only 1.92 EUR; look at the sizes it would fit the relay box of the Guzzi.

The norm to look for is "ISO 280". I found more OMRON relays in Europe, unfortunately, all with a zero stock. And in any case, those relays were all G8V There are two SPDT types: 10A and 20A. Those are good for accessories, and NOT for engine starter. Therefore, we can keep the G8HE for position 1 exclusively. I think we can use the G8V in position 2,3,4,5.

Exactly, not only the relay needs to fit the bill, but it also needs to fit the ISO socket. G8HE Rev A High-Current Micro ISO Automotive Relay G8HE • Available in both SPST and SPDT versions • Miniaturized package (reduced outer length and width) • Designed to meet all standard Mini ISO load requirements • L x W x H = 22.7 x 15.2 x 26.6 mm nominal • ISO footprint with 280-size coil terminals for insertion error-proofing with standard Micro ISO product • Fully automated assembly

I wonder if we should save these data sheets. They may eventually go away. Although the OMRON G8HE seem to be harder to find too. The data sheet will become a moot point. Thinking of it, it is scary though that without a working relay, you would be unable to start your engine, making the bike similar to the flower pot you have in your living room. Initially, this was a 4 dollars component, that can immobilize a bike any time it chooses to quit on you. I will check with MPH, if they know of any other equivalent component that would fit the job.

As discussed above in the email chain, the college decided the R1 was a different surge suppressor than the R. This is what the R stands for according to OMRON's data sheet. It is even possible, and I am going out on a limb here, given that it is a surge suppressor, the R1 maybe that larger blade for better conductivity while everything else remains the same. Again, if you read the feed-back about the R1, it is said the larger blade fits the socket anyway.

Follow the link proposed by @paulnaz earlier on in the chain. This links to an eBay listing. They are identical to the ones I purchased from a different eBay seller. Not that I did not consider @paulnaz listing, but the one I chose were relatively cheaper. That's all. I will install those on my V11 Le Mans 2004 whenever they show up.

I have ordered five from a seller who promised his R1s were OMRON original. Once they get to me, I will take pictures and post them here.

Got the cancel email this morning! "Todaycomponents.com" should rename themselves "Yesterdaycomponents.com" lol.... Their website was not updated to reflect the zero stock. I am going to go with the "R1" which I found on eBay.

Correct! All the five relays currently installed are made in Portugal from Tyco. The starter motor relay is the only one with that "A403" spec. The others have "A103" or A203". Incidentally, I got two replies from two different sellers of "R1" OMRON G8HE; they don't know the difference. One stated that OMRON no longer manufactures either. I purchased 10; I will replace my current 5, and will have 5 spare. We can expect those to eventually go out of stock for good. We should maybe try to find a replacement that is still being manufactured today. Although the number of V11 Guzzi owners will decrease as we slowly vanish from earth. It appears the future will only be electric....

Thanks for confirming. OMRON did specify ISO norms for the socket, as we can expect Moto Guzzi to have followed those rather than SAE. However, I have not yet confirmed the relay is the culprit. By the way, I have checked all the 5 relays, and only the 1st one from the left has three prongs. The others only have two. Which identify it as the starter motor relay. Also, the other relays have different labels, although all of them come from that same company in Portugal. Tyco. Tyco still exists: here's the company's business information: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.tyco_electronics_-_componentes_electromecânicos_lda.f29e2be2ec2a21e03d9274c17c7f7af1.html

Look at the data sheet from Omron: "R" stands for "Surge Suppressor". It is a built in resistor which is described at the line: coil rating: surge suppressor resistance.1/2 watt 680 ohms. I bet they updated the surge suppressor specs at some point and it became R1. @Pressureangle confirmed he installed an R1 on his bike with no trouble. When I did my search (I am not using Google by the way), the OMRON G8HE-1CT7T-R1-DC12 popped all the time. It seems it is easier to find, and may confirm it is a later spec. And before you ask: This is an SPDT relay type that stands for Single Pole Double Throw. IN the G8HE line there is also another type named SPST for Single Pole Single Throw.

I found a company that had them in stock, same part, so I purchased them. https://www.todaycomponents.com/relay/omron-g8he-1c7t-r-dc12-relay.html

I found a company who still has them: OMRON G8HE-1CT7T-R-DC12 Here's the link. The G8HE- 1CT7T is top of the list. I bought 10.