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@po18guy I am going to check them out. But a lot of those seem to specialize on cars more than motorcycles. There should not be any difference right? However when I tried to get my bar end weight powder coated, I did not find a lot of enthusiasm to help, and the one company that sort of said they could do it, just gave me a super expensive quote for a 1 minute paint job. I will try again HPC;

I found this company in Burlington, North Carolina: JetHot Look what they did....

I was looking at what services the Netherlands based TLM offers, and I found they do Ceramic Exhaust Coating. Anybody knows a US based company offering that same service for motorbikes? those that I found in Houston specializes on cars.... My Le Mans is equipped with a beautifully chromed StayInTune exhaust, but the headers and by-pass look different, unfinished. Do you think a black coating would improve the look? Don't get me wrong, I like the way they look now. Kind of showing they have been around. But when I look at the result of the black ceramic coating shown on the TLM page, I think it would match the engine color pretty well; No?

During my pre-ride visual inspection, I found this seal that looks like something that could have fallen from the injection air intake. This was hanging on the left hand side of the bike. Anybody has seen one of those and could help me identify its origin? I rode the bike after finding it, and did not observe any change in the behavior.

When it comes to ladies who have done something exceptional, the reference I always go to is Anne-France Dautheville, who did the Orion Raid from Paris to Iran on her Moto Guzzi. I read her book published in 1973. Doing a raid that offers (limited) assistance is something to be praised. She pushed the envelope continuing by herself in Afghanistan. That part of the book is really interesting. She later did the first ever woman solo ride around the world, but on a Kawasaki 125 this time. As far as I know, her books are not translated into English and out of print.

If you thought "Adventure" bikes were not the next thing, according to Moto.it, the Pan America was the most purchased model in the USA (May to August this year); right in front of the R1250GS from BMW... A logical explanation why the next Guzzi will compete in that category. Since the concept was created by what? 500XT? the Adventure type has been doing pretty well.

@VtwinStorm There is something you need to factor in too.... Today we had one of those tropical storm in my area. Something like I only saw in Africa during the rainy season. You can't ride because the streets flood. And this is what happens here too. Prior to recently, I never was concerned about riding under the rain. But what we experience now is not any more suitable for motoring safely. I hope these weather systems are going to remain exceptional. I had something planed for Labor Day with Guzzi, but not in a storm where visibility requires an auto-pilot.

Your last name is from Italian origin... Let us know if you end up purchasing it...

Stunning....

Riding in UK is a lot safer though. Or this is how I remember it when I drove there.

Purchased. Thanks. I did not get it for the Guzzi brand, but she attempts to explain why we enjoy riding motorcycles, and the effect it has on us. I know what it does to me, but I don't know why it did it, and why only a few of us get the virus. A lot of the people I know here, don't think I am sane. Riding a motorbike at this time of my life, and especially in this "difficult" environment. So let us see if she is able to explain to me why.

People are telling me I should live my present instead of looking in the rear view mirror and being nostalgic. I am guessing you will have you moments too, later, remembering when bikes were not electric...

If I was to ride a bike that fitted me well, I would not be here. I ride a Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans because this is the one I wanted, not the one I settled for. When I think of riding motorcyles, I think of special people, passion, devotion, affinity. Such as those who become Doctors because they want to do Doctors without borders type of life.

I found the hard way how heavy my Le Mans really is after dropping it and being unable to put it upright by myself. The seat height is a big factor, and not only for ladies.

I get that and I think I know why ladies usually stay off "bois" forums.

I am a lonesome rider too. I used to ride with a few friends, always the same, following the races around Europe in the 70's. We rode safely.

I would be interested to know why she picked Guzzi? it is kind of an obscure brand outside of those who are really interested. Not that anybody can be affiliated with anything, matter of personal choice obviously. But if you say candidly you ride an Italian motorcycle, people will think Ducati. But was she a motorcycle enthusiast before, or did that happen with you? There were a few track racer ladies. Including a Spanish that used to do Moto2 María Herrera, and here in the USA I only know of Elena Myers;

I am not a professional, but I always liked photography. It started a long time ago, so I did photo with a film camera and moved with the technology. I so far refused to use a phone, because I feel it denatures the purpose. Photography has now become a thoughtless process. I don't do selfies either. TS-E lenses are fascinating, and they can be used for anything as a standard prime one. There are a few domains where they excel at; you understood it correctly! if you look at the 6th photo from the top in my thread, you can tell I used this principle to have only the front row in focus. It is very useful in architecture too, as you get the perspective right. There also is the miniaturization effect, and the ability to shoot from the side and make it look like it is straight. Like shooting yourself in front of mirror, but with the camera invisible: The major draw back of these, they are bloody expensive (obviously), and manual focus only. But once you start using them, you are usually hooked up. I have two of the older ones. The 24mm and the 90mm. When I get around it, I will make some Le Mans Tilt and Shift examples. I also like Candid photography, the Robert Doisneau style. In today's world, people no longer want you to take pictures of them. However this Japanese lady was kind enough to let me. This was in Grom, NYC.

Over the years, including ten spent in Italy, I found out you only get respected when you are on a V11...

Awright! I think we have to create a specific topic for those of us who are into photography. I am into "Product Photography", and I love TS-E lenses. I use them everywhere I can.

Finally, the ladies are going to take notice of you....

Worth a shot.... I am curious. My experience of ladies on two wheels is limited to Europe; and even then, the girls on motorbikes were never legions. I have met a few riders here at a specialists in the heights in Houston. None on Moto Guzzi though. Most of the others I have discussed with, are passengers because their companion is riding a bike. So, not by choice. In July I was in Yellowstone and I met two (older) couples on Goldwings. Ladies piggyback only. During my training here in Houston, we had one single lady with the rest of us. Only getting her license for professional purpose. Checking with the school, ladies interested in getting their motorbike's license are not frequent. Just a handful. How is it in other states, your country? are there many (motorbike's riding) females joining your outings?

Welcome to the club! although I have not been a member for a long time. You will not be disappointed!

Look at this one... https://www.moto.it/moto-usate/moto-guzzi/v11/v11-le-mans-2001-06/8442609 The listing says: The bike, as you can see in the pics is perfect. Almost like new. It has not been ridden for a few years now, always garaged and kept in maniacal conditions. It needs a restart maintenance which has been estimated to 500/800 EUR by the dealer, which can be discounted from purchase price. 23,000 kilometers... 2003....

But if you try sometime, you find you get what you need....