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This year, I am going to blog it differently; rather than piecemeal following post additions, I will update the first post (if possible; I remember there is a limit to the number of photos one post can contain) as I complete the tour stops. Everything will be in a single post, at the front of the thread. Easier to follow. Here's the map for 2023 50 stops( not formatted for phone view): this year, there are three additional "Alternative stops" that can be substituted for any of the 50 contractual ones. Once I have made a stop, I change the color from red to green. I should report distance and gas mileage. The purple colored stops are those which I will replace with alternates. 22/23/24-Sep-2023 update: Panhandle/Marfa loop (North and West) 1753 miles (2821 km) - about 27 hours of riding time; Ten stops; total 50 stops including 3 Alternates, out of 50 Highlights: -Longest ride so far, with a single day ride of 579 miles (932 km) via US-90. -The 5:00 AM Mclean to Seagraves trip down the US-70/256 through the Caprocks Canyons -The Kent to McDonald Observatory 118 road; better than the Twisted Sisters -The US-90 scenic route back from Marfa instead of the typical I-10 -The I-20 and its 80 mph posted speed, the highest legal speed in the USA! I did take the opportunity to remove the carbon deposits from the V11. -No more fuel injection issues; I do not have any explanation other than fixing the left cylinder boot that had come out of the admission pipe. If this was it, then was a leak since I got the bike. Lowlights: -Difficult to find air at gas stations. It used to be a staple of what you could expect and now missing or not working at almost every gas station I fueled. When I departed from Mclean at 5:00 AM, the temperature was below 70 degF. With such temperature variations in Texas, it is important to be able to check tire pressure. -Drivers not switching to low beams when crossing you; driving down to Seagraves from Mclean, it was still night and most of the vehicles I crossed did not bother switching to low beams. It is especially hard with trucks with several additional lights. No nice! -In Pecos, I lost idle briefly. I think it had to do with the extremely high temperature +100 degF, combined with multiple engine starts in a short span of time (I was relocating the bike). Apart from that, the Le Mans was perfect. -I thought the temperatures would be in the 80's, but no. Most of the trip was well into the 90's or better, excepted for the early Mclean start in the panhandle. -I wanted to take a picture of the Le Mans under the starry skies of Marfa, but it was raining that night... better luck next time. -The wind! from Midland to Kent, on the I-20 SW, I had a head wind which was making the fairing waddle left to right continuously. Remember the posted speed is 80 mph on the I-20. Rear view mirrors shaking with the fairing; useless! -Fuel consumption; I rode this trip as I did all the others before. Yet, I averaged considerably less mpg. I suppose this may be related to having an improved fuel injection, but I have no rationale for it. In Pecos, there was a ribbon of plastic flying that got caught on my left turn indicator, and overheating on my exhaust pipe. It melted on the pipe and left a black streak which is very hard to get rid off. Fuel Management: 51.838 US gallons total for the trip. I noticed that it is only 1309 miles according to my odometer. Its a considerable difference with the theoretical distance from the google itinerary of 1753 miles.... Another noticeable difference this time around, is my MPG. On the way to Shamrock (Route 66), my fuel efficiency was lower than expected by a lot! I do not have an explanation for it. Also, the 3000 rpm Fuel Injection issue has vanished since I fixed the boot on the left hand side of the admission pipe. The V11 works without any fuel problem. Strange. Riding Gear & Miscellaneous I thought the temperatures will be in the 80's and I was completely wrong. It was still very hot, especially coming down from Mclean once the sun started to rise, all the way to Marfa. Nevertheless, I only wore my Bowtex Elite Shirt, and the SIXS undergarment which I have well documented on this forum. As stated in the summary, I departed from Mclean at 5:00 am, and I would have liked to check my tire pressures, but could not. This used to be a staple of what gas stations proposed. I do not understand why it is not available everywhere. Only Costco seems to have it available. Stop #36 This was my first stop after 8 hours out... this is the old bank vault with the jail right behind it... I should have explored more, but I was trying to get some rest, and the sun was pounding me at 1:00 pm! Stop #22: The depot was built in 1909 and is a typical example of the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It was used as a passenger station and offices for the main line of the Quanah Acme and Pacific Railroad. Today it is a Museum full of memories from those days when railway was a main mean of transportation. Stop #7: This stop needs no introduction, since Route 66 is very well known; lots of tourists in the U Drop INN historical cafe, and a Tesla charging port right behind the complex. I bumped into foreigners following the Route 66, by car though... I would have waited for the night neon, but it was only 4 pm when I arrived, and the U Drop Inn closed at 5, so I would have had nowhere to wait. Elvis allegedly sat in a booth in this Inn, he was staying at an hotel nearby in between performances. Stop #5: The "Devil's Rope" Museum, a.k.a. barbed wire. For those of you interested in history, the barbed wire as we know it was patented by American Joseph Glidden in November 1874. It was an amelioration of the invention of the French Louis Janin in 1865 himself having taken the idea from another Frenchman, Léonce Eugène Grassin-Balédans in 1860. Barbed comes from the French "Barbel", hence the French name of barbed wire: barbelé. The great contribution from Joseph Glidden was a fast way to deploy it, using reels. The Museum contains all kind and variety of barbed wires, including those not so nice used during the first and second World Wars. Overnight at the Cactus Inn, Mclean TX A unassuming hotel, clean and owned by an elderly couple. I found that some families are living in this hotel on a permanent basis. Like the driver of that truck parked upfront. When you ride early in the morning, using the back roads, you are practically alone and able to absorb so much of the beauty surrounding you. I had a schedule to keep, unfortunately, but needless to say that I could have taken countless gorgeous photos. Texas is full of wind turbines! when it is dark, they have these red blinkers on, and if there is no visible moon, it looks eerie to see those lights above ground, but nothing else.... Stop #45, Hotel Texan Seagraves; I stayed there last year, but they had no vacancy this time around. For a good reason, when I arrived there, they were preparing for the annual town festival. Some of the people setting up nearby invited me to stay, and I wished i could have had. But the road to Marfa was still long. Stop # 24 Permian Basin Museum, Midland TX; What Texas is all about, or used to be all about maybe? oil and gas. I did not have time to visit the Museum, but I will one day. It contains a lot of the historical technology that started it all. Midland is a bustling city with a lot of jobs looking for willing people. Stop #12, Odessa TX; Fortunately, only a few miles away from Midland. I was told a lot of the oil and gas workers live in Odessa since Midland is now so expensive. Stop #14, West of the Pecos Museum, Pecos TX. I will not keep a good souvenir of Pecos. The town was a gigantic traffic jam, mostly due to 18 wheeler going in or out. This is also where a long plastic ribbon got caught on my left turn indicator, and melted on my exhaust pipe. It is very difficult to remove now. As mentioned in the recap at the beginning of this report, the 118 road from Kent to Fort Davis is a motorcycle rider's paradise. Twist and turns, up and downs. The catch is there aren't many vehicles on this road, and there isn't any connectivity either. Don't overdo it because there are plenty of places with sharp drops, and you are mostly on your own. Probably a good reason to never ride alone? you can see the McDonald Observatory further up, and the cloudy skies was a good indication that I would not catch any stars that night. Stop #28, McDonald Observatory TX; The ride to there was unbelievable fantastic, and more was awaiting from there to Fort Davies. I left that site at 4:30 pm, to head to my last stop of this 2023 tour: Marfa. Stop #34, Marfa lights viewing area, Marfa Texas. It is going to rain soon, I took the pictures for the tour, and decided to go to the hotel and come back at night. The sun was trying hard to go through the clouds at this moment. On the way back to Houston from Marfa, I chose to go through the US-90 instead of the I-10. The US-90 should be considered a scenic road as it is really crossing some beautiful landscape. Here's a photo of the bridge crossing the Pecos. That's all folks! 2023 Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas is complete... 22/23-Jul-2023 update: Dallas/Abilene loop (North and West) 1050 miles (1690 km) - about 17 hours of riding time; Eleven stops; total 40 stops including 3 Alternates, out of 50 Highlights: I did it! I rode in the currently challenging extreme temperatures of Texas. Met many interesting characters along the way, a lot of kindness and courtesy extended by strangers. I mean people stopping to ask if I was ok. Definitively, there is still some good in this world. Lots of compliments directed at the Guzzi, even if people have difficulty to differentiate a BMW from a Guzzi. Not a single issue with the V11 even in 116 deg F (46.6 deg C) which is the maximum temperature recorded on the Formotion thermometer between Albany and Abilene. That being said, the engine missing at low revs was exacerbated. Lowlights: From early morning until about 09:30, temperatures were bearable. Afternoons temperatures made the ride strenuous at times. I will expend about weather conditions below. The Formotion Thermometer sheared from its support during the trip. This is the second time. I had installed it on a rubber boss for this trip, but that did not suffice to impede its loss. Unfortunately, because I am doing the stops marathon style, my timing does not always coincide with the business hours of the places. Fuel Management: As reported here, I had to refill the tank with 87 Octanes fuel since nothing else was available. This was the 200 miles / 48.0 mpg entry. I was outside Abilene and the reserve light came on. Although I could not feel any difference, I stopped at each successive gas station to mix higher octane fuel. This is why I have three entries with lower mileage in between refills. The 48.0 mpg/200 miles and 35.0 mpg/60 miles are most likely not accurate because I did not fully refill the tank with 87 Octanes, but I did for the successive refuel. Also, the "Alon" Gas stations mostly found in rural Texas only propose 90 Octanes premium. In any case, I am confident my Le Mans does about 45 mpg average on highways, and 35 average in the city. Riding Gear & Miscellaneous I did the trip using the Bowtex Elite Shirt, and the SIXS shirts and padded shorts. In these extreme temperatures complicated by humidity, nothing is going to spare you the heat. The Bowtex offers some minimal protection against abrasion and hard falls, and SIXS gear is really the best I have found for this kind of weather. The Shirts are lighter than sports shirts, and the padded boxer shorts really help to alleviate the backside pain on long rides. Prior to my trip I ordered and received a top cover for the Guzzi, from "More Shade" at ETSY's marketplace. I am glad I did, because not everywhere was I able to park my bike in the shade. Not so much to avoid having a "hot seat" but rather to spare the tank from the UVs. I wore the Quies Earplug designed for Motorcyclist; they are more comfortable than the Alpine. The rings are smaller which combines with larger extraction tab, make them easier to extract. Unfortunately, with this kind of temperatures, it was unbearable to have ear plugs. I took them off at the first gas stop. More testing is required. Hearing Aids and Riding Care to Share your experience? HEAT! It was really hot! The first few hours from 05:00 until 9:30 were fine. Especially outside of Houston on the I-45 to Dallas. From 09:30 onward, riding became unpleasant at times. Opening your visor would equate to opening an oven door and getting a whiff of potentially burning air. The Formotion temperature were taken during stops, and with the gauge in the shade. During my ride from Albany to Abilene, on the highway, the thermometer read 115 degF, with the thermometer protected from the wind and direct sunlight. Suffocating! I also noted that while traveling you could feel temperature differences; probably due to changes in humidity. For those of us who have been in a sauna, it is the same feeling as when you pour water on the stones. The temperature is the same, but the heat index quickly increases. I did not carry any water, and did not drink between gas stops. But that's me. I have worked in deserts before, and I think I am resilient to heat. In any case, there are numerous stops offering fresh water along the way. Now, I admit that if I had had a break down, I may have regretted to not carry water with me. I simply have no room. I have seen very few motorcyclists during this trip. The majority of them were in San Angelo, on a Sunday morning for church. No helmet, T-shirts only. I bumped into another Texas Grand Tourer at the Vintage Cars Museum in Weatherford. It was his last stop, and he told me he had done the rest in May. Stop# 6 Moto Liberty Addison (near Dallas): They are a tour sponsor, returning each year. Stop# 37 Rider's Biker Supply Lewisville (Near Dallas) Sponsor, returning each year. Stop#15 Decatur: I did not understand the meaning of that mural. Stop# A3 Jacksboro (this is an alternate stop): This is the chamber of commerce of Jacksboro; unfortunately closed. This was the third alternate stop. Stop# 30 Vintage Cars Museum Weatherford: The museum was open when I got there. I looked at these cars with nostalgia, trying to imagine how it was to navigate the cities with them. I actually had the opportunity to ride in a Cadillac DeVille in the 80's, while in New-York. This was an incredible challenge to park. There's also that Suzuki 250, which seems to be at the wrong place. But it looked pretty nice! Stop# 9 Mobley Hotel (1st ever Hilton Hotel) Cisco Conrad Hilton was in Cisco to purchase a bank. Instead, he purchased this hôtel which was making good revenue by renting the same rooms to multiple individuals. This was called "hot bedding". There were some oil workers, working 8 hour shifts, and not enough hotel rooms. The lack of Hotel rooms got Hilton interested. The rest of the story is that we now have Hilton hotels all over the world. The hotel was restored by the Hilton group recently, and you can visit it. But I could not since I arrived before visits started. Stop# 44 Sinclair Gas Station Albany There are plenty of these former gas stations, restored by the cities. Memorial to the older days. Stop# 39 Fort Phantom Hill near Abilene Interesting story, but I did not find any rattle snakes. Probably too hot even for them! Stop# 48 Harbord Kourt Hotel Coleman Coleman was my overnight stop for this trip. I could not get one of the 5 rooms they typically rent unfortunately. Sold out; third year in a row. I had dinner at a local Texas dinner, and was the only one without a cowboy hat... I felt odd. I am still finishing my digestion since the amount of food they give you could probably nourish an entire school for several days! and all that for a few dollars less, not more! Stop# 31 Railway Museum San Angelo I got in San Angelo around 09:30, and the city was bustling with people going to church, including a lot of Harley Riders with their better halves in tow. Again, the museum was opening at 13:00, so I had to continue to my next stop. Stop# 26 Mural in Eden This was my last stop for that trip. The return to Houston was just as hot as the rest That's all for this trip! see you on the next one... 26-May-2023 update: Frio Canyon loop (South West) 620 miles (998km)-10hours 25 minutes ride Five stops; total 29 stops out of 50 Highlights: Did the FM 337 (one of the three twisted sisters) from Medina to Leakey, coming from Bandera's Flying L Ranch. Last year, in 2022, at the same stop the V11 would not start again, forcing me to abort and go back home. At the Texas Motorcycle Museum, I could see a Moto Guzzi Daytona RS up close and personal for the first time!!! the bike is stunning! Lowlights: I installed a bracket to hold a camera so I could record the 337 run on video. Unfortunately, this is a camera equipped with gimbals, and the actuating motors are not strong enough to withstand the wind. I did some trials before the trip, with the camera perfectly behind the screen. But I changed the placement and found out the hard way that if exposed to the wind, the gimbals lock and the camera stops recording. I realized my mistake, and made a second attempt, keeping the bike beneath 40 mph. I will check the footage and post it if interesting. At the Frio Canyon Motorcycle stop, as I was backing up the Le Mans to park, my foot slipped on gravel; I nearly dropped it. Fuel details for the trip: I started on May 26th at 06:00; tank top off on May 31st after running errands. Something to take into consideration: the more refuels with less mileage in between, the greater the possible error. The three main refuels during the trip are all around 47 mpg and almost exclusively without any traffic. In the city, the mileage is around 40 mpg. Stop #32, Alamo BMW in San Antonio Stop #10, Flying L Ranch in Bandera Stop #23, Frio Canyon Motorcycle Stop near Leakey. See the gravel on the ground? hazard when backing up the bike on the incline.... Stop #21, C-47 Aircraft, Gillespie county airport near Fredericksburg Stop #29, The Texas Motorcycle Museum, Johnston City 01-May-2023 update: North East Texas 644 miles (1036km)-10hours 36 minutes ride six stops; total 24 stops out of 50 Highlights: In Corsicana, a driver stopped to talk to me while I was taking the Clint Eastwood Mural picture. He saw the bike, and told me he had a V7 Sport Guzzi when they came out in the 70's. In Gladewater, a young rider and his girlfriend came to chat about the Moto Guzzi brand which there weren't aware existed. In Jefferson, met a retired Policeman who did active duty on Moto Guzzi 750 and later 1000. he shared some photos of him while on duty riding those bikes. He was quite emotional telling me that since he retired, this was the first time he saw a Guzzi. Lowlights: Because of road flooding, I could not take the quickest itinerary between Jefferson, my last stop, and Houston. I had to take the 59 to Center, then the 96 to Jasper, the 190 to Jefferson, and resume my planned road. From 619 miles it became 644. This Eastern part of Texas has lots of forests, single lane roads, lots of lakes, nice to ride however.... On the 190, a truck towing a boat on a trailer turned left in front of me. I do not know if he saw me, but I had to brake in emergency to avoid hitting the trailer. The speed limit is 75 mph on these roads, and the guy turned left all of a sudden. No turn indicator. This was a close call. If I had not been pressed by time, I would have chased him to make him aware that he had cut in front of me. Fuel Details for this trip; Notice the differences in gas prices with Houston and the rest of the towns I visited... my fuel mileage is pretty good on the Le Mans. One detail, I tuck myself behind the windscreen on highway rides. It probably helps a lot. Stop#11 Clint Eastwood Mural in Corsicana Stop#1 Transformer Statue in Terrel Stop#17 Derrick in Gladewater Stop#18 Gladewater Museum Gladewater Stop#16 Old Fire Truck Gladewater Stop#46 Jay Gould Railroad Car Jefferson Trip done on Monday 24th, April 2023; page updated on Thursday 27th, April 2023. Count: 18/50 Texas Side Cars loop; 5 stops; 1 alternate. Itinerary: 539 miles (based on Google Maps; Total riding time 09:00 hours (estimated). Fuel details for this trip: Stop #4: Donnie. Stop #49: Old Fort Parker Grœsbeck. Stop #19: Gulf Gas Station Waco. Stop #42 Humble Gas Station Lampasas. Stop #40 Hill Country Motorhead Museum Burnet. Stop ALT-2 Henrietta the Hippo Hutto. Trip done on Monday 20th, March 2023; page updated on Tuesday 21st, March 2023. Gulf Loop: around 400 miles total. 40 to 50 degrees F: Fuel details for this trip: Stop #33 former Kingsbury post-office: Stop 38 Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum: Stop #20 Edna Movie Theater: Stop 43 Hotel Blessing: I was warned beforehand! one of the best buffet for homemade real food... they only accept cash unfortunately. Stop #ALT1 Pete the Mule (in lieu of Stop #50 Lonestar Rider who is doing a 48 States ride): Stop #02 Buddy Holly Center: Stop #03 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum: Stop #41 Historic Comanche Depot: Stop #8 History of Coryell County Mural: INITIAL Mileage before starting the 2023 tour; Stop #27: Navasota Classic Rock Coffee Co. & Kitchen: Lady #683: I did the same mistake parking with the front end first here. This is an incline and with a heavy bike, you cannot get out anymore. Fortunately, the car parked on her left hand side moved. Stop #25: Houston Red Roof Hotel: Red Roof is a sponsor of the tour; Stop #47 Galveston Naval Museum: Approximate calculated mileage Stops 27, 25, 47: 281.3

Absolutely. They did have some measurable metrics that were quantifiable. But even those can be subjective. Such as the lap times. Those are good metrics, however the test pilot will not drive the bike exactly the same way for each lap. For example, if we assume the testing was done in the order published in the report, he started with the Michelin. We don't know if he did some free practice laps before he started the test. Would it make sense to say that as he accrued laps, he felt more comfortable and could go faster? All the impressions on corner entering, cornering, corner exiting are based on his own appreciation. But he supposedly uses the same for each tire. While there is no accurate methodology, I would think he followed the same procedure and process for each set of tires.

In several reviews I read about the Battlax, this was the main complaint. They wear out extremely fast. I am going to check the mileage I did on my 2022 set, which still had a lot of thread left before I got that puncture.

If I was suspicious, and I am not , why would Bridgestone order a third party evaluation between their main competitors? UTAC does not specify how/who provided the tires. Did Bridgestones supply the tires to UTAC? shall we trust that Bridgestones picked random tires for every brand? I am surprised at the somewhat subdued performance of the Road 5 CT2 in the rain when Michelin has two patents on the new sculpting and design of the Road series for just that.... Obviously, the data of the test seems to indicate they are not as effective than the Battlax. But my experience in heavy rains and poodles and water does not match what the tester seem to allude to: hydroplaning? I think I am going to send an email to Bruno Destoop. Also, no matter how hard I pull on the lever, the ABS never engages on my V11!!!

I rode (stock relays) in monsoon, heavy rain weather systems we seem to have more an more in Texas, and never once noticed an issue. I thought, and I may be wrong, the relays are pretty well protected from water underneath the seat?

After a quick read, some (slow) reflection, it seems the Battlax T32 Sport Touring aced it over almost all the other brands save for the Dunlop Roadsmart 3. One parameter the test lacks, is longevity and autonomy. How do those tires retain the rated efficiency over time? I am on my second set of Michelin Road 5 2CT, and I rode the whole of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas 2022 on them. I wanted to check the Road 6 this year, but for lack of availability, I had to settle again for the Road 5. When I read the specific report on the Michelin Road 5, I find some elements I concur with, others I don't have that experience of the lack of progressiveness in cornering. When I did the twisted sisters last year, which are a mix of tights and more opened corners, I did not have to fight to lean the bike. It also may come from how I approach curves. I tend to use the rear brake; I believe the tester did not. I am going to have to check the Battlax T32 at some point... after I check the Michelin Road 6. It is interesting how some of the rider's reviews for those tested tires do not reflect the data presented in this UTAC report. I also noted the author of the report uses the word "subjective" several times.

Thanks for bringing up this topic; UTAC used to based in Monthlery France, where I happened to do my High School. UTAC stands for Union Technique de l'Automobile et du Cycle. Monthlery has a racing track where Grand-Prix F1 and Motorcycle took place when I was a kid. While in Monthlery, we used to go to the track to watch cars while they were being tested, and spoke with the UTAC technicians. UTAC has grown and has an international footprint today. However, the headquarters are still based at the Monthlery racing track like they were in the 60's when I was there. The track is no longer certified for racing, but it is used for numerous events of all kinds for cars and motorcycles. UTAC is the company you would use to do all your testing including certification. They can be trusted for impartiality, even if the test was paid for by Bridgestone; UTAC is a private for profit company. Glossary: the report mentions "on the ring"; the "RING" is an oval with banked curves. The Monthlery circuit is not where they did the test in the report. The test was conducted at Bridgestone Italian tracks. As you can see in this very old diagram made by UTAC (look at the telephone numbers with only two and three digits), initially the track was long; 7.765 miles when you include what is described as "boucles des Biscornes (Biscornes Loop). Look at the two videos herewith: the one on motorbike is done on the Biscornes Loop. The second video is shot on the oval. As pointed out in the second video, during tests, they run the oval counterclockwise. For races, clockwise, and they omit the Biscornes loop. They take the short cut turn at "The two bridges". I have driven on the Biscornes loop, not with a motorcycle though. The track is very representative of all you find on road. The oval is also very bumpy, because with time, it has degraded. This is the reason why they have added so many chicanes to prevent drivers to go too fast.

True! you have no idea how many there are, some bitter or sweet, including non alcoholic ones, some made of improbable ingredients. One of them being Cynar...made from Artichokes! I drank my Crodino every day on rigs while in Italy. And of course, I discovered Amaro Averna in Sicily; but there are so many different of those. I think everyone knows Fernet-Branca because it is used in cocktails. But it is one of those "Amaro" drinks so popular in Italy.

Hi Bill; I think I had that "Grappa" discussion with you sometimes last year? For those who have not been formally educated, Grappa, and other derivatives such as Marc égrappé, are preferably consumed early in the morning with your coffee. My father was from Burgundy, and I got my initiation at an early age. There is a variation to "Marc" though. It is named "Calvados", shortened to "Calva". Often mistaken but all original to Normandy: https://drinkcalvados.com/en/ As with Marc, Café Calva was popular until year 2000 I guess? the new generations no longer.... Anyhow Bill, very nice setup that you have there! Having your workshop in your living room gave me an idea.... Nice food and as far as the wine is concerned I am now completely versed into Spumanti or Prosecco types. Ci vediamo doppo...

I like my motorbikes to look like they came out of the assembly line yesterday. Independently of their millesime. I am not so much on time erosion. My V11 exhibits plenty of signs it has been here and there, and some of them make me cringe and unhappy. My right hand side initially immaculate exhaust has a small scratch, after I dropped the bike. Each time I wash the Le Mans, I try to ignore that it is there, but I can't, and it brings pain. I considered replacing that exhaust just for that, but Stay in Tune did not Stay in business. When I was young, a friend of mine had her nose broken playing sport. The patina rationale did not hold water. The nose job did.... There is also a great debate on artificially aged guitars. All my guitars look like new. I take great care of them. If you follow a little bit the guitar market, you will find out that people are willing to pay more to purchase a guitar that looks like it was used and abused for several years. So, I guess Patina makes sense. Not to me though. I like my glaciers to remain as they were before...

Could it be a bushing used as the axle around which you can pivot the headlight up and down? you should have one on the other side too?

I think the Guzzi Euro 2 muzzled should breath better in freezing temperatures. It certainly complains a lot in this terrible humid environment here. To be perfectly honest, I don't mind the heat or the cold, but humidity I can't stand. Earlier this month, in Houston, we experienced thermal shocks that I had never witnessed before; e.g. more than 20 degF change in temperature in a short span of time. Crazy!

81 degF here in H'town today....

The journalists of Moto.it have made a nice comparison of the Michelin Road 5 with the Michelin Road 6. Unfortunately, the video has no translation; just subtitles. Here's the written article; They did a back to back test between the 5 and the 6, including on the wet. Some nice Sicilian landscapes by the way. These tires are suited for the V11; I installed a set of Road 5 last year, and wanted to check the Road 6 now, but had to fall back on the Road 5 since the 6 is in back order. The road 6 has a dual compound, center compound is harder than the sides. I have been impressed by the Road 5 when I installed it last year. Like day and night. Corner entry was so easy, including small radius turns like the Twisted Sisters. A lot of feed-back. I also got to ride under the Texas tropical thunderstorm, and they felt safe. Now I know that each one of us here has his tire of choice, and the Michelin are a lot more expensive than other brands. Are they worthwhile?

Throughout the years, I found that Lagavulin was my preferred Islay. I used to be partial to Glenmorangie, but that was before the Lagavulin. When you think that back in the 90's we paid the equivalent of 40 dollars for a bottle; today the cheapest one is at 90 dollars....

gobsmacked.... lol.... Scottish accented included! No Guzzi? Interesting the collegial communication system. No lassies? only blokes? Everyone is impressed by the GS handling; no surprise there. But the Stelvio? Loved it!

We too, called them "Silent Blocks" and they are standards parts. Obviously, the one used by Guzzi have metric threads. But you can find them in the USA. McMaster-Carr has a lot of metric fasteners and sundry. However, my Newton Meter torque wrench, I had to get from Europe. I did not want to be converting; I use the Guzzi recommended torques directly.

So yesterday, February 19th 2023, I was at a Mardi Gras parade. A staple of my youth in my native country. It was primarily a kid's celebration. We, not the adults, would wear costumes. As the years passed by, the Mardi Gras' festivities shrank and died down. I was surprised to find it again, here, in the United States. Although, it was much more a grown up act, an interpretation of a foreign tradition brought to Louisiana. As I was looking for a spot, I witnessed the pre-job meeting of a selection of law and order riders from different agencies. The local police used Harley Davidson motorcycles. The State Troopers used BMW motorcycles. Some unmarked officers had a selection ranging from Honda Goldwing and full fairings Kawasaki. Not sure if they were SWAT, as I don't know if SWAT has a motorcycle team. I my country of origin, the Police used to be exclusively equipped with BMW. Then some Yamaha were also introduced. More recently, they created some urban fast intervention teams, riding on more agile motorcycles, such as Enduro bikes. Those are labeled: BRAV-POL. On Yamaha bikes. But traditionally, BMW has been a major provider of police motorbikes. When I was in Italy, the Carabinieri used Moto Guzzi. I don't think they do anymore. What brand does your Police use in terms of motorcycle?

We are done! Don't hesitate to show your adorned V11 Le Mans jacket.... mine is out to be sewed on.

I thought it had/has a certain charm, just because of its lack of appeal. It reminds me of one of my early colleague with whom we rode to Grand-Prix. He had an MZ, possibly one of the least aesthetically pleasing motorcycle of these times, and an engine sound that went very well with it... He would never bother putting an anti-theft while parked, since as he said, absolutely nobody in their right mind would want an MZ. His did not look as "good" as this one, but sounded very similar. It was the cheapest bike you could purchase at that cube size. However difficult to look at, we grew accustomed to have it around, and it never ever left him down. Now, I have to say that not many feminine candidates were compelled to ask for a pillion ride. I suppose you cannot have it all...

I was also miffed about that. I felt bad when they discovered mice nests in the intakes. It felt a bit careless of them attempting to start it. They may have checked the oil before though, but did not show it on camera.

2 left.

I found this video interesting in many aspects. Is this a project bike for someone? can't you redo the chrome on the tubes? I understand they need to turn a profit, but I think there is some potential.

3 left as 16-Feb-2023 19:37 Tejas time.