VtwinStorm

Yes, forgot that one. Not submerged in oil like most motorcycles...

Longitudinal engine (N-S) orientation in the chassis. Separate gearbox, no sharing fluid with the engine. Driveshaft, like most cars. Also with a rear differential, like a car. Can anyone else point out other engineering that is more automotive than motorcycle on a Guzzi V Twin? These bikes really are interesting.

Cool...but I go to Seacoast Sport Cycle in Derry. They are a Guzzi/Ducati/Aprilia dealer... They do any heavy lifting that I can't or won't do to lack of spare time or lack of skill. I'm a big believer in feeding the dealership that carries your brand if it is boutique, like Guzzi in the US. Or, to a lesser extent, Ducati. I've used them for years, and they always make things right. They aren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Sean is the master tech there, and knows Ducati and Guzzi like an encyclopedia. I asked him a few questions about the V11, he knew it all, even obscure things like the twin vs single plate clutches, and which V11s had them. He just did a major service on a mint Rosso Mandello, so someone in NH has one of those unicorns... Thankfully they are close to me, and they are always busy, with less than 10 bikes for sale when I last went a week ago. Most of the others had "sold" signs on them. The shop is also choking on work, they are crammed with service bikes out back and in the shop. "Never go to an empty restaurant.", so the saying goes. My Triumph Daytona gets major service (tires) done at a local motorcycle garage I know that also treats me well. The closest actual Triumph dealer is 2hrs from me, and they would have no idea what to do with an ancient ('95) machine like mine, so I don't even bother.

Docc doesn't mess around.

I understand AVON make a fine tire, but US distribution is very weak. I can get Pirelli anywhere.

Three of a kind! Impeccable taste, my man. I think next year I will sell my 696 and find a minty LeMans. We'll see how much love my '01 V11 Sport needs first...I already ordered a bevy of seals, gaskets, and other things that tend to go on these bikes, at least as a backup...MGCycle and AF1 in Austin, TX. so far have been great (no shipments received yet), very helpful.

Without a V11 in front of me, I can't see if there is a mounting point beneath the bike. If I could snag a center stand, that would come in handy later for me. No chain adjustments, but still.

I've always had great results with Michelin Pilot Powers (on my old Suzuki DRZ400SM many years ago) and Pirelli, especially. When I get my V11 Sport, first thing, I'm having a new set of Diablo Rosso IIIs mounted. They are awesome on my 900SS (Angel GTs are good, but don't inspire as much confidence as the Diablos). Excellent grip in turns, losing traction is something I have to really try at with a panic stop (locking brakes). So far, 1000 miles, hardly any wear. Can't speak for wet performance, as I refuse to ride on wet roads/in the rain. Then again, I replace a set of tires every 3 years or 3k miles, no matter what. I won't save money on my safety. Tires for me are cheap insurance, and I won't be done in by substandard tires. To each their own.

I used the search function, but came up with nothing but references to side stands. Thank you, -VTS

Damn...what a collection, Guzzimax!

I'm still looking for threaded ones, but I may just have to make due with non-threaded wedge style mirrors (like the Napoleons). I'd prefer not to make modifications, but it may just come to that. If anyone knows where I can land a new set of chrome ones that fit the stock V11 clip-ons, please let me know. Also, are the V11 clip-ons 7/8" or 1" so I can adjust my search? Thank you all again.

The time is now, friend. V11s are never going to get cheaper.

I do enjoy my pasta burners.

Thank you, Kane. I can't wait to get started!

Awesome, Scud. Links to buy the return spring and frame brace please?

Until the heads need a rebuild...then finding parts will test Indiana Jones, and test Monty Burn's bank account to somehow pay for it to be done correctly. This isn't like owning a CBR1000RR or CBX 1000. All of the bikes listed before require a personal assistant to locate parts when something major goes South, which it will. All machines break. That is the only thing giving me pause or I'd have a bevel 900SS right now instead of 5 "common" bikes. Just a case of bikes out of my wallet's league. 😆 Again, I envy someone who has an OHC Guzzi Daytona...but let's not overlook the commitment and patience necessary to keep one. Expenses only START once you buy one. It doesn't end. I'd only feel comfortable owning one if I pulled 100k USD+ a year, because I would want to ride it, not just stare at it in my living room like the fine Italian art that it is (but I certainly would!). Nor, would I even let it see rain. Unobtanium.

I swore off Japanese motorcycles after I rode my first Ducati. I exclusively owned, and would only own Japanese bikes up to that point. After that experience, as good as they are, they come off as impersonal. Ducati, Triumph, at least (Guzzi I'm sure, haven't rode my V11 yet), have a bit of sense of occasion when you start them. It feels an event. "Wow! Noise! Vibration! Rattling clutch plates! That exhaust note! Popping on overrun! We are working together to have fun while going to our destination!" Tried riding Honda, Kawasaki after, came off as "Yeah, here's your motorcycle." I can't go back now, even with the hassles of not taking/buying/riding the more obvious choices to be just like everyone else who bought a fast 2 wheeled Corolla. Like I said, problems and all, I can't ever go back. Nor do I want to. I love my European thoroughbreds. The problems are worth what I receive in return.

I cry those same bitter tears. A Guzzi Daytona (monoposto), bevel (round tail section) Ducati 900SS, MHE900, Vincent Black Shadow...Glorious motorcycles I will probably never get to ride...much less actually own. On the bright side: I hear all of these machines are a nightmare to live with. Parts are unobtanium for most of these. I'd be terrified to ride or start them. Like being married to a "10" who refuses to be touched or accept any affection. What a hell that must be!

Thank you, po18guy. I am pretty used to a bulky, heavy bike, like my Daytona 1200. I will adjust ergos to avoid the shifting issues.

Outstanding testament, Kane! I know that I will love my new to me, V11 Sport. I'm just preparing myself before her arrival.

I'm 6', so this is encouraging.

I don't like the fact I don't have one in the fetching champagne color in my garage. 😂

Winner winner, chicken (goose?) dinner! I've also heard that BMWs come off a bit... Clinical.

I know the u-joint likes to go south often... and the clutch slave cylinder is inside the transmission... already knew that. Replacement will be an adventure when it starts leaking. I also understand that the electrics are um... interesting. But what is the ride like?