ALLAN

The local shop installed the LSL kit on a V11 recently. Telphone Micky Cohen @ 714-993-5000. He'll be glad to help you out.

The only time I ever had “sellers remorse” was the day after I sold my ’04 Lemans. It was the red and black one –gorgeous. It had a brace of M4 carbon cans, a Stucchi x-over, Mike Rich hi-compression pistons, PC III and custom map – and the thing ran perfectly -84 RWHP. I replaced it with a Ducati Multistrada; a thousand miles and one month later I hated the bike and replaced that with a Triumph Daytona 675. That was a nice bike but limited in its function as a ‘tour-er.’ Last February I treated myself to a new 1200 Sport. I now have 6,000 trouble free miles on the clocks and enjoy the bike more and more every day. I agree with ‘Steve G’ and ‘VR6Dave’ with a number of issues. I have always ridden with the balls of my feet on the pegs; this is more difficult on the 1200 Sport because of the shape of the castings holding the foot-rests. I no longer notice it unless I’m really hustling in the canyons and I turn my knee out and my heels in. The Handlebar: I bought the “recommended’ Aprilia Tuono bar but never installed it. I now like OEM piece. It’s a bit wide but you only notice it when making u-turns. As far as your foot hitting the side stand during up-shifts, I only noticed it when I first rode the bike. It is no longer an issue – and I run my shift lever quite low. The 1200 Sport is exponentially more comfortable then my Lemans. 400+ mile days are a breeze. Well not quite, because my knees don’t fold like they use to 20 years ago. But the saddle is as good, if not better, than on any bike I’ve ridden hitherto. I don’t think the bike is built any better then the Lemans. The instruments are ‘complete’ and I love all the options but it is plastic and looks a little cheap. The hardware are the usual Guzzi high standard. The fit and finish is good but not perfect. And the performance of the motor feels stronger but the numbers say it ain’t so. What is available from DynoJet won’t work on the new MG’s so the fuel metering isn’t perfect. There is some “jerky-ness” at very small throttle inputs so it isn’t perfect. The handling is better in that the bike feels lighter and is more “flick-able.” The weight distribution is better, more 50-50, on the 1200 Sport and you can feel it. I no longer regret selling my Lemans. I love this new bike and it will only get better.

What is it about H-D V-rod riders? The same thing happen to me while I was out on my 1200 Sport. The guy also had his lady on the back. I just passed him as we were approaching a light. We were alongside each other at the light; the guy nor the woman would look my way as I tried to catch their eye to say hello. Okay, so we went for it and we were dead even untill I said "enough." I was actually surprise that I could stay with him as I know the performance numbers of the V-rod. Without a passanger he would have kicked my butt. My first instinct after arriving home was to send my motor off to Dynotec in Germany for some more 'horses.' Maturity and better sense prevailed - for the momment.

I had one of these setups on my Triumph Daytona and absolutely loved it - the best bag and attachment system I have tried. The tank-bag was an "Engage Sport." It was the perfect size. I purchased it from www.twistedthrottle.com for 189 USD. I wanted to use it on my 1200 Sport but the fuel filler ring has no bolt holes. I saw a post on one of Todd's sites where a guy made it work - after I decided on a different route. You won't be disappointed. I also use their "Cargobag" seat luggage system. Another great piece and would work beautifully on a V11.

I recall on this forum postive feedback purchasing products from Rossopuro Italia. I recently ordered a torque arm (Cardan Bar) for my 1200 Sport. They sent an 'arm' for a V11 instead. It was quite expensive considering the 39 euros (about 60-bucks) for shipping. I sent them a number of e-mails without any response so I telephoned them and spoke with Paolo. His English is very good. The e-mail address on their web-site is not good. It is best to use paolo@rossopuroitalia.it He told me to keep the V11 torque arm, though I had already shipped it back to Italy, and that he would refund all my money plus the cost of shipping. I told him it was not necessary, only to send me the correct piece. It was a pleasure to speak with him and do business with him. Sometimes it can be a bit 'dicey' dealing with overseas dealers but Rossopuro are excellent and I would not hesitate to purchase again from them.

Steve - I have spent a lot of time in Italy including Lombardia, the region that encompasses Lake Come. September is a perfect time to go; fewer tourist and normally good weather. The Moto Guzzi museum is closed in August so there is no problem; remember though that the museum is only open from 3 - 4 p.m. There is a docent and it's doubtful he'll speak any English but it won't matter. Mandello is on the eastern shores of Lake Como. Ten kilometers north is the quaint fishing village of Varenna. This village is my/our (wife) favorite of any on the Lake. Our favorite place to stay is Hotel Du Lac. They have a website that you can check out. Make certain that it is the Hotel Du Lac in Varenna because there is a hotel by the same name in Bellagio, not nearly as nice. Another nice hotel in Varenna, and less expensive and more basic then Du Lac, is Albergo Olivedo. I don't know if they have a website but I have their phone number - the proprietor speaks English. Albergo (hotel) Olivedo is right by the ferry slip. Mandello and Varenna are about one and a quarter hours driving time from the Milan airport. While in Mandello visit Agostini's Moto Guzzi concessioner. Also check out a big Guzzi shop, Millepercento, which is close to Monza and not out of your way if you are driving from Milan to Lake Como. If you want to e-mail me I can send you some photos from a kodak Gallery with shots of Varenna and Lake Como. If you're renting a motorbike, which you can do at Agostini's, I can suggest some awesome roads to venture on.

I recently purchased a 1200 Sport from Vespa of Oceanside in Oceanside, California. There are a couple of Vespa dealers in the southern California area that are now concessionaires for Moto Guzzi. I have no idea if this is a bad thing or a good thing. More dealers are usually a good thing but are these folk’s motorcycle enthusiasts or scooter enthusiast? I really don’t know a thing about Vespa of Oceanside because I haven’t visited the dealership or met any of their employees. I agreed on a price over the phone and the 1200 Sport was delivered to me the next day – yes, delivered. I live about 75 miles from Oceanside so this was appreciated. The bike was spotless and it had a full tank of fuel. Vespa of Oceanside tells me they will pick-up and return your bike for any ‘service’ or warranty work. What’s not to love? Of course I have no knowledge of the mechanics competence working on Moto Guzzi’s, and this is certainly paramount. I have ordered the hard panniers and hopefully they will stay on top of the part situation and notify me when the bags will be available. I tend to gravitate towards shops that have been around for a long time, especially with pertaining to Moto Guzzi. I have to say, that if these guys prove their worth the 1200 Sport won’t be the last Moto Guzzi I will purchase from them.

Check these beauties [V11 Exhaust] from www.Magni.it . I love the way they flow; and the flat-black finish. Does anyone have any experience with the magni pieces? -edited.

[I have been following this thread for a while. I was born in France and until my early 20's ( some 25 years ago ) I was truly French. After I met my future wife, I decided it was time to bail out and see the world. Moved to California, and here I am, 2 kids and a business later. I honestly would love to go to France more often. But the 3 times we have gone back, it was just plain FANTASTIC !!!! Because of my wife and 2 sons, we do speak mostly English, so I pretty much qualify as a foreigner. As a matter of fact, when I speak French there, people ask me where I'm from ? Go figure ? There are at least 2 kinds of " an American attitude " : one is the arrogant one, the loud obnoxious one etc... you know the type. The other one is why I love it here : a smile on your face from morning up, eager to have fun and to connect with everyone, basically a " radiant, charismatic " feel about live. With that game face on, I just found out EVERY experience in France was fantastic. From Paris to the smallest village ( like 3 folks !!! ). French people are just very cautious. Sadly, the first impression does it !!! But I guaranty you, if you bring a great attitude along, you'll do just fine.... I lived for a while in a small village south of Paris. I struggle with any language other then English but make an effort. My 'bad' experiences that come to mind while living and traveling in France have come from observing other Americans. When I am around arrogant, obnoxious Americans I am embarrassed because I think the locals are going to judge me by the actions of these other Americans. To be honest, I avoid tourists, whether American or not, when on holiday on the European continent. Italy is my favorite place to visit but I also love France, Spain (No. 1 for beautiful women), Germany, Holland, Norway, Slovania - actually every country, without exception, I have ever spent any length of time in. It's all about attitude and making an effort to fit in, and not stand out.

Can you post some photos of your bike with the Nelson-Rigg bags? I know the bike is new for you but I am curious about specific things that you do not like, or feel will take time to adjust to. I expect to have my 1200 Sport [black] in about two weeks. I have considered the OEM hard bags but I am also looking at alternatives. Have you looked into suitable tank bags? I am looking forward to quizzing the reps for Moto Guzzi next week at the Long Beach Cycle World Show.

I test-rode a 1200 Sport at a dealer in San Diego. I did a 'report' on "24/7V11" forum on November 4th. Check it out. The motorbike is every bit as nice looking in the 'flesh' as in photos. There were concerns having ridden the bike but I am drawn to the bike enough that I expect to have one in my possession within the next month. The 8V is certainly enticing. I understand this model will not be available in the US until next fall. Possibly is another 18+ months this is where my heart will lead but for now the 1200 Sport satisfies all my visceral needs.

I mounted my Zumo 550 on my Triumph 675 and my '04 Lemans in similiar fashion. It works perfectly. Unfortunately I do not the photos any longer but they can be viewed at www.triumph675.net. Click on "Forum Index" then "Test & Ride Reports" and look for "Touring on a 675." Towards the bottom of Page 1 there is a description of parts used and detailed photos.

I too am looking seriously at the 1200 Sport. In fact I expect to take delivery within the next few weeks. If you are curious about the hard bags check out www.1200sport.com. Click on "General" and "Technical" and look for the forums on "1200 Sport Panniers." All your concerns will be satisfied. I test-rode the 'Sport" about a month ago and wrote a piece on this forum, "Test Rode a 1200 Sport Today." I posted the blog on November 4th.