GuzziHutch

Thanks Skeeve. Now I wonder how the V11 passes emissions with all that valve overlap?

To cure the vibes, swap the Guzzi mirror for the look alike Buell mirror that have longer stalks. That not only cures the vibration but also allows you to see something other that your shoulders. It may sound counter intuitive that longer stalks cure the vibration, but it works like a charm. Plus the Buell mirrors are much less expensive, but are the exact same mirror, save the slightly longer stalk.

I don't understand why the V11 Lemans gets such bad mileage. My 850 Lemans and 1000S both get 10-15 MPG better and they are carburated bikes. Overall weight is pretty close on all 3 bikes. Sure, the V11 has slightly more displacement but not enough to account for the piss poor mileage. Plus the V11 is fuel injected. I thought fuel injection was supposed to be more efficient, not less. I should add that the V11 is faster, but not by very much. Bottom line is the slight performance advantage the V11 has over the 850 Lemans and the 1000S does not warrant nor explain the significantly poorer mileage the newer bike delivers. Any ideas?

I'm on the third set of Z6s for the V11 Lemans. Love 'em!

The site has been down for several days now. Does anyone know the situation?

This CD is really neat. Recommended!

Yes, I am the lucky winner of this grand prize. And what a gift it is. Thank you very much savagehenry!!!

I want to start the engine with the headlight off because it should be MY CHOICE to be able to start the bike without first turning on the headlight. Logically that is the way things should work. Why should the government enforce an illogical sequence of events to occur when starting MY MOTORCYCLE? Greg, I’ll call next week to get that part number. Thanks for everyone’s responses.

I would really like to have switchgear for the V11 that would allow the engine to be started WITHOUT having to run the darn headlight. Anybody done this? What part(s) are required?

The Throttlemeister is just the ticket for what you described. I don't use mine that much because I don't do that many highway miles. But it's great to have for that occassion when you want to streatch out your right hand. The extra bar end weight is good for the V11 also.

Dang. I thought I was in "V11 - Technical Topics." Not all this horse hooey..........

I've run both the M-1s and the Z-6 on my '03 Lemans, as well as the M3. I like the feel, handling and cornering ability of Metzler tires, but the M-1 is just too soft to run on the rear of a V-11, unless you want to be putting on new tires all the time. All that Guzzi torque out of the turns, you know. I am not an aggressive rider, but I got only 2800 miles out of the M1 on the rear, and handling ability was actually compromised significantly after 2000-2200 miles. The front M1 provided 4500 miles of wear. Sure, the M1 is a sticker tire, but if handling is compromised that quickly it ain't worth it, especially considering the cost and hassle of changing tires. (Of course if I worked at Moto International…….) The current tire configuration on my V-11 is M3 in the front and Z6 on the ear. This seems to work just fine. May try Z6s all around next time.

I'm the fortunate owner of a very well sorted (by previous owner) '84 LMIII as well as well sorted '03 Lemans. Maybe that's closes enough to respond to your question. The Lemans III has had a significant number of upgrades done to improve reliability and power. With only 50,000 miles on the clock it has no issues and I would ride it across county tomorrow. Ditto the V11 (12,000 miles). I’ll respond to your question from a rider’s perspective. When I get on the older bike, I’ll swear it is just like TIME TRAVELLING. The sounds, the vibration, the feel puts me back in the ‘60s (minus the acid, of course). It’s really a wonderful indescribable experience and it keeps me loving and owning that bike. The power on the bottom end and the mid range almost rival the V11, but the V11 has longer legs up top. The integration of sound and vibration on the LMIII really speaks my language. Now these are two very soulful bikes, but if pressed to answer, the LMIII has more soul. Maybe it’s a mellowing with age thing. But I also love the V11. It obviously more modern, sits slightly higher and will carry more stuff so it is superior for multiple day trips. And who can deny that LOOK. Awesome!

Hard to say exactly what is going on with Guzzi USA, but the appearance is that they are purposefully and intentionally screwing all their old dealers while at the time seeking out new dealers who don’t have any history dealing with Guzzi. If that indeed is what is happening then what a lousy business tactic.