CafeMan

I think I would agree, what with my limited knowledge of these bikes. But I'm looking for Green, Silver, or Black w/Red frame versions. It's on the high side, all things considered, but I do have a wad of cash so.......

I'm finally in a position to seriously look for a V11 Sport and see that there is one at European Motorsports in Dahlonega, GA with about 17,000 miles on it. Just wondering if by chance anyone here that is from this region knows of this particular bike, or has seen it. The add notes that it was dealer kept. From pics all I can see is some silencer damage, but it doesnt appear to have been down. Will most likely take a ride out there after calling, but figured maybe someone here could give me a heads up?? Anyone?? Thanks My link

It's either in the upper 50's or lower 70's, and sunny...been sunny most of the past month as a matter of fact.......warm weather, no big deal down here! It's kinda nice to let the bikes sit in the shed while I do other stuff! Easy to get spoiled, don't ya know?!

Not looking to debate Iridiums, was just mentioning them in passing. But I do use Iridiums in both current bikes, and have used them in previous Triumphs (one an older Bonneville) And as is usual there are doubters as to what is promised in the marketing. All I will say is that I've used them on four different bikes (old electronic ignition and modern) and everything NGK says on their packaging is true, on older bikes very definate...newer bikes to a lesser extent, but still an improvement, especially throttle response. The concept behind Iridiums is not only long life, but the ability and (resultant desired benefits) of reducing the center electrode in size so as to create a pinpoint firing end......a path of less resistance, less surface area for energy to flow through....focused. Study up on it and it makes perfect sense...and it works. I've found that the biggest issue when discussing with those that doubt Iridiums benefits is from a horsepower/dyno perspective. And that is the hardest debate to discuss with someone with that logic, because that's what most are looking for, more power, right? Too many assume that a more expensive plug or concept should give more power....power-power-power!!! We are a power hungy people. But, on a dyno there has been no measurable increase with these plugs..or any oyther latest greatest plug...Why? Well, as we all know.......spark plugs do not make/add horsepower.....never have, never will....any claims to more power is pure marketing propaganda. Read...study. And then think Splitfire! Marketing hype gone amuck! Sparkplugs only allow what the ignition system is capable of producing to ignite the mixture. NGK and Denso both do not claim power increases. But, throttle response, idle quality, starting, and plug life "can" be improved, especially by different materials and designs....v-groove, u-grooves, tapered smaller elctrodes, iridium etc, etc.. And a dyno will not show throttle response or starting and idle improvements....there are many who think of a dyno as the litmus test when it comes to sparkplugs. Old magneto ignitions, points type ignitions and older electronic ignitions with carbs? Iridium all the way. Newer bikes with fuel injection etc won't show as much of an improvement, but throttle response at the very least, at least from what I've seen on my bikes and read of. (might note that all my bikes were in top running order before switching over) "Most".....that doubt these plugs have never tried them, mostly due to cost and a cynicism of marketing hype...which they then follow up with the "they don't make more power" response. That's what I've found from reading and debating on countless forums. Read up and you will see that this is the case. There are some who have had problems, but we never know the full extent of engine condition and state of tune, or if they were the correct heat range, set at correct gap and that the air/fuel ratio and metering is correct. Switching plugs and assuming all else does not matter or relate can cause problems. Fine tuning needs to be done., especially on older bikes with carbs. It all boils down to whether someone believes they improve throttle response, idle, and starting....The long life is certain. That much most agree on. But, ultimately, how much (amount of improvement- big or small) are these improvements worth? People do spend more $$$ on things that give lesser or no improvements.......Just forget about more horsepower showing up on a dyno run after installing them....a waste of time. All I need to do is index my iridiums.........right!

Indexing plugs is another part of the total "blueprinting" package. Takes very little time or effort, won't hurt, they'll be positioned precisely everytime...but your not going to gain horsepower or cut your times in the 1/4 mile! "Might" help throttle response minutely though...better off running Iridium plugs if your going to play with spark plugs looking for a noticable throttle response and idle improvement.

Agreed. But there are far more unhinged than there are level headed (that speak out/make asses of themselves) thus the blanket statement. Believe it or not, but I don't have cable or satelite and don't watch anything but the occasional newscast along with documentaries here and there with maybe a football game thrown in. Could'nt tell you what "any" of the latest drama/comedy shows are about or who the stars are. I find it a waste of valuable motorcycle related time! So I guess I'm the one out of touch!

Well the last couple bits are a little extreme,yes! But just because someone has the money and stardom does not, at least in my book..... in my world, give them any credibility or expertise in most of the areas they stick their noses into. I'll listen to more educated and involved people instead of a Sean Penn or "add celeb name here"! Their world is far removed from reality yet, as we see, the mindless sheep follow them as if they preach some sort of divine gospel. They are a large portion of what's wrong with this country, along with this reject Richards. Certainly they have the right to make idiots of themselves, deliver a message, or spout off, but, as I see it, since most are very wealthy it appears that a large percentage feel some guilt in the excesses they enjoy to some extent and feel the need to do/say/promote some altruistic persona that, in the end, affects the rest of us that are living in reality. Bottom line is that they do not live in reality, yet with the "fame envy" alot of people have here, the forum is ripe and we're left to deal with the after effects. No thanks.

What sort of credentials do any of the "rich and famous" have that applies to or substantiates anything they ever pontificate about; political or socially? All I can see is that they can "pretend"...or they have a good voice/can play an instrument. So they get good money for it from mindless dolts that toss money at them and would run over their own mothers just so said "star" notices them! Piss on every single one of 'em! They can all eat shit and die as far as I'm concerned.

Motorcyles and poetry do not a song make! I like it simple! Pink Floyd (Syd Barrett's) "Bike".......at least the first verse! "I've got a bike, you can ride it if you like, it's got a basket, a bell that rings, and things to make it look good, I'd give it to you if I could, but I borrowed it...... sure, he "might" have been refering to a bicycle but it applies to a motorbike too!

Think "sensory overload" and you will get an idea of the magnitude of that place........I think after doing one floor you realize: "It's all too much, but I must see more!!"

You've gotta admit that this is sexy:

Deal's Gap is the draw and can be a circus......but the surrounding roads are where it's at....less traffic and hazards. Always worth a trip!

I used to brew at home when I lived up in Illinois..... with all that free time during the 6 months of winter.....but living down south with year round riding and the fact that theres an easier way to drink quality beer....I hit the local beer store!...Maisel Weise, Franziskaner, Pilsner Urquell, New Castle...among many others too choose from. Give me a good German wheat beer.....a bock......a true pilsner.....anything!!! Mouth is watering now that I think about them all....and here I sit at the keyboard swilling "Liquid Filth" Busch!!!

I've got the Continental Road Attacks on my MZ 1000 and am at about 3000 miles. The front is barely showing any wear (the "Conti Attack" logos embossed into the fronts tread is still showing). The rear looks to have about another 1500-2000 or so miles left on it. I think I could get 3-4 rears to a front they way I ride....I previously had Metzler Sportecs and got 2700 and 2500 on two rears before the front was about done. The Road Attacks are probably the best wearing tires for a sport-touring tire that can handle aggressive riding also.....I have pushed them pretty hard (rear- edge to edge) in the NC and Georgia mountain twisties with no issues and have gotten a knee down even. Very planted, stable, neutral feeling....I have confidence in them and will stick with them. But any of the tires out there are good tires, I think it's only when you have a hyper-sports bike and ride it like a racer that you will reach the limits of some tires.....I also like the Dunlop Qualifiers....I have them on my Laverda, have done two track days, stick like a "Boog" on your finger.........As well as Pilot Powers.....

Is this the Union Cycles in Indian Trail, NC dealer? (Charlotte/Monroe area)

That F1 is beautiful!! Tri-colour!!! I could make room for that in my living room! I like the way the bike and car manufacturers are headed. Finally, models to get excited about. Has anyone seen the Dodge Challenger that's probably coming out in 2007/8? That's the first new car in decades that I would go to great lengths to own........

That's pathetic!!! To take that long....the parts must not exist? IMO, it all boils down to someone in the supply chain not giving a rats-ass about doing the right thing. I mean, all one has to do is pick up the phone (this you have to wonder about...whether your savy parts guy at your dealer makes a call or sends an e-mail...or even knows the right individual at all) and talk to the man that (that hopefully will answer...maybe they don't have phones, but recieve mail on the back of a Mule?) picks the part out of a bin over at Guzzi, he puts it in a shipping box, slaps a label on it and sends it out on the back of that Mule....then once Mr. Mule reaches the ocean he straps it on the back of a Whale or some other type of large fish..... What century is this anyway? I can order a set of Sebring pipes from Austria and I got them UPS'd in 3 days........and I don't speak Austrian! No excuse for living with this antiquated system.........is there a system??

I got it from Matt Warheit. He's the man here in the states and one of many worldwide for Zane Laverda stuff. He ships worldwide and can be contacted on the large "Zanelist" yahoo group. Zanelist

I recently replaced my pillion seat with a cowl that needed to be painted, and went the rattle can route. I found a great site (can't locate it now!!!!, but here's another detailed one) where someone did a step by step with photos. The key is prep, lots of wet sanding and most importantly, patience. All I needed was the paint as I already had the other stuff lying around....turned out pretty damn good for a first attempt. Looks better than what this photo shows...... It "can" be done!! Repaint

Uni Filters are best for dirtbikes/off-road vehicles where the best filtration over a longer period of time is desired. They may flow slightly less but the will flow better over extended periods. That's proven. K&N's have been shown to flow more air resulting in the ability to gain more power. They can let in more dirt vs. a foam filter in certain environments. But regardless, one thing you have'nt mentioned is that what if you have a custom set-up. What are you going to use? Have'nt seen custom paper type pods or odd-ball shapes and sizes lately, have you? Plugged up airboxes (for epa reasons) usually don't flow very good, right. So the easiest route is to change a filter that flows better, vs. butchering the box......How about the another fact that getting a stock filter for a bike that they don't make anymore......and supplies are drying up and they are costing more and more? This scenario does exist. Bottom line is that there is a trade-off. And a properly oiled and serviced K&N will function fine and give you more options for better flow and power building vs. being stuck with the stock muffled plugged up EPA mandated dB setups.

I obviously don't have a beautiful Guzzi, but I do have experience with Iridium plugs in various bikes old and new. I had a 79 Bonneville with electronic ignition and used the NGK Iridiums in the correct heat range. On that bike I had a noticable improvemnet in starting(kick), was able to maintain a lower idle setting without dying out, and most importantly had crisper throttle response and it pulled stronger. These were all definate improvements, not "I Thinks" vs. using the platinums or standard plugs. I would swear by them on an older bike especially with a magneto or points. I also used the NGK Iridiums on a 95 Speed Triple. It too had a better quality idle, and also had crisper throttle response. As to whether it pulled stronger, all I can say is that after switching plugs the front tire was easier (no clutch like before) in coming up on hard throttle acceleration. That was a fact, not wishful thinking. I now have a Laverda Strike with Denso Iridiums. That bike has fuel injection along with more modern electrics than the Triumphs. I have'nt had it long enough, and switched from the standard plugs to the Denso's soon after getting it, so I really can't say. I also have a MZ 1000 and switched to Denso Iridiums at around the 1000 mile service. This bike came with Bosch multiple(3) electrode plugs. Upon inspection I felt that the center electrode was too shrouded, and have the opinion that they are just the "snake oil" of spark plugs. Many over in Germany say they have had cold weather starting problems on their MZ's with the Bosch's. Out they came. In went the Denso's. I will never use standard plugs again. By the way, the NGK's are a regular Iridium plug with a .7mm center wire where as the Denso's are a performance Iridium plug with a .4mm center wire and slightly different construction. Most everyone thinks about "More Power" when talking Iridiums. Most should know that a plug will not make more power. They will allow the ignition system to deliver the power that it is capable of producing. Not hinder or impede it. I don't believe any of the manufacturers make that claim of more power. I think its idle, starting,acceleration, and life span. Older bikes you will absolutely notice performance improvements "bottom to top" and on the newer bikes you will at the least have longevity, followed by various levels of better quality idle and crisper throttle response. If one reads up on ignitions and the theory of spark propagation yadda-yadda-yadda you'll see that using these type of plugs are the way to go. They are the best technology as of today. That's my

Hey All, My "computer, what's that?" Nero Corsa mechanically inclined buddy is in the process of doing his first service, including fitting new air filter, power commanderIII, crossover and FBF carbon system. He's looking at the hoses on the fuel tank, and I guess he's never run across these type clamp(s) before. In order to remove the tank to do all that needs doing, Is there a ceratin way to undo the clamps at the tank without breaking anything? Or do you remove them at the throttle bodies. I'm not sure if he has the service manual or not, but if not, I will drill him to get one on cd-rom. Anyone offer those from this site? Any other useful tips to make things easier would be greatly appreciated!

Kinda Good??? I could listen to that all day!!