jimbemotumbo

Foolish to discount the M4s until you try them. If you don't like the shine, you can paint. I did the research and for my money, the M4 sounded almost as good as the FBF, were better built by far than FBF and at least as good as the best pipes out there, and give as much power as any other slip on. Too many variables for exact comparo unless you try all pipes on the same bike and test under same conditions. Given the above, and that I got the m4s new with new Stucchi cross over for $800 USD I went that way. It was a 30 minute install, 25 of that for the cross over, which attests to M4s design / build, rather than my wrenching skills.

If they have to come and get you, they will probably bring an ass-kicking with them.

I have an extra stock x-over if you want it.

Darn. I have this new Western Union account that I am just itching to try out. Thanks Jaap.

Easy ... extremely modified heads, cams, valves, compression. Buell also does a nice job using coated surfaces for things that rub together and for using very light and balanced rotating or moving parts. Hard to consider a buell motor stock, but it's a very nice design, esp for something you can buy with a warranty. I had 92 RWHP out of my 84 Sporty 1100. Just cams, carb, intake/exhaust, valve train, and some tuning. Could do a roll on wheelie shifting into third. Could also melt valves, break pushrods, and cannabalize piston rings. My buddies 00 Lightning breaks hard and often. This should tell you something. Listen to Al R., and remember the saying "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely." I have corrupted several bikes trying to squeeze out the ponies. Now I am happy with modest improvements and changes made more for driveability than top end HP. The money I save on engine mods allows me to afford stylish MG ties and polo shirts.

God was telling you to replace all the relays right away! While you are at it, you should also check to see that your electrical system is well grounded. There are several threads here that will explain these topics. When I was in Avigliana for a time I had no motorcycle. Seems a fabulous place to ride and I would love to go back just for that. I am envious! Enjoy your V11.

OMG! Guzzi's and Ducs with tele-lever front ends!

Sure was a crazy SOB. I know some of his neighbors up in Pitkin County and some of my HD riding buddies have done the biker bar scene with him. They say he would write all night, drink the whole time, and then start shooting his guns at 6 am. He kept junk cars in his back yard so he always had something to shoot at. I think the neighbors should be thankful for the cars. Everyone agrees he was a decent guy, asking only for privacy and respecting everyone else's. Most of his books 'blow' (pun intended) by my standards, as I have never understood revolution for revolutions sake. But I enjoyed "Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail". If you are ever here in Colorado, and happen to be in his old neck of the woods, ask about him at the bars. There are colorful stories to be heard.

Generic answer: The first thing I do with any vehicle is replace the air filter for a K&N or similar hi flow filter. If the intake box is restrictive, I either go with a cold air kit (car/truck) or on my bikes, with a more open box. On the goose, I have pods. With every vehicle I have noticed an immediate improvement. With only the intake mod, this improvement seems limited to driveability and throttle response (read "feel") rather than performance. From the dyno data I have seen on various vehicles, the performance increase is nominal. with only this change. Now let's talk about exhaust mods. Again, on every vehicle I have ever owned my second change is to exhaust ... either mufflers, or to headers/x over, or both. I have found consistently that this works with the intake mods to give a measurable increase in performance. Amount varies with vehicles and depends entirely on how well the stock system worked to begin with. Available dyno data supports this, but I have never measured. I can feel the differnce so do not feel the need to pay for dyno time. There are a variety of mods out there, but in my opinion the most bang for the buck comes from doing intake and exhaust mods together. Either change, alone, does not seem to do very much. Although improved driveability / throttle response, etc., seems to justify an aftermarket hi flow filter/intake, regardless of performance. But that's just my opinion.

If I had some extra money I'd buy this. Nice restored 850 Lemans mk1, with a few sensible upgrades. http://www.home.earthlink.net/~sjones926/LM%20WEB%20PAGE/ I have discussed with the seller. It is what is advertised to be and it is available. Asking price is $7000. USD. Hope such a nice motorbike finds a good home amongst my Guzzi brethren.

3 US bills. Not sure if that is standard pricing or not ... you would need to talk to Rich. Mine took alot of extra work to undo the previous Sargent build and to add the hardware to fit the cowl.

The seat re-do has not actually arrived, but Rich sent pics before shipping it. I am just so dadgummed (SoCentral US colloquialism - callison will understand soon) excited that I have to post the pics. These are small file sizes so I am hoping the moderator doesn't scold me. I asked Rich to do a slightly different cover design & I am very pleased with the results. I hope my nether end likes it as much as my eyes do. For those of you who do not know of Rich Maund, search threads here for all the information on his wonderful seat work. The guy is amazing, and quite a nice fellow to do business with. Heck, my bike is going to look so good I might have to name it!

The M4s fit just like the stock cans.

Piacere Sergio, I spent alot of time in Avigliana where my brother in law lived. Not far from Torino. Great places to ride, I must say! Enjoy the form. It has helped me a great deal. Ciao.

I've been thinking about this trip, but without any dirt riding. Is it truly pave in most places, or am I taking a chance riding the goose down there?

Yes, brian, that should do the job. I had the exact same problem on my Valkyrie. It took hours to find the loose connection, but completely solved the problem. Try to get some blue locktite on the threads. I use the red stuff if it looks like something I won't need to remove very often.. A little dab will do ya.

That's exactly why I will always have my Road King. Despite the HD bashing, there is simply no better touring rig that has any soul to it. Something the Bavarian Motor Works has never quite understood, IMHO. All things mentioned here will do the job though. Down to taste and used prices.

My real names comes up "Finger F#@$er" Use my Guzzi board handle and I'm the "Rump Ranger" . The latter makes me smile, and this is disturbing Thanks alot TX. I hate this game. Why did I play?

I'll stop now. Couldn't resist!

I expect Jaap to get this.

I second callithrix's comment. Very accurate description. The M4s I ended up with sound just like the FBFs, except I felt they were better built. I ran into a deal on the M4s, otherwise it's a toss-up.

My Stooky / M4 combo sounds pretty good.

Hey, a local goose! Thought I was the only one. Where are you? As for "stuff", I travel light on any motorcycle ... a credit card and maybe a rain jacket. I like the "adventure" bought about by lack of preparation.

Always an impossible question to give one answer ... like what kind of oil is best. Depends .... I can tell you this. I have owned and ridden nearly every make and type of motorcycle over my 35 years of riding. Really, just about everything. Some of my worst mechanical nightmares have been on Japanese 4's, and a BMW r, supposedly the bastions of reliability. So my concerns now are not related to how often the bike needs to be fussed with, but what is the magnitude of potential failure and can I fix it myself (or have it done cheaply). The probs I've had with the bikes above have been very very few ... but when they broke, they broke in a huge way and I lacked the tools/expertise to make them right again. Expensive beasts to repair. Never again. The Vmax was a good one (45k on that with no probs), but never really enjoyed riding it. Funny, the worst one was a Road Star - nearly as unreliable as my old combat commando or trident. Character is also a basic need for me. Luckily the prob bikes had none so I haven't missed them a bit. My most reliable bike ever has been a Harley FLH (evo motor) that went 65,000 before needed new bearings and gaskets. Never failed on me. Sold it at 120,000 to a friend and he's run it up to 150k with a few more minor parts that have worn out. Still going strong. Now on a twin cam Road King (20k and not a prob ever). Sorry... got into HDs before their character became commonplace. My V11 thus far has been completely fuss free.. Plus, it's easier to work on than even my Harley, and it has character to spare! Che bella machina! I expect this to be a long term relationship. My current bikes are easily my favorites of all. I just wish I had the space for more Guzzi's. Sorry for rambling. Just trying to help. Jim

Could also be a lean surge, common at that rpm under light throttle. I had it at 3k and chased it around the rpm range via PCIII mapping changes. Finally caught up with it and it's gone. Only became apparent after I put on the M4 cans. of course your tps and TBs need to be correctly set up too, as everyone has said. Try riding at 3k with a bit more throttle, or accelerate from 2800 through 3200 rpms. If it goes away, then it's a lean surge and not a misfire.