Orson

Really? I didn't know that. I just assumed Ago was such a God-like idol in Italy that the Ago replica would be a standard item in the AGV catalogue. That sucks as I had entertained thoughts of having one some day. Gotta stick to Italian brands. Speaking of which, I surely hope nobody is trying to run British or French tires on their Guzzis. That's just not done. Only Pirelli's will do

I tried the Diablos last summer. Good grip but, I only got 4500 miles out of the rear tire. I switched to the sport touring Pirelli Scorpion rear in an effort to get more mileage to suit my touring needs. So far, I haven't noticed a difference in grip.

In late May I'll take my Tenni from Portugal back to northern Italy. I'll post some pics

Mine still fogs up but not nearly as much as when it was new. Now it only happens once in a blue moon. It doesn't bother me & I find it sort of endearing. It adds a touch to the quirkiness theme for me

I had Pirelli Diablos mounted. I was pleased with their grip. A little slow on the turn in but I never had any "moments" with them. However, I only got 4500 miles out of the rear tire & that doesn't suit my touring needs so, I've gone to a Pirelli Scorpion sport touring tire. So far I can't notice a difference.

One can't challenge the motorcycle gods for 4 straight days in November & not expect to escape unscathed. Such was the case this time. Time to pay for my audaciousness. On my 4th & last day, I woke up to a drizzling rain. Fortunately, I had allowed for this & only had a short 100 mile trip back to Porto with the option for a longer loop if I had gotten better weather. Of course, me being the glutton for punishment that I am & seeing as this was my last ride of the year well...naturally I took the long route in the rain It was brutal. I had to tip toe through drizzly foggy mountains since my front tire was well past its due date (see 100 mph sweeper section). It was a slog. My visor misted up, I even had to let a few cars pass me! Horrors! To top it off, my aerostich did the crotch leak thing (mutter). I made the 150 miles in about 4 and a half hours. Washed the bike, took a hot shower, one last glass of port(or three) then, off to the airport. I'm proud to report that the Guzzi ran flawlessly throughout the trip. I absolutely love it as a sport touring mount! Here is one last shot from a better day. Sunset over the Rio Duoro.

Roads through some of the villages butted right up to the houses giving it that Isle of Man feel . As there is only one Guzzi dealer in all of Portugal, I'm sure many of the villagers had never before heard the majestically symphonic sounds emitted by a Guzzi. I'm quite sure if I had stopped, crowds would have formed, the mayor would have stepped forward presenting me the key to the village & inviting me to a night of feast & celebration. But, being the consumate photo-journalist wannabe that I am, I had to continue on my mission to discover more lovely roads to ride

Heading northeast towards Braganca, I got on the IP4 route. At first it seemed like a super slab & I thought that maybe I had picked the wrong route. However, the road turned into a super high speed curve-fest. 6th gear 100 mph sweepers through the Sierra de Noguiera with hardly a straightaway in sight. 100 mph sweepers aren't really my cup of tea ( I prefer 3rd & 4th gear twisties) but, it was a nice change after the tight twisty stuff of the Duoro Valley. After lunch in Braganca, I turned back to the west & headed towards Chavez, along the top of Portugal, paralleling the Spanish border to the north. Although, I missed the peak of the autumn leaves, there were still a few around. This part of the road was a little slower, 3rd & 4th gear stuff but, just as enjoyable.

The third day called for cloudy skies but, I would receive a bonus as I could see patches of blue by 9:00 a.m. The skies would eventually clear for a gloriously sunny November day. I started to make my way towards Braganca in the far northeastern corner of Portugal. Here is a shot I took as I was climbing out of the Duoro valley. You might be able to make out the terraces for the grape vines. Centuries ago, a few generations broke their backs constructing these terraces so that their descendants could enjoy the fruits of their labors, literally. The terraces still require constant repairing though. Only grapes grown at a certain elevation along the valley get to grow up to be the fortified stuff we know as port wine. Too high or too low, & they get relegated to mere wine status. Of course, being the V11 Le Mans.com representative on sight, I took it upon myself to sample several vintages, all in the line of duty, of course

I woke up to overcast skies but again the weatherman called for clearing skies. This time I headed towards the Duoro River again only this time, I would travel east along the south bank. After getting lost in downtown Porto (it happens just about every day in Europe. I get used to it) I finally found the river. What a difference! The south side has been recently repaved & was nothing but 2nd & 3rd gear bends all the way to Resende, climbing up & down the valley side with gorgeous views of the river below. This definitely merits mentioning as one of the most scenic rides in Europe. There was very little traffic this time of year to spoil the fun. Along the way, I got lost again I knew something was wrong because I was climbing into the clouds & couldn't see the river anymore. I came across a couple of moto cops escorting an oversized load. They were stopped while the truck driver adjusted his chains so, I stopped and asked the cops directions. I asked them if I could get back to Resende by continuing in the direction I was going. The cop became very animated, making snaking motions with his hand and saying something about the Duoro a la izquierda & pointing back from where I came. You gotta love a place where the cops insist you enjoy the twisties I turned around & headed back. It's too bad because it was also a freshly paved curvey road. Oh well. Maybe another day. The town of Resende sits in a gorgeous part of the river & is known for its thermal springs. I could live there very easily Here, near the confluence of the Duoro & Texeira rivers, the mighty mighty Goose lies in repose, relaxing near the end of a hard day of dispatching trucks, buses & other foes to meet their makers.

I recently had the opportunity to go to Portugal to get one last ride in before the winter rains set in so, I jumped at it! I left my friend's home near Porto towards Braga then, turned southeast towards the river Duoro. The weatherman called for morning clouds & clearing in the afternoon. I reached the Duoro around lunchtime. Most restaurants in Portugal offer a "prato do dia" for a few Euros. None of that namby pamby yuppified wine valley gourmet cuisine here! Just basic unpretentious plow man meat & potatoes dishes. Unpretentious like the country itself. I liked it After lunch I headed back west along the north bank of the Duoro. The Michelin map showed it as green but, that didn't mean it was in good condition! It was more like Beemer GS territory. The Guzzi, not knowing any better, thumped along dutifully I worked my way back along the back roads to Porto to a nice meal & a warm bed

mine idled rough & even stalled a few times when it was new. Now it runs fine with about 13,000 miles on it. I've heard some people say it takes 10,000 miles to really loosen up a Guzzi engine.

Re: Roof helmets. OK, I know I'm being superficial but, the Roof helmet just looks dorky to me. I dunno why. Maybe it's cuz it looks so wide...seems like you're wearing mickey mouse ears. It reminds me of the helmets flight crews wear on aircraft carriers. Really, the only helmet that looks right on an Italian bike is an Ago AGV with the Italian flag paint scheme But, like I said...I'm being extremely superficial. Don't mind me

For what it's worth...At the last bike show I attended, the Suomys were the most gorgeous helmets there. I have no experience with them & they weren't letting anyone try them on but, they sure looked nice. They're Italian to so, there wouldn't be any culture clash issues with the Guzzi

There's your problem. Everyone knows German engineering & Italian technology don't mesh (tongue in cheek) I have an AGV with no problems. Maybe if you covered that Schuberth with an Ago Italian flag paint scheme, the buffeting might go away I hope you're not running Michelins or Dunlops. Only Italian rubber will do

Looks like a great trip! Wish I was there!

I've never sat on a Hayabusa before so, I admit, I'm shooting from the hip here but, I would guess that the 'busa & Le Mans seating positions are fairly similar & that, the Le Mans wouldn't be any more of a "long distance" bike than the 'busa. That's just my 2 cents. That said, I ride 8 to 10 hour days on my Le Mans with no complaints other than the usual stiffness that comes from sitting in the saddle all day

WOW That sounds like an excellent rate! Anything under $100 a day is a bonus!

P.S. I forgot to add that, the Guzzi performed flawlessly throughout the trip. I got me a good one!

OK Rich! If you can PM me your address, I'll mail you a check along with my return address! Many thanks! P.S. Ian, thanks for the offer of your stock pouch.

Guys, On my last trip, my tool kit somehow came up missing. I don't know if it was stolen at a bike shop in Portugal where I had my oil changed or, if it fell out on the road. I noticed my seat latch keeps popping open (does anyone else have this problem?) so, maybe it was stolen while parked at a hotel though, I doubt a thief would take the time to put the seat back on. Anyways, I was wondering if someone could provide a list of essential tools I will need to buy to replace the missing ones. I'm assuming that trying to order a replacement tool kit from Moto Guzzi will take forever. Thanks in advance for any help. Orson

One last shot of the Guzzi looking down on the Atlantic Ocean, before the rains swept in. All in all, it didn't displace California Highway 1 from my personal Hall of Fame but, it was still a great experience. I rode about 1500 KMs in 4 days. Not a very high average but, that was because the road along the coast was very curvey with a lot of traffic & towns. The region is known for its seafood & I wasn't dissapointed. Like the French, the Spanish & Portuguese couldn't cook a bad meal if they tried.

By the time I reached Finisterra, it was time to turn around & head back to Portugal. I headed inland & was immediately enveloped in lush green landscape. This region was settled by the Celts & I could see a lot of similarities to England & Scotland as I rode along. The wet weather dampened my fun as I had to keep my speed down in the twisties but, traffic was a lot lighter than it had been on the coast.

...it started to rain. I should have known anyplace as beautiful & green as this would require a lot of rain. Fortunately, there were only scattered showers & when I did hit rain, it only lasted 5 minutes. The rain also served to increase my feelings of Deja vu for the northern California coast. I proceeded to the northwestern tip of Spain where the village of Finisterra juts out into the sea on a jagged peninsula. The town is aptly named. Finis = end, terra = land. End of the land.

I took a week off & did a mini tour of northern Portugal & northwestern Spain. I left from my friend's house in Porto & headed north to the town of Ponte De Lima. From there, I turned west & headed for the coast. I crossed over into Spain via a small river ferry & proceeded north while hugging the coast. The Galician coast bears a resemblance to northern California's Highway 1 & I had I hopes that I may have found its equal. Alas, it was not to be for, the level of urbanisation along the coast & the ensuing traffic didn't allow for any spirited riding. Also, the road conditions aren't top notch. Still, the scenery was spectacular. Just when I was starting to think,"I could see myself living here"...