Frenchbob

A KLT: she probably puts one in each fairing locker.

Is it just me, or is the exhaust the ugliest since the Griso's?

Any chance of a picture of that modification?

Research Ratchethack's past posts on this.

My wife isn't petite, and tends to slide forwards on the pillion of my V11, under braking. However, she says it's more comfortable than the Triumph it replaced [1994 Trident 900], although she does complain of hot feet [Mistrals, no guard]. She also says the turbulence is less at speed. I find the V11 less comfortable than the Triumph, riding with my wife on the back, but it's bearable for medium-length journeys [100 miles or so, with a stop].

You haven't had the courtesy to respond to my question, so I'll volunteer this. If I sometimes seem to be stating the obvious, it's because people sometimes seem to be asking it. Otherwise, I'm happy, even keen, to acknowledge that there are proper experts on here, from whom I've benefited enormously - thanks are due to them. However, your sneering suggestion that I don't look after my bikes myself [and perhaps that in other ways I'm not authentic] is, I'll admit, irritating. For the record, I do look after my six bikes, one of which I rebuilt from burned-out, rusty frame up, and repair and maintain them meticulously. I also look after, service and repair our four-wheelers, too. It's my hobby: why would I be dishonest about it? Happily, in the real world, I have many friends who know who I am, where I am and what I do, so your attitude remains simply irritating - an irritation I intend to avoid in future.

Is this sarcasm? Are you intimating that I'm somehow bogus, Belfast?

No, that's Nogbad. How about a full-length, Nog: you're looking good! I see you chose a little something in black from Serge's forum to wear for us.

.......there's surely enough Hooter there for the entire forum. That's a splendid picture, Jim. I'm keeping that!

I have a FIAT [Fix it again, Tony] estate car, which in France is, appropriately, known as a "break".

My experience too.

Yes, about 6000, when you also need to change gearbox and drivebox oils [80/90 and drivebox needs 2cc moly in addition]. At the same time, if you have Siemens relays, change them for Bosch ones. If you're used to servicing things like elderly cars, the Guzzi will hold no surprises or complications: do it all yourself - if you have a handbook, it's all in there. If not, get one from your dealer. Failing that, I'll PM you a copy of my service chart, if you like. A Guzzi V11 is the ideal cycle for someone who lives a long way from their dealer. All you need is the parts mailed to you.

Your problem, Belfast, is that you don't degrease your tarts. Brake and carb cleaner works just fine on a greasy tart, I find. Try this tip and economise on greaseproof paper. Early Cali look, Nige: should be good!

The chain's neat as well. Does it go through the holes in the disc rotor or what?

No, I'm not. That Cali of Todd Eagans' gives food for thought, though, doesn't it, Nige?

Been there. This is my Thunderbird. Took me nine years to get it to this state after a minor accident in 1983 resulted in a total burn-out. Three of the nine years were spent wondering where I could possibly start. We're now in 1992. Thunderbird finished. Proud. Major getting off my Ducati. Broken bones, time off work, shit flying in all directions. Wife saying stop riding or divorce. Sold all the bikes except one: the newly-finished Thunderbird. It was a year before I rode again, and another year before I got on a faster bike. I'll just echo what the others have said, Rick. Keep one bike, any bike and don't close the door completely. You'll be back.

Robert E Lee is one of my heroes. To hear that he also loved his cock just makes it better! He beats me in the hair stakes, though.

Damn! I knew it would get out one day. Actually, on close inspection [of his photo: I never inspect myself closely], Whispering Bob Harris does resemble me to an unnerving degree! If he got more sunshine and drank more wine, and ate a little more, it would be positively uncanny.....oh, and he'd have to get his teeth fixed! And love his cock. As for Dawn French.............................

You wish, sweetheart!

What's a Griso?

Good, because I understood only the first two words.

Really sorry to hear your bad news, Rick. I hope that the fact you're posting again means that you feel much better. Once a biker, always a biker in attitude, and even though you may have decided not to ride again, you're still that sort of worthwhile person. Recover fully soon, and very good luck, whatever takes your interest in the future. Bob

So have I, but I can still perform functions when my button are pressed.

Belfast, are you related to the late, lamented Alan Freeman, by any chance?

You never give up with this, do you? He's too tough to eat, now. And would you eat your cock, whatever other abuse you might subject it to?