Frenchbob

Thanks for your reasoned response, Pierre. Please don't think I'm anti-American: I'm not, and I'm actually an admirer of American Literature, including Faulkner. I just don't admire Hunter S Thompson, whose style I actually find derivative and old-fashioned, as well! There is a sort of biker gang culture in Europe, too, but it is different to the US one, you're right. I actually like the French biker culture, which isn't Harley-dominated [i could agree with Thompson on that, at any rate!] but isn't so sport and youth-orientated as in the UK. Regards.

...is that, as a motorcyclist and enthusiast I don't want to be identified with any such drivel by any non-motorcyclist who might read it: it is self-aggrandising, ignorant and very silly. It is also quite clear that the writer has far more ego than experience. And I would prefer not to see such rubbish on here.....Sorry: I thought my point was fairly obvious. Well, you asked!

I'm not often given to profanity, but that is the most appalling, badly-written bollocks it has been my misfortune to read this year.

Maybe I've missed something here, but have you actually ridden a big Guzzi at all? If you haven't it's imperative that you do before making a decision: they're not to everyone's tastes and very different to ride from the smaller Dukes. It doesn't much matter which you ride because the essential Guzziness is there in them all, not to be found in other V-twins and you may not like it. If you know already that you like big, heavy, relatively slow, old-fashioned sports bikes that demand input and commitment and ooze character, you'll like the 1100i. One thing's for sure, you'll keep it longer than any modern Duke, as Ben said. Good luck!

I should do this, Dan. Truth is, I'm being lazy and cheap [as usual]. There is a nearly new concentric sitting in the barn that's the right size [because I don't really like them, but it would be better than a worn out monobloc], and there is a firm in England [surry Cycles I think they're called], who service, repair and even sell new monoblocs, at a price. However, you've spurred me into action! The old Dommie deserves, and will get, better. With you on using a Mikuni, even if my old Commando now runs with one and is transformed, apparently. By the way, don't be ashamed of a four-year rebuild on your T120; my Thunderbird took longer than that, the first time I did it!

Careful!

Shoei head here: I have two, both black full-face, paid a lot for each, because that's what my head's worth! I have an open face but can't remember when I wore it. The last time I came off, the impact left gouges mm deep on the chin section of my full-face: draw your own conclusions! Me, I'm ugly enough.

Thanks, Dan: kind comment. Your pair of beauties has not escaped my attention! I have had examples of both. I remember my Commando particularly fondly: a friend in England still has it. I don't know what I was drivelling on about in this post: the problem with the Norton is not the float but the slide: I think my brain was anticipating the tasting session in Duras that morning. My Dommie is basically a 1955 88 model, but with a tuned 99 motor installed: in much better condition than the carb, happily! The gearbox is from an Inter, and many of the cycle parts are later. The bike goes incredibly well and is a favourite. The 59 T'bird is pretty original and has been mine for nearly thirty years: twice rebuilt by me - I did the paint myself 15 years ago in the original rebuild, which is why it's workmanlike, black and not brilliant. Edit: just noticed you have a '64 Atlas too, Dan. I so want a '64 Atlas! It's noticeable, isn't it, how many of us also own, ride and work on old Brit stuff. Perhaps we ought to have an ancient Brits section? Since we now seem to have philosophy and moth sections firmly established, I don't see a problem. Jaap, I'm offering to be ancient Brits moderator! [only kidding] Tell us about yours!

I can answer "yes" to all the questions in red in Mr Roper's article, but I had previously put these things down to substance abuse........now I begin to wonder.

Damn! My secret's out. Can you smell the weed from there?

Didn't this engine get used, in modified form, by Rover as their 3.5 litre V8? If it's the same one, there are lots about: we could all build one............No? Oh, all right then, bad idea.

Was it that the fairing wasn't painted at all [to save weight]?

Without looking {incredibly lazy these days] I would say that this V8 saw the light of day in 1957 and slight green content because the green paint used was applied very thinly to save weight!

It must have been; I knew it!

Yesterday, the fine spring weather here tempted me out on the old Thunderbird. Within 5 minutes I was back with a non-functioning speedometer. Determined to ride an oldie on my morning errands, I put the Triumph in the dog-house and took out the Norton. Another five minutes riding allowed me to discover that the elderly front tyre had developed a flat spot through standing this winter and I got back home with an unusually high idle speed: the float in the ancient Amal monobloc is now too worn to allow a low idle. This morning we have a trip planned in the FART [sorry FIAT] to the vineyard we buy from in Duras: I have decided to take a full tool kit. [Picture taken last summer: the season isn't that advanced!]

Bianchi Tonale, 175cc

[Late as usual] I am now using a Yuasa specified for a V11 LeMans - no idea what year: I had to fiddle a bit to get it to fit my Sport, but it's cheap! [Less than £40 here] and they do seem to last well compared to other cheap types.

Congratulations. Like the others, I hope you'll still have time to post: we need you!

No-one's going to give you a quiz point for remembering what you bought: get over it, and tell us what you've got . Jaap, if he gets a point for this, I want one for remembering my password.

I reckon a 400cc version of the Norge would go down well. It could have smaller wheels and running boards and an automatic gearbox, and they could call it the "Barge[man]". I'm sure there'd be a big market for it.

Thanks for that, Tom. If I make any breakthroughs I'll get back! Meanwhile I now have some ideas to work with.

I wouldn't worry too much, Guy: they'll be able to market the wooden logs as replica 750S3 seats.

I can't be arsed to look this up, Nige, but I think that's where they held the Bol in the year that the Lemon's illustrious progenitor raced.

Nothing to add to that, Kevdog, except to say welcome and you made the right choice: I took a good long run on mine, today, and came back with a big grin on my face!

That's useful, Martin: thanks. My bike handles very well and I don't want to spoil it. Judging by what I've found, someone has already been at the suspension. However, I do have a pillion and luggage to carry this summer... so I shall be experimenting. Thanks again: I was hoping someone would have optimum settings at their finger-tips, or know where in the maze that is our archive to find them!