Frenchbob

What makes you think it hasn't, already?

What happened.....? You should see some of the stuff you posted last time you were there: that's what happened! Whatever you're taking, will you send me some?

Thgings certainly aren't what they used to be. Back in the eighties, BMW drivers were young, male, aggressive and incapable of retaining the understanding that even a Honda 400 could outddrag and out-manoeuvre them. Such fun when you were on a Commando!

Excellent scheme! Having waited months for the tool from my dealer [not his fault, but the factory's], I shall copy this. Last time I found an old imperial box spanner that nearly fitted and wound some tape round until it did: happily my "hatch" wasn't too tight. I have had the pan off, as well, to clean everything out, but it was as clean as a whistle, anyway, and I shan't do it again for some time.

Anyone who's had a friend trying to keep up with them on proper roads, on holiday, on a Pan, as I have, will echo this statement [the friend is a good rider: the bike was the problem]. The Norge will probably be fine on motorways, wearing its tyres flat in the middle! Here's to proper bikes and proper roads!

It's like toads that tell you they're "knee-deep". In what, you wonder.

That's strange: Eugene didn't have the same effect on me!

Roger that here, too! I actually chose a second-hand V11 over new examples of the Voxan roadster and Triumph Thruxton, last year. Voxans just don't do it for me and I think the Thruxton is a joke. I say that as a Triumph owner and enthusiast, too. And I've ridden one. I don't regret my choice at all. The Ducatis I like are over-priced and probably fragile [my last Duc was].

Thanks. Hope you have a good ride. We've got snow coming........!

Hey, another chicken freak! Mrs Buck Buck looks lovely and in the pink, and if I ever do visit the states [one day!] I'll be sure to smuggle Serge through in my hand luggage! He spent today "helping" my wife dig the potager [what are wives for?].

I'm not so sure about this. I quite like knowing whom I'm conversing with: on a forum like this you can't so easily make judgements about people as in the virtual world, and I think it probably helps that everyone feels able to talk about anything. One of the things that has impressed me since I've been on here is that out of the huge range of social, geographical educational and political backgrounds people seem to have, there are very few people I wouldn't be friendly with if they lived nearby.....with the exception of the odd racist, of course, but then we have those everywhere! It's been said before but bears repeating that we have Jaap to thank for much of this.

Hardly ever use water, except on the trail bike or on a bike that has accumulated serious road dirt, and then I only use soap, not detergent, and a soft sponge, and I never use the power washer on bikes. Mainly oily rag, paraffin brush and Scottoil spray. I always try to keep plated surfaces and exhaust systems clean. A layer of road dust helps you spot oil leaks!

I've found that you can alter the "backlash" and surge by playing with the throttle bodies. I've tuned mine out completely, after much fiddling.

.....The b*****d's got two! Don't rate his towcar, though.

Thanks, Ratchet: I think these bikes are still under-valued in Europe and, six years ago, I was lucky enough to get this from a friend for very little money.

Thanks, Tex, Van, Scooter. Ben, you're right about the state of the engine and the rotors. The rotors will stay that way until they're worn enough to change, but the engine is a disgrace: testimony to my bad habit of winterising my bikes with an oily brush or Scottoil spray and then forgetting to clean them in the spring! I don't get corrosion, though. I took care of the weep of oil at the l/h cylinder head joint, today, and did the valve clearances [no wear on the seats since last time on super unleaded and a splash of avgas]. Just the gearbox oil to change tomorrow and then she's right for the summer. Van, your comment took me back to my first encounter with one of these, parked outside a bike shop in England sometime in the seventies: I thought it looked as though it was doing 100mph standing still. Mine still thrills me just to look at [and I spent some time, glass in hand, doing just that, tonight]. Scooter, I would love to try a 1000S. The 750S3 is quite different in character to the 850 and 1000cc bikes I have tried: revvier and more sporting, somehow. The Lanfranconi PR exhaust helps with this impression. It's a blast to ride, which is why I keep it.

Ouch! Thanks for the comment about the S3: she's like me - outdated and been around too long, but still goes a bit!

I did, to warm the oil up preparatory to beginning the old girl's yearly ordeal - servicing - and I felt much better for it!

Thanks, Guy: someone had to say so!

Thanks, Ben. Serge is a Limousin "grey" and he is a big boy, as you can see. We have a few hens, to keep him happy and give us eggs, and once a year we let Isadora, our mother-hen go broody. We just leave her alone, make sure she has something to eat and drink near her box and she appears one day with a brood of chicks which she guards fiercely until they're on their own. Our chickens live in an ancient stone outbuilding and although they have a compound, when we're at home we let them out to free-range: they're hardy and healthy as a result.

BTW, welcome to the forum, Redneckfox! As you can see, there is considerable silliness here at this time of year: lots of wisdom, too. I see that you don't have a Guzzi, yet. Are you looking for a V11? If so, you've come to the right place for information: ask anything and there are people here who will know the answers. Bob

I'm tempted to say "There's a little cock in me"..........but that would be too silly! However, for those of you who admire my boy, here's a recent picture:

OK Supreme, JAP 500cc engine, 1930 -33?

Are you referring to my cock, by any chance? Show some respect, willya? Chicken....!!!!

Martin, this is WHY your paint's flaking off. Have you ever seen a bike that's ever been washed in Italy? They're not meant to be washed. I just oil mine up every now and then. Works on the cock, too.