Mike Stewart

I purchased a airless one, it cost more than the air version, but it came with all types of different plastic rod and a few other goodies. I am going to Cough, cough, repair my broken up Kawasaki with it. You need to know what type of plastic you will be working on and where the repair is going to be made. Epoxy is one of the good ways to repair plastic and it could be better than using a plastic welder. How did the intake tube crack? Mike

So, I emailed Charley and he replied that my problem is most likely a shimming issue. There could also be some damage caused by the incorrect shimming to the gears. He only charges $200. to disassemble the trans completely, inspect all the shafts and gears, replace the shifter spring and a few other parts that could cause trouble and reshim the trans correctly. Sounds like a bargain! I would not even know where to purchase the shims or the dealer would have to order them Humm, I am thinking of trying my V11 Sport engine in the Ghezzi when it goes back together. Mike

After looking at my front crossover and the graphite/mesh/asbestos, there was a clear indentation where the crossover wore into the material. The factory sleeves are about 1 1/4 inch long and are straight/smooth. This allows the crossover to be placed where needed for a correct seal (has at least 1/2" of movement per side). The Turtle design is of a different design which the adjustment for width of the pipes is from moving the Turtle seal in and out of the header pipe for alignment. Wouldn't it just be cheaper to make a metal sleeve but with adding one split in it (for clamping force) the size of the factory ones? The costly part of the Turtle seal is boring the recess in the middle for the crossover ends. Just a thought, Mike

Hubert, The work on the bike (shimming and shift drum) was done at a dealer in Southern California, I have heard that their work may not be up to par. I just wanted to check out my options or thoughts before I tear into it. I hate going into the unknown with out any ideas on what the problem could be. I hope there aren't any worn claws, that would start to be expensive. Mike

Thanks Pierre, I have seen his name on ebay, he is selling many Raceco racing parts at this moment. I will email him about my problem. Many thanks, Mike

I can live with the long throw shifting, clunky, slow shifting 5spd. I should of been more exact on the problem I want to fix. When shifting at red line in 3rd gear, I have to put my foot under the shift lever and pull in the clutch, pull up on the shift lever and keep pressure on it while I slowly release the clutch (all while praying it goes in). Hopefully, I do not get the false neutral this way (kind of embarrassing hearing the engine scream at the top of its lungs). I have hit a false neutral going down the front straight while going into 4th and when this happens, the 1st turn is coming up fast. No engine braking and not knowing if I should try a down shift which could mean going into 2nd gear which would mean rear wheel lockup. Going around a turn with out engine power makes the outside of the turn like a magnet and I am running out of underwear! All I want is to be able to hit 4th gear with out all the other worries or extra work which could be a hazzard to my health (again) The updated shift drum has also been installed, this makes the shifter throw shorter. I would think if the throw is shorter, then it would also take more effort to make the shift. Less mechanical advantage. I don't know if this could be part of my problem or not. Thanks again, Mike

Where is the paint peeling at? I had no problems with any paint peeling (except for the engine cases) on any of my Guzzi's. Could your battery be leaking acid? Yes, even the sealed gel cell batteries can leak and make a mess of things. Mike

Ok, I have been having a problem with my 5 speed trans in my Ghezzi-Brian. Well, maybe it is not a problem, maybe it is normal. My problem is a false neutral going from 3rd to 4th. A dealer has already done the shimming fix and the problem is still there. I do not usually hit the false neutral around town, only when I am reving the snot out of the bike. I guess, that is worst, because the revs really scream when it happens. If I take my time and do a very slllooow shift, it seems to go into 4th, but other wise, it will hit a false neutral. I hear Dynotec drills out a shaft to add a bolt somewhere to keep the gears tightly together. Any ideas if this is the way to go, or are there other solutions. I have also heard that going with a lighter flywheel makes the transmission shift better, is this true? The Ghezzi-Brian uses the EV motor which has an anchor of a flywheel. So if anyone has any solutions, please help! Need to know, Mike

Carl, I don't know what bags I want yet, I just may keep the look Nakid . One good thing so far, I have yet to be passed by any vehicle Mike

Ahh, So it does look like you picked up new pipes for the Duck. Did you get them through Modesto Ducati? Very nice to meet a fello Guzziest there. Mike

Well, I think I was the first gimp or as my wife calls me gimpy. Just about 4 months ago, I had a slight meeting with the tarmac when doing a intermediate track school. I guess I failed the class I was mid point in turn 13 at Thunderhill Raceway in California, accelerating hard for exit speed and pushing my bike up to get more traction on exit while (one of the earlier classes), aiming my eyes down the back straight. I heard my engine rpm scream, so I thought to my self, no problem, my rear tire is spinning, the bike felt stable and was pointed down the straight. I saw a flash of green in front of my face (my bike) and then pavement (can you say, high speed lowside). My body tumbled and slid 150 feet past the bike. I just layed flat on my back, It felt like the wind was knocked out of me but the pain felt way deeper. I could move my arms and feet which I thought was a good sign. I could see my bike down at the exit of turn 13 in the middle of the track and I was in the middle of the track 150 down the straight. Help was there quick and they helped me up, I actually walked to the meat wagon, but from that point on, I could stand but I could not take any steps. The good news, I was still alive, the bad news, 4 fractures in my pelvis and three broken ribs. So, fractures healed, more physical therapy till everything is well. Yes, I have been out on my bikes for some short rides. Felt weird at first, but now it feels fine. Mike

Good on gas, had it up to 20 mph, revs to 100 rpm+, handles great Mike

I came across these the other day, probably the only set in the states up for sale. Anyone need spares? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...%3ARTQ%3AUS%3A1 Good luck, Mike

Soren, Everyone still ask me if I sold all my bikes, my reply is "I could of broken my pelvis on my bicycle", which is quite true. Back in 2000, I was heavy into bicycling, I did three double century rides (200 miles in a day) but got burn't out from all the training and the amount of time you needed to keep at that level. Well, now is my chance to get back into shape and hopefully back into cycling. I have also been doing alot around the house and it seems to help out with the elbows, wrist and thumb pains I was getting. Thanks, Mike

Docc, I must say that I was lucky that the pelvic fractures healed up quite well. The Chiropractor that I now visit regularly is amazed on how fast my body is healing up and expects a full recovery (could take up to three years). What I didn't expect was how long it takes to recover once the bones are completely healed. Doing some movements that used to be easy like just rolling out of bed or even getting out of a car are getting easier but you really feel the muscles working when doing these simple things. I do have ups and downs, feel good one day and not the next. Stretching, walking, slowly building up the muscles in all the weakened areas is a full time job right now. 4 weeks ago, I was finally able to lift my leg high enough to put it over a bike I felt that I had enough lower body strength now to hold a light bike up so, I have been taking the Ducati's out for some very short rides. No problems with my lower body, but I am also dealing with elbow and wrist pain which could be the limiting factor on long hauls. As for the bikes with the lower clip-ons, I can ride them without too much wrist pain, I just need to keep changing my hand position. I just wish the weather was better so I could put more miles on! Thanks, Mike

Unfortunately there is no fuel shut off valve on the 03 bikes, the fuel pump is inside the tank. Even if you did pull the fuel pump fuse or relay and ran the bike until it died, there could still be residual fuel pressure in the lines. Also best to pull the lines when the motor is cool. Mike

Supertwin, Michael came by just after he had his bike painted. Came out really good, humm, looks alot like my bike now. Can you say Mirror image. Hey, I saw a set of wheels for a Ghezzi-Brian on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Brembo-Moto...1QQcmdZViewItem I am healing up slowly, the pelvic fractures and ribs are healed, I am now in Physical Theropy getting my movement and strength back from my stomach down to my legs. What fun, I have Physical Theropy and Chripractor apointments just about every week, doesnt give me much time to work on my bikes. Dealing with all the secondary injurys from the crash seems to be the main area I need to work on (elbows, wrist, thumb etc). I have gone on a few short rides, getting better with time. Thanks, Mike

I thought you were talking about from russia with love http://www.biker.ru/girl/index.html Mike

Be careful when removing the lines, there still could be fuel pressure in the lines. Have a rag ready and perhaps eye protection. I push the fuel line toward the tank and pull the gray connector toward the line, the line will slide right off. Mike

The MGS-01 has 4 valves per cylinder so it will not be in the field. The rules want to keep everyone competitive but they allow 1bhp per 4 pounds which is a 100 bhp engine in a 400 pound bike. I think the Goose needs to loose some weight and gain some horsepower to be competitive. Humm, are Ghezzi-Brians allowed? Sounds like fun though! Mike

The V11 series bikes do not use an oil return from the upper end as well. Their crankcase vent is at the top of the engine block which then goes to the frame and then the drainback goes back to the sump. Should be easy to do on any older block. Mike

Moto Guzzi did not have the MGS 01 at the show but a dealer (Moto Italiano) did at their booth. Looks very nice indeed! Is it only $10.00 for the bike show in Cleveland? Here in California, it is $12.00 to get in, $10.00 for parking unless you ride your bike (how the heck are you suppost to buy stuff and cart it home on your bike ). Mike

My 2000 V11 always did this also but I am not sure if it was all the time. I think it is from the injector seeping fuel when the bike is off. Not really a problem, the bike always started fine the first crank with out any smoking or such. Mike

Well, Christmas came 24 hours early I went out to Modesto Ducati to see if I liked the Sport 1000 riding position and the bike fit like a glove. The dealer asked if I would like to purchase this bike since the other person that had put a deposit down for it was out of the country. We asked if they would take a personal check and they said yes, so now there is another bike in the garage. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Mike

Hal, Buy the best gear that you can afford. I had purchased a Moto GP Kangaroo suit ($900) to use for track days and during my crash, the suit is damaged pretty badly. Some of the seams did come apart and it was a blessing that there was no road rash other than on one elbow from the suit moving and the pressure point wearing through the Kangaroo leather (which is suppost to be three times more abrasion resistant than leather). I am also a firm believer in the speed bump and will not go on the track with out one. Next time out besides a new suit, I will be wearing more inner padding under the suit to protect the pelvic area. Anyone want to buy a used suit, just used for 1 1/2 days, broken in well Also riding boots are another must. I had the Sidi boots and they had scuffs in spots that I thought were impossible to scuff. The body can really flex when it is forced to . See you at the track soon, Mike