Mike Stewart

I really wonder about the engine cylinder head protectors now. On a tip over they work fantastic, but I saw the aftermath of a V11 Sport that went down last week at the Arizona Rally and the damage to the engine was just as bad as if you had no cylinder head protector. The bolts holding the cylinder head guard pulled out of the cylinder head so the cylinder still met the pavement. The bike is goin to need a new cylinder head for sure, mostly from the major damage from the 4 bolts being ripped out of the cylinder head. Mike

Steve, Did you happen to go to Guy Websters Italian bike collection while in Ojai? Mike

Yep, The Arizona rally was really fun, I wish it was longer than three days (really two since I had to head home on Sunday morning). Many fantastic roads as Mark mentions. Here is a picture of my bike at Williams Arizona in the Morning. It was 31 degrees when we left and we had to stop 30 miles later at Flagstaff due to freezing hands. Here is a picture at Flagstaff at the Denny's parking lot, notice the mountains in the back ground. I did so much riding that the camera never was pulled out to do any picture taking. The weather did warm up at Precott for the rally which I welcomed after dodging the rain and hail storms through New Mexico and Arizona. Mike

Humm, I hit 140+ on a long down hill dip in Arizona a few years back and I don't recall the engine being close to redline. Perhaps 6500 to 7000 rpm. This was on my 00 V11 Sport. I also did 137 mph. on flat ground with my 03 Rosso bone stock. I know the tach was at about 7K. I think if you could be close to redline, the speedo would read 150 plus. Need more horsepower Don't forget that the veglia tach reads about 3 to 500 rpm off Mike

Chris, The comfort of the V11 is not bad at all, but it really depends on your riding style/body type. The seat is fine on the V11 series and I have done plenty of 600 mile days in the saddle both riding one up and also fully loaded two up. I also use lower clip-ons on my V11 sport so I guess I am into pain . If you are planning to take four days, that would be great and you will probably find out that you can do it in 2 to 3 days. This is the bike if you want SOUL, I am a converted Beemer rider too. Try it and you will be in Love! Mike

Folks, After hearing more horror stories of bikes being at dealers for 6 months (yes, mine was also at the same dealer for 6 months two years ago), I decided to branch out and try out Monroe Motors in San Francisco. I called Monroe Motors about 3 weeks ago and they took down my VIN number so they could order the transmission recall parts. I also have an extended service contract in which they will honnor, they took down the contract number as well (there is a transmission side cover leak that the other dealer never fixed at three attempts). I was on vacation the last ten days and the bike was the last thing I wanted to deal with when I came home. This afternoon I received a call from the Service department at Monroe Motors stating that my recall parts are in and when would I like to bring the bike in for the work. I was stunned that the Service department was calling me for an appointment. Well, my appointment is Saturday the 14th of this month which is the only day I can drop the bike off in San Francisco. They said it would take about a week for the repair and asked if that was OK . So, if the repair part goes like the part ordering and appointment making, I think I have found a new dealer. Mike

Dave, They did not mention how much more it would be for each cylinder. From what info I got from Racer X, there should be only a few more pulls on the dyno to dial each cylinder in. Whoa, I just spent 3.5 hours in traffic driving 85 miles to Hare Racing and back to pick up the Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires. The rain in the Bay Area makes driving difficult. I need a drink I like the Pirelli Corsa's much more than the Metzler Sportec's. I never had a problem with the Sportec's , but feel I prefer the feel and extra grip of the Pirelli Diablo Corsa's. By the way, I get higer mileage out of the Corsa'a (now have 7500 miles on the first pair and still going strong). The set I purchased is for the Ghezzi-Brian which came with Dunlop 208's. I never liked Dunlops and think the Pirelli's will make the bike turn in faster and make my confidence soar in the fast paced turns:race:. Can't wait to mount them . Mike

Love Hurts! Mike

I spoke to Hare Racing today as well. They have the lowest prices on Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires that I have seen. Going down there tomorrow to pick up a new set of sticky sneakers. The last set of Diablo Corsa's have about 7500 miles and still look pretty good but the center has gone somewhat square from the latest adventure to Arizona and New Mexico of 2800 miles. I also asked about the dyno tuning and plan to make an appointment soon. When RacerX put on his Power Commander seminar last month, I think I will pay alittle bit more and have the maping done for each cylinder. The results that I have heard are very good and the bike feels not Guzzi like afterwards, meaning the bike runs very, very smooth. Mike

Hal, I have tried with a heat gun and with adhesive remover and the sticker still came off in pieces . I figure it was better to damage the sticker than the paint it was coming off of. You have a very good looking bike Hal! See you soon, Mike

Well, The bags are packed, the tanks fueled, I am ready for the road. Heading out tomorrow afternoon to Prescott Arizona via Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hope to see some of you at the rally. Mike

Hello and welcome to the site!, My 2000 V11 Sport battery died about two months ago, so I would say the battery life is still about 3 to 5 years. I also had a small leak from the battery over winter, so that is what most likely caused the battery failure in my case. Mike

Brian, How about using the good old saws all Use a bimetal blade and it should cut through like a hot knife in butter. I don't think there should be any hardness left in the race or the axle. You may need to cut both sides of the axle to remove the wheel and final drive together. Hopefully it will work for you, Mike

I thought only the 2000 and 2001 V11 Sports were under the recall . Mike

Bill, I just removed one from my bike and it was tight. Mine needed a 8mm. hex to remove it and it did fit looser than I would like it to. I am not sure if you should do it on a cold or hot engine. On steel, usually heat works to free up bolts so I guess a hot engine would be better. I would not worry about snapping it off but rounding out the hex would worry me. Try using the tightest hex wrench that will fit and put pressure on the allen wrench and give it a blow with a hammer in the loosening direction. The dipstick should break loose. Go back to the stock unit, it does not look as cool but it is lighter and now allen wrench is needed. Good luck, Mike

When I purchased the sump, I think there were two different part numbers listed. My sump came with a length of hose and fittings to make the oil drain back hose. The drain back hose attaches to the oil drain hole in the pan via a large banjo fitting. Then there is a smaller drain plug that is in the center of the banjo bolt to aid draining the sump. Mike

Gthyni, Is your question regarding installing the deep V oil pan? You also need to remove the center housing that has the oil pressure switch and thermostat. This is held in place by a few bolts. The oil pressure relief valve needs (if I remember correctly) to be installed into the deep V sump. Take care removing the oil pressure relief valve, there is some really strong lock tite holding it in place. I cracked the center housing when removing mine. Also use locktite when installing it into the sump. If this baby comes loose, you will loose all oil pressure. You can remove the inner valve assembly with the upper sump half, the pipes and valves come out as one piece. You do not have to do any plumbing. The only plumbing will be the oil drain from the frame to the sump. The oil pickup and oil feed are all done by the passages in the deep V sump. And yes, the german instructions are Hope this helps, Mike

Fortunately her feet won't be able to reach the ground on the G-B Mike

Good for you Hal!, I have a problem with just one bike as you can see. You will enjoy your new bike, just take your time with it and you will like the way it feels. Which bike are you taking to Arizona? Mike

So, will Hal be on his Stone or new V11? Mike

I am leaving early as well, the wife and I are headed to Santa Fe New Mexico for a few days and then riding toward Prescott. Plan to take a 10 day tour and doing 3000 plus miles (depending if we include the Grand Canyon) . I don't worry about my Rosso, but her Ducati, I have to wonder. I guess I had better bring some tools and chain lube (yuck) along . Mike

Hal, Welcome to the V11 board! I believe I know you on your stone. What made you go toward the V11 series? Yes, I am the one on the Green V11 Sport and 03 Rosso and proud new owner of a 03 Ghezzi & Brian. By the way, I also have a 2000 Jackal project in the works. Mike Stewart , Oakland CA

Tom, I just made a clutch line using Earls stainless steel lines and ends (stainless hose with a plastic covering). I have not had any leaks but the clutch system does not see the high pressures like the brake system. First you need to make sure the end of the hose is square, then file or grind the corner that was just cut to take the burr off of the stainless steel wires. Apply a little lubricant to the inside of the hex and then force the hex fitting (only the hex part of the fitting) onto the hose. I think I put the hex part into a vice (use vice jaws to protect the hex) so I could push and rotate the hose to get it through the hex. Once the hex is on the hose, mark the location with a permanent marker then (have about 1/8 inch of hose coming out the hex) you need to install the inner compression fitting. This goes between the steel braid and inner teflon tube. Next the fitting is installed, the inner nipple goes into the teflon inner tube. This is the hard part. While putting pressure on the fitting end toward the hose, turn the hex nut to start the threads. The hex nut should pull the compression fitting and inner fitting in toward the hose for a compleat seal. Check the pen mark on the hose, it should not of moved more than 1/16 of an inch. I don't know the torque of the hex fitting. I guess just tight . Hopefully this helps you out, MIke

Just thought some of you in the Bay Area would like to go and meet with the Ducati guys for Pizza. I hope to be there next Monday with the G-B. http://www.ducatiowners.com/mh900e/events/dbn_3_21_2005.html Mike

Rob, The G-B was already registered in California. It was purchased in Texas and shipped to California. I don't know how and I will ask no questions. I will have to sell my V11 Sport and many parts laying around the house to afford the new bike. I love the way the 00 green V11 sport looks and I hope that I am not making a mistake. The G-B does handle excellent and the only thing that feels somewhat the same between the two bikes is the torque of the engine. Mike