docc

The pads/pistons would not retract and the lever was locked less than an inch from the grip (just enough room for my fingers). I removed the pad pins and retracted the pistons with small Channel-Locks, mopping up the fluid from the bleeders with a rag (did not have a small hose for the bleeder). I was concerned that on the ride down the rest of the mountain I would instinctively pull the brake lever and lock the pads against the rotor again, so the pen is secured there to chock the brake lever in place. We were all presuming something hydraulic, but back in the garage, the lever released when the retaining nut on the pivot pin was loosened. It had been installed 6,000 miles ago. The tiny ball that actuates the switch would not release until home and I completely disassembled and cleaned the mechanism. Current thinking is that the nasty white lithium grease I used combined with the moisture, temperature drop, and fine grit from the road construction to bind the pivot and switch actuator.

I have to say, I am most appreciative to the fellows that stayed with me on the descent from The Divide as my front brakes failed. Not a happy time for me. We stopped at the first overlook that was clear below the 1500 foot cloud ceiling. Took some pics and admired the view. Then, forty minutes working to release my locked front brakes to roll the last 1500 feet elevation/20 miles. You know you are medium-to-truly føøk'd when you blink-blink-awake and see docc's Sharpie and surgical tape applied to your personal vicinity . . .

Any records of what this model was actually designated? V11 Sport CF? V11 Sport Carbon? Carbon Sport? Seems there were a couple "promotional editions" of the V11 sport in 2001. (USA only?) The silver V11 Sport "CF" with 2001 Rosso Mandello carbon fiber (one piece) front fender and cf flyscreen (unlike the accessory, color matched StucchiLuigi-made fiberglass bikini fairing that was available for the early Sports). And the V11 Sport "TT" that was black over silver on a Red Frame (Only fifteen made? But by whom? The US distributor?)

This AGV is PinLock capable. So was my last (ever) Shoei. I've lust "just" never used the feature, so don't know what to think of the advantages/disadvantages.

What an impressive stance. So muscular and lithe. As the last of the Sporting line for the venerable air-cooled BigBlock, I feel the Griso certainly embodies Ing. Carcano's original vision for the V700, "should have the presence of a Norman horse." Just that this one seems to be caught in the middle of a full jump!

Riding through the drizzling fog, back-and-forth over the TN/NC Cherohala Skyway at SSR XVIII, wreaked havoc with the faceshield visibility on my new-ish AGV SportModular. The event made me wonder how much the Pin-Lock might have mitigated that. Otherwise, I've heard they can be a hassle . . .

Truly. What a joy to share in this V11 adventure. The sun in waning on the US west coast as I post this, and my hopes are @Biglangster is about home with this treasured LeMans.

19 yoa/ 19º ? 19 years of age, but temperature in Fahrenheit . . . (minus 7º Celsius) Makes the dense fog on the Cherohala Skyway seem absolutely sensible. Even without brakes.

"And, now, for something completely different" . . . https://livesessions.npr.org/videos/king-cabbage-brass-band-kings-queens

I've been reposting that (amazing) image for a long, long time. Someone you know, @Tomchri? YOU?

The "South'n Spine Raid " has always been a hopeful model for "SpineRaids" wherever you are and whenever you can gather SpineFrames. OhioRiver SpineRaid? Surfin' SpineRaid? Varsseveld SpineRaid? Bungendore SpineRaid? Spinal IceRaid?

Heh, plenty of great roads along the Tenn'O-see/ Kan-too-kee border. It ain't the state roads on my routes that be so sketchy, but heads-up on those haybale county roads!

We are talking timing/cam/phase sensor? http://www.miparts.com/detail/rpm-sensor-engine-management_15598#.WotM7qinGUm

The Vintage Festival is awesome! Josh calls it, "The Mecca of Motorcycling."

FunFact: yes, that is the cloud ceiling on the Cherohala. No, there is zero visibility above that distinct "fog" line at about 1500 feet elevation (so common, there). Love that "survivor" image! Went over, and also back!

You know, the more north'r MidWest-ish South.

"Striking distance" for our Kentucky and Indiana brothers. Ohio, even! Michigan, maybe?

True that we attempted various dates for the SSR with some real fouls in the first years. Our "weekend after Labor Day" has been most reliable, but not without weather-ismism. May in the US mid-South can be rainy, frosty, steamy, or tornadic. Yet . . . a "spring" South'n SpineRaid? Probably not Tellico Plains. More likely the vicinity of Burkesville, Kentucky/ Celina, Tennessee (Lake Cumberland/ Dale Hollow Lake). Just ideas . . .

spring South'n SpineRaid sSSR Weekend between US Mothers' Day and Memorial Day You know the bit about getting there. And bringing tools . . . Just an idea, of course.

spring South'n SpineRaid . . . sSSR . . . has a ring to it! Word is, this area has some good riding:

That could have been so much worse in so many ways.