docc

I wondered that I would be mis-speaking of that. Yet, her images did not impress me as "Madame" . . .

@p6x , any luck finding the missing O-ring? I was hoping that post took the prize, but we're not beyond looking further . . .

A Saturday morning low of 59ºF is going to make the Cherohala right brisk. Big block Goozies looooooove this!!!!!!!

I had thought the early engine cases, like those pictured on that V7 Special, with the simple vertical ribs (before the "waffle" pattern used through the last big blocks) were all V7 703 cc, but seems that must have changed later (not sure when, 1971?)

In his excellent reference, Moto Guzzi - The Complete History from 1921, Mario Colombo writes: "The V7 was replaced in 1969 with the V7 Special which had an uprated 757 cc engine and various other mechanical (gearbox) and and design improvements (wider tank, complete instrument pack, white paintwork with red stripes). Special models were prepared for the American Market with names like Ambassador, Eldorado, and California."

That is a great concept!

"Before you do anything, take 5 steps back, and think about what could happen with what you are planning to do for 5' . . . " Is this to say "five minutes" or "five feet?"

You fine fellows will be dearly missed.

Walt did not mention this to me and I don't see any changes on their website. One of the SpineRaiders had to work through some reservation changes and told me. I hope I have not mis-spoken. I know we all wish Walt and Anna the very best!

I understand Walt is staying on for a time while the new folks get up to speed. Not sure we'll get to see Walt, though. I got to talk with him and Anna a couple months back. What great folks ! It is already looking like these new innkeepers are golden, as well. The South'n SpineRaid's twelfth year at The Lodge at Tellico.

Okay, so there could be some loose cannons and unknown quantities . . .

(I believe that is too small for anything related to the air intake . . .) O-RING 17, 86X2, 62 #35: GU90706178

I know y'all are always on your best behavior. Something special this year, we are the guests of the new innkeepers, Bryan and Catherine. Not sure who the "other group" is at the lodge, but they probably aren't bringing any viable parts bikes we could use.

I dunno, man. These modern fuels don't seem to mark plugs like the good ol' days. Mighty easy to pull those plug caps and check the resistance. My buddy found his at three in the morning with his carbs apart on the bench *(unnecessariy). . .

@p6x, Check your dipstick to see if its O-ring has gone missing.

Another member just solved a similar problem discovering one of the spark plug resistor caps was intermittently giving resistance in the MegaΩ instead of ~5kΩ. Easy check, easy fix. Once found.

*Disclaimer: The "South'n SpineRaid" only borrows the term, tongue-in-cheek. True rally raids are serious, gruesome, impressive affairs. About the most serious event at a South'n SpineRaid is figuring out how to get the stack of pizzas delivered. Mademoiselle Dautheville:

+1 on Melissa Holbrook Pierson's presentation. Yes, she captures some of the essence of why we ride. While her work is also autobiographical, I think that lends a truism to her experiences that she was determined to share with us. Would she have realized these dreams without a Moto Guzzi and Moto Guzzi "people?" "The Perfect Vehicle" (*not a Moto Guzzi!) is worth the read and consideration without the thought-provoking heaviness of Robert Pirsig's philosophical "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" (required reading) . . .

What you are seeking, my friend, is the "RUSTY STAR PICKET PROJECT." Accept no substitutes!

@gelos is in the Czech Republic and checks in with us from time to time. . .

This is one and same bike, yes?

Luciano Marabese level style!

If your V11 weighs 500 pounds, its probably out of fuel . . . I can remember two, or maybe three, female forum members. I think two of them actually rode V11 and the other had some pretty V11 jewelry on offer. Recalling just a few lady riders coming through our local "sport-touring" community reminds that the more talented ones chose bikes that fit them well (shouldn't we all?). The most adept of these wore full leathers and rode a Honda Hawk GT. Quite svelte, nimble and capable. The bike, too.

Let's all hope that whatever they do will not be driven by what they "think" the Americans will buy. What a formula for disaster that has been, historically. Worse, yet, is this latest effort driven by the Chinese/Asian/Indian market? Unknowable from down here in the wrench-trench.

Honestly? That image looks like a ruse. Just a bunch of stitched-together whizzz that has no basis in reality. Sure, sure, maybe Moto Guzzi/Piaggio will actually have something roadworthy in another two or three years? I'm not holding my breath that there even be an EICMA this year.