docc

Being a very respectable photographer, Hubert, how about some eye candy of the Mean Green Sisters? Maybe a special thread: Hubert Can't Help Himself ?

That is sweet! The Perfect Folks-vaagen color! (what do they call that color?)

First addition was the black suede/red stitched solo saddle from the Racer. I haven't seen any hints that Honda may try the retro thing again. I thought they got burned the last time and wouldn't be back. (Love my GB and got it pretty cheap. Sat for two years new and all the showroom dust was free!)

True, all of that. Yet, I take some instruction from the problems with my Jeep engine which has been made by Chrysler for twenty years while the oil was thinned more and more by specification changes leading to start-up knocking and increased oil consumption complaints. Simply returning to the early specification (thicker) oil has been a simple solution. When I saw the change in the Moto Guzzi specification I assumed the same forces at work. Perhaps instead the later lubrication (underside piston spray) will only function properly with the thinner oil? For a rider having flickering oil pressure warning while warm at idle, I would first be certain the idle is truly high enough. With tachometers that often overstate the tick-over, the oil pressure is not going to be happy below 1000 rpm.

I just always thought the funky rubber turn-down snorkels were just a clever solution for drive-by dB testing. I couldn't see how they were our friends otherwise.

Let the tuning begin! I really like this V7! Sure, it can be improved, but isn't that why we're here? Looks like a solo saddle, lower bars with bar-end mirrors will be first up. After a brief (trade off) ride, it seems more weight forward would be good. After the bar change, I think we'll sink the triple clamps a bit and lift the rear about the same (maybe a quarter inch/ 6 mm). Good news is the boy weighs in at the likely weight of a Guzzi test rider! (Springs should be ok).

Looks like you have a really "stock" LeMans (intake snorkels, carbon canisters). While you are at this stage, have a look at the Tank Off Maintenance Checklist. It is a compendium of links to "discoveries" that could save you a discomfort or two. EDIT: With all of the ongoing input, that FAQ thread is constantly updated. It just keeps getting better, but don't let the content overwhelm. It doesn't all have to be done at once!

Looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

For sure, the vent at the top of the gearbox can get clogged. Most common cause is moisture (kicked up by the rear tire) mixing with the gear-oil making high viscosity mayonnaise (doh - there is no "low viscosity mayonnaise!"). Simply unscrew the vent from the gearbox and clean it out with solvent, blow dry.

A proper tune-up (TPS adjustment, throttle body balance, valve adjustment, and fresh spark plugs along with correct idle setting) often quells those vibrations. I can't imagine it's more vibratory than your Commando (Although there is no Guzzi 'Isoelastism'). You should not feel compelled to do everything on the checklist, but maybe a little at time. You might have the tank off every year or so for filters and can give it a little going over each time. It probably would be good to have a trained tech go over the bike once, make the initial settings (like zeroing the CO in the ECU) and give you some confidence to go on. No one is going to take the time and care to go over her like a dedicated owner willing to take all the time necessary, wade through all the forum posts, and repeat as necessary to get to the magic. But that is exactly what makes these bikes so engaging and delightful (and sometimes frustrating ). AT least you have found The Number One World-Wide Support Group for this particular affliction!

Re: Low milage V11’s I think it takes a certain kind of person to own an exotic like a Moto Guzzi. It is not for the faint at heart. You need to be courageous and confident to put the hammer down and fly through the gears. Like an Alfa Romeo, the Guzzi needs to be driven hard: it likes it, and most people feel Italian machinery is not only temperamental but fragile, and hesitate to really screw it on. Thus, they lug around town, always afraid of breaking something. Of course, this is the worse thing you can do to an engine like the V-Twin from Mandello del Lario. It hates it, and will be cranky and moody. Most will then park the Guzzi in the garage, not willing to dance with it anymore, saying, “It’s always something with this thing”. Bikes like ours reward doing the maintenance yourself, and having done the work yourself makes you more confident, as you understand the machine much better, and have trust in the basic design. You can feel when something is not right, or could be better, and are rewarded when your instinct is proven correct. Of course, the lack of a dealer network sort of forces one to do this, but still, there are people who wouldn’t question owning an exotic, and those who wouldn’t think of it. Wow! That is worth saying again! With feeling! Well said, JB!

I think we should all dive in again anyway. Be aware that vehicle manufacturers have long been under pressure to reduce fleet-wide emissions, lower fuel consumption across their entire range of production, and reduce waste product over the vehicle life. This has led to lower and lower viscosities, as well as longer and longer lubricant change intervals. Do not believe for a minute that these changes are in the best interest of engine life or the satisfaction of the long term owner beyond the warranty period.

Are you starting a collection of Greenies, Hubert?

Tank off maintenance Checklist in "FAQ" Good advice from stefano just to service the simple things, give a basic tune-up and enjoy the ride!

There are a couple really good threads here on making that gasket right. Let me know if you have trouble finding them.

Yeah, that's about how far I was from my first dealer. They were ok, but that 200 km was awkward. Then came V11LeMans.com

You must be reasonably close to Moto International in Seattle, Washington, USA?

All good advice to be sure of your actual oil pressure, use thick enough oil viscosity, and do not ignore the warning light. Be certain the oil level is FULL. Be aware that your tachometer may not be showing the actual idle rpm by 300-500 rpm. That could have you trying to idle at well under 1000 rpm and the oil pressure will not be happy!

You could not become this really good mechanic you speak of? These bikes are very approachable. And they love you back!

Might want to start with cinching everything down properly, clean it all up and spray footpowder all about to see where the wetness reappears. There are a couple other culprits that can simulate a timing chest leak. That said, it is not so good that you can have a piece of the gasket in your hand : (

Oh, but I do love Tennis!

It will certainly be interesting to see what an '04 LM with only 1800 miles will ebay for! Special cases, though, these bikes that have just sat and sat for ten years.

Simple answer: "yes."

Champagne '02! One of the most beautiful LeMans ever!