docc

The original batteries were labeled "Spark 500" as I recall. These are AGM (absorbed glass mat) and designed to lie on their side. Just be sure your seat isn't squeezing your battery! The Hawker Odyssey PC545 appears identical to the original battery.

+1 on all fotoguzzi's comments. Plus: yes, plastic tanks, all. Probably some kind of roto-molded polyamide . . . besides the full "leMans style" fairing, there are several smaller offerings - some fork mounted like the early Sport and others frame mounted like the Ballabio/Café Sport.

So, you're thinking faired V11 (LeMans/Rosso Corsa/Nero Corsa/Tenni), or "naked, " perhaps a little bikini faring (Sport/Rosso Mandello/Ballabio/Coppa Italia)?

Maybe a little pic of how the set-up on the airhead turned out; sounds like it might be revealing. And help you figure out which model V11 suits you. Once you hook a ride on one, you'll want to keep going back for more . . .

An R80 with a 100/7 engine? Kind of a hot rod, yeah? Fun thing: the V11 comes pre-hot rodded!

Sometimes "Technical Topics" devolve into "Banter." Sometimes: v.v.

By "modern Guzzi" you mean the kind you need an internet forum to get the full experience?

Heck, I thought you already had some great thoughts! You could just copy and paste your first post into a new thread. Are V11 Airheads?

There are some members here who have some experience with that (like czakky). Post what you find. There is always an interest in the timing chain tensioner . . .

Did you get that ride in, Roy?

rossi, did you clean it all up and run it to see where the leak actually starts? A dusting of foot powder before the run, and post a pic after.

Keep an eye on this thread by chamberlin. I see something on there in Seattle in his latest post. I think you ought to post a thread of your own here in 24/7 V11 subforum. It would be fun to chat up airheads Guzzis, cafés and classics . . .

Thanks, Mal! No new goodies yet! I don't think he can decide what to do next. Looks like the Guzzi rearsets are likely along with some Mistral reverse cone megas. Sounds like those will require some new hangers that eliminate the passenger pegs. That reminds me: I haven't gotten my "test" ride with the Tomasellis!

Ha - Scots-Irish Yank, yeah!

I'm bummed, Ed - you're not coming to Barber's Vintage Festival in October? (Congrats on the new book!

Good news is someone thought it was scientifically important to recreate the whisky. It's quite nice. (a friend gave me a bottle and I did NOT bury it in the ice for posterity!)

If you take the sump off, the filter is right there like every other Guzzi. No special tool required!

Hmmm, oil filter still in the sump like an 1100 Sport, but "can be" accessed through a 4 inch cover on the underside of the sump by unscrewing it with a 27mm hex drive. Conveniently, the rear axle nut works for this.

The story of Shackelton's Antarctic Expedition Whisky discovery and recreation is worth a read. (and, perhaps, a sampling if you can find it!) All the better to peruse the story over a dram!

I forget now . . . did you start with a complete bike or you're building a V11 from parts?

It won't be cable operated remote preload adjustment it will be hydraulic.Ciao Still learning something here every day. I suppose I must have known that at one time and it slipped with the rest of my mind. Plus, I removed the pannier to have a look and found the adjuster had completely backed off. Turned it back in and time to go for a ride! Thanks, Phil! (Corrected my post).

I am not sure what the differences are between the Öhlins MG 127 and the Öhlins shock fitted to the later V11 Guzzis except that the 127 has remote preload adjustment.

Unequivocal evidence that, from time to time, we might all need a dose a NAD Developer . . .

Yes, the early '99-'01RedFrame (and 2001 Rosso Mandello with black frame) pull the forks up closer to the tank. Also, there is some evidence that very early Sports had even steeper fork rake which was relieved with a change to the triple clamps suggesting that earliest Sports would be most likely to rub the tank with the fork leg.