docc

Being a bone fide old git , I love my mercury sticks. The bumping about, the toxicity, the danger of sucking it all up into the intake, the toxicity, . . . Oh, did I mention the toxicity? motowfo and I did a back-to-back comparison with the mercury sticks (reveling in all their toxicity) and the "TwinMax" device. A pleasant surprise to see the digital device is quite reliable. With only two (really big) cylinders, balance is quintessential. I'm not sure entirely what that means, but it's fun to post and, I can say the experience of rolling the throttle on a properly balanced twin is . . . je ne sais quois . . . ? Worth every effort!

I would think the screen over the oil cooler was factory original from 1999-2001.

FWIW, the factory air screw setting is 1/2 turn out. It just never worked for me. But worth trying. I noticed Pete Roper's post regarding the Griso to be certain you high-speed balance the throttle bodies with the air screws closed lest you munt the idle. He didn't say it quite like that, but we all know that his faithful assistant, Colin, does all his posting for him. Assuming you have a balancing tool, it is another simple thing to try. Has your TPS been set for the fully closed position (no linkage, no high-idle contact, no idle screw contact) as the initial starting point?

Bikes always look that clean photographed on a nice wool rug! Half-way to a bad day when wifey finds out . . .

The best beer can be like the best weapon: the one in your hand when you need it ; /

Looks like the exhaust has been completely polished. Nice! Handlebars . . . hmmm, don't RMs come with early style clip-ons from below the top clamp? Nice bike! Congratulations!!

I've oft repeated the misquote attributed to Benjamin Franklin that, to wit, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." *For the record, here, in a letter addressed to André Morellet in 1779, is what Benjamin Franklin actually did say: "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy." (*from David Emery About.com/Urban Legends) I take it as meaning, essentially, the same thing. So, here's to rain. And, thereby, also beer!

Now you guys have gone and done it! (Didn't have to ask Jim twice )

Here is the Greg Field thread with that specific info and his entire crossover comparison : A Tale of Four Crossovers

Aye, that's the front prop that mine dropped off of. I forget what I was doing, but the wheels were off, the bike rolled forward only slightly and the prop tipped over. I don't use it anymore, but it would at least be a good idea to chock the stands casters somehow so it will not roll. Dimensions for the Guzzi Shop Stand here in inches. Post with a pic of the stand/ slightly modified Hand built New Zealand unit with metric measurements Alternate method

"There is no greater satisfaction than to desire that which you already possess."

I was just hoping to give Dan some early feedback, so AndyH seems to have a good handle on this. I've only used the factory stand (No swingarm stand, although I've heard they can "walk"). Just brought home a motorcycle lift and put the V11 up on the Sport Chock and the service stand. BTw: I have dropped my v11 forward off the "sump prop" onto its exposed forks. Didn't hurt the bike, but made me feel sucky. I only use a floor jack under the sump now. The lift is new today, so who knows what lies in the shadows?

How is it Jaap can say the same thing, but with so many less words? Dan, Keep the posts coming. These V11 are very satisfying to sort and ride!

Dan, The factory stand supports the outboard nuts of the lower rear gearbox mounts at the bottom of the side plates. The bike can be supported at each side of that subframe with jack stands, but the trick is lifting the bike to set them. Jacking under the pan only will lift the front. With a good swingarm stand, and an assistant, you can remove the swingarm end caps and likely get enough lift to place the jack stands. The whole mass then pivots nicely as you lift the front with a jack under the pan (use something to spread out the contact area). I like using a couple ratchet straps to secure the steering yoke to overhead hard points for some additional security. Somehow, it seems, gravity is always looking for a place to happen!

I'm just glad all my worms are back in the can! Lots of exhaust canisters out there to choose from. They all sound great and are a wonderful improvement over the heavy Lafranconi. My CF Mistral round, made for Guzzi, are ten pounds lighter than the stock. (Is that "one stone?") Andy York's Gianellis with the (Mistral?) crossover is the best sounding V11 I've ever heard. (Maybe it's the 100,000 miles he has on it!)

Hoggbert, What a very nice V11! The hard luggage is super and will help you to ride more and further. If you love your Commando, this Guzzi should be wonderful for you. All of the good motor feeling with longer legs and (hopefully) much better reliability. You should expect to do a little tuning and fiddling to get it just the way you want. Certainly a proper tune-up with careful throttle body balance smooths out much of the vibration. I found that bar-end mirrors in place of the stock (stalk?) mirrors helped my Sport. Consider adding the more open silencers before the tune-up - you will love the way they wake up the sound and feel of the motor! From the details of your V11 Sport, I would think it is year model early 2000, or perhaps even 1999. I say this because of the color, the look of the reddish frame side plates, and the finning of the exhaust flanges (only used very early). You can confirm the actual model year by the 10th character in the VIN: X=1999; Y=2000; 1=2001; 2=2002; 3=2003. Fantastic motorcycle! Keep sharing your experience!

I do like the retro. Looks like a beer thread over on "Silly Banter" could get quite lively. At least late at night after the valves are adjusted and the V11 is wiped down.

So, Ken, any joy getting it sorted?

The air screws really shouldn't affect the mixture materially past idle. Idle is what they are all about. Try the full turn, you can always put it back. Repeating the full Tune-Up would be good medicine at this point. Every time you do it, the parameters get closer and closer. Once upon a time, my Sport haunted me with the Nasty Hiccup. That's a link to the last post in a year long thread that I found a handful of "contributors." I recall removing the air bleed screws and cleaning them along with the holes they fit in. Not sure how hot it gets where you are in the USA, but two things have made a big difference for me: fuel without ethanol and the low mass engine temperature sensor holder. EDIT: Oh yeah, when Andy York zeroed my CO in the ECU: major difference in idle stability. My V11 was delivered with the CO at - (minus) 27.

12 month report on the rear drive seals, 3300 miles (5000 km). All is well after adjusting the oil level downward slightly. It had continued to mist around the vent a bit otherwise. Once again, many thanks to Andy York for the expert assistance solving one of the biggest annoyances my Sport has presented. 85,000 miles/ 137.000 km now.

Open your air screws - can't hurt. If you don't like it, put 'em back. One synch method calls to synch the throttle bodies at over 2,000 rpm ("off idle") and use the air screws to balance at idle. What are using for air filter? How old are the plugs?

Ipothesys.it And there is this brief blog: ReturnoftheCafeRacers.com

I don't drink-and-ride, but I do ride. And I drink. The logo looks fun to me as long as whomever it belonged to originally doesn't get their lawyers in a knot. An alternate logo for respectable types would be a good idea. Something tasteful. Black and red is always good for that!

Congratulations on a good ride! So, how many bikes, what kind of miles for the day?

You're in the right place! She's only going to get better and better. And that Gianelli exhaust sounds great!