docc

I do have a special on a 'rebuildable' Sachs-Boge. Fits the V11 like a glove. Well, maybe more like a mitten or a big fuzzy sock.

Oh, it's definately not harsh. It's lovely, really. After 49,000 miles and seven years of riding the difference was apparent in the first corner. I agree it's going to be better to get the front springs in before jacking around with the shock any more. It'll be interesting to see how close Traxxion got the spacers. Ohlins, obviously, pegged their end extremely close!

For sure, the Ohlins unit for the V11 has a remote preload adjuster: http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c215/docchaynes/IMG_3703.jpg[/img]] With it set to zero additional preload, this Sport sags 8mm unladen. If I were to crank the preload up fully, the bike would have no static sag. Now with a load in the panniers (single malt and tools) or a passenger, I can add another 8mm to the laden sag. I think the sag is about right. I definately ready to move on to the forks and balance the package. So, a #514 spring. Thanks, Dave. Is that about what would be expected for my rider weight? Funny, they never asked about riding style. I guess they figure if you're springing for an Ohlins on an Italian bike, they know what you want.

My bad: static is still 8mm / Laden ( in the Aerostich etc.) 29mm. I edited my flub. The preload is adjustable remotely. But only 8mm can be added. Nothing can be taken away with out putting the thing in a spring compressor. Can't really do it 'on the fly' since the adjustor faces back from the right passenger peg bracket.

That's correct. The adjusting collar is pinned and can only be moved by removing the spring pressure or the 8mm ( the spec says 10mm but the travel measures 8mm) with the remote adjuster. Just back from a 37 mile spin. If anything, it's riding 0.5 mm higher now. Static sag: 8mm (edit) Laden: 29mm Impression: magic? Maybe so! The biggest surprise is how composed she stays powering out of corners. And with much less dive going in I was able to carry a more consistent pace. Maybe my new front rotors will last a lot longer than my first. To be expected, midcorner bumps don't upset the line and I was able to sit over very rough sections that I have always stood on the pegs for. The set-up was for 190 pounds and I'm really 185 in gear. Maybe that's the other mm right there? I'm ready to put in the 1.0 fork springs now. I guess i should change the oil and reset the levels even though it was just done.

My Ohlins owners manual recommends static sag 10-20mm. Mine is at 8mm . To clarify, I was hoping it would settle after a ride another 2-7 for a total of 10-15. Unless it settles, or changes some, after a ride it will have to come back off so the shop can move the basic preload setting as the spring pressure must be released. The spring Ohlins specified for the Guzzi unit is 1091-26. This has a 1091-29 based on a rider weight with gear of 190 pounds(418 Kg). I told Andy someone would ask about the spring. Paul, do you know what that /29 spring is rated?

By the time I got the flippen' side covers back on my metric assistant had gone off to bed. The shock length looked to be about 6 mm longer than the Sachs. I'd like to see the thing settle 2-7 mm in the static. You don't think so? Word is this is the last Ohlins built for the V11. I should feel lucky. Right up until the MasterCard bill hits. I sense a lot of rototilling coming on . . .

Oh, OK, let's talk valves then. Rode with some cat on a Truimph 675 ( beautiful!) who also has a Ducati. Warming himself up to the necessary training and other indoctrination required, he had more than a little trouble even saying, "dez-moe-dromm-ick." He noticed the Guzzi offering itself up to the task, so to speak. "Yes," sez I, "It's a joy actually." He never mentioned poinking the valves on the Trumpet . . .

Worst part of the install was getting those damn sidecovers back on. There's only 8mm static sag so I hope she settles in a bit. The Red Frame and Yellow spring have that look of ignition, yes?

Naked Asian twins actually sound pretty good . . . I hope you'll ride it over the mountain to the South'n Spine Raid next summer. You'll enjoy the company and the rest of us can appreciate a naked Asian twin.

Good thing we have the Guzzi to enjoy. I'm off to pick up my Swedish shock from the local shop and do my part to keep up the economy . . .

You have to be a bigot to believe in legal immigration?

A Honda car dealer selling Guzzi? That must tick Honda corporate off. The guy must be a real enthusiast I can't imagine slogging a V11 up US19 from St. Pete to Crystal River in June or July.

Again, I must say, we are in for a new venue next year. The Cracker Barrel is 'moving' and I believe it is good to have a restaurant ( breakfast, lunch and dinner) walking distance from the drinking, er, I mean, the, uh, place we park the bikes. I would also not miss the blue-light-and-siren infested 25 mile stretch of TN68. I still can't get my Aerostich clean from that last, er, circumstance.

One of the other forum members just had a recall verification done (by MPH). This is worth the trouble to square away. No word lately on how Piaggio is taking care of dealers for this work. From St. Pete isn't there a dealer north of Clearwater somewhere?

BMG, Do you have a link and part number for the damper? ( My 1.0 springs from Traxxion are here , with their excellent instruction pac and spacers; the Ohlins should be at Corse Motorsports tomorrow. )

Carl's on to something. Sounds like the ground path is impaired and the system is routing groung through the headlamp. Also check and clean the ground strap to the gearcase.

Naw, I went down in a tight uphill right hander from a combination of road conditions, hard tires and over reaction. I've had too many side stands on older bikes try to kill me, so I'm a believer in the idiot switch. I've also seen two Ducatis go down from side stand related tinkering ( defeating the sui-side stand). Nose2wind noticed my Sport only has one of the two springs on the stand. I've ordered the secondary from MI as I don't want to take any chances on an unwanted deployment.

And the NOR-juh; lovely! Best of times!

Most gracious and always smiling . . . she can bring Bill back anytime!

Told you guys it was gonna rain . . .

Reading this makes me think it's a bad idea to change to different kinds of pads through the life of the rotor.

My 'cooking' Brembos on the 2000 Sport lasted 48,000 miles of relentless use. Should I expect to replace 'race spec' rotors more often?

Three of the Raiders had not done the Gap and went while we wandered around the carnival at the Crossroads. I was surprised how soon they were back. Funny though, they didn't talk much about it.