docc

My Sport sure seemed to track better after aligning the swingarm. I'm sure I got it closer than the factory. A couple mm is no big deal , I'm sure. But when it's a couple mm on the swingarm, a couple cm in ride height, a couple psi here, a couple mV there, 4 or 5 mmHg between the throttle bodies it all adds up to a bike that's merely decent and one that is magic.

Ah,this is true. I forgot there were some 4-pin relays floating around out there. In this case a four pin relay would not put power to the starter solenoid, so no start. Make sure the relay is a five-pin. ( Sounds like you have those on the way.) And try the new relay with the headlamp bulb out. I've seen bulbs short when their filaments break. Sharing eternal optimism, we'll keep looking for something simple ( and cheap).

I used a lazer and markings on the floor. I think Ratchethack has a thread on this procedure.

Thanks for the good input. Looks like there won't be a 0.25 volt difference in charging target voltage within 40 degrees F of the optimum temperatre. And, Gary, is 'deeply discharged' 50% or lower? From what I recall 12.3 is about 50% and 12.05 is 25%. Or would you go with readings after a 3 minute load?

Long a fan of connector maintenence and dielectric grease for the Guzzi, I recall Gary Cheek's good advice, "Use copper anti-seize paste." It displaces moisture and increases conductivity.

It was at 12.79 this morning. It's probably 50 F in the garage. I probably shouldn't worry but usually the AGM batteries don't drop voltage while sitting and this one is only a year old. I put the 1 amp charger back on and it started charging at 15v, went to 15.5 in one minute. I unplugged it when it showed 16v at 5 minutes. Maybe all is well, but it sure is reassuring to put the VOM on and see that "12.84."

We can always pile on Bill's Norge and bomb down to the Athens Super8 for the usual festivities. Otherwise, we'll have to settle for the babes on the waterfall . . .

I was surprised to find my year old Hawker at 12.56v. I have a 1 amp charger that I put to it for a short time ( an hour or so) but the voltage quickly rose above 15v. I then discharged the battery with the headlamp on high and recharged to the 14.8 v level. I hope I did it some good but it's a black art, this battery thing . . .

I'm taking on the midwinter struggle with my seven batteries. Is 14.8 vDC the target charge for both conventional 'wet' cells and AGM?

SV, Glad to hear the road is still open across the mountain. You can ride whatever you like and only have to bring one of the acoutrements in your avatar. Since we moved the rendezvous from the Athens Super8 this has become strictly a BYO affair. I was in mortal fear Bill would not bring his new Nor-Gey in the same vicinity as our collection of under-seat toolkits. But, hey, maybe Nor-Geys don't get exhaust rattles like those old clunky-funky V11s.

Whatever your choice you love the bike even more! Let us know how it turns out.

I can tell you when your wife is a Chiropractor, it takes more than an appointment to get an adjustment . . . I did go back and read the thread linked above and remember that getting the fasteners in was really difficult. One of those projects that will double your vocabulary.

I added one to my 2000 Sport having bought the part from Guzzi. It took a little f'naggling to install but no big deal. this post shows the part and part number. It is notable that the early RedFrames did have a few reported gearbox case cracks at the rearmost mounting point on the left. Mine was one and the process of finding it and correcting it undr warranty took months. Adding the tertiary intermediate mounting plate looks likegood engineering to me. Why they left it off . . . ? After the frame changes ( was that '02?) there is no bracket to mount this plate. There are, however, cross braces in the lower rear subframe with struts on both sides projecting forward to the engine case and changes to the front subframe as well.

That should be no surprise I guess. I feel like Chicken Little. I'm not sure what the speed limit is there, but I don't guess I'd be rolling the Gap at 55.

Also, realize the tach is probably reading a bit higher than actual. Mine is 300 rpm off. No big deal at 4500 but setting the idle to 1050 was idling me at 750. Much happier showing 1300 at idle on the tach. I tried running my TPS low in the range ( 500mV) to save fuel. It didn't save fuel and ran worse. She's really a lot happier at 525mV.

Having seen only a handful of these '02 and '04 bikes, the later models appear to have a better fit and finish. Certainly the engine/driveline paint is better. Also, doesn't the '02 have the Veglia clocks? Pretty, but maybe more fussy than the later guages. Perhaps the biggest difference is the gas tank with the internal fuel pump. Slipping on some stock Lafranconi pipes for the inspection party seems prudent.

Ryan, There are a handful of protocols for setting the TPS. Some work better than others. Check out this from Jeff in Ohio. Certainly the easiest, cheapest way to flow a little more fuel at any given rpm is to move the TPS to the high end of its range. I find my Guzzi runs the best when the rider behind me complains of his eyes watering.

Aren't they the same as Ducati Monster?

Looks like we'll miss you by just a few days as we'll be just across the mountain in Sweewater June 8-10. So far just a few of us. There is good word coming out of the Tennessee Highway Patrol that the new commander for that region is determined to stop the excesses on US 129. Apparently the strategy is to call 20 mph over the speed limit "reckless driving" which is an arrest and impound offense. Ride well, docc

This is true but leftovers may have sold for half that just after Aprilia took control in 2002.

Alex, I hope by now your adversary has calmed down. We, too, have someone living nearby who is threatening and potentially dangerous. Thinking that the Sheriff's deputies will be here in time to avert disaster is not reassuring nor realistic. I do share your admiration of the edged weapon. Well, OK, sticks and firearms as well. As the adage goes, " What's the best weapon? The one in your hand when you need it." Contrary to the popular trend, a cell phone is neither a weapon nor a first aid kit.

Michael, Try pulling the middle relay ,which is activated by the neutral switch, and putting it in place of the headlight relay ( 2nd from the front) and see if she runs. This only works with the side stand down. If so, it's just the relay.

Apologies for the cross posting, but so many of us don't look in "Meetings,Clubs & Events" so often. Here's an open invitation to post on the South'n Spine Raid thread and show up in Tennesse in June. Or don't post and show up anyway.

The rumble has begun around a summer meet in the mountains. I'm somehow sure that 30 degrees F , blowing and nasty leads us to these thoughts. Last year about ten of us met at the Best Western in Sweetwater , Tn, on Friday then looped over to the 'Tail of the Dragon' in NC. Nothing formal although we generally have dinner catered one night ( pizza delivered) and there was fly fishing in the parking lot last year. Frankly, we owe all our class to Bill Hagan showing up. There must be warrants out in Tennessee for all the V11 (and Norge) riders from North Carolina. Maybe the statute of limitations has expired and some of them will venture over the divide. Again, not a rallye, no trophies, no vendors, bring your own grappa.

The v11 has a separate vent for the tank itself. Both the vent and the oveflow exit through nipple fittings under the tank. Tese can be seen looking under from the front up beside the spine frame. Have a look under your tank.