docc

Guys, I've reread the thread a few times and don't really get how Al's posts could have ignited the aggravation. At this point why don't we get back to basics. All of us are interested in the things we each do to the bikes and what's available from suppliers.

Lap-frog has always impressed me more as a *subtle* blend of gear oil and gunowder. For me, that's good thing!

( all things in moderation)

Yeah, that surely sounds on the obsessive-compulsive side. But lots of us suffer from variations of that theme when it comes to our bikes. The factory recommendations are surely adequate as so many of us have cranked up some miles on these motors without blowing the big-ends onto the tarmac.

Yes. And yes. The springs are definately the way to go if you weigh more than 150 pounds. I'm 165 in street clothes and added 17mm to the spacer, then dropped the triple clamp 16mm to maintain weight on the front. It works *OK* but not an ideal set-up.

and I thought I'd have this all figured out by now!

It makes me wonder how the ECU will set the igntion mapping without input from the TPS ? ?

The first machine I encountered with mixed fasteners was my 1989 Ford Taurus. Ah, well, Ford - Buell, same thing. So, Chris there in the British Isles - liters or gallons? Sounds like the Canadians are on km and liters.

Even in England?

Er, so, 38 miles per Imperial gallon is about 32 miles per US gallon? And the postesr from Canada, Ireland , Wales, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia are all into Imperail gallons ( except for those in liters)?

good plan. It beats housecalling you in Pasadena , although I would cherish the ride. " Be back in May, honey, I'm off to help a guy who wrenched his back wrestling his Guzzi."

I'm usually pretty good with unit conversions but translating mpg to km/l makes my head swim. And 'Imperial galons?' How are they relative to USG? My Sport is down to 33 mpUSg from 37.5 in the warmer months.The fuel light gives a little glow at 135 miles. It was once noted that colder temperatures really increase fuel consumption on the stock mapping. I've also noticed that riding is less frequent in winter leading me to be MUCH more exhuberant with the throttle.

Although my stand clears the round Guzzi (Mistral) canister on the left, I find myself pushing the lever down with my foot. It goes down with quite a *thwack* but doesn't strain my back and leaves me upright to mind the bike.

This is 45/87. I can't recall if the one in the tank is really shorter, only that it's diameter was much smaller.

Hmmm, that's the part number on this one as well. When I went to fit it I found the pick up screen was much larger than the electrical unit. Wouldn't go in the hole. (Nothing could be worse when it comes to 'cocks') I believe it was Al who suggested that loosening the mounting hardware would allow it to shift a bit and align well enough for the larger pick-up to slide in.

Jaap, You're really going all out on this bike! Are those Ohlins horns??

If you'll keep sending parts I should have a whole Tohatsu by Christmas!

As you all know this is a much debated issue. Anyone's attorney would tell you NOT to ride it. Of course all the attorneys are off riding Harley's and we know how well designed they are with their perfect and timely warranty support. At 25,000 miles my Sport wouldn't upshift or downshift reliably. Going into mountain switchbacks in neutral , jabbing for any-gear is not my idea of safe riding. I told MGNA and my dealer the bike was dangerous. The new gearbox is a delight. (but I never did stop riding it).

I use single malt scotch but I can't remember if it works. I tried the Grappa Bill Hagan suggested but I'm not even sure how the bottle went dry. Stuff must've leaked out.

What's the part number from your manual petcock? I tried one TX sent me and couldn't get it to fit . i'll try again when the tank's off next but wonder if there's more than one manual petcock available?

Aw, you guys are ruthless! Everyone needs a proper talisman with which to sally forth in the geatest confidence. For some it's a cable ( sure synthetic is fine), some oil or a few select electrical bits. For me it's a few zip-ties and a leatherman tool. It's rather important, before you start, to grasp the ties in the right hand, tool in the LEFT and circle the bike counterclockwise 2 1/2 times. Being from the south'n hemisphere Pete will have to reverse the process on one leg then repeat on the other leg when arriving in Detroit. Fumes are optional.

You, the wife and the Lemans will all be happier!

The tank seems to be wedged down over the side covers at the rear lower corners. This certainly contributes to cracking the side covers and I wonder how much strain it projects up along that area of the knee cut-outs. It's easy to shim the back of the tank up with a couple fender washers under the main mounting point. I used a steel one and a rubber one to add 50 or 60 thousandths (maybe 2mm). It's a little more difficult to lower the airbox by slotting the rear airbox mounting brackets and sliding the whole airbox/ sidecover assembly down and back to create clearance under the tank. This procedures definately save sidecovers and, who knows, may be a valuable step in saving the tank finish.