al_roethlisberger

Ok, well.... my experiments with vapor-lock and fuel-capacity have taken yet another turn I've got a 2003 tank from a wrecked LeMans with the internal fuel-pump on the way, and will be doing some testing with that. If it's in good enough shape, I'll probably just swap out my 2002 external-pump solution with the new one... which of course requires some wiring harness mods, but should solve the vapor-lock problem permanently However, I am still curious how much fuel the 2003+ tanks make available to the engine before quitting. So, has anyone run a late-model in-tank fuel-pump tank "dry"(meaning, bike quits, not necessarily totally empty), and then measured the total fill-up afterwards? I'd like to compare this with my modified dual-tap old-style 2002 tank, and also know if the 2003+ tanks also leave any fuel "trapped" in the tank unavailable to the pump. Looking at the bottom of the 2003+ tank, it seems a bit larger underneath to accomodate the fuel-pump module. But that package will certainly take up some space internally... so I'm curious if it's a net-net zero loss in capacity, or if some fuel capacity is lost, and if that amount is even significant. I suspect it is not a big deal, but I'd like to quantify it. If no one else has measured these things, I'll just test the two tanks back to back when I get the new tank in a few weeks and report, but was just curious. al

I'm not certain of the dimensions of the bolts, but just take one down to your local metric supply house, and they should have something close, if not an exact match al

Indeed, if he has an '03 with the smooth "satin" black paint versus the textured paint on the 01/02 bikes, then it's a non-issue as far as I know. If so, I don't think he has anything to worry about..... al

Excellent John! I'm sure everyone will be really excited to hear how well they work for you, and how they look installed So that makes TWO folks we know of on the forum with these risers... reported in less than a day apart. Cool I think that if we were having a "race" to see which risers were most popular, this ties the MPH risers with the Two Brothers solution Maybe your purchase and subsequent review will give just the needed energy to push them into the lead al

Agreed OK ...fair enough Todd Good luck with the risers, and the shop. I meant no offense by asking for photos. Cheers al

Ahh, well I hadn't checked into the website for quite some time, but upon visiting it tonight, it currenly looks about the same as I had seen some time back. And maybe this was the source of Mike's frustration... assuming I hadn't. I have no idea IMHO though, it still doesn't warrant the tone of his reply. After all, he seemed to have gone out of his way to make this jab. But maybe that's just me Many months back, when the risers were first announced, I had asked for some better photos of the risers installed, but never received any others than those currently on the website. I didn't "fault" MPH for not providing more photos, but then again, it didn't engender my coughing up $400 without the dealer offering the additional info I was asking for. Again, maybe that's just me, but... to each their own. However, what I was really looking for was some good clear photos of the units installed, from various angles. The photos on the MPH website offer quite good closeups of the units themselves, but the "cockpit view" and side-view photos provided weren't quite clear enough for me. They didn't show cable routing, how the risers ended up "sitting" in reference to other cockpit parts, fairing etc. Hence my request in this thread for more photos, and my comments about the MPH Cycle site being not "clear enough". After all, $400 isn't chump-change, and I'm pretty picky on the aesthetics as well as functionality, so I just wanted a bit more info back then, and assumed some other potential customers might be as well now. So, since this was the first we had heard of any customer reporting having installed these risers, and we've had many many readers(including myself at times) shopping around for risers... I thought it would be perfectly reasonable to ask for the owner to post some photos of his installation.... in a comical way no-less After all, he seemed quite happy with them, so I thought he's be happy to share(and he still may, I have no idea). I'm sure others would be very interested in as much info as possible before comitting their money. Anyway, I was just trying to help. And I think I've explained myself. Before this gets too tiring(too late ), I'll just let it go now. If I've over-reacted, and Mike replies telling me that I just read too much into his picking at me... ... I'll be happy to eat crow. Otherwise, if he doesn't... keeping on the point, and in the context of a dealer and his communication with a potential customer(which is the only reason I'm wound up about this), he's potentially lost at least that one customer. And that's a shame. Or maybe I'm just being too sensitive. Time will tell. But life's too short, and I don't need the aggravation. I'm too nice a guy To the relief of many I'm sure, I'm done Again, glad to hear the risers worked out well for the owner of this thread. The parts look top notch. I'm sure others would love to hear additional long-term feedback, etc over time as you live with them From this point on, hopefully the topic will stray back to this owner's experience with his new MPH Cycles Riser Kit Cheers al

Awesome, perhaps they've updated them since my last visit And if so, it makes Mike's response even more quizzical ... I'm at a loss (* EDIT: The MPH Website does now have excellent photos of the parts closeup. I won't link to the image here as Mike seems sensitive about them, so feel free to go take a look at the site yourself But I have to wonder why didn't he just suggest looking there for the current photos, instead of being at best so cynical? I can only assume he was put off by my comment that the photos on the MPH website not being "clear enough" ) Anyway, I'm glad to hear the risers worked out well for the original poster in this thread, and I'm sure other potential customers would benefit from further long-term reviews, feedback, etc. I'm still, and I'm sure others are as well, interested to see more photos of what they look like installed on a customer's bike though... I don't see how that request is unreasonable. Cheers al

....yeah yeah, but a keyboard is meant for riding?? heh, but I suspect you are correct ...keep in mind though that my 8hr-a-day job consists of mostly sitting behind a keyboard, soooooo ... hence the plethora of posts I've also been pretty busy with the "newish" house purchase from last year, and now that Summer is basically here, well.... not as much riding, but lots of "home improvement." .... new sprinkler system, redwood arbor, basement door, and next a rear deck... and more. And I've still got to finish painting the kiddos' room Note time of post, 1am-ish.... my "down time" Speaking of which, I have that photo I've been meaning to scan of me with "Al"... heh heh... need to get THAT one posted al

Well, pictures are worth a thousand words, so you may want to look at the photo below for reference before reading this(disregard the dual-plug conversion). What I've noticed, and had corroborated with a long chat with Mike Rich, is that in two locations near the deck of the heads, oil gradually weeps and accumulates. Since I've had my tank off frequently for the various projects I've done, I noticed the oil returning gradually in these crevices over time. It doesn't "leak" per se, and is only a very very gradual weep, but it is there after cleaning. I initially called Mike Rich to see if perhaps there might be a defect in the welding of the relocated oil-supply when I had my heads converted to dual-plugs. However, after describing the location and type of weeping, he and I were relatively sure that it is instead the issue described below. Keep in mind though, he said that at any time he would be happy to look at the heads and reweld them as necessary free of charge if I suspected his work was faulty. What he said was that at both these locations in the head, Guzzi inserts two soft-alloy plugs to seal the machining of the oil galleries. Over time, or sometimes right away, they tend to weep. He's seen this for years, and it's nothing to worry about, as in his words.. "...they all do it". But if it gets more pronounced, or is something that bothers you, the solution is as follows: 1) Take a small hole-punch, and lightly whack the end of the plug to seat and expand it more tightly 2) Clean the area with laquer thinner, or similar... then JB-Weld or Epoxy the area over the plug This should stop the weeping. Anyway, not a major issue, but just an FYI if it's something one notices and causes concern. Hope that is informative. al

Yeah, I keep hearing very good things on the Pirellis, especially on the longer wheelbase 02+ V11 Sports/LeMans. I think I may try them next. As my riding is pretty mild, and I'm convinced our 80-ish RWHP bikes don't eat tires like other "modern" hyper-bikes, I think they'll last fairly well. al

....indeed, you are absolutely correct, as I often have pointed out that "email can be very misleading" as it is hard to emote at times exactly what one means..... even with the requisite smiles included But, yes, I hope I am mis-reading Mike's (oddly using Todd's account) response though. I'd hate to think my conclusion above was spot-on. Anyway, I guess we'll see .... and if I am off-base, I'll retract my comments. al P.S. I still say..

Oh, my apologies... here we are always asking people to put their location in their profile/sig, and you did so, but I didn't even bother to notice Sorry about that! But I didn't know that the Aus models had a different flasher. I'm surprised, and wonder why ...anyone know? al

Hi Josh, You might want to check out the Exhaust FAQ as a good starting point. (Note to self: Which upon browsing, nees some updating ) I don't think we have a lot of data on the FBF crossover, as there have been few reported on here. I believe it is of an "H" design, more like the Mistral, but I could be mistaken. Although not 100% verified, it seems that the consensus is something like this: I suspect either works well enough though For whatever it's worth, most people seem to have the Stucchi I will say that although one has to be careful to get a "straight" x-over from Stucchi(many come crooked), they are bullet-proof and built like a tank Just ask your dealer, like MG-Cycle, to check for the Stucchi's build before shipping. Hope that helps a little. Check Guzzitech as well, as I believe there may be some graphs with one or both x-overs fitted. I had also heard that FBF cross-over had been prone to cracking, because of the multiple welds, but I'm not certain this was for their cruiser versus V11 cross-over, nor that this issue is still prevalent. It may not be.... so you may want to ask around, and I don't want to malign the FBF products unfairly. al

Are you serious Mike? That comment seems a bit rude and obtuse at the least Do you really think or suggest that I'm interested in some nefarious scheme to make off with your design?? If you really are serious though, you have probably just managed to alienate a significant portion of your customer base on this Forum. Good job I know I'm a bit put off, and that takes a lot. You have a way with an economy of words it seems You know, I've personally recommended your dealership, MPH Cycles, several times in regard to ordering parts, etc... among a very small "elite" group of dealers worldwide. Apologies, but I'm not so certain I should anymore with this attitude. This is not the first time you've been a bit short and rude with me, the first being on Wildguzzi last year when you told me I was "full of shit" regarding my troublesome idling, and some thoughts/suggestions I presented. At the time I just blew it off, but sheesh. I don't usually get wound up about such things as this, as anyone here can testify, but honestly.... Sorry to have asked for some "real world" photos so others can decide what solutions might work out well for them I don't see that request as unreasonable, after all, any number of other manufacturers have no issues with not just providing photos, but actually conspicuously post them.... as they know prospective customers care what the product looks like close-up. I really don't think they're too concerned about rip-offs, because as you well know, it takes more than a photo to produce a working copy. Plus I was just having at a little fun with that "no photos" smilie I've been dying to use Anyway, good luck with your risers Mike, but with this attitude, you won't be seeing a sale coming from my way any time soon. ...if you were just kidding around, apologies in advance... I guess I just took it wrong, and if so I'll edit/delete this reply post-haste and publically make amends. Otherwise, I can't understand why a dealer/businessperson would go out of his way to be so rude to a potential customer asking a reasonable question I really can't. Am I misreading this, or over-reacting?? ...anybody? Maybe I'm just having a "sensitive" day?? Goodness al

Yep, the flasher is a generic 2 blade flasher as used in any GM product(and others too I'm sure).... probably about 50 cents at your local auto parts store. Since I've owned various GM products for years, somehow I've managed to have a couple always floating around the garage However, I replaced mine with the SignalMinder from Kisan Technologies. It is an auto signal canceller, that keys off of the brake light to not cancel them while waiting at a light, and also turns you signals into running lights. I am very happy with it. al

Correct.... only the cruiser line received the hydraulic lifters. Hydraulic lifters offer "less" performance than solid lifters, but are quieter and offer "less" maintenance if implemented properly. However, the latter seems to have been an issue with the hydraulic lifter cruisers, and the former probably equates to "not much". This is especially true in regard to easier maintenance... since our valves are so easy to get to. And really, how often does one need to adjust the valves anyway... sheesh Marketing... al

Seriously though, glad to hear they have worked out well for you I think this is the first installation of the MPH risers we've heard about. Please post some photos from several angles if you get the chance, as the photos on the MPH website aren't quite clear enough IMHO. Thanks! al

Heh, just having a bit of fun, but......

Nope, the USB map is quite different, and in a different format. Only PCIII specific maps, and PCIIIusb specific maps will work with said units. There are conversion tools to import and convert PCIII maps into a USB model via the PCIII software, but that's really a function for temporarily getting your new USB model "working" until you can get another custom map made. The USB sets fuel/air at twice the data points as the older PCIII models, and can map per cylinder, which the older PCIII cannot. Also, the USB model has a socket for various upgrades/functions such as an iginition module, but unfortunately for the Guzzi models, we do not have the "r" ignition function. A "generic" PCIII will work fine for most people's needs, but if you can afford it, the USB model is the way to go. Hope that helps. al

..yeah it depends on who you ask But there is a distinction to be made between the cruiser single-plate clutches, and the single-plate units on the V11 Sport bikes. They are different. The cruiser single-plate units are definitely junk(although I don't know why), and are being replaced under warantee in large numbers with the old dual-plate unit. In regards to the single-plate unit on the V11 Sports, some shops/folks have said they've seen problems with premature wear, while others say they are fine. So who knows. There doesn't seem to be a definitive answer. I'd just keep an eye on it, and over time.... well, time will tell al

The brand newest PCIIIusb from Todd at Guzzitech was $349USD the last time I bought one last Summer, and he'll even load/convert the map for you My recent visit to xe.com showed today's conversion to AUD from USD, making a PCIIIusb 475.75 AUD So, again, the PCIII is commensurately less expensive than the My15.... which is perfectly understandable. As we've discussed many times, I agree that the stock ECU *should* be sufficient to get the most out of these bikes.... the technology is certainly there, but there apparently just aren't enough technicians/shops around equipped or well-versed enough to get it out of the M15 But there do seem to be a plethora of PCIII Certfied Dyno Centers, esp in California, that are quite good. So we do the best with what we have for now Perhaps one day, a shop in our respective areas will invest in the full FIM software(or similar), and get the training needed to remap not just fuel/air, but also ignition. al P.S. The $150 PCIII deal was via K&N that was selling a rebranded/badged generic PCIII(no USB)... that they were blowing out when their deal/relationship fell through with Dyna. As of 2 years ago, they had a handful of "oddball" units left, but I doubt they would have any Guzzi units anymore. Even 2 years ago, the only Guzzi models they had left were for the Quota, which will work fine, but of course need a new map. But even if they had some left, I'd opt for the new USB model, since the mapping is much more granular.

I love Cliff's work, but just to be clear, his My15 ECU is right at twice the cost of a PCIII al

Under normal circumstances, on a V11 Guzzi, if it rattles when the clutch lever is pulled, it's a dual-plate clutch(which is normal).... opposite if a single plate. If the behavior is any different, such as geezerx's, then it's "abnormal". But does abnormal = bad? I guess it depends, and I have no idea in this case. But I can say that his experience is in reverse to what is expected for a dual-plate. Mik, I would be very surprised if you had the single plate unit. And I would count myself lucky not to receive one.... just one more thing "that wasn't broke" that Guzzi fiddled with IMHO After the various problems Guzzi had with the single-plate clutches on the cruisers(different than the V11 single plate clutches), and some reported on the various limited edition V11 Sports like the Tenni, Rosso Mandello, etc.... I don't think Guzzi is using anything but the tried and true dual-plate in the late models(2003+). I don't recall any '03 or '04 models with the single-plate clutches. If any did, it would be the Rosso or Nero Corsa, but even they don't. From the current specs online: al

Yeah, this is pretty tricky as unlike older bikes, there isn't any way to add a distributor, etc to the V11 engine. AFAIK, it doesn't even have a drive gear for a distributor .... so you'll still have to use the ECU for timing and ignition. I've seen this idea floated around on the Wildguzzi and Guzzitech forums a few times, but after it is all said and done, even the old-schoolers that grew up with carbs end up convincing themselves that wouldn't go back to carbs. You might want to ask this question and/or search for an old thread there for their insight. I think they found that when well-tuned, the flexibility and performance of the EFI trumps carbs. Keep in mind that over time, and as the bike loosens up, MPG will improve with the EFI bikes. But it is also true that I've seen many carb'd bikes of the same model that later went to EFI, get better mileage al

The photo/diagram I posted is the 2000-02 solution, where the axle is threaded into the left fork leg. The exploded view just shows a nut apparently to illustrate that the axle receives the threads. Who knows why they illustrated it that way, as there weren't any late model V11 Sports with a nut and washer solution. If you look at the photo, you will see the threaded stepped axle that screws into the left fork leg. This exploded view however, does not illustrate the new axle solution with a hollow axle and retaining nut. AFAIK, there aren't any vastly different front axle solutions from 2000-02, other than perhaps your spacer issue. So, I dunno in regards to the "extra" spacer then The real question that needs answering is, do you have a stepped axle as in the photo? If so, that "step" is supposed to be acting as a right spacer. If not, and you have a perfectly smooth axle, then yes you would need two spacers. Good luck, that's all I can offer without actually seeing your setup first hand. Any chance you could take some photos of the axle, spacers, and it all assembled? al