al_roethlisberger

Yeah, over time the original dark valve covers have grown on me after I went to the trouble of powder coating a set red for mine all those years ago ...I go back and forth in opinion. The champagne bikes like mine really benefit from their factory appearance of everything being black from the beltline down. But once shiny things like Ohlins, polished rims (an accident on my part required that), and the aforementioned shiny red bits get added, one loses that low-slug effect of the all-black bottom half of the bike. Some things I can't easily return to black like the suspension or wheels, and that's OK, but I'm thinking that putting the dark gray covers back on may help "shorten" the appearance of the bike a bit. So as I refresh my bike, I'm considering putting the dark covers back on, at least for a while. The good news of course is that is an easy "fashion mod" to play with We'll see.

Welcome Dave! You'll find the forum here to be an invaluable resource and entertaining as well

That's great feedback, thanks! I'm not in the market right now for another motorcycle, at least certainly not until I get the one I have back on the road We're actually trying to downsize on vehicles a bit, so I'd get killed if I brought home another $12k motorcycle, plus my wife doesn't like red vehicles so it would have to be the white version anyway But this is good information to have perhaps for a future opportunity How are the handlbar vibes on long rides? Numbness inducing, or ok? Out of curiosity, what does the desmo service generally cost?

What finned header clamp collars are you using?

That's awesome! Who did you have make them?

Well first let me say I've loved the California Vintage since it came out, and if I ever were to get a cruiser style bike, that would be it But in just browsing around, I just noticed that the California Vintage has some interesting retro "knee guards" on the cylinders. I'm sure they aren't for everyone, but I think those pads are pretty cool looking I may have to track down a pair at some point to play with. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-moto-guzzi-california-vintage/

...and there's more at the link above:

More:

A whole bunch more: https://oberdanbezzi.artstation.com/albums/1117762

Two more from the article above: https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/moto-guzzi-v100-le-mans-concept-oberdan-bezzi/

https://oberdanbezzi.artstation.com/projects/3qwb4D

https://oberdanbezzi.artstation.com/projects/b5VxAr

https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/moto-guzzi-v100-le-mans-concept-oberdan-bezzi/

And the rumors of further models based upon the new engine and platform have already begun ...apologies if already mentioned. But it does make one wonder about what other models may be released based upon this new platorm, such as perhaps a fully faired Lemans that could hopefully hide that giant radiator https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/news/2022/december/moto-guzzi-stelvio-replacement https://www.advrider.com/moto-guzzi-to-revive-the-stelvio/ https://www.rideapart.com/news/625581/moto-guzzi-stelvio-teaser-eicma2022/

Here is a short video that shows what the optional accessory center stand looks like folded up:

I also don't recall if it were mentioned in the prior 18 pages, but along with some of the other aesthetic comments and comparisons, it seems to me that someone at MG was channeling the Lario a bit as well

The V100 is really growing on me, especially the green "S" paint scheme that gives the appearance of a separate fairing. I think I like the pre-release/press "S" bike appearance better though with the gold wheels and black heat shields on the headers as seen in the attached image below. If I were to buy an "S" today with its black wheels I think I'd ask the dealer if I could pay to swap the gold wheels from a "non-S" onto the "S" But let's even assume I were in the market for a new motorcycle (I'm not); I generally conform to my rule of not buying the first year model of an automobile or motorcycle to avoid "teething pains", and there is a lot that is new... well everything And over the next year or three undoubtedly Moto Guzzi will update this model and others yet to be announced that will be based upon this engine. So I'm not likely to be at risk of being an early adopter, but I'll definitely be keeping my eye on the V100 and what may even come next

I'm not sure if this was linked in the preceding 17 pages, but here is the current list of accessories for the V100: https://www.moto-guzzi-onlineshop.com/accessories/v-100-mandello/ https://wide.piaggiogroup.com/en/articles/accessories/moto-guzzi-v100-mandello-a-vast-range-of-accessories-to-suit-every-need/index.html It's a long list that includes several things that we've wished for years had been available on the V11 Sport/Lemans models

Yeah, when I read an auto review that mentions "engine noises piped in via the stereo"... I just cringe. How silly.

I've been looking at this model off-and-on for a few years. Since both of you ( @LowRyter @4corsa ) own and have experience with the SS, would you mind offering a bit brief of feedback from a sport-touring perspective? Things like comfort over several hours or a day-long ride, range, reliability, etc?

That is a sharp looking bike! Good luck

One doesn't see these come up too often, and I'm not aware that they are still being made new any longer. So jump on this opportunity if this is something you've been waiting to find. I have no relationship with the seller, or interest in the item. I'm just making the community aware. Guzzitech is selling it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325206311271 https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KuUAAOSwE-ZikChS/s-l1600.jpg

That's really an interesting assortment of vintage motorcycles, many of which I've never seen before But to answer as aspect of the question I think you are asking; I hope manufacturers do not feel the need to create fake engine noises for electric motorcycles of the future. While the sound of the engines is inspiring, it is enjoyable to me because it is reflecting the genuine nature of the machine, not because I personally love all aspects of a loud internal combustion engine all the time ...as I've gotten older, I'm actually becoming more and more attracted to quiet exhausts About 20 years ago I did something that is really not recommended for many reasons, where I killed the engine on my FJ1200 and coasted all the way down the mountain from Crater Lake in Oregon. As I recall I had been really enjoying taking-in the quiet of the mountain, which I then obliterated by starting the FJ with its loud aftermarket exhaust, and then wondered what it might sound like to turn off the engine. It was great. It was much like riding a big bicycle, with just the sound of the wind, tires, and chain... so serene I thought even then how cool it would be to have a silent motorcycle, to be even MORE a part of the outdoors, as motorcycling is often marketed to be. So I actually look forward to the unique sounds of electric motorcycles. And they won't be silent anyway. There will still be plenty of mechanical noises, just those that are genuine to that machine! And just like the amazing performance we are seeing now with the reintroduction of electric automobiles, I think we'll be astonished with the performance that electric motorcycles will eventually bring. But there will always, or at least for the forseeable future, be a place for the ICE motorcycles and their own unique mechanical symphony

@FuelCooler This might be a big ask, but if you had the time to trace lay a sheet of paper over the modified hugger, then scan it as a PDF, that could be uploaded to forum as a template anyone could print out as a cutting guide