al_roethlisberger

I actually might think about Paul's rear fender kit, if I felt confident that someone could match the paint here. If anyone has a pointer to the exact formula for 2002 "Champagne" a paint shop here in the US could cross reference, I might think about it.... ...oh, and Jaap, where did you get replacement "Le Mans" decals... TLM? al

...hrmmm, interesting. I'd like to hear Todd weigh-in on this, and his experience with using this function if any. My throttle response is pretty snappy now, and smooth.... But yep, this is also why I opted to upgrade to the USB model, as it will have all the new stuff. Now if they'll just add "r" functionality, so we can tweak timing too al

Mods, Rockers, Quadrophenia... yep, pretty funny But just to be clear in case there was any misunderstanding, especially on Victor's part, I didn't mean to come across as berating him as a vendor posting their product on the forum. I think we all love to see and hear about new products, especially for these bikes.... I know I do! If it came across that way, my apologies But I meant to simply suggest that along with these announcements, as much follow-up as possible and ongoing participation from any vendors would be much appreciated, and beneficial for all, especially for the vendor receiving feedback. Anyway, as mentioned above by a couple folks, and suggest by yours-truly in the FBF x-over thread... I too would think it would be a great idea for the vendors or magazines to do fair side-by-side performance comparisons of some of these products. In the case of the x-overs, I know it would be fairly easy, and affordable. I know we'd all like to see where each x-over's sweet-spot lies, and then buy whichever one best fits our riding style, etc. Bottom line: For any vendor, keep the product announcements coming, but just make sure to check back in every so often to get the feedback and answer a few questions.... and all will be good al

Thanks for the comments and info Victor... just some suggestions/thoughts al

Corbin Seat Advisory FAQ ********************************************** Introduction: ------------------ Well, since I have had that photo of my 2002 LeMans with the Corbin seat on the homepage, I get a lot of concerned emails from folks that have bought a Corbin "gunfighter" seat: Corbin V11 Gunfighter Seat ...and have been unable to make the seat fit, among other issues. So after fielding a lot of these emails, I decided to give Corbin a call and provide a full report to the forum. I spoke with Jay at Corbin in June 2003, and indeed they are/were aware that their seat for the V11 Sport would not fit any of the new LeMans models. And as of some months back, we had noticed that Corbin did indeed have a disclaimer on their website saying as much. However, the problem is actually endemic to all 2002(maybe some 2001) and later V11 Sports, not just the LeMans where the new OEM relays are taller, and perhaps a few other under-seat changes that make it impossible for their current seat to fit. So, although they've had the "no LeMans" disclaimer on the website for several months, a lot of 2002+ V11 Sport/Scura owners have been ordering the seat, and been disappointed when it did not fit.... ultimately having to return the seat because Corbin couldn't figure out why it wouldn't fit. This was very disappointing for both parties I'm sure.... certainly for the bike owners, based on the couple emails a month I receive regarding this issue. And since Corbin sells so few Moto Guzzi seats in the first place, it's been hard for them to notice the trend(returns) and figure out what is wrong for all 2002+ V11 Sport varieties. That being said, when I spoke to Jay at Corbin, he said they knew something was amiss, and "have it on their list" to fix... but first they need a donor bike to make a new seat-pan mold. So.... since I already have a seat(see past threads on how they made my seat "truly custom" at the factory)... they need someone to donate their bike for a couple weeks to make the new pan. They will of course give you a free seat for the inconvenience. So if you live near Hollister, CA and are interested in a Corbin for your 2002+ V11 Sport/LeMans, and would be willing to be without your bike for a little while, give Vince(director of R&D) at Corbin a call at: 1-800-538-7035 He can then give you the details. Honestly though, if I had it to do over, I would probably just have Rich Maund make a seat for me. I really like my Corbin, and have no complaints, but Rich's seats look like top-notch quality and everyone that has one has nothing but praise for them... and he's "one of the flock" and I feel better pushing business his way... because I am sure Corbin isn't hurting for business, especially based on the long line of Harley's I've seen waiting at the factory showroom But Rich can always use our support, since this is his vocation *BUT* for those that really like the Corbin, this would be a great service for them if someone can help Corbin get a seat that fits the newer bikes... I told Jay that if there is no one local that volunteers, I can always eventually ride down to Hollister(about an hour) and at least let them inspect and measure what they did to their current pan to make it fit on mine when they made it "custom" last Summer. Anyway, if anyone does take Corbin up on their offer, let us know. But in the meantime, if you have a 2002+ V11 LeMans or Sport, don't order a Corbin seat mail-order. It won't fit. If you are local to one of the factory showrooms in Hollister, CA or Daytona, FL... it might be a different story, as they can custom fit anything there. But mail-order is almost guaranteed to prove disappointing for now. I'll keep you posted if/when this status changes... if I hear anything. Jaap, you may want to add a note, or even remove, the photos of my bike with the Corbin seat on the homepage for now with this in mind. Heck, just put some of Rich's seats up instead.... the photos are certainly better Information: ----------------- Al's brief review of his Corbin install in the "old forum" FAQ Administrative Contact: -------------------------------------- Please feel free to contact this FAQ's administrator via email or a Forum Private Message to submit new information or suggest corrections. Al Roethlisberger

*sigh* ....I'm just going to have put this in the FAQ section Al's Corbin Seat Advisory al P.S. In regard to picking on Victor, well I know it's all in fun ... I've exchanged emails with Victor before and have nothing but the best regard for him, and FBF's products. However, with all due respect, to Victor; if one is going to promote a product on a forum like this, it is to one's advantage to follow up with the client base and their requests for more info. I am sure we all appreciate Victor's letting us know about FBF's new products, but there have been at least a couple cases where we have asked for more info only to receive little or no timely feedback... the case of the FBF x-over performance and later questions of durability comes to mind I would only suggest that these product announcement fly-by's might be more successful if there were more depth and followup. BTW, has FBF considered sponsoring the forum? It seems like a perfect target audience

Agreed, but I don't have a machine shop handy, so if the Rosso Corsa axle will fit, I'm sure it's good enough for me. I'll let you know what I find out. I've been chatting with the folks at TLM, so maybe they'll be able to tell me something. al

Why all the Ducati and custom-made parts? Is this the least expensive route, or will the Guzzi parts from the Rosso Corsa/Scura front end not work? Shouldn't I just be able to get the axle for a Scura/Rosso Corsa and the spacers/bearings for that and change the guts out in my 2002 front wheel? I was under the impression that these forks were the same as on the Rosso Corsa, so they theoretically should just bolt right on to my 2002 LeMans with the Rosso Corsa front wheel guts??? ...or am I mistaken? al

And another:

... HA, I completely forgot what my bike looked like with the OEM mufflers. BTW, that photo isn't the greatest. It makes it appear that the OEM tail-light sticks out a mile. It's the same depth/protrusion, but is moved up quite a bit, and of course the indicators are moved up and tucked-in by an inch or more. Here are a couple better photos:

Yikes.... Todd takin' off the gloves Looks nice Victor, although I too am not a big fan of LED tail-lights, especially on the flowing classic lines of the LeMans/Sport. LEDs look more at home on the angular Japanese bikes in my humble opinion.... All I can say is that I know my fender eliminator was worth at least another 10hp though, and in combination with my yet to be installed K&N stickers.... we're talking almost 100RWHP! I love bolt-on power BTW, I like a lot of these very lightweight aftermarket fender eliminators, but if you don't despise the stock tail-light, and want something a bit sturdier, you might want to check out the unit I got a year or so ago. I don't know if Kelly Baker is still making them, but you could check. He's got great customer service, and I recommend him highly. Check out the FAQ section for more info. Fender Eliminator FAQ Here is a photo of mine installed. It's aluminum, powdercoated, and quite sturdy.... and keeps out the grime. I've added FBF's eliminator to the FAQ as well.

...yeah, I wonder if it's just as easy as calling Moto International(TLM in Seattle) and telling them that I need the bearings, axle, and any other spacers as would be on a Rosso Corsa or Scura?? Those guys seem pretty knowledgeable. Or I could ping TLM as well, they seem to know their stuff too. al

Jaap/Paul, Have you two tracked down the correct axle, bearings, etc. from MG, Ducati, et al.... that will go into the 2002 LeMans front wheel to allow using the Ohlins forks we've bought? In theory I should have mine from Polen in a couple weeks, so I'd like to start tracking down all the parts necessary to get them mounted once I have them in-hand thx! al

....that's not the Stucchi tail rack Chris ordered is it though? The link he provided looked different al

...correct, I don't know if this was adhered to, but the engine must be *stone cold* ... i.e. having sat overnight. If not, the clearances would be off and inconsistent. al

That's kinda a cool rack.... might be good for shorter trips. I wonder if it's mounting system could damage the paint though, as it seems/appears that it could rub up against the edge of the rear carapace once installed, and especially once loaded up. Please post some pictures once installed, and let us know how it works out! al

Actually this has been noted but not in it's own specific thread before. I think Mike Stewart first posted the issue with his Rosso Corsa some months back, but I've read about it as well on other forums like Wildguzzi and on the MGCL list.... In fact I remember reading about one fella who got an early 2003 LeMans and not only was his front x-over loose like yours, but it was also banging against his alternator cover, and caused damage. As an aside, I think I recall he was in Nevada. It's odd, although not totally surprising, that MG screwed this simple design point up How hard is it to make sure that the exhaust clamps can cinch down enough It'll be interesting to follow this issue.... I don't currently know of any easy or official fix. I guess one could potentially cut the slot wider and really crank down on the flange, or have someone weld-up some material on the collar. Either way, not ideal al

Interesting, what does Mike Rich say about this? al

Well, since I have a "mystery leak" that is just misting oil on the side plates, I went ahead and ordered a set of these since they were so inexpensive. We'll see how they work out I guess al

I cannot OVEREMPHASIZE that you BUY ONE OF RICH'S TOOL BAGS.... *NOW* ...before he sells out again, and you have to wait a month or more for him to have more material. These things are great, built like a tank, much bigger than stock, and fit the tool tray area in the V11 perfectly. And for $25, you really can't beat that. [Disclaimer: I am not a paid spokesperson for RM Enterprises ] ...just the honest truth, as I have a red version of the pouch, and it's awesome BTW Rich, are the buttons/snaps on these SS or otherwise mostly impervious to rusting? I know somewhere you mentioned that they are "marine grade" snaps, and I've had no problem with mine. They are like new, but I just wondered how careful I should be about getting them wet as most "chrome" snap closures I've dealt with in the past have easily rusted, both looking poor cosmetically quite quickly, and mechanically ceasing to function or freezing shut. Again, yours seem completely like new after a year though, even though I know they've gotten damp a few times. Thanks again for a great product! al

hrmm, where to start Yeah, there are a couple threads to this effect on the board: Thinking of buying.... 2002 Questions Thread 2001 vs 2002 vs 2003 Thread ..there are probably more, but that's all I could find with some quick searches. Although I have a list of issues/differences in mind, I unfortunately have to run... but I'm sure others will chime-in. One of our members(...maybe JRT?) has a list of issues on his homepage as well. Hope that helps and provides a good starting point... al

Yep, my Stucchi also had(has) fitment problems, but I'm happy to say that they aren't in regard to pipe length, as that is often a harder problem to fix. My problem is that the rear exhaust tubes are slightly higher/lower than the other, so my mufflers don't sit perfectly even. I don't think anyone but me notices, as we're talking less than an inch difference, but I know I've got them so that the ends of the exhausts as viewed from the rear are even, but if you look closely from the rear or side, one can see that the angle the cans descend to the x-over is steeper on one than the other. I've tried to bend one side of the x-over a bit, but it's pretty darned stubborn, so I'm going to try to bend one side up a fraction, and one side down a fraction and see if I can split the difference. ....it's on my "list" that I haven't gotten to yet though al

I had to hold the plastic cap with one hand while turning the allen wrench/bolt, as mine turned as one unit as well. I also pulled on the plastic cap as I loosened the bolt, which exposed the real nut that screws into the bar-end. Then you can get a wrench to it and unscrew the whole assembly. ....that's all I remember though as I have Throttlemeisters now. al

Also make sure your valves aren't too tight... this was my problem, although it seemed like a fuel/air problem from the symptoms. My dealer fiddled with the TBs/TPS for weeks while I suggested rechecking the valves. However when I finally checked the valves upon getting the bike home, Mike Stewart and I found them to be way too tight. Setting them up properly made all the difference in the world, and now the bike doesn't backfire, cough, or die in the heat like it did. al

So Jaap, ...you have your Ohlins installed yet? Did everything line up as expected? I still haven't heard back from that fella you bought yours from though. We exchanged emails back in late July, then "poof"... nothing else. He said it would be a week or so due to the coming holidays, but ...maybe the Italian August holiday isn't quite over yet I'll give him a couple more days into early September and ping him again. al