al_roethlisberger

I'll post some photos tomorrow night of the whole cover assembly off of the bike so you can see more clearly how it's attached and built.

The bottom and rear of the airbox are actually gone as well, basically the only remaining part of the airbox is the same shape as the side-covers so that they could be bolted to them correctly, with the remaining carcass of the airbox providing material to which to fasten the aluminum bar-stock. So the pods should get air cleanly from all around, and even inside the side-covers there is an inch or more of clearance on the side by the cover.

OK, well I guess I've decided to go for a "hybrid" solution for now The reason I was asking about the differences in solutions, is that I "accidentally" had some of the correct K&N filters on-hand for a pod conversion, and I came across a used airbox for about $20USD. So I had all the ingredients to do some experimentation. Personally I really like the idea of pods because of the simplicity, the sound, and the look... all of which I liked when I had them on my FJ1200. But in contrast to most people's tastes who like the pods, I like my airbox side-covers and didn't want to expose the frame and bits above the red side-plate. So, I did what I know a few other people have done, but have never seen photos of. I removed the stock airbox, and made some brackets from the remains of my spare airbox, and some aluminum stock. In my opinion, this really opens up the area under and around the frame, and can only be a "good thing" for airflow and cooling. Plus with the airbox gone, I have the potential to relocate the fuel-pump on top of the frame(next project).. or at least somewhere a bit further from the cylinders. But again, most of all, it gives me a bunch of space to reroute some wiring, etc... away from heat, and out of sight with the airbox removed. So, now I have my two pods, under my side-covers, so this adds some weather protection, plus I'm going to add the triangular piece of plastic to the swing-arm to protect the transmission breather, pods, and rear shock. With all of this, it should actually preclude any major concerns about water and the pods. It should provide at least as much protection as my FJ had, and I never had any water problems. So following are a couple mock-up photos. I have to still fine-tune and nicely finish the aluminum, etc... But I think it looks fairly spiffy. P.S. What/where do you do with the oil breather hose that was hooked to the airbox? This is the hose that comes from the banjo fitting on top of the spine at the very front of the tank.

Yeah, that was my first guess, although I haven't yanked them off to see for sure. Now, I wonder how I might track these down with the Ducati Electronics guys(different from Ducati motorcycles).... I guess I'll start asking some Duc buddies, and start "google-ing" al

Unless I'm missing something, it's kinda hard to tell... But here's why; as you know I've got the heads dual-plugged and am still on the hunt for the right coils. It looks like Dyna has what I'll need, but upon inspecting the OEM coils, it really looks like these coils were designed to have a second output tower as an option. So I'm wondering if the manufacturer makes a dual-output version with the same primary resistance. This would make hooking up to the factory harness and mounting much cleaner. So I'm just trying to figure out who makes them, and where I might track down the manufacturer to ask if they have a dual-output version. al

What size are your shoes ...seriously. al

...that is, my rear BRAKE groans funny stuff al

Yep, it was a "Brembo" thing, but I too have only heard of it on the older(pre 2002?) bikes with the rotors with round holes in the gold spider. hrmm, it could happen if your pads were dragging for some reason though. I guess just check with your dealer My rear still groans when reversing occassionally if it sits for a while, but once I get on the bike and ride it loosens up fine. al

...indeed, again great work Rich We should get Rich to build "custom" 7 Gallon steel tanks for the V11. I think it'd sell like "hotcakes"... but you'd probably have to remove the airbox to get the extra volume... and/or expand front of the tank up into the fairing where it's currently more "pointy". That'd be the only way to keep the stock shape and get much more volume. al

..that's really cool. I want one

touche But seriously, I like the new XB9S from Buell. I went by my local HD boutique and got some new lenses for the signals, and checked out the bike. It's build quality was leaps and bounds better than previous Buells, and the bike was much nicer looking than the photos suggest. Very interesting and unique bike. I think it'd be fun around town... al

Good thoughts, my suggestion? Write a letter(well an email) directly to Mr. Belcher. His email again: Michael Belcher Director of Fuel Injection Development michaelb@dynojet.com ...even if you don't want or need an "R" version, I think it would be very interesting for him to see the level of interest. For every email received, that potentially represents several 10's of people that would buy one, but don't because it's not available and never thought to contact PC directly. al

Yes, it does appear that Rich "rocks" Hopefully I'll get to "demo" one of his seats eventually when I meet up with one of the local guys that have his seat. Depending on how well I like it, I may end up getting one that accomodates my GF a bit better, as the Corbin really isn't made for "passengering" al

Here's the link: MG Titanium Slip-on Exhaust and ECU ...it's not a complete system, but is the OEM slip-on MG Ti exhausts with remapped ECU that MG came out with this year. It's currently at $405USD(as I post this), but the reserve isn't yet met. Dunno if it's really a good deal or not as the reserve isn't stated. Their "buy it now" is basically the OEM price. Could be a good deal though if the reserve is low enough al

BTW, here's the reply from Dyno(www.powercommander.com) that I just received: ...is it just me, or did this sound a bit "brusque" to you too? Ah well, maybe he was just in a hurry. Anyway, no "R" version on the horizon it seems, as Todd had mentioned to me in the past. Still send those emails though if you are so inclined. If there ever is to be an "R" version, and a "who knows" scenario, I'm sure that will have to be the catalyst... a grass-roots desire. al

I love my Tankslapper.... It takes a couple/three tries to get the "technique": - CLEAN bike - CLEAN tankslapper(bucket of clean water nearby to dip it in a must) - CLEAN smooth wet rag ...and about 15 minutes of working the bubbles out, and "holding it down" until it dries a bit. Although it may not want to conform and stretch to the shape of the tank at first, once you work out the bubbles and let it "dry" and stick to the tank, it will fit perfectly. It just takes a couple attempts to get the technique down. But once it's on, it's there "forever"... invisible... and fairly durable. I just wax it every so often to buff out scratches. I actually didn't use the side pieces supplied with the kit. I cut a larger and taller center from them for additional protection, and that's worked out well for me. I just wax the sides of the tank, and that's worked out fine so far. We'll see over time if I need to put the vinyl on the sides too. If so, I'll just order the "blank" material and cut it myself. It's easy to work with once you make a template. Tankslapper sells the material in sheets too... al

Well, since I have that photo of my bike 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 today. Here, is the result... I spoke with Jay at Corbin, and indeed they are/were aware that their seat for the V11 Sport would not fit any of the 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. Very disappointing for both parties I'm sure.... certainly for the bike owners, based on the couple emails a month I receive on the 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. 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 al Al's brief review of his Corbin install in the "old forum"

Heh, oh I know about the whole Miata money-pit I used to be very active in the "late 90's" on miata.net I used to have a post in the tech section about "Removing those darned eye-ball vents" Ahh... there it is. Wow, so loooooong ago. ...really liked that car al OH, and Jaap, can you change my title to: ...pretty funny stuff there Carl

...the "R" version allows for adjusting/remapping the ignition timing as well as the standard PC parameters around fueling. al

Well, for all those interested(myself included for the dual-plug project) we could just drop them an email asking for it.... Todd Eagan told me that they are currently "not interested" in making an "R" version, but if they got enough emails..... who knows?? I'm going to drop them one as I write this Powercommander Contacts If you are hoping PC will come out with an "R" version to control timing, drop them one as well al

Sure, they are actually fairly common as an aftermarket replacement, but I don't recall the brand off hand. I'd just do a "google" for them and I'm sure you'll find some. The only thing I didn't like about these though were that in every case I found, the "brand" was machined into the top of the cap. Too "squidly" for me al

I've got the reservoirs from Rizoma and like them quite a bit. I think they look pretty snazzy and are a bit smaller than stock, which I would think in combination with any bar-risers would be an advantage toward fairing clearance. Further, the stalks are chrome-plated steel, so that also a plus on the durability side. ...although I see on their website that they've updated them a bit. On the down side though, the Rizoma's have(had? ..new models may not, I can't tell from the photo) a near useless tiny oval sight-glass, that is actually plexiglass. I've never heard of any of them failing, but I keep an eye on mine, as they have the usual stress marks from plexi that has bolts torqued down upon it. I might have to replace them with something more durable at a later date. Fortunately there is a "TAP" plastics store around the corner from my house and I'm sure they could come up with something better for me easily. You can see some photos of mine mounted in my Yahoo briefcase, just follow the link on my profile here if interested. al

..oh, and to Bill's question. I guess it just depends. I may be the most voluminous and verbose poster to the board right now , but I can't say that I am necessarily the most beneficial. I try to respond to any post that I can offer something toward, whether that's a technical response(few though the are ) or even something that get's someone chuckling. However a lot of people just don't feel comfortable posting unless they have a specific answer, comment, etc... and that's OK. Do I wish we had more postings from the various "lurkers"? Honestly, sure I do. But I'm sure we will get more and more posts from these members, and new ones, as time goes by and the forum continues to grow. But "snobbish"... naw, I don't think so. I am on a lot of other forums, and with the exception of a couple others that also cater to a slightly more mature crowd , most are much more "marque" and personality snobbish and petty than this board has ever been... and I suspect ever will As Carl mentioned, if someone posts a question that someone knows the answer to, I am sure they'll get a response of some sort. Personally I try to keep an eye out for the exceptions that no one responds to and at least add an "gee, I don't know" ... but I can't catch 'em all I think we've got a great board, and it's been invaluable for me... and I think the people are great. ...well, except for that Euro-phile Jaap. We might have to do something about him at some point. al

...did Carl say something? I must have missed it al

uh oh.... here we go again Thinking though... it's funny that we don't have any high-performance aftermarket front suspension manufacturers in the USA. Penske makes shocks, but no one seems to make anything on par with WP, Ohlins, Showa, etc... odd BTW, Paul's friend wants about 1200Euro for his used Paolis, but they are indeed too short for the LeMans unless you don't mind using some "under the triple clamp" bars. However he said that the stock brake calipers can be used, and will fit. That's really not too bad, but I just don't have that kind of cash lying around right now. al