WitchCityBallabio

The horror.................the horror.

Thanks for all the pictures! There have been some very good options. I also found these Napolean's which might look rather good. I'm considering the GPX's. Mirrors Doug

Well this took a while for me to get to.... but here goes. This was taken at a scenic spot at Hogback Mountain on VT Rt. 9. We are here relaxing a bit after ripping it up with these two Ducati's

Sheriff of the Toe Cutters MC hehe.

Haven't I read somewhere too that Guzzi invented the motorcycle swing arm suspension? If so, that's a pretty major invention not to be mentioned.

I had a similar experience last Sunday. We went on a ride with about 10 other bikes (all Ducati's). After lunch, a couple of guys on a Ducati 998 and and 800 and my wife and I on the Ballabio went and took a little side trip on a nice 10 mile stretch of twisty road leading to the top of a small mountain (VT Rt. 9) with a vista lookout at the top. When we were leaving, the guys on the Ducati's told me to just look for their bikes when I got to the top because they were going to do the road at speed and naturally I wouldn't be able to even keep them in site. You can't imagine how aggravated they were from looking in their mirrors all the way up and seeing me right behind them. And they checked their mirrors a lot ! And me with my wife on the back. They too I think (although I don't think they would ever admit it) were impressed with the Ballabio's acceleration and handling. This proves my point again, that with average riders (not race track guys), the Goose can hang with most bikes and most riders in the twisties.

After looking at pictures taken during the recent weekend ride, with the Ballabio parked next to a bunch of Ducati's all day, one thing jumps out at me..... The mirrors are butt ugly. I don't really care for the bar end units, but there has got to be a nicer looking alternative that will screw into the existing mounts on top of the bars. I'm thinking something lower and perhaps rectangular rather than round. Has anybody changed the mirrors? If so, could you post pictures of what you've used and where I could perhaps find them? Thanks again, Doug

I just bought and installed the Guzzi Ti pipes with the included ECU on my Ballabio and must say over the stock exhaust, they sound gorgeous. The sound is so nice, I hesitate putting a crossover on, as the loudness level seems just right. They're just loud enough to trip car alarms when going by in a parking garage, but not uncomfortably loud at cruising speed. Just a nice bark.

Just to add my .... I used to have a 2002 VFR. I rode it pretty hard (did a cross country trip on it and put tons of miles in the saddle) and besides the bike being a bit "soul-less" enjoyed it well enough. I do have to say though, that even though the VFR had a horsepower and weight advantage, I believe I ride the V11 a bit faster and cleaner through the twisties. I think the power band on the V11 is much more usable in real world driving. I'm not saying the Ballabio is faster than the VFR, just that I think I ride it better for whatever reason. Do I think that a V11 will ever be in the realm of the likes of a CBR1000RR for the average rider? Not likely. But the thing is, I don't really care. I can ride the V11 fast enough to stay with all the folks I ride with, and that's fine with me. I didn't buy the Ballabio to compete with the sport hyper bikes. I bought it because I loved the driving experience and character of the V11 regardless of it's competitiveness with the hyper bikes. If I wanted a bike to compete with a CBR or 'Busa, I would have bought one of those. Why try to make a perfectly sound and enjoyable street bike into something it's not? Doug

As an update, if anyone is planning on doing this ride, I spoke with the organizers of this event and they told me lunch was at a 4 star (Fodors rated) Barbecue joint. Also, there is a chance the weather is not going to cooperate, so keep an eye on that website for a rain date/reschedule. Doug

Aprilia Tuono = worst seat ever.

I spent the day yesterday washing, waxing, changing out the snow tires for the summer tires and prepping for a new inspection sticker for the lately ignored "Gretchen" (1991 Mercedes Estate Wagon with 278,000 miles). I hated losing a day riding, but it was good to get Gretchen back in order.

1970 Zundapp ISDT

If anyone is interested, Eastern Cycle is having a "Head for the Hills" ride to Vermont on the 20th. The cost is 10 bucks per, and includes breakfast and lunch. Sounds like a good time. Head for the Hills Doug

The dealer near me has a set on the shelf (with the ECU) for $1250 I think he told me. Give him a call if you're interested. Eastern Cycle

On the MGNOC Mass site, they list this get together as the 19th. Is there one this coming Sunday too? Link

Interested in the PCIII, Mistrals and Stucchi. Check your PM.

Thanks to all. I'll try the scotchbrite route first as DanM,s results look great. Did you use a fine scotchbrite or a course one? Thanks again. Doug

I was noticing today that the Ballabio's pipes are a bit dingy looking. Does anyone have any experience with a particular cleaner or polishing compound for restoring the pipes back to that nice goldish color? I don't necessarily care about getting the blue out closest to the heads, but below that could definitely use something. Thanks, Doug

My bike had Metz RoadTec's on it when I got it. They were okay but not great IMHO. I also put on a set of Pirelli Corsa Diablo III's and I would have to say they are probably the best street tire I have ever driven. Excellent tracking through corners, quick and responsive, and they seem to heat up pretty quickly. I have 1500 fairly agressive miles on them and they seem to be wearing well too. Someone suggested that perhaps I had a different perspective on them because the Ballabio's bars are higher, but it sounds like you also find them to be an improvement on the LeMans too.

It really does! After 1500 miles or so, I absolutely love the bike, but the fast idle thing was making me nuts. I took the above suggestion and finally now have a fast idle without having to hold the clutch, the fast idle lever and throttle all at the same time! Whooppeee! God, I love this discussion board and this particular forum.

I also would be interested in a set of these. My wife is 5'11 and could use a little extra leg room when she's riding with me. The original placement is a bit cramped for her.

I'm in the same boat. I commute daily into downtown Boston. Traffic sucks in the afternoon, and the bike definitely gets hot sitting. It also seems to make the bike "stumble" a bit after sitting in it a while. If the PCIII cured this alone it would be worth the investment. I haven't decided on a cross over yet. That will depend on the loudness of the Mistrals alone. Murray: Recently I saw a Ducati with a carbon front fender and it looked just awful. The sun had pretty much destroyed it. My Ballabio commutes daily and goes from a cover and/or garage to a garage where I work, so it really won't be exposed to the elements other than general riding. I wonder if between that and waxing if it will keep them in good shape for a while. Perhaps the titanium just makes more sense. Then I won't have to worry about it at all. Thanks for the opinions all. Doug

Moto Morini Corsarino?

Thanks for the heads up Mr. Ratchet! They are a little bit more expensive than other places on the web, but the vast knowledge base is a true value add. I'll be purchasing it from them.