Baldini

http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/gb/en/motorcycle/catalog.html#

For the rust - coppaslip would do the job? The particles in the oil - they are metallic? Like Gary, I wouldn't expect to see crap like that in a healthy engine. Could be some bits still flushing thru from last time's damage? See what 't's like next time - I'd be inclined to make that next time soon - just to see. Good luck with everything. KB

Ben, BelfastGuzzi has got one of those & seems to really like it. I'm another SV fan - for a cheap fun bike that'll work for it's living too. Agree with above; early styling was much the better. What you got so bad against them? KB

I didn't find the V11 tank on his site . I've not seen one before, was yours the first he's done? Thanks. KB

Hi Orson. Try a pm to Belfast Guzzi, he may be able to point you in the right direction.

Thanks. Hope you don't mind me asking...How much did it cost & how long did he take? KB

Ponti, I'm sure you've said before, but, who made the tank for you? Thanks. KB:sun:

Guy, I dunno re the V7's, no idea what's going on in the real world - I just had the impression off the forums that there were a few about - USA perhaps? I feel same as you about current Guzzi offerings. A Tonti style big block sports bike would be more appealing to me. It's a shame that a company that can make the MGS01 - admired by most any motorcyclist Guzzi fan or not for it's styling - can't seem to capitalise on it's virtues, & it's own historical strengths - good, functional, honest, stylish design. KB

No problems with UJ angles?

Apart from it's merits as a mc, the Diavel will sell because punters will not be afraid to buy into Ducati, with their large dealer network & market presence. Guzzi is near to invisible in the market, & dealer support & reliability are the constant worries for potential customers, not so much a lack of interesting models. I don't know the figures, but it seems Piaggio's Guzzi V7 is selling very well? A very understated design (allowing the V7Racer as an aberation) with no great claims of originality or performance. The new Cali doesn't make any big statement like the Ducati but maybe it'll work solidly & sell well? With it's current customer services & dealer set up, is Guzzi in a position to back up a big hoo-ha about some "revolutionary" new model - even if it could produce one? A restrained approach may be more appropriate & viable for Guzzi? IMV their efforts should be concentrated on establishing a better reputation for reliability, customer relations & dealer back-up. Diavel is just another motorcycle. I'm sure it's a good one but what is so different about it really? It's a pumped up styling excercise. The fashion market relies on creating a "buzz" around product, most of the delight in the press is because it works at all - well that & the thought of more ad revenue & increased circulation.

Anyone know the reasoning behind that sidepanel plastic ? Just styling or has it some function? Maybe it looks better in the flesh ? KB

Presumably Joep will be removing the stand apparatus?

Solvol Autosol + extra fine wire wool, WD40, then Solvol on a cloth. Brings em up a treat.

On mine,(V11 Scura)front edge of stock silencer would ground. If you've got the parts already just put it together & see. If looks aren't important you could ding the leading edge of the cans to get a bit of clearance, or mess with the pipes & hangers to gain a bit. Other than that & sidestand, clearance on Scura is pretty good but I dunno what ride height you will have. Depends on what shock & how you mount the forks as well. I lowered triple clamps a little to get weight forward & speed up steering. Are 1100S forks same length as V11? KB

Can you get the bike on a stand w front wheel off the ground? Does wheel spin freely? Are brakes binding? (likely cause: piston(s) sticking in caliper(s)). Foreign object stuck in caliper? Check discs for run out & that surfaces are flat & have no damage. Check brake pads for condition, wear & damage. Pads can squeal even when good. A very slight smear of brake grease on back of pad where it meets piston can help. If not brakes, try feeling for lateral movement holding wheel rim & moving it against axle. If you suspect bearings, it's easy to check them - take wheel off & rotate bearing inners against outer races - stick your finger in the inner race - they should have a totally smooth action - any roughness or notchiness & they're knackered. KB

Guzzimeister's V11 has 80k miles on it . Anyone know of 100k miles on a V11? or more? Mines on 25k. Be interested to know how they are at big mileages. UJ's replaced? Gearboxes still working well? KB

I dunno, I drained it each time. BFG did it with oil in. If you want to save it, why not drain it & put same back in when finished? KB

There's no simple equation, it's swings & roundabouts & factors like riding position, weight distribution are also relevant. Weight works both ways. V11 is very heavy: a light bike will be more manageable in lots of situations. Which bike would you rather have to stop (or change direction) very quickly on, along a bumpy, twisty road? The V11 has low max power figure, but makes a lot of torque. Power figures are not the end of the story: for most people, most of the time it's torque & the where in the revband the power & torque is delivered that are relevant. The only way a small engine makes big power is by high revs. Narrow bars, racing crouch & a high revving, relatively peaky engine might not be the best for a beginner. The SV650 twin or similar, might be a good, manageable, cheapish compromise. KB

No wind resistance making the difference?

Lots of things make no sense, doesn't stop us doing them

It may be that you might find something lighter & nimbler easier to handle as a first big bike. But you don't need to spend a lot of money & get your ideal bike straight off - like richard100t says - a cheapish Japanese bike might be a good first step. A suzuki SV650 (not sure what they called in US) is a good, fun, usable bike - like the Guzzi & the Ducati it's a twin cylinder - twins tend to have more easily usable power characteristics & require less gear changes than a four cylinder. Or a Kawasaki ER5 or later Versys ? There's loads of choice. Use it for a while, & move onto something else - a V11 might be fine for you right now, but don't be panicked into getting something unsuitable cos you think it won't be available in future - there's loads of good bikes out there! There's the smaller Guzzis - 750 Breva, or classic, but I guess they will be expensive? A low centre of gravity, a lowish seating position so you can get both feet on the floor, conventional handlebars help in managing a bike esp in traffic & at slower speeds. Good luck! KB Suzuki SV650 - Guzzi V7 Classic - Guzzi Breva 750 - Kawa ER5

Power is relatively low for capacity & motor is very torquey, so it's fairly easy to use. It's heavy. LeMans fairing works well, but if you want unfaired you might consider removing it & replacing with a small handlebar fairing (as others have done) & leaving it at that. You could probably sell the LeMans fairing to fund. For me, removing/replacing the fairing regularly would be a real chore. Whilst basically sound, Guzzis reward a little more owner involvment than some. Some call it character, others call it a pia. If it's a good, well cared-for bike (as it looks to be) & you're looking for something that's more than a functional appliance, & don't mind putting in a little time & commitment, then it'd probably be a good buy for you. KB

No doubt you could adapt it but you might just as well look at other manufacturers for better match/availability. Anything else using same Marzzochi front? Try google image search? Pic1: Stock V11 Sport Pic2: Stock V11 Sport Scura Pic3: V11 Scura that appears to have std V11 Sport mudguard fitted or least very similar. KB

I think it's designed to be solid mounted & suspension movement taken up by rubber block. Yes they breakdown. It's not designed to be mounted loose: plain steel bush/bolt with no facility for lubrication will just wear, & play will develop. Answer is to fit one of the aftermarket rods (Rossopurro ?) with rose joints at ends. KB