Baldini

OHmygod!!!...where's me drill... KB

I've got used to it .... I kinda like it...I have no interest in fixing it... you can grow to accept these things... KB

John & Ralph, thanks for the info. KB

Ralph, Why did you go to the smaller rim? KB

John,...and what do you reckon? Does it work well? I'm pretty happy with the handling of the 170 on the 5.5" rim, my concern is that cos of the flatter profile it will run off the edge of the tread earlier than a 180 (or 170 on a narrower rim). Is a 5" rim maybe optimum for the 170? I want to keep good round profile, as the 4.5" rim is available & fits, that rim w/ 160 sounds like the way to go....? Thanks. KB

...I also figure smaller rim will be lighter, & tho probably negligable difference, every little helps... KB

Al, I'm running Diablos. While the 180 Diablo was better than the 180 020, the 170 Diablo is even better. KB

Both times mine went, I had a couple of bad shifts then it broke - no real prior warning. But maybe i'm just very insensitive... KB

I found the 180 tyre too big. I run a 170 tyre & much prefer the handling - I find turn in much more balanced. A 4.5" rim may let the 170 run a better profile as I think the 5.5" flattens it out & am concerned it runs off the tread earlier with the flattened profile. It may speed up the turn in too much, I dunno, but I guess I could then go to a 160! Ralph, What size tyre you running? KB

John, Ralph, Thanks. Just to be clear...the hub is the same then, only the rim width is different. So I can use spindle, caliper mount, spacer from Scura - all I need is the wheel? Cheers, KB

Does the 4.5" rear wheel off the earlier V11's fit straight into 02 on bikes that have 5.5" rim? Anyone done this? What bits do I need? Do I have to make up spacers? I understand 02 bikes had wider s/a. Thanks, KB

Meanwhile, I figure it's worth keeping engine oil level topped up to max on stick.

Me too Martin - see you there! KB

Yeah, I could hear John's clutch while riding with another bike between us... a quiet man lets his clutch do the talking....heh, heh KB

Al, Get the engine parts balanced, you'll notice the difference, a smoother motor. from what you say I can't see how you would need Carillos - I've not had them but my understanding is they are strong rods for stressed engines. There's probably better ways to spend the money...brakes, wheels,chassis ... unless you're planning on one day pushing the motor much harder. KB

Good to have you with us Pete. Ain't nothing going to change re Guzzi, holidays make you think...best of luck whatever, KB Ps If you still got a windage tray for a Tonti - I want one. Tell me how I pay you!

Errr...hang on...was there anything actually wrong with the clutch?

Ballacraine, Scura clutches are hellish noisy in neutral clutch engaged, some noisier than others. Quietens when you disengage clutch. What you describe sounds normal... only a lot louder... Is it all working OK? There may be nothing wrong but there have been a couple of people had problems with flywheel, preceded by abnormal noises.... Can you contact the previous owner, check history? KB

If you raise forks you'll lose ground clearance, watch out for sidestand grounding esp if you soften rear & you lean over in bumpy corners. Softening rear may also encourage wallow in same. Depends how you ride, if you're pretty steady this doesn't matter. I'd think seat would be best place to lose height if you can although like's been said it's not that thick to start...oh dear KB

Carl, Now I'm getting confused...Cali still got Bosch starter? Is the battery the 545 13A like in the V11? thanks for clearing this up !... KB

Careful with the bolt tightening. When I first had the side plate off I found one of the lowerbolts wouldn't pinch up, casing thread was knackered. Luckily I could get a longer bolt thru w/nut, but if it had been a blind hole.... KB

Paul, So the Bosch would drain the V11/1100 Sport type battery cos it draws more current? Thanks, KB

I'm thinking of getting a 13 amp 545 Odyssey battery (as fitted to V11's/1100 Sports) on my LM11, cos it's small, light & can go on my V11 too. Anyone done this? I'm worried about the low capacity. Rec'd fitment Odyssey is PC625 which is around 16 or 18 amps I think. Does the old (Bosch) starter draw any more current than the new ones? Thanks, KB

Mine has it, I don't worry much about it. Not sure the source. KB

There is a Guzzi workshop manual, it carries specs & measurements but it's not very detailed or helpful when it comes to taking things apart & it's pretty expensive. There is a MG parts book. I don't know of any Haynes/Clymer style dirty fingers manual. There is Guzziology which you may know. Don't know if he's got it up to covering the V11's yet? Mine stops at early 1100 Sports... There's a lot of knowledge on this forum... KB