Molly

Thanks for the replies. We're spending the first week in North Devon then travel to the Isle of Man for New Year. ZigZag around inbetween around Derby, Southport, Lancaster and a few other old haunts. Thanks again for your help.

Travelling to the UK for Christmas (from NZ). I'd like to source some nice sounding mufflers for my 2000 V11 whilst I'm there. What would you recommend and do you know where I could get them over the counter without having to order? Many thanks. Molly.

The psychology of surveillance is something I know a bit about (done some research and evaluation work on police and local authority systems in my time). Bureaucracy is actually the first form of surveillance and the modern cross-referencing of databases has all but made it impossible to be anonymous these days. If it's any conciliation, the same systems that look outwards also enable the monitoring and measurement of the monitors (no, doesn't make me feel any better either). Such things are equally sophisticated in Australia too I'm sure (but not in NZ as yet - at least I've less of a 'sense' of it).

The aftermarket is well sewn up for any H-D gremlins and, to be honest, they're pretty much bullet-proof these days anyway. Mine isn't a bling bling 'Village People Special' and I don't dress like a line dancer when I ride it. It's just a big, comfortable tourer and I wouldn't be without it. Shame about all the posers though.

Thank you both for that. Much appreciated.

Redline Shockproof Heavy is very popular for use in Harley transmissions. I'd been meaning to try it in mine as it's a but 'clunkier' than some I've had and I hoped it might lessen that. The only problem with it seems to be that, in NZ at least, it's bloody expensive! I need to find another supplier if I'm to keep the Harley and the Guzzi shockproof.

Hi Pete. Please, forget about it. Communicating like this leads to all sorts of misunderstandings but that's all it was. Sorry to hear your sad news. Take care. Molly.

Thanks for that Rathethack. One last question if I may: When you run the oil level 2-3cm over the 'high' mark, do you check this with the bike upright? It's a basic question I know but I didn't search for the generic answer as I was interested in what you did. Thanks. Molly.

Hi Pete. Can I put my name down for one? Cheers. Brian. brianmolyneux@hotmail.com

Thank you. Can I ask, are you still supplying these plates?

You can't be arsed? Well, **** you pal. It was a simple, sincere question and I'm sorry you took offence. You didn't even need to reply if it bothered you. You could've left it for a member of this forum with better manners. I was simply wondering how the inclusion of an extra component would permit an extra .5 quart. What the **** was so wrong with that?

Just trying to make sense of the 'common problems' detailed on this site. It states: Oil pressure light goes on during acceleration- Models with the pump pickup towards the front of the sump can experience pump starvation during hard acceleration. This is made worse by the dipstick full mark being 0.69 inches lower than the actual oil level when refilling with 3.5 liters as specified by Guzzi, with the dipstick screwed in, as specified by the manual. Even with 4 US quarts, tests with an oil pressure gauge showed pressure dropping to zero at maximum acceleration in first gear on level ground. Installation of a Roper Plate and refilling with 4 quarts prevents this starvation. The Roper plate also permits refilling to 4.5 quarts for extra margin. Even with this, pump starvation may occur on long, hard, steep uphill climbs. An oil pressure gauge is a useful addition to monitor this and idle pressure. The oil pressure light switch only goes on if pressure drops to somewhere in the 2-5 psi range. Why does the Roper plate mean you can pour in 4.5 quarts rather than 4? By the way, I've recently moved to a place at the top of a long, steep hill... Now I'm really paranoid :-)

My Guzzi pic taken in the Isle of Man. It now lives with me here in Christchurch, NZ.

LOL. Must give it a try.

Thanks for that. It'd be just my luck if they were closed.

Going to be in Italy in about two weeks for a holiday and would like to visit the Guzzi factory / museum. Does anybody have a link to up-to-date visitor information? I can't seem to find any. Many thanks.

I'm bringing my 2000 V11 out to NZ when we return in a few months (ChCh). Hard to think of a better bike for some of that country riding. Mine has the clip-on bars but they're not in the least uncomfortable. I fitted bar-end mirrors which suit the cafe racer style. I can ride that bike all day and still look for the longer way home (not that there is a particularly long way home in the little Isle of Man). Anyway, enjoy whatever one you go for. They're just stonkin' bikes.

One for the Brits this. Reading MCN this week and noticed Top Gear's James May keeps a coupld of Guzzis including a 2001 V11 he's had from new (and a jolly nice old California). I could relate to his attitude to riding too: group riding's too fast, have a bimble and enjoy the smells / scenery, and every now and then have a right good blast. Looks like the V11's the gentleman's choice. Hurrah!

Helps to have three hands. I also need to find a tool to hold things in place whilst I tighten it up. I always move it just enough to have to do it again... Doh!

Been offered a pair of tyres for the 2000 V11 but the rear's a 180 not 170. How will that affect the handling / contact patch? Should I be sensible and stick to the recommended sizes?

I have a couple of Optimate III tenders. Been using them for years without a problem. Part of my lock-up process is to plug in the Optimate and it's reassuring to know there'll be a full charge waiting when I next want a ride.

I'm feeling told off... I'd better pay more attention because I'm sure I spend most of my time below 4k. Too many years on Harleys I suppose.

Saw one in the flesh for the first time today. Don't like the flat fin arrangement on the cylinder's front profile, the finish seems quite poor, and overall it just looked a bit cheap. They need to do a bigger version too. Something 'substantial'!

Thank you. Great link too. I need a project like this (not to mention the skill, time, money...). Once of the nicest, cleanest bikes I've seen. Got me thinking that's for sure.

Not sure where I came by this pic but it's one nice looking Guzzi (assuming I can figure out how to post / attach the pic). Assuming it works, do you know anything about this bike?