P3GA

Ok, so the Veglia speedometer started misbehaving, first the jumpy needle syndrome, then kaput. Removed the cable, oiled & lubed it, then the speedo would act as it was winding up before jumping to an indiacted 35 mph, the back to zero. (Since I was wheeling it backwards and forwards around the garage at the time, I knew that the speed was overly optimistic). Paul at Duc-Tri-MG-MV of Atlanta has ordered the angle drive, none of which are in the country right now, delivery sometime in September. This September. (Yes, I asked what year.) Since the plastic threads are stripped on the cable end of the drive, I gotta bite the bullet anyway. This little stinkin' piece of plastic is now over $125 !! Angle drives have been used on many vehicles' speedometers & tachometers for many years. There's got to be a cross reference for this thing somewhere, hopefully a Toyota Corolla or VW Bug part. Anybody? Anyone have an extra one with a speedometer shop nearby? Maybe they can be of help, or at least point us in the right direction. Since MG has tried many solutions to this problem, I can only surmise that anything they came up with were stop-gap. Unless we figure this one out on our own, we're all going to be SOL when it goes. Thanks, Phil Atlanta GA '02 Le Mans

"You'll have the comforting feeling that you've used what the factory used... Tex, that's one of the best cases of understated humor I have seen in years....... Phil Atlanta Ga '02 Le Mans

Gil, we all know how hard you worked for this bike and feel for you. The good news is that you will heal with time, the machine & the gear can be replaced and yes, most insurance companies will compensate you for the gear. They will definitely want the helmet, maybe the other gear too. Good luck, best wishes for a speedy recovery. Phil Atlanta Ga '02 Le Mans

1) Phil, thanks for sharing the good news. So basically spring replacements and 7 wt oil replaced the 10 wt? I've been interested in what Traxxion Dynamics has to offer on suspension upgrades for our bikes, now we know. Did they suggest a possibility for rear shock replacement? Replace springs w/ 1.05's (not 1.07's as I had stated previously); complete cleaning, manufacure & install spacers, & change of oil. We talked about rear shock upgrades - but left it at: If the rear shock was too far gone; -or- Changing springs could not get the performance to a level that they would find acceptable [if it was their bike], we would explore options. But we didn't need to. Please keep in mind that I explained to them that the majority of the time I would be traveling solo, playing in the N GA mountains; touring at 'elevated' speeds, and maybe, just maybe, a track day sometime in the future. I'm sure that if they were to install an Ohlins or Penske, there would be a difference. But I don't know if I could objectivley quantify the benefits. 2) If I may ask, if the "$$ was well worth it" ... you've described the "worth" but not how much equivalent $$ that represents How much did the work cost? I was out the door for approx. $450, which includes $125 for the labor to take humpty dumpty apart & put him back together again. Considering I haven't the time nor the talent to do such a job, I consider it money well spent.

With the scooter now 3+ years old, I figured it was time to do something about the suspension. I could sense the springs & shock were just plain tired of lugging my 230 lbs around. I had heard good things about Traxxion Dynamics in Woodstock GA, so I dropped the bike off, giving Mike and Lee a full 10 days to monkey around with the forks & shock. There was no rush as I was traveling on business while they had it, and I believe that with the bike in their possession, they were able to capture some good baseline data for use in assisting other V11 owners. The rear Sachs, while generally ok, has limited stroke, so after much experimentation with different springs and various rates, they replaced the spring with one rated at 650lbs, and the front spring were replaced with something around 1.05's & fork oil changed to 7 weight. Conclusion: Best investment I have made in the bike, period. The Le Mans is now far more composed in curves, quicker in transitions from left to right & vice versa, smoother on the highway, and generally, more confidence inspiring. A unique - but welcome - benefit is that I am getting even less vibration through the Verlicchi bars (fitted with Throttlemeisters) than before. While I never thought of a connection between suspension compliance & vibration, I can understand that if the bike was wallowing through corners with sloppy settings, any road-borne vibration is bound to get through the suspension & simultaneously amplified through the chassis. If I was to do it all over again, I would definitely spend the $$ getting the suspension sorted before installing new mufflers, cross-overs, power commander, etc...these folks did a very fine job. Highly recommended. Phil Atlanta GA '02 Le Mans

If you figure what you would need to spend on the Scura to get it close to the Coppa, the difference is going to be around $3.5 k: Getting the suspension sorted, estimate $500 - $700 (or more, depending on if springs need to be changed in forks & on rear shock), exhaust / powercommander / crossover will eat up the remaining $1250 - $1500 pretty quick. I'm pretty good at spending other people's money, so I'd go with the Coppa, change the relays ($20), and be done with it. Having spent my own money on getting my '02 where I like it, if it was my choice & wallet, I'd still go with the Coppa. Just my $ .02, Phil Atlanta GA '02 MG Le Mans

I left the Goose with Mike @ Traxxion Dynamics last week for a complete suspension cleaning, tweaking, etc....along with putting a heavier spring on the rear Sachs, they were going to dive into the forks, setting the bike up more to my weight (a svelte 230 lbs) & riding style (moderately awful). In any case, with the bike at their shop they got some good baseline data; hopefully it will be a help for those that wish Traxxion to perform similar work on their V11's suspenders. Hope to get home in time to pick up the bike Friday - I'll give a report once I've put some seat time on the bike with the new settings. If the improvements are similar to what I've experienced on other bikes that were properly set up, it should be money well spent. On another note: For those that question the quality of the Sachs unit, please keep in mind that MV Agusta uses them on some of their bikes. And we all know how MV builds bikes to hit a price point. Phil Atlanta GA '02 MG Le Mans

Ain't life grand? Let's see if I can offer something here: # 2 & # 10: I went for the Heavy Throttlemeisters, I've never looked back. You might considering calling them & changing the order. # 3: It's Italian opera to the fullest. # 9: If you call Rich, make sure you have some time, as he's a wealth of information on a variety of subjects..... "Moderate" wrenching skills? You'll be fine. They really are simple machines. And you have the resources of this board and the Guzzi community behind you. Phil Atlanta GA '02 M-G Le Mans

I believe Mistral has a can available at this time, there may be others. If you search for images of the Breva on the web, you might run into a few where the owner's have made the change you are contemplating. Phil Atlanta GA '02 M-G Le Mans

Isn't that Carl's new place?

Cannon Racecraft (www.cannonracecraft.com) here in the states makes an improved pawl spring. Buy two. Only because everyone knows that if you have one in the toolkit or in the tankbag, you'll never need it. Welcome to the inner sanctum of Guzzi ownership... And if you've made it this far in life, you'll be able to handle the repair yourself. Phil

Count your blessings. The lorry driver was shot because he complained about the parts prices.

teknos are no longer available You might just check with MG Cycle or Harpers, I think that one of the two was stocking the Tekno's, or at least had a line on them. TLM (can't miss 'em - look up - board sponsor) might be worth a shot, too. There was also a dealer / stockist in the UK that sold the Tekno's as well as a very tasty rear rack, but alas, I can't recall their name. Phil

Bill, aren't the Alabama members of the MGNOC pretty good wrenches too? I'm trying to find my issue with the "helping hands" list, maybe we can put them in touch.... Looks like I'll actually be in town next week, if so I'll try to get over to the Vortex. Hope to see you then, Phil

Somehow the starter motor cover broke / splintered / shattered. Need to replace, either plastic or carbon-fiber ok, shoot me a note with what you've got & asking price.....the ship to zip /postal code in Atlanta is 30075. Thanks, Phil 07/15 Update: Mission accomplished, new cover located and installed. Jaap, you can delete this classified at your convienence.

If you like the characteristics of the Diablo's & want something a bit grabbier, the Corsa's seem like a logical move.... generally a higher performance tire will have tighter specs as to operating range, tire pressure, etc.. Tire technology has really moved forward - what many consider an ok tire now, we would have killed for when racing 10 -15 years ago. You may want to check with Ed, Todd, or others that are currently racing the Guzzi's to see what works, what doesn't, and what would be overkill on our bikes.

What's the easiest (and safest) way to remove the Le Mans top triple clamp? I've picked up a set of Verlicchi bars and their clamp is designed to go under the top triple....... will unloading the front end during the procedure make the removal easier to accomplish? Thanks in advance, Phil

...........and speaking of bags, what ever became of the chap that had fabricated his own racks & was going to mount up some BMW cruiser bags? That was one of the best looking combos I've ever seen, but lost track of what happened. Phil

Aerostich had some of the Ortlieb panniers & goodies in their last catalog: www.aerostich.com Hope this helps, Phil

"If only I could find a cage to hold an 80 lb labrador that fits over the rear seat, I would be all set. Seriously, I was wondering if I made a cage where she couldn't move side to side or turn around, but just sit on the rear end of it, how that would work. Al the cages I have seen aren't made for large dogs" With some basic obedience training, you'll find that the dog will sit facing forward & get to the point where all she does is move her head around to look. Just make sure she's sitting on something that won't have her sliding off at the first corner. Suggest nice short runs, for example, up & down your street, to get started. This would not be a good time to attempt an Ironbutt. Many years ago, I rode with a fellow that would take his German Shepard with him on his Suzuki GS1100. The only incident he ever had it was after he hit the seat with Armor All, -it became so slippery, poor Stootka had a hell of a time on it until the sheen wore off. Call Rich Maund, he uses marine grade vinyl on his seats, maybe he'll have some ideas for a seat cover of some sort that will keep Fido's hind quarters stationary. Once trained, it's kind of like riding with a spouse, but she won't complain that it's too hot or cold, give you grief about getting lost, or want to stop at yard sales to look at $.75 salt & pepper shakers. No whining about the dreaded "helmet head" either. Great security system as well. Woof. Phil Atlanta GA

The MRA was a nice improvement to my Le Mans, I'm 6' 4".

I've worn Shoei's for many years, the AGV fits very much like the Shoei. I tried on a V-Flyer at Ferracci's shop while traveling some time ago, seemed very nice. On a lark, I picked up a Vemar lid from a vendor during the AMA Nationals last year at Road Atlanta.....I'm wearing the Vemar more than the RF1000 at this point; it is quieter, we'll see how the venting is now that summer is fast approaching in Atlanta. Phil

Carl, with all due respect, you have entirely too much time on your hands.....please go for a ride.