kalev11

Docc, have you fixed that crazy clattering? If so, what the heck was it ?

It was great to see old friends and make new ones ! The group from Michigan were super cool with great equipment.

Thanks, I was trying to mimic the titanium color scheme. My engine is a transplant from a California EV Titanium so in a sense it is the original valve cover color that came on that engine. They were looking a bit second hand so I had to refinish them.

Well I did this color change with a spare set of valve covers. I like it… what about y’all.

Well here is my personal review of the MIVV cans on a V11 sport. The MIVVs sound amazing. They make the V11 sound exactly what I always wished it would sound like ! Very vocal yes, they talk the talk yet at highway cruising speeds they mind their manors. And the tone is so nice. I’ve had riding buddy’s comment that they sound almost like a musical instrument. The style, build quality, and price are all “on point”. I love um.

I did some maintenance on my 2001 V11 sport today. I pulled the rear drive off to inspect bearings for the most part and found the (outboard?) needle bearing was in need of attention. It was full of rock hard, dried up grease. It’s grease seal was also in bad shape. I don’t believe it has worked as a roller bearing for years. I disassembled it and cleaned it, repacked it with grease, and put it back into service but I’ll be ordering a new bearing for later. I replaced the wheel bearings as well. Easy task once you have the wheel off ! The front wheel bearings failed years ago so I suspected the rears needed replacement by now, 49,000 miles. Otherwise the rear drive felt nice, looked nice. On a lighter note, If anyone is need of a wheel bearing while traveling through Kentucky, I’ve got your back. I have extras 😜

Today I pulled my rear bevel drive or rear transmission as it may be called for a inspection and PM. Even though my front bolt had broken in the torque rod, I found my rear bolt to look like a new one, no wear and nice and clean.

Docc yes my front torque bolt was sheared off when I discovered it. Only the nut and a short stub of the sheared bolt remained. Lucky for me the pork chop had the nut and bolt stub captured so they could not fall out and that little bit of luck is what got me and the bike home where I could repair the bike.

I often go to an Ace hardware in Richmond. The owner is very proud of his hardware selection. He claims it’s the largest selection east of the Mississippi or something like that. It truly is an amazing selection of fasteners and things. I chose a M10 shoulder bolt with the appropriate amount of shoulder and cut the threaded section to length as needed. Metric bolts do come in a range of hardnesses similar to Grade 3,5,8, FYI. It seems Ace Hardware is making a strong comeback and I’m thrilled to see it happening.

Yep that bolt has very a hard job to do. The name torque rod bolt gives a hint as to the stress it endures. Mine sheared off as well, and on a very long solo trip crossing 2 mountain ranges. Fortunately my Grey Goose had mercy on me and with a little luck I limped home where I could replace that very same bolt. It’s easy and simple to inspect or replace at home but would be a challenge out on the road. Im glad you shared this critical issue with the forum.

I would also agree with Joe about replacing the entire unit with an unmolested used/salvaged unit. The factory assembles those gearboxes one after another, they have the most know how. It’s risky to spend so much money, in my opinion, and have an excellent mechanic, who has never torn one down, do the job. Even with the best of intentions and skills it will still be somewhat risky. YOU can swap that gearbox yourself or have a shop do it. The “breakers” might have a nice low mileage unit for 6 or 7 hundred. Check Pinwall or the like. I’ve been “in your shoes” unfortunately as I’m the friend Joe was speaking of that had a gearbox explode, later an engine failure too. Not that hard to fix. You'll get it going 👍

I have a friend who is looking for a nice V11… Did this bike get sold or does the offer still stand?

I would like 2 of them.