Bill Hagan

Heck, there's a single-malt thread going on wildguzzi, so why not grappa here? Anyway, here's a very abbreviated summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grappa I like grappa and always have several on hand for impromptu tastings (which, I've learned, can get of hand!). IMHO, while there are clearly qualitative differences in the daunting selection of grappas, a spirit that has developed dramatically in the last 30 years or so, I still find myself drawn to the "cruder" and "more rustic" versions. In other words, opt for the cheapest, not the yuppiest. Whoa ... wait a minute ... YOU are buying. Never mind what I just said. Bring something from Treviso, from the Prosecco grape, perhaps one of these: http://www.bisol.it/eng/sch_grappe_prosecco.htm OBTW, I'm looking for someone to ... uhm ... " counsel" DeBenGuzzi. Interested in some part-time work? Bill P.S. If you go that grappa distillery website, take a look--and try to say--the name of the street it is located on: S. Stefano di Valdobbiadene. It's a beautiful word, that, "Valdobbiadene," a town in NE Italy. And, if, after a few shots of grappa, you can still say "Valdobbiadene," you can probably still ride.

Nice try. I literally had gotten out of the shower and was clean 'fore I tried it on. Seriously, if you are a small XL, you can have it ... unless Kathi's whip has me svelte soon! I'll bring it to docc's Sweetwater rally in July. You know, this reminds me. Once in Italy, I needed an extra tee and briefs. Went into an UPIM or Standa or whatever and bought a pair of Grande/Large (this was in the previous millenium, smarta##es! ). They were too small. I think Europeans sizes run small ... and I'm not changing my story.

Whoa! What happened? Early this morning, I thought I saw a post that alleged that I was too fat to fit into an XL tee. Guilty, Your Honor! So, after plotting my revenge, I return to reply with wit and counter-insults ... and ... it's gone. Rats. Just because I sobbed silently for an hour or so to regain my composure and sense of self-worth, surely no one thought I was that sensitive? Actually, my sweet wife--a jockette who does our stairs every morning at 4:30 a.m., with weights, while saying the Rosary (yes, a dangerous woman, that!)--has me started on a fascist treadmill regimen. I'm sick with a sinus infection just now or she'd have me out there today. "Get the lead out, Maggot!" Anyway, just posting this to say I do not wear my feelings on my sleeves and took no offense. Besides, truth is a defense in a defamation case. Bill

I love mine; too bad I can't wear it as ... sigh ... I need an XXL, not an XL. I have a red, worn long enough to see it didn't fit (less than 5 sad secs ). Don't care if red or green. Anybody want to trade? If not, no problem. I'll find it a happy home and order another one down the road ... or try harder on the treadmill.

I looked at lots of options and can't recall now the details, tho I think (because I'm organizationally challenged) that I still have stuff I printed from the web. As a refresher, tho, just googled "motorcycle shed," and got lots, many of which seemed familar ... including the first pop: nogbad's!

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the US taxpayers (who could not have known what they were doing) actually paid me to travel all over Italy (but mostly in the Veneto) to visit soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines in Italian jails and to attend the trials of same. I always lifted a glass to these (often charming) miscreants and the taxpayers while having a fine lunch in piazzas. Seriously, I was a JAG and this duty was part of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). What was hard to keep a straight face about was that in 90% of these trials, there was no accused. OK, there was an accused, but he (no shes while I was there), the soldier had long since left Italy, often a year or more before the trial, so these procedings were in absentia. It seemed almost ludicrous to watch the histrionics of our hired-Italian counsel, going to great lengths for the accused soldier, no doubt probably even out of the Army by then. Everyone looked so solemn, and I tried, too, but it was hard. I then sent a letter to "Mr." (former Sergeant) Smith or Jones in Tallahasee or LA or wherever, included a copy of the conviction, and sentence (!). The last usually included "banishment from the Republic of Italy." Over the years, I have considered putting a FOIA request for some of these so I could write these now aging guys to offer getting their sentences reduced so they could visit Italy. Figure the odds of any of that stuff actually being in the database at an airport! As for yours, beats me what that's about (camera?), but I'll be in Milan in early June and will be a guest of some carabinieri. Want me to see if I can fix it?

Exactly. I was going to say that (by taking Wayne's email to me and stealing his words ), but he's registered and posted now and so I'm hoping we have him hooked.

I think those are super. I ended up going through the hell of hysterical district bureacracy and building a garage, but before--and certainly during!--that ordeal, I considered those, and even looked into transatlantic shipping, as I could not find a US counterpart quite as good. Let us know how that turns out. Bill

First, you may find this article useful. WBW is a good source for starter questions for me in just about everything m/c related, and I always have lots of questions http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/torque-wrench/ I will say that I wasn't smart enough to read that myself on the TW issue, but at least had the sense to ask Wayne Orwig, whom I look to for advice on all Guzzi things, especially mechanical questions. Wayne says that the only TW's worth anything (except the $1+K commerical versions) are the "beam" type. Good news is that are the cheapest of the bunch. Says all get easily (and sometimes permanently) out of spec, and only the beam ones are easy to calibrate. I bought these two: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...pid=00944978000 http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...000&tab=spe#tab YMMV Bill

Just sent email to you, Aaron, but this is a public thank you for going to the trouble you and Anthony did. Very grateful. I posted the pics of my coathanger "fix" for a rear crossover issue, but will spare all my battery-post-felt "unfix" for this problem. Smelled awful, too. Bill

Yes, I was, apparently reading your first while you posted this. Unfortunately, some of Atlanta's finest (by that I do not mean police, but Dep't of Sanitation SWAT team! ) were outside earlier than expected, and, of course, our garbage wasn't. Had to attend to that, and by that time, couldn't respond. In short, tho, I'd sue you for defamation for your scurrilous remarks ... but truth is a defense. Looking forward to you and Jude returning to see the GarageMahalo, which was, as you know, only a dream when you were last here. And, Mike, after Pete's comments on Kathi, your question about her possibly visiting has me a bit nervous. Seriously, I'll email or PM you on itinerary later this week. Hope we can hoist a beer .. or a grappa or two. Bill P.S. Pete, feel free to use my pics of my coathanger "fix" in any of your "how to" manuals.

OK, am back to this problem again, after having been sidetracked by needing new battery on EV (not bad, tho; 68K and 5.7 years!). ) So ... plugged in a few better pics of the issue, a Scura's fix, and my pathetic temp "solution" (which, as you might guess, doesn't work ). http://urlsnip.com/817525 Anyway, Wayne Orwig, a local Cali and Centauro whiz, came over, rolled his eyes at my jury-rigged connector, listened to the roll-up to and thru 4K (as did my neighbors ), and pronounced the culprit(s) to be the passenger pegs vibrating. Hmmmmmm. I dunno think so, but mebbe. Anyway, even if that is the problem, I want to connect the crossover and frame. OBTW, stormsedge, I did double check to ensure not pipe and sidestand issue, but thanks. Alex, I may be into making mine, too. And, Ben ... cup's on the way. Seriously, Mike, I'm going to be in San Francisco next month (c.10-12 March). Any chance we could hook up? I'm good for at least a beer or two to borrow or measure or take pics or whatever of your stock u-bracket. Thanks to all as always for help in sorting out these little warts. Bill

While a number of us who own V11 Sport variants post here (thus you might get some responsive info), you would likely get more hits at the "wildguzzi" site, http://www.wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php I have a Ballabio and a Cali (98 EV), and love both. VERY different machines. If my bride is anything like Mrs Breadman--and it sounds as if she is--she enjoys riding the EV (and has made day and multi-day trips on it); does not feel that way about the Ballabio. So, as I mentioned, consider posting on wildguzzi. Give me a call, too, of you like, or email; will be glad to discuss in detail. Pecking keys wears me out. I will say that, tho I live in Atlanta, we--Guzzis and I--are often in Virginia as all our kids live in the metro-DC area, incl B'more. I have some experience with the two you mention, plus Winchester Motorsports. The very best new buys on a Cali are at Moto-International in Seattle. Worth the trip. Really. Many trustworthy used ones are available, too. Again, try wildguzzi. Best wishes in your choice. It's an affair of the heart. I'm obviously smitten. Bill wrhagan@earthlink.net 404.808.8486 (M)

Just called the hotel (800.647.3529) after looking at website http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/pr...Code=43139#null. Glad I did. Because, as docc noted, they "cater to motorcyclists" (actually, the sweetie at the front desk said "bikers") , got a nightly $58 rate for a nonsmoking king (with door to parking lot), better than the $AARP, AAA, etc. "best rates" on Best Western site. In 21, out 23 July. See you there! Bill

A few moments worth watching. Hope some cagers see it, too. Haven't seen it here before, but apologies if a repeat. Seemed relevant to this thread. http://ruiner.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/howclose.mpg As for some other posts here, "As usual Mr Roper hits the nail on the head in his usual succinct and erudite way." The Ropester "succinct?" Surely you jest; actually, I am thankful for Pete, as it deflects some criticism I get for using five words when two would do. Unfortunately, Pete's are just more fun to read than mine! I certainly agree with Pete on the conspicuity, i.e., "it doesn't matter if you dress like a fireworks display, have pulsing lights, ride within the speed limits at all times, have loud pipes or quiet ones the only thing that will save your sorry arses is believing that every other person on the road, no matter how many wheels they're traveling on, is a mentally deficient mouth breather who can only feed themselves accurately if they lie on their backs and use a funnel in their mouths and a really big spoon!!!!" Only time I feel that others see me is in rain when I wear a reflective crossbelt that makes me look like a cop (yes, even when on the HDM EV!). Even had one left-lane bandit pull to the shoulder when I pulled in behind him on the slab once and waved him over. Bill

I don't know what you are talking about. Possibly because the Tennessee statute of limitations for certain felonies hasn't run yet. Anyway, I have added a bit to my grappa collection, and will have even more after our trip to Italy in June. Should make for a memorable time this summer at your gathering ... if we can remember it. Seriously, very much looking forward to that run. Deals Gap may get the press and the crowds, but those lonesome twisties you led us on vic. Athens were as Theodore Winthrop described Mt. Rainier: "Grand! Grand! Grand!" Bill

Ditto. Mebbe for two sets, as, aside from a spare likely necessary when the first blows out just before a long-planned road trip, I am a candidate for #$%^&*ing one of those up when I install 'em.

Great news. Even tho a bit brrrr outside, sure looks bright and nice for a ride. Unfortunately, I'm stuck at the office catching up on things I missed while out of town last week. If you get the urge for a local ride later this a.m. or afternoon, stop by for a personal tour of the GarageMahalo [785 Edgewood, Inman Park, 30307]. Kathi has told me I have no "honey-do's," so I intend to putz out there after I escape from the desk here. In any event, welcome back! Bill

Great minds? Oh well, mebbe I had subliminal memories of that. As for a Pepsi can, this is Atlanta, after all, and I live a block from Asa Candler's mansion, so Pepsi just won't do, http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/travel/atlanta/inm.htm. Actually, I had a beer can in mind; seemed the right thing. Two more quick points. Reading the blodger thread made me google the "Jubilee clip." http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/to...1094503,00.html Thought that might be the origin, but this confirmed it. Still made me wonder if some bodger invented it as a last minute fix for some need just before HRH arrived to open the festivities. And, you may be pleased to know that, while I await getting the U/V bracket to connect the rear crossover and frame http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7039, I did get under there last night with a pair of pliers and a coathanger. Not pretty, but I felt proud.

Can't imagine how I missed this thread as this issue has been driving nuts (well, not curtailed that process, anyway!) for some time. Even have the front crossover off and sitting on my office desk to remind me to look for options today. To show you how neanderthalic my thinking is, was thinking about cutting up a soft-drink can as a shim! Now that I see how sophisticated others here are, I think I'll stick to riding and detailing, leaving thinking to the pros here. Seriously, I am in. Not sure at what level, but am committed to supporting the fix. Am also grateful to those of you out there who have the know-how and passion to make this sort of thing happen. Bill

Jon, Passenger comfort? As with most questions, the answer is, "it depends." I have a 98 EV (a tonti-frame "cruiser," but you can't use the "C" word around some Guzzisti!) with 68K miles and an 04 Ballabio with 18K. Love 'em both. Think passenger comfort depends on the passenger. I find the Ballabio as comfortable on long hauls (multi-day trips, etc.) as the EV. Kathi does not. Actually, I think she's a bit scared of what she sees as a precarious perch! She is a slip of thing, 5'4", 110-ish (tho if she knew I posted this, I'd be a dead man ), and I doubt if a larger woman would be happy. I also find two-up on the Ballabio less fun for me, but that may just be me. Gas mileage. Yeah, it depends (again). My experience is almost always in the 35-40 range, with 38 being, I suppose, the mode. I do ride more for fun than mileage, so I might do better if I tried. I don't want to. Suspension? "ID." I found the stock OK, but now have an Ohlins rear and the difference is very noticeable. Depends on how you ride. I need all the help I can get. I'll be in Seattle next Fri-Sun. If you want to have lunch and get the good, bad, and ugly, glad to talk. The M-I deals are stunning and, actually, mildly annoying. Call if you don't get your questions answered here. Bill 404.808.8486

My Ballabio has a painful-to-hear/feel vibration in the 3.9 - 4.1K range in most gears. Probably has it in all, but is VERY noticeable in 3 and 4th, as speeds are moderate at that point in those. Embarrassing in moto crowds. Anyway, hard to duplicate in static conditions, but pretty well narrowed it down to the rear end of the crossover leading to the cans. These are aftermarket (FBF & Stucchi crossover. Dealer apparently removed the California-spec canister when installed. So, was looking at a stock V11, and noticed the canister. Compared to mine where nothing is there, and looked at a modifed Scura, which had a homemade connecter with rubber bushings. I post three pics. The first is the Scura's setup. The next two are of mine, i.e., toothless gap. Anybody had this before and made similar fix, i.e., have dimensions, etc.? Here's the url. No need to sign up even tho it appears you must. Just light up first pic. http://urlsnip.com/817525 Thanks. Bill

I have wondered if I am using the Pit Bull stand correctly on my B'io. Do you remove the [stand by for techspeak] plastic cover gizmos and rest axle nuts in the PB red-plastic-covered L brackets or what? Seems a PITA to remove every time; on the bright side, it's about the only wrenching I can do without adult supervision. Will stop by M-I on Fri, 27 Jan; hope to see you (and your evolving Billy). Bill P.S. I have been asked to pick up 2 Guzziology's and 10 sets of your special o-ring sets. Is that something you folks have in stock or should I order for p/u at store? Sorry to intrude here with business, but I seized the moment.

Rats. It's the following weekend: http://www.guzzimoto.de/_%20Treffen%202005...ffen%202005.htm I'll be back in Atlanta ... and already telling lies about the trip.

This is all VERY tempting. Kathi and I will be in Italy from 1-19 June, and in Mandello on 16 June. Were going to rent a Guzzi from Agostini's and run around the area for a few days (possibly with some other Georgia Guzzisti) before flying back on a.m. of 19 June. Hmmmmm. Mapquest says [only!] 472.06 miles from Mandello to Herchenhain. That may, however and darnit, be more than a bridge too far, tho, given our return flight. I can't find it here now, but I thought there was a SW German meet near the Bodensee earlier in the month (June). Anyone know of it?