Bill Hagan

Sorry to hear of this. Where are you in Alabama? While we don't need to go public on positive rants or negative raves, I am surprised if Atlanta Triumph Ducati failed you. Call me at 404.808.8486 (mobile) over weekend or email me about them and some other wrenching options in this area. If getting to Atlanta is doable next Wednesday evening, you might consider attending Georgia Guzzi meeting. At Vortex in Little Five Points at 7 p.m. (ET). If those folks are stumped by problem, may still find a buyer. Hope to see you there. Best wishes in any event. Bill

Condolences to you, the machine ... and your bruised feelings. All will be fine in short order. Many years ago in a universe far away, i.e., when I was young--a state I try to remember when I see young people doing stupid things!--I was happily riding my bright-yellow Yamaha Trail 80 on a dirt road in a remote area of Ohio County, in western Kentucky (tho "remote" and Ohio County is redundant!). I had been in a wooded area, then entered a large meadow that sloped gently down to my left, and a steep, large earthen bank started out on my right and extended for several hundred yards. The latter was covered in bright green grass. Hmmmm, I thought, as I came near midpoint. What a neat hill climb. So ..... I turned left into the grassy field, went down a few hundred feet, and turned around. The Yamaha had little power, but was geared to climb telephone poles. I took what was intended as an acceleration run, and was actually making pretty good speed. I could tell I would get to the top of the steep bank and even clear it with some exciting "air" time at the end. By now, you know what happened. I did clear the top. It was a dam!!!! There was a small path at the top and I sailed over it and .... It pains me even now to write more. Lordy, I do love motorcycles.

This may belong more in the "events" list, but I'll post it here first. I just posted this on wildguzzi, and wanted Guszzisti here who may not follow that list to know about it, too. My garage is finally ready for occupancy and, of course, that means a party! ************** For those who may be interested and able to attend, the tentative date for the “garage-warming” party for the Motorimessa will be Saturday, 17 September. Yes, that is some time away, but June is full; I am in Virginia (on one of the Guzzis) from just after Independence Day ‘til c. 8 August; in-laws here for week after that; should be a bit cooler by then; gives lots of planning time; and … anyway, think that date has no conflicts with any nearby rallies. Most important message is that anyone reading this is welcome. The party will be for all Guzzisti and my neighbors and neighborhood, so will likely be a large gathering. A longtime friend and priest will bless the Motorimessa, too. The Mandello motif will be self-evident, but count on only Italian beer, wine, and, of course, grappa being served, along with other Italian calories in more solid forms. Our spare bedroom is committed, but if you have any interest in attending and are coming from out of town, please let me know, as we may be able to find something cheap to reasonable. For those who, after celebrating, wish to stumble to something nearby while leaving their Guzzis safe in the Motorimessa, there are several B&B’s in the neighborhood, including one right across the street. http://www.sugarmagnoliabb.com/ Others within walking (and crawling!) distance at http://www.inmanpark.org/bnb.html Here, btw, is how the structure looks as of a few days ago. http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=9wgryy...77&x=0&y=wn5vu5 What you can’t see are the results of my shopping trip with Wayne Orwig and George Dunn, a Porsche restorer and friend. Of course, as Wayne dryly pointed out in his inimitable style, “So, you sure are buying lots of toys just to polish valve covers.” My thinking was that I am equipping his downtown shop. Hog Mountain is just too far for me drive for him to work on my Guzzis! Actually used several of the tools in earnest this past weekend, tho, as I matched parts BB to X, etc., while putting together some cabinets. Also (re)learned the wisdom of reading directions first! Looking forward to seeing many of you in September. "All brands welcome," of course, but only Italian motorcycles will get special parking. Sometime in late August, I'll post again as a reminder and request for "likelies." Bill

I did not play in the latest round of advice on this, but a year and more of use confirms what I said last summer about my satisfaction with Tour Master Cortech Sport Tail Bag & Saddlebags. I then said: “I have used the sport version of the Tourmaster Cortech tailbag for one long trip (inconjunction with TMCS saddlebags) on the Ballabio, and use the tailbag everyday for taking in change-of-clothes for my daily commute, whether on B'io or EV. The bag is expandable, tho I find it roomy enough for suit, shoes, etc., that I rarely unzip the extra room ... well, unless Kathi calls with a ‘Would you please pick up...’ Pretty impressed with workmanship and utility. Also looks better than many when mounted. Oh, yes, when I'm not using s/b, i.e., 99% of time, I place directly on pillion cover. And., when used sep from s/b, uses "hidden" bungees to attach. Easily done.” I’ve done 10K since then, many miles of which included the tailbag. I even used the entire set on my EV along with Guzzi leather bags on my recent, abortive, trip to Maryland last week. To extent visible, you can see ‘em in my avatar, which is a photo of the Ballabio while atop Skyline Drive in n. Va. last October. Great trip; easy packing. Here is more info from the website of Newenough.com, a vendor I have found to be very responsive: http://www.newenough.com/tour_master_corte...le_bag_page.htm http://www.newenough.com/tour_master_corte...il_bag_page.htm All of that said, having seen many other products on the road and listened to folks, I think most stuff is pretty darn good. Oh yes, before I (finally) shut up, you might also browse through the RevPak offerings at http://www.revpack.com/motorcycle/main.html I have the RevPack, Jr., and find it VERY versatile and hardy for both Ballabio and EV. Bill

What Dr. Wayne Orwig found in the operating room! http://www.wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewto...4b33a2ad3bbbab5

Well, the EV's now at Wayne Orwig's place at Hog Mountain; Wayne is, as many of you know, a Guzzi wrench and rider extraordinaire. And, I am home, sipping a G&T and being a bachelor slob 'til Kathi flies in tomorrow. Bshpilot met me (and chauffer Kathi) at a gas station in Front Royal, Va., at 5 a.m. today. He already had the EV in his monster pick-up truck, and then drove me to Wayne's place outside Atlanta, then to my house in the middle of that urban blob. 'Mazing. All he wants for repayment is a guided tour of bike night at the Vortex in Little 5 Points Thursday night. Uh ... make that That BFT (that would be Big F Truck) got us to Wayne's by 2 and my house before 3. Pretty impressive given the FOG and gendarmes out and about. Am grateful beyond words (and will do more for him than words) for BP's (and his indulgent wife's) generosity. His unknowing friends and ours were stupefied that anyone would leave a m/c or take it somewhere for another ... yet everyone here understands and would have done the same. BTW, yes, he got a tour of the Motorimessa. And, if BP's VERY lucky, he and I will have a ceremonial Peroni and be the very first to christen the Motorimessa's "facility," HD decal and all.

I'm calling you in about 5 mins! I do NOT wish to have you miss a m/c ride to haul one. Hope to hear that mine will be OK (but hope is not a method), but expecting worst. Am in Marriott in Bethesda just now. Will start back Mon or Tues if EV is ready. If not, and you still offer ride, I am VERY flexible. BTW, garage is ready for guest Guzzis and spare room available for company. Live in Inman Park, downtown. Bill

Wow. Had not checked in here 'cuz it was the EV that ditched me (this time), not the Ballabio. Thanks, J. I am VERY interested in the transportation possibility, Bshpilot, as I spent $450 to get the EV to Winchester! Thought I'd see what was new here while I wait for the (very nervous) groom to dress for the rehearsal (wedding is tomorrow ). Anyway, the EV is at Winchester Moto Sport. They said they'd call me later today, but I am not optimistic. The "low battery" is an interesting thought, as it is 5 YO! As I ride every day, it has stayed charged, but I did mention that fact to WMS. Also know, had just had alternator replaced, tho I did check for usual suspects of loose connections from that. Here is what I sent by email to WMS, and called and asked them to read: From: Bill & Kathi Hagan [Add to Address Book] Flag Message | Mark Unread [This is spam] To: info@winchestermotosports.com Cc: parts@atlantatriumphducati.com, service@atlantatriumphducati.com, wrhagan@earthlink.net, jason@atlantatriumphducati.com, michael@atlantatriumphducati.com, paul@atlantatriumphducati.com Subject: Bill Hagan's 1998 V11 EV Date: May 26, 2005 5:01 PM Hello from Arlington. I know you probably could do without unsolicited "hep" from confused owners, but I did want to share what many Guzzisti have called me, emailed, or posted on the wildguzzi discussion board on this issue based on the symptoms I described. As you have likely discovered by now, my 1998 EV HAS: -turnsignals -taillight -brake light -tach -speedo -MOST dashlights IT DOES NOT HAVE: -fuel pump -starter -oil pressure light -headlight The items that light up get hot from the feed side of the run-stop switch. Stuff I can't get is on the downstream side. The headlight is not fed through the switch, but has connections in the same housing. My friends suggested I take it apart, get rid of the rust, clean the connections and ride until I could get a new assembly. After checking fuses and swapping out relays, I checked under both the handlebar switch and the chrome frame cover to front of gas tank. I did not see visible corrosion. In fact, both were cleaner looking than I expected. That does not mean that there isn't corrosion there, and, based on data, it is that circuit that I believe is the trouble. Hope you do not mind emails such as this, as I simply wish to save you time in your search for the culprit. If you have questions about what my Atlanta dealer did recently, please call and speak to Michael Long or Paul Bunde at 678.904.1414. Thanks again for your support. Bill Hagan 404.808.8486 And, for the "still snowed in late May crowd," even more info is at: http://wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=2750 http://wildguzzi.com/discussion/viewtopic....er=asc&start=45

I share your views, Al, about MGNOC and rallies. I belong to MGNOC, but do wish it would ... err ... come on over to this century. Regrettably, stating that about MGNOC on wildguzzi, even in a temperate way, has gotten me tarred and feathered in nonoseconds. Some folks seemed to view that as heretical as to MGNOC and blaspheme as to Frank Wedge. I meant it that way as to neither. Sigh. Neither am I much for rallies as a way of life, but have attended two or three very briefly and had a good time. And, I am going to drop in on the national rally in (extreme northern) West Virginia later this month http://www.mgnoc.com/rally/national2005.htm on the way to a far, far more important event, daughter # 3's wedding in Maryland. Bill

Ran archives search but saw nothing on this. Noticed recently that the (Sachs WP?) monoshock on my '04 Ballabio has a leak. I must be dull, 'cuz I had not noticed this before, but there was more than a little bit of oil and built-up dirt adhering to it below. Rats. So ... dealer confirmed and then made sad noises about MGNA probably not accepting as warranty work tho still in warranty period. They are checking. That surprises me, but I can't find my @#$%^ manual (we're in a "cleaning" mode at home; if you are married, you understand! ). Maybe such items are not covered, but I wanted to raise here to see (1) if anyone knew/had experience with either such a shock failure or (2) warranty denial or (3) both. If not covered (and possibly even if so, as I can possibly get a credit), I am inclined to upgrade, so I seek your counsel on that, too. Oh yes, is "rebuilding" an option, or is new the only smart way? Thanks. Bill It is gorgeous here just now, and I'm going to take the longest route home I can find, bad shock or not.

My empathetic condolences. Having had that happen 550 (and about $600 U-Haul) miles from home, I now carry an extra (smug) spring and belfastguzzi's instructions from here with me, for whatever talismanic comfort that might be if I can't find a knowledgeable wrench nearby. On the bright side, I've done 10K since that 6K incident a year ago, and the Ballabio's run like a charm. Best wishes as you wait for a replacement spring. If you have a tough time finding a part quickly, send me your APO off-line and I'll mail my extra one to you ... if you promise to replace it promptly when you get yours! BTW, make sure to reread all those past posts and get the measurements of the boss so we can all get more data on the possible culprit. Bill

IMO (as a retired Army lifer and lawyer drone still working for the green machine—and who, btw, loves the Army), the military requires such vests out of paternal ignorance, bureaucratic frustration, and CYA more than any statistical proof of value. Military demographics being what they are, young, stupid (I say that with great fondness), testosteronic young men (for the most part) will do what that class will do. Confronted with tragic and, yes, expensive results of these almost predictable crashes—aside from the personal loss to families and friends, it costs taxpayers lots to retrain these dead or maimed soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines—the military looks for ways to discourage riding. Wearing all of that “crap” is one way; it, i.e., the discouragement, works. I am, as I so often do, likely missing something, but this seems logically inconsistent with the comment re military, vests, and “statistically proven.” Warm regards from Army Greenland, Bill (eagerly looking forward to riding the twisties from Atlanta to the Guzzi US national rally and points east later this month).

I have twice chickened out (or got my brains back ) at c.126 (indicated), Dave. Same sensation of more to go, but concerns about LEO and my gluteus maximus gave me pause. I have done that twice now on same long straight and smooth stretch of road in a valley (Alabama SR 46 en route to Cheaha Mountain). It has a long downhill entry and almost no intersections or even driveways on this section of otherwise rocking and rolling pavement, and great visibility after and before some seriously compartmented countryside. I always recon it once for road hazards (and hidden bluetops) before an adrenalin run, and in both of these had a ride-ahead buddy on his ST 1300 giving me "all clear" signals. As for indicated v. real, I, too, have checked my speedos. In additon to pacing others, I have also used one of those radar trailers with displayed speeds, once even with a cop's "permission" at 60 in a 45! My EV does about 28 at an indicated 30; the Ballabio 30 at 30. The EV does 54 at an indicated 60; the Ballabio 59 at 60. Had the EV to an indicated 115+ once, tho, to be truthful, it was also downhill with a tailwind, and my attention was not riveted on the speedo! It was wound pretty tight (and so was I). The Ballabio had more in it at 126; I didn't. I do want to take it to a track day, tho I might find out more truth about myself than I want to know.

I commute daily, albeit it's a short [but challenging] mix of urban & semi-rural roads. No issues, tho I sometimes wonder if a new testosteronic scooter might not be a better choice than any m/c for serious commutes in urbanville. That said, I love riding the Ballabio to work. Even take a "long cut' to extend the fun. I use a backpack and carry coat & tie, etc. Almost 16K, and only one issue (pawl spring broke; I now carry spare & belfastguzzi's instructions on road trips!). Follow your heart; mine said Guzzi. Best wishes in choosing. Bill

Many thanks. Have been on hold for a bit getting ready for neighborhood festival. Had 2K folks tramp thru our home, as it was "on tour" this weekend! http://www.inmanpark.org/ht2005_4.php Amazingly, they caused no more damage than a few rubbed places on walls. I actually caused more problems when--to touch up said mars--I turned over a gallon of paint in the driveway. Garage is getting close to time to make serious storage decisions, etc., so I appreciate seeing the pics and reading your ideas. Now, tho, it's back to cleaning up and trying to find where I hid stuff during the tour. Bill

Rich, thanks for posting that air-line suggestion. Among the 10K other things I am thinking ... err ... OK, obsessing ... about is that issue. Given my limited space, your approach sounds like a winner. Bill

Thanks to all. Told contractor this a.m. to put in the unit. Little concerned about (yet another) loss of work/storage space, but oh well. The styrofoam idea was nifty but late for my purposes. I'd file it for future refs, but this experience has convinced me I will NEVER build a house from scratch, as a simple little garage has been a significant nervous-system challenge. Actually, I've become a type-B, laidback guy from my previous OC self. I would have self-destructed had I not gone mellow. As for electrics, I had it wired for 220, too, and have numerous--almost too many!--waist-high outlets scattered through 420 SF of garage and loft storage area. And, of course, as the crowning touch, last night, several of us (including a Harley rider) met for a special ceremony: put HD decal in the urinal. Yes, beer was involved. Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. Bill

This seems more suited to 24/7 than tech topics so I put it here. Ran search before I asked, and saw nothing, so here goes. Building garage. Not worth the reasons here, but a design issue has arisen on the original plan to have HVAC installed. Am tempted to avoid the whole problem and forego heating and cooling. Atlanta can be pretty darn hot and humid in summer and occasionally cold in winter, but most of year is mild. See http://www.weather.com/activities/homeandg...tml?locid=30307 The structure will be well insulated and ventilated. Am mindful of humidity concerns for cars, m/c, tools, etc., but wonder if not the occasional use of space heating (oil radiator), dehumidifier, and fan, if necessary, might not be enough. Want it to be comfortable to work in, too, as I have aspirations to become a (semi) wrench. Bad news is I may have to decide tomorrow, so any immediate thoughts appreciated. Thanks. Bill 404.808.8486 (24/7)

A local EV rider is a cop who flies a police helo. You ought to hear his stories of folks who thought they could outrun the Crown Vics and radio-response times. Great way to spend the night--and perhaps longer--in Atlanta's pretrial detention center. Book 'em, Danno.

Howdy. Haven't heard from docc, but have seen some of Andy's recent posts. That was a great ride last summer and looking forward to a reprise sometime. Have been out of town for more than a week, and had laptop problems, so here I am catching up on the lemans board and find 4+ pages. Carl is right; once a post falls off the screen, it’s history. Anyway, glad to hear from you. Email me off line at your convenience. In meantime, see the ride report at http://home.earthlink.net/~wrhagan/mg/ and my garage-start at http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=9wgryyin.6fj0k2er&x=0&y=b7uqdv In other words, life is good. Bill

I believe that Atlanta Triumph-Ducati (& Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, etc.) http://www.atlantatriumphducati.com/, 678.904.1414, has one. Know they did last week. Ask for Ray. Bill

Thanks for the report, Ken; looking forward to pics and write-up. And, Carl, I rode the Ballabio to the Vortex one night last spring, and rode another Guzzisto's Cafe' Sport for a few miles in the area. All urban, but, oh my, what a difference on the streets. Very hard to articulate the difference, but it was as if bumps undulated instead of pounded. And this was on streets/roads I ride very day on EV or Ballabio, so I have some rough spots almost memorized. It is unlikely I'll buy another motorcycle anytime soon, but I can sure see swapping suspension bits out in a year or so. Gotta admit tho--shallow as this point is given the improvement--the thought of gold Ohlins and red Ballabio gives me some pause. Bill

Ah, yes, yet another reason we love them so.

Whoa! Howdy. I met you yesterday when I stopped by to arrange for EV service. Consider stopping by one of the Ga. Guzzisti meetings at the Vortex in L5p. 2d Wed of every month @ 7 p. Next one is 9 Feb. And shame on you. You bought that "a week ago," and only had 30 miles on it?! Actually, bet you won't ride today. Brrrrrr. But week looks good T-F. Seriously, it is mighty fine looking now, but the cans will make it look even better. The sound and performance will be stupendous. I might, btw, be interested in those "ugly mirrors," or, possibly, in doing same mods with 'em you are. Post here, PM, email, or call 404.808.8486. Bill

ATD sold a gray one yesterday. The Rosso Corsa looks tempting, but fiscal (and matrimonial ) reality keeps me from a three-Guzzi fleet ... well, just now, anyway. Bill