ScuRoo

Aah, here we go fella's... Would this V11 give it a go off-road? Crazy nutter! Ahee hee he... My link My link My link My link

Atlas mountains for sure but we are going for 2 weeks so could end up where-ever. I'm looking to make some well thought-out forum suggested changes to help my bike cope rather than just leave it unprepared. Clearly, the deepest of sand-drifts won't be hunted out for conquest - but if I come across a couple of golf-course bunkers I'll give 'em a bash. You're right about the tyres KB, however I'd be relaxed enough to sacrifice a fit for purpose set solely for this holiday. Any suggestions in this department?

So, either reinforce the frame or make damn sure not to go nose-in, hey! Great idea on using the engine mounts for sump attachment points. Fantastic. I've been looking at WW2 military bikes and most had NO ground clearance, but used lots of chunky tyre tread! This fella seems to have done a good job on his 'ol goose! Blimey! Hope these 2 photo's load - twin jerry cans for tank & something along the lines of what I was thinking re water ingress. http://postimage.org/image/qkdt8ybo/ http://postimage.org/image/qkpe0ds4/

Aah, now we're talking Gavo, some very helpful hint's there about protecting the seals etc., that I had'nt even considered, so thanks! Clip-ons to handlebars change is already done as it's a Scura R (but just because its rare does'nt mean it needs to be overly molly-coddled). I've got a set of M4's on that outlet too low for any river crossing's as is. However I've been mulling over a possible tempory solution. So, what about having made a couple of simple aluminium tubes which I can insert into and fit snug within my M4's and make water tight with plenty of duct-tape as it exits with a kink curving upwards to exit gases at a higher level? A kinda put 'em on and take 'em off 5 minute bodge job? As long as these "Exhaust Straws" keep water out fairly effectively for crossings it might not be as crazy as it sounds, hey! Now to tyres; even though Sanders used conti trail attacks, I'm after more all-out traction to power on through - if fine sand is starting to suck the bike down into it, I've gotta make sure I can keep momentum! My rear rim is 5inch wide. What suggestions do you have? Heidenau K60's, TKC80's? What will fit? (I've seen pics of a bloke with a burgundy V11 with huge knobblies on it). Also one of those tow straps attachment on the front forks - in case my GS mate has to pull me outta the mire! (helluva fight before I succumb tho'). Sump guard is a must for sure Jrt - if it takes a knock it suffers and not the sump. If anyone has any pic's I'd love to see for idea's.

I'm o'kay with that KB, but thought I'd copy in here what I was on about. There are pics around of a bloke on a burgundy V11 somewhere with big big 'ol knobblies front & back... maybe someone else has too? In Topic: interesting V11 for sale Germany Posted 30 Dec 2010 Wee...ell Baldini, funny thing is - in line with gstallons suggestion - I WAS trying to procure a Quota in Italy earlier - but the transport costs back tipped it over the edge into, "Nah, can't be bothered territory". I even posted hoping for a creative way around the bluddy I-tie red-tape. And then I thought about it some more... I love my bike, I dun wanna nuther bike just 'cos it might be more suitable to do the job, I mean that's the obvious way out innit? Forget guzzi and go straight to ktm. Boring yawn solution. I want MY bike, the one I love, to carry me thru - "thick or thin, for better for worse"... y'know what I mean? Seems like rossi46 and galaxiid might do. Anyhow, it's like this. F.. fu..forget the lack of suspension height, let's focus at least on traction - HEAPS of it. Also a bit of protection to look after the bike a bit - and let's just see what the 'lil fcuker can do. Hey? Is that fun or barking? I say, "who cares", why not give it a shot. So in answer to the question, "if you're thinking of matching GS off road, you're either very good or your mates are crap... or you're totally barking", I say this; "I ain't good and my mates are'nt crap - but where they lose, is they ain't barking!" And, "Besides, these pommies mates did'nt grow up on a Aussie farm. Farming life and too much sun does sumthin' irreparable to ya". I've already taken my bike down pouring rain, rock strewn Pyrenees dirt roads and came thru without a scratch on the bike, or myself - whereas not the GS mate, but a TDM850 mate smashed his bike and wrenched a leg black/blue badly. But, you know what? THAT was the day that stands out in all our memories. Fantastic. GS mate was amazed and looked at my bike in strange admiring ways. Hell, I did too. So, that's my motivation. Plus, did I mention the fact I wanna ride home to Australia one day? Now, that's another story...

Wee...ell Baldini, funny thing is - in line with gstallons suggestion - I WAS trying to procure a Quota in Italy earlier - but the transport costs back tipped it over the edge into, "Nah, can't be bothered territory". I even posted hoping for a creative way around the bluddy I-tie red-tape. And then I thought about it some more... I love my bike, I dun wanna nuther bike just 'cos it might be more suitable to do the job, I mean that's the obvious way out innit? Forget guzzi and go straight to ktm. Boring yawn solution. I want MY bike, the one I love, to carry me thru - "thick or thin, for better for worse"... y'know what I mean? Seems like rossi46 and galaxiid might do. Anyhow, it's like this. F.. fu..forget the lack of suspension height, let's focus at least on traction - HEAPS of it. Also a bit of protection to look after the bike a bit - and let's just see what the 'lil fcuker can do. Hey? Is that fun or barking? I say, "who cares", why not give it a shot. So in answer to the question, "if you're thinking of matching GS off road, you're either very good or your mates are crap... or you're totally barking", I say this; "I ain't good and my mates are'nt crap - but where they lose, is they ain't barking!" And, "Besides, these pommies mates did'nt grow up on a Aussie farm. Farming life and too much sun does sumthin' irreparable to ya". I've already taken my bike down pouring rain, rock strewn Pyrenees dirt roads and came thru without a scratch on the bike, or myself - whereas not the GS mate, but a TDM850 mate smashed his bike and wrenched a leg black/blue badly. But, you know what? THAT was the day that stands out in all our memories. Fantastic. GS mate was amazed and looked at my bike in strange admiring ways. Hell, I did too. So, that's my motivation. Plus, did I mention the fact I wanna ride home to Australia one day? Now, that's another story... Now, are you all gunna pile on in and give me a hand, or at least shoot the breeze in off-roading a V11, or what?

Is it possible to get a sump like that BUT with the oil-filter sticking out behind? I kinda wanna evolve my bike along (ground-clearance challenged) psuedo-scrambler lines over the next few months. Got a trip with GS'ed mates to Morocco coming up in May so need to find some massive knobbly tires for some inevitable dirt/sand road attempts. I can't help it - I'm like the biblical Ruth, "Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge..." So knowing my weaknesses, I gotta git the guzzi ready to keep up with those haughty mongrels in the dirt. Anyone done similar? Got helpful preparation suggestions (apart from don't do it)? Merry Christmas

What about this suggested scenario??? "Fortunately, with English insurance companies when European bikes are bought we can insure the bike on frame number alone. Therefore I propose: 1) You email me the frame number and I will insure it for me to ride. After I arrive, we sign papers but do NOT officially lodge them. 2) I then leave the FULL amount of agreed cash payment with you as “holding deposit”, and meticulously “test ride” bike for a couple of day’s to make sure it is in “good working order”. 3) The test ride confirms approval to purchase. I then courier the bikes plates back to you with DHL and the “holding deposit” now converts into “purchase price”. 4) You then remove it from the vehicle register returning bikes plates and lodge signed papers to officially complete the sale. (I will also then re-register bike in England in my name). This will satisfy Italian vehicle register rules, whilst allowing economical delivery to UK." Any legal problems with that???

Hi UK fella's Has anyone had any experience in buying a bike from seller in Italy - and then getting the bike back to the UK? I'm happy to ride it, but Italian law requires the plates are first removed from bike when buyer is a non-resident. Anyone done this kind of exercise and knows a sensible way to get round this stooopid Italian red tape? Bike is down near Rome. Gotta 'nother itch that needs scratching... if you know a way I might become ScuRoo-ter 2!

Picked up bike today. After we had a 'discussion' xdealer said he would'nt charge for installation labour but only the parts. Kept the old side plate momento as it shows where stub was threaded in about a third of the way. That's it then. I left dealer a wiser man. Both learnt valuable lessons.

Guess you're talking about a Quat-D exhaust.

Hey Stefano! I know a bloke (a dealer) who would probably come up with an alternative and totally unique starting drill... shall I ask him for you?

Don't worry, I agree with what you're saying but for these reasons: I'm giving numbnut's the opportunity to pay for his ignorance and error, if I take it away that is even more unlikely to happen. Also not keen on incurring more bills in paying for transportation in order to move it somewhere else. I've already booked it in with Baldrick at Colliers Wood on 11 Nov (he's fully booked up until then) for a complete check over. As it is unrideable at moment, if numbnut's "fixes" it I'm only going to quietly ride it home and then onto drop it off with Baldrick. I won't ride it with vigour or more than the 25 miles necessary to get it to Baldrick until he has cleared it as 100% perfect. Moscowphil said I hope it has'nt put me off my bike. Nah! Not at all - I just accept it as part of the learning curve and peculiar joys guzzi ownership brings! Besides, I might be buying a proper "old" guzzi in two weeks time, so look's like it has done quite the opposite! Let me assure you, once I've got it to Baldrick I will never darken numbnut's doorstep again. The only thing guzzi about numbnut's is the little guzzi sign sitting alongside his big Aprilia sign - say's it all really...

Well done. It's great that "Man" has a wonderful ability to set a gaol, aim for it, acheive it, glory in it and just know with a warm smile of contentment that the world is now a better place for having done so...

Thanks fella's for your support - I've got an amazing update on this now which I will share with you if I may. Before I do, some of you may need to loop some string around from top of head to under throat a number of times to save dental bills when chin hits, hits, hit's bouncing on keyboard... here we go. Phone rings yesterday. I answer. "Hi it's Xdealer here, w've had chance to look at it and you need new rhs side plate, new emblem in side plate, new axle stub and new nut. That comes to £170.00. Do you want me to order the parts in?" Well, (take deep breath) to be honest Xdealer, I've gotta say I'm disappointed that you told me blah, blah "one single bar, stub hanging out" blah (as above story) and don't think you should be charging for your error. Xdealer goes, Well hang on here, blah blah, blah blah, to be quite honest, this is the first time I've ever seen inside the swingarm set-up. (WHAT!!!!!) We usually work on modern stuff. To be quite honest, we don't know much about old guzzi's or get to work on them(HUH?!) Oh, come on Xdealer, I said, my bike was made in 2004 or 2005 - I would'nt call that an old guzzi! Well, said Xdealer, your bike might not be that old but what I mean is it still is old style technology. But, I said, you're a moto guzzi dealer and you don't have a sign up saying you don't know much about "old" guzzi's. And now, you're telling me you don't know much about old guzzi's and this is the FIRST time you've EVER had the opportunity of a side plate being off to see how the swingarm all works. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KID YOU BLOODY NOT. Aaaarrggh! I'm sorry guy's, I can't do this anymore. This isn't even remotely humourous for me to try and relay this story. I am just sickened in my gut's. I can't even begin to now be pissed or enraged - it's like dealing with a total spastic who does'nt know any better. Disgust, pity, disbeleif, nauseated - yes, all of the above, but I'm beyond being mad. (I think, I'm not sure). I'm only not saying his name because I will continue to give him the opportunity to pay-up for his ignorance. If in the end, he insists I pay, I will. £200 is neither here nor there to me in the grand scheme of things of scraped bones and scars for life. It's the principle. Rewarding ignorance on this occasion would be just plain wrong. I'll write more if you want, but this is enough for now. I need cuddles. ...or at the very least, my fellow Aussie's encouragement to HTFU.

I'm not happy, not happy at all. A bit pissed off in fact. I'm new to guzzi I admit, but I expect guzzi dealers to know a bit more about these bikes... I was previously told the two big nuts on the pork-chop's "held a bar in place which goes right through and ties both sides of the bike together" and as I was missing the RHS one I should get it replaced quickly (as in don't ride) in case the bar came out. They did'nt have one, but fair enough I got nut sent via London dealer from Italy - duly done (1/5 turn more than finger tight). What was also commented on at the time was the fact the RHS threaded bar stuck out a long way, whereas the existing nut on the LHS was on but clearly appeared to have a only a short amount of thread it was screwed onto. Lets say, half to 2/3rd's at a guess. Bloke even said "I bet it's out of alignment, I'll give it a quick check". Fair enough. Later I asked how was the alignment? "Funny that", he say's "It was spot-on". O'kay, fair enough, great. Well, I'd only been out on 4 or 5 half-hour solo rides since then. However, my birthday was on Saturday and a mate & I were going to have a early morning blast down to the coast and have brekky. As my mate Stu has a Honda Blackbird I work the guzzi well 'ard to stick close. Much harder than when I'm solo. So, after a great brekky, we set off along the coast to Eastbourne. Five minutes later I kinda sensed the bike did'nt feel the same. I ignored it thinking I was'nt feeling quite as comfortable as before we stopped and I'd soon get my feel back. Accelerating past cars the bike was shaking it's head like a pony on pepper. I'm now thinking I must be getting a slowly deflating back tyre - shake the handle-bars and it's like it is all jelly. Ashamed to say, I'm a don't stop at the first squeak, rattle, whine, bump - ride it and hope it sorts itself out, kinda guy. 5-10 minutes later I do 'cos it feels like it's so sloppy I thought it was falling apart. It was. The RHS nut, bar, everything was gone and the chop plates internal threads were all mashed and swing arm was out of alignment by 1.5 inches with metal filings like confetti everywhere. On my birthday, damn lucky! It could've been injurious. Been on the internet and I now know there is NO ONE BAR THAT GOES STRAIGHT THRU. Instead there's two weeny 2 inch jobbies either side. If I had known this even I would have worked out that if the thread is virtually all visibly hanging out in the air, it must be just about to part company, nut or no nut. Grrrr. So, why would'nt a guzzi dealer be astute enough to know this? I'm disappointed. So where's my bike now? The AA delivered it there. Should I loose 100% confidence in this dealer or give them the benefit of the doubt and stick with them? I don't mind human error, but guzzi dealer ignorance? I'm feeling very shaky in my confidence in them. Should any garden common-variety guzzi dealer be able to sort it out or should I get it to the (experts?) Colliers Wood dealer in London?

For what it's worth the Stelvio has Alpina spokes on Ber rims 180/55 17 rear, so I guess this is as good a test as any. But who gives a stuff about that. They are so damn hot you'll be issue-ing every time you open your garage door. Jaundiced in no time - you've been warned!

I don't know anything about a convert reardrive apart from understanding the convert is an automatic.(?) There used to be a "Sidecar" bevel gear drive kit but unfortunately it applied to models before the V11 I'm told. (Are there any V11 owners out there with sidecars?) Respectively: the V11 final drive cardan shaft with gears is - Ratio: 1:2,9091 (Z=11/32) the Quota 1100ES final drive cardan shaft gears - Ratio: 1:4,125 (Z=8/33) This change in gear ratio would suit what I'm after perfectly. Any thoughts on this (ie. could this be made to work)? What with all the apparent interchangeable nature of Guzzi's there must be a solution to this conumdrum.... aaah!

Too easy! I'm a guzzi girl so it's a given we like to do things 'ARD!

It's a V11 six speed gearbox.[quote name='ScuRoo' date='06 September 2010 - 06:00 PM' timestamp='1283792447' post='173713'] I'm going on a long ride with my best mate & I know we will be going over some unsurfaced roads and would like to lower the first gear. How would I do it? ...

I'm going on a long ride with my best mate & I know we will be going over some unsurfaced roads and would like to lower the first gear. How would I do it? ...

Hi handtius Your comment it "would cut out mid-ride every once in a while" is what mine has been doing. I suggest as a quick thing to check is to swap the last two relays (closest to back of bike) and see if she goes - Boom! - and starts like nuthin' ever was wrong. Seems to have sorted mine! If it does'nt then... refer back to other's

Promised update following service yesterday. So, from at the beginning: Bike would'nt start. "Bugga". Went thru the wiggling & jiggling of wires. Eventually - Boom! We're good to go... So, halfway (gone about 5 miles) to destination bike cut dead as a maggot. Wiggle, jiggle, nada. Wiggle, nada. Jiggle, nada. Half an hour of prayer and fingers crossed went before I was convinced my usual routine just was'nt going to do the trick this time. So I swapped no. 5(ecu?) & no. 4(pump?) and immediately - BOOM! Like nuthin' was wrong, the cheeky 'lil sod. The Guzzi dealership did'nt have any relay's in stock (i kid u !) so at end of service rode home with relays in situ as per swap and without any drama. During servicing mechanic took exhaust off because of cross-pipe not allowing him access. Is this unusual? Anyhow, rang Corsa Italiana this morning and they are sending me out two bosch relays. Taking bike away this friday to 80's Rewind festival at Henley-on-thames. It's a wife thang, so I'll be looking to get away (listening to Rick Astley was'nt in our marriage vows) for rides to clear head so will get to see if problem has been resolved.

Oh, crap! Now you're scaring me a bit Mikie as it's outta warranty! Hope pasotibbs story fits my bike $wise! Like Pasotibbs, I jiggled that kill switch a number of times and I kinda got a sense(errant?) that it had more to do with subsequent restarts than anything else I'd wiggled! (stopped near a bush, 'mose well drain me sump!) I getting a sense that this seems to be a fairly common problem though throughout the V11 years. I was hoping that being one of the "last of the V11's" things would've been a teeny bit sorted than the early examples. Oh, I forgot, it was still made by the same fella's - probably after lunch.

Good man, Roy! Well, twice it fired right up before I'd come to a complete halt roll-starting, twice started up fine with start button - but the last time I had to do 3 or 4 feeble wiggle and shakes on all wires and switches on bars, under-seat and up/down of sidestand. Eight or 9 attempts with starter button and sounding as if it would'nt fire thinking of pushing. Hit it again and vroom, it's going again perfectly within half a second turnover as if nothing ever was wrong! Like my missus, come to think of it.