ScuRoo

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Why over-react re the scrambler? Is'nt it obvious to just whack some high pipes on the V7 and offer it as another alternative? I don't have a problem with that. Sure, it's not for me - but the missus might have one. It's a sales-pump stop-gap guy's, that's all. No big deal. I'm rather waiting for one of those big-bore Terblanche models to be developed and make an appearance... sure am saving a deposit just in case on looks alone.

Over the last few months I've been doing lot's of ferreting and gleaning all sort's of trailer opinions and set-up's. My goal is to keep a narrow profile to the bike and for the trailer to be single wheeled to follow the bikes wheel tracks and lean. Really, the biggest singular problem with trailers is how it can transfer it's load weight to the bike at its point of attachment - especially if it gets a weave like a caravan. If the weave gets enough energy it potentially can whip back and forth like a dogs tail. Obviously the situation of the tail (trailer) wagging the dog (bike) is to be minimised if at all possible. Enough of all that though. I've been mulling over and have decided the ideal swivel point for me would be almost directly above the centre of the rear wheel hub and as close to the tyre as possible - IF it was strong enough and possible to attach. This chap has done this for a different reason - but please take a look at the pic link and imagine that it attached to both sides of the wheel and the swivel point for the trailer is where the top of his plate is. I invite you to let me know if you think I can acheive a strong enough modification point from the wheel. I'm thinking - Yes, it is strong enough... "but a wise man seeks counsel". http://forum.animaguzzista.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=15712&start=140 My intention is not to invite voices against the wisdom of trailers per se as I'm relaxed enough on that issue, but rather the technical side of it. But then again, as usual, it's all open slather... Cheers fella's

Damn, that sand is white... deep too. http://motociclisti-imprevisti.splinder.com/post/17458350/laquila-delle-nevi Another multi-skilled V11.

...at the time galaxiid gave me a nice little chuckle when he made the astute observation in the post pasted below, what would I do if my mates were going to Sturgis? "Posted 27 December 2010 - 08:55 AM I agree, could be worse things to do a V11, what if your mates are all going to Sturgis rather than Morocco? What then? Keep us posted on the scrambler conversion project. May I suggest Alpina spoked wheels for a start. " ...So, as I had cast myself rather in the light of the biblical Ruth "Where thou goest..." and as I had always intended to give a response Galaxiid - this is what would do me for the ride to Sturgis... (turn those speakers up!)

Don't stop there Tom M - keep 'em coming. Sure these could inspire a whole new appreciation of all things Guzzi...

Whoa, hang on there GuzziMoto - you seem to be gittin' a little pissed off about having the normal garden variety. And there ain't much wrong with that! I was about to buy one myself - until I came across the Scura R. My heart instantly fell for its looks but my head calculated how much adding Ohlin's might cost somewhere down the road - and also, that it was the last of the V11's made which (it was rumoured) had many of the previous hiccups wrinkled out - and also, Luigi or Franco etc., was taking a little more care in assembling it under Aprilia's improved working practices... And also, I'm a 'lil tart who just loves shiny black paint with a red-back spider stripe and a red seat and gold shocks and only a handful were made and, and... any other excuse will do.

Eighteen. Really! In that case, I better pamper mine then. As it already winters inside, maybe I'll tuck it up and give it a little kiss good-night. Question to fellow Scura R'ers - should owners keep 'em stock or get stuck into any personal modifications? Are there cries of "Do it", or "Sacriledge"? Only 18 out of how many V11's? Now that must be what a "niche within a niche" is then. Count me in.

Also, why not something along this ducati racer lines...?

I liked the sound of stiffening the frame if it's sooo... weak. So I went hunting and finally turned these up. Are these what you're referring to hubert and jrt? http://www.motolavoro.jp/parts/motoguzzi/v11-frame-pipe.html

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.