Steve G.

Thank you very much guys for the great info. I am very much looking forward to this. It looks like I'll be spending more time in Italia than first thought, because of flying schedules. As a result, we are looking at going to Verese to the MV factory, Bologna to the Ducati factory, and Bregenze to see the town where my beloved Laverda was made. Of course, rosso vino will be consumed at the proper times! Ciao, Steve

You've hit the nail right on the head!! You can add Honda to this list as well, both bikes and cars. And Mercedes. Bastards. You may want to talk to Moto International. The owner [ can't believe I've forgotten his name] has family in Victoria B.C., and he had a way of importing M.G. into Canada way before they were importing them in Canada, before 1999. Ciao, Steve

I'm very lucky to find myself in Mandello on the second week in Sept. of this year. I have been told that alot of Italia takes some of summer off, and that the Guzzi museum has very limited hours, and that the factory itself does not operate any kind of tour. Is any of this true? I've seen pictures, and the area around Lake Como looks just beautiful. Is this true of the Mandello area as well? Hotels? Ciao, Steve

I got a couple hrs seat time on the 1200S last weekend. I'm able to compare some aspects of this Breva based bike to the V11 Sport. The one thing that I noticed was the EFI of the new machine is quite more advanced, with not only automatic high speed idle, but also automatic starter control. Just a quick stab of the starter and the rest is computer controlled. It's the same system that's installed on the Ducati ST3. The throttle response is slightly touchier, but could get used to it. Delivered as is, the sitting position was very poor, for me. The footpegs are too far forward, and the lower handlebars being rolled forward made it even worse. I'm pretty sure the tubular bars can be rolled back a bit, but this issue is probably the one big reason I've now removed this model from my wish list. Clearly this footpeg issue shows that this is literally just a Breva with lower bars and mini fairing, that no thought has been put forward to adjusting the pegs to suit the new bars. Sorry, it does not work. Stylistically, the fairing is simple, but brilliant, as it transforms the butt ugly Breva into a quite nice looking bike. I've still got serious issues with the black plastic/chrome appendages below the tank, and their general purpose, other than style. It does not work, and as a result, this bike, in the flesh, fails to garner the appropriate "garage appeal", [ the bike with the look, making you look back one last time as you leave the garage]. The engine appears slightly more refined, I think quieter, but this may have more to do with the naturally quieter single plate clutch. The engine seems to have a slightly stronger mid range, but we are splitting hairs. The top end rush of the V11 is not there however, making the bike a bit a yawn. The bike has a general feel as though it was designed as a package, where the V11 has the looser feel of a last minute design. The bike has a planted feel at speed that makes for more confidence which will make a better handling bike. This 1200S will not be enough to trade my V11 in, which still has the elements I'm looking for, a simple reliable retro classic with bags of character, some of which has been lost with the Breva based bikes. Any direct comparisons a current M.G. has in the power aspect with other makes will most certainly be panned, except maybe the 2 valve Ducatis. Attempts for owners to build up their power outputs will not make a huge differerence, as these engines are still saddled with air cooling, and pushrod valves, so dramatic cam profiles and tighter piston tolerances cannot be taken advantage of. I think a current M.G. owner should be happy with their bikes as they are, perhaps installing a pipe for nicer sound, and the 'mostly' illusion of 'noise=power'. Those looking for more power will be much better off keeping the M.G. and buying a 4 valve Ducati or Aprilia, where the power increase over the M.G. lump is clearly no illusion. Ciao, Steve

Regardless of the majority view of route of repair the unfortunate fellow should do, I can tell you I would be driven to find the cause. The cause itself will naturally determine the level of disassembly needed. This is not a bike that has been severely abused, except the possibility of a time of dry run after an accident tip over. And this tip over/dry run happened, I understand, quite a while back. It just doesn't seem to me this would be the only cause, as bad big ends don't just stop an engine, they are progressive symptom, and there is associated progressive noise [ask me I really do know] that cannot be mistaken for top end clatter or clutch clatter. My money is there's been a failure of a timing chain, or component like that which would immediately cause engine stop. Big ends can do this, but there is other immediate evidence of their failure, like a rod firing itself through the side of the case, or the starter no being able to turn the engine over. A compression test would confirm the operation of the timing system. It's worth a quick try just to see if the compression needle moves. Ciao, Steve

For more of Mr. Roper's fine people skill's, please look at the examples here: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...12653&st=15 It's all good Ratchet. I now know that THE LINE is a variable one that flexes and moves with each personality. I can work with this. Ciao, Steve

You know Foxy, it may not have anything to do with any crash you may have been in. I've personally seen the results of 2 newer M.G. 1100's with no abuse pound their big ends over a series of a yr each, simply the result of lack of cleanliness of the original build. And yes, there was 'swarf' here & there in the case afterwards. Remember, these parts inside an M.G. engine base their life on basic machining principals, and a big principal is cleanliness, as well as basic tolerances of machining, not some magical GUZZI machining only known to them. Fact is, hand assembled engines have a risk of contamination that automated engine assembly does not. We're not talking easily visual crap either. Ciao, Steve BTW, I've also seen wrist pin cir-clips come loose, do the jump about on the cylinder wall, and have the wrist pin not move. I've seen a .125,000" groove in the cylinder wall, and the engine still ran without any audibal sound issues. Never say never people, check the fucking egos at the door!

Correct statement in every way. It's all about heart & soul with my MG. Yes, the Belstaff Trailmaster definitely has no technology or "bling" like the modern gortex and leather available. It does have it's place in the vintage bike scene. Lately though, the price of these things has gone through the roof, to the point that if I were looking for one, I would not bother. I'm not sure if the 'eco-crats' have found something bad with the material's production, or the fact that Belstaff has through marketing become something of an exclusive designer brand name with one brand boutiques in some major cities. I can tell you that their gortex line is not worth the money when you compare it to other gortex. Whether the UK Royal family , any other family, in fact anyone, edorses any product would have no bearing on whether I do buy something, or not!! That someone would specifically NOT buy a product of any kind specifically because of it's at best cloudy relationship with any figure head, I find bizarre. The product might be better than all the competition, but they will buy a worse product?? Ciao, Steve

Sensitive little fella!! Over here, a jock is a sports guy. Ciao, Steve

No problem Pete, I really don't care what you say, most of the time I get a great barrel laugh out of it. I'm just trying to figure out where the boundary is on this forum, the line seems to be moving around, and while I have been known to say stuff over the top, the filter I've had installed between my brain and my mouth is very uncomfortable, I want to rip the bloody thing out!!! Ciao, Steve

I know Pete is very good at expressing his point, with very colorful and sometimes very funny entries, and seems to take some enjoyment at 'pressing buttons'. I can see in his first entry here that he has some valid points on the waxed cotton jackets. I think Pete that you went too far by essentially saying that you shouldn't buy a waxed cotton jacket because of the endorsement of British Royal Family. Your words on the Royals kind of pissed me off, not because of what you said about them because I tend to take your comments with a large lump of salt and head shaking , but that Jaap would not remove this entry. This kind of entry would most probably would not last 24 hrs before it disappeared from this forum, if it had come from someone other than yourself. Getting back to the Belstaff jackets, of my 9 jackets, in my quest to find the ultimate jacket, I have 3 Belstaff, 1 of which is a mid-seventies version of the Trailmaster. This jacket matched with waxed cotton pants served me very well in my tour of the IOM, England, Scotland, and kept me dry the whole time. In fact the gloves were what let me down. Anyways, the smell can be eliminated with scent free waxing compound so that argument is empty. Yes it is a cool jacket, so layers are needed. I've never had mice entering my house looking to consume my jacket. I consider the trailmaster to be the best of the 3 Belstaffs I have, the other 2 nylon jackets are not worth buying, not because the British Family wears them, but because they just don't work very well. Ciao, Steve

I'm questioning some of your points. Regarding the widespread use of plain bearings in cars today, it has more to do with the cost savings than you would aim to point out. As for race engines and roller bearings, it's simply a weight saving issue. This application has nothing to do with the apparent lack of strength of rollers, they are just too heavy. You should have separated longevity with strength of rollers, they are not one and the same. Yes, if given a proper lubrication atmosphere, plain shell bearings last longer. But rollers definitely do not take a back seat to plain shell bearings, in fact they will handle a much worse operating situation than plain shell bearings. Is it any wonder that in the worst motorcycle motorsport environment, nitro methane drag racing, the 28 yr old Suzuki in line 4 engine is still the favourite. Factory equipped with roller bearings throughout. You may note that car v8 dragsters are using plain shell, BUT, they change ALL plain shell bearings ever race! Ciao, Steve

You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. This world, unfortunately, needs policemen. Right now, and for quite a few years now, England, and the U.S.A. have either been pushed into, or decided to be the worlds policemen. The world needs a strong moral enforcer to stop the crackpots from doing their own thing without consequense. There may be some personal country gain involved in the decision to kick the shit out of low life people, but generally it's the moral high ground that is the goal. I have no problem with this. None. I'm glad that my country [Canada] is close to the U.S.A.. I have strong feelings that were it not for this close proximity to the U.S., I'd would be speaking Russian right now, drinking cheap potato vodka, and waiting 5 yrs to take delivery of my Ural. Were it not for England, WW2 would have been a cake walk for the Nazi bullies. It would have all been over with before the U.S. ever woke up. Now, police are unpopular to alot of people. That England and the U.S.A. are unpopular is quite normal in this case, because crackpots don't like being told what to do, and make noise complaining about it, heard the world over, especially by those of kind heart and nieve experience, and are offended by these police actions. That they are defending my way of life, they get my full respect. Ciao, Steve

Keep the M.G. for pleasure riding. Get a big D.P. bike and ride over the frickin' curb, or anything else that's in the way!! Ciao, Steve

I'm sorry guys, but I think it sounds like an uncorked Harley, obnoxious, unsophisticated. There are some beautiful systems available for the V11 based bikes, with beautiful melodic sounds, without pissing people off. This sounds like it would piss people off! Ciao, Steve

I've noticed lately a lesser tolerance for,........ threads with much of anything of substance. I'm probably not alone, but if I am, I'd just like to say, maybe it's time for an additional area on this web site for threads that have entered into a level of offensiveness for those who are easily offended. I barely get a chance to read the first entry on some of these things [being on the NA west coast, it's all over by the time I get home] One recent thread was removed that when I first read it, was as happy and non threatening as a new born puppy. Then GONE. Dare I say this thread may be on the block simply because it will touch sensitive nerves? Ciao, Steve

An accurate view of the RGS's handling. While I would put the Lemans ahead in capability in corners below 55 mph, and much easier to change direction, the RGS, in fact all post '78 Laverdas are far and distant better at high speed sweepers, far more stable at any speed, even though they are some 10-15 yrs senior in technology. Remember, a fine craftsman also blames his tools. Ciao, Steve

Gosh, too bad about the bike. Good to hear it's just scrapes & bruises. So I have to ask, how did the cop treat you? That bastard has a bad reputation with the residents of Marblemount, in fact, there have been official letters of complaint sent off. He's responsible for fleecing several hundred buck out of my pocket, one for 3 mph over. I recognise that truck like a bad smell. In spite of him, Hwy 20 continues to be a local favourite among Canadian residents. Ciao, Steve

Well,,,,,, no. Stoner is a great young kid on the best GP bike of this new 4 stroke era. And the greatest rider of many generations is on a POS Yamaha! Ciao, Steve

I'll give you one point for the comment about going down hill. I do remember pointing out the weight disadvantage off road on a GS. I'll accept that disadvantage, and carry on with glee! I guess we could banter forever about such things. You started this silly little banter, and I'll just sigh with a smile and let you finish it. I don't need to prove anything. Amusing fun in Baja Mexico off roading will continue on my GS. Fast canyon carving on my GS will continue, laughing at sport bikes tying themselves in knots trying to hold me at bay. Daily commuting will also continue, as will highway/back road touring in extreme comfort will max loads. People on this list who've ridden with me know what the outcome of this GS/KLR situation would be, whether it be street or dirt. I won't go any further. Really don't need to. My mouth absolutely waters however at the opportunity to ride a road like Leggett or Happy Camp in California, with you getting a 1/4 mile head start. It would be extremely fun and rewarding for me. Maybe it's better we never find ourselves on the same road. We are too much the same. Ciao, Steve

I'd have to disagree with you Kevin. I don't know which circles you run, but the one and only advantage a KLR has over an 1150GS is it's 200ib lighter. I'll give you one more plus, they are cheaper. If one is going to get serious about offroad, yup, a GS is clearly a street bike with knobbie tires. But with absolute ease I'll go anywhere you can go with my airhead PD. A KLR is not a serious offroad bike, and is hopeless on a street tour. As for comparisons with an 1150GS and a V11, this is a bit more tricky. In the current "specialization" of motorcycles, away from the 'standard' motorcycle, this is really apples and oranges. Moto Guzzi has a charisma and character that is unmatched except for perhaps [please god, forgive me for saying this] Harley Davidson. Granted HD's is fully market driven, artificial if you will, whereas MG's is very real, and 10 ft thick! Matched to this lovely old brick of an engine is a 'just ok' chassis able to deal with an 85 hp engine and not much else. Ergonomics, again a fine for a one up, but questionable 2 up for all but anyone who hasn't tasted the 2 up offering available elseware. An 1150 GS on the other hand has a mostly flat [no pun] power curve, no emotion, crunchy gearbox, and looks odd. However, it has incredible 2 up capabilities, huge payload, incredible capabilities in the twisties, very plush suspension, very comfortable 4 season seat/grips, seating position, and I'm sorry to say Kevin, offroad capabilities better than any other bike out there in it's weight catagory. As to whether a V11 will dispatch a 1150GS on the pavement, this is a close one. The V11 has a slightly better power/weight, better aerodynamics, so is faster top speed by about 10 mph. On a bumpy old pavement road it's no contest, the GS will eat up and shit out the V11. On a high speed smooth sweeping road, I'd give the edge to a V11 with it's power advantage. On a tight canyon road again the GS will simply play and laugh with someone on a V11, on account of it's amazing clearance from hard parts hitting down, fantastic basic suspension, and 'tiller' wide handlbars which make quick countersteer steering input silly easy and controllable. My comment is to keep both a V11 and a GS. No one motorcycle can do everything. If you can get 1 bike in a garage, you can get 4. The only think stopping you is your wife!! Ciao, Steve

It should be noted that, unlike your 2004 model, Ponti's 2000 V11 requires 15-50 or equivalent. Don't know why, but the older ones do. I use the UFI filter, and tighten the thing good. I use ELF 10-60 full synthetic motorcycle specific oil, just because I care, and I got a totally smoking deal on 60 litres of it, @ $3cdn a litre. Ciao, Steve

Can you give me an idea of where this might be Nog? I may get a lender bike next week, and will want to avoid this. Ciao, Steve

Thanks Buddy, I visited the museum in 1994, before the fire. I've got a couple Nortons, so found it pretty cool. I should make it again when I'm in England next week. Ciao, Steve

Is this a tricky one to find? Tanworth-in-Aden seems like a small place. Ciao, Steve