Steve G.

I spent a day in southern California last summer riding an '02 1100S. It is true that comparing the two is difficult, as they fill slightly different catagories in the motorcycle arena. Ignoring as you said the vast difference in character and emotional feedback, the one difference about the two that is glaringly clear is that the Beemer absolutely rails in the corners compared to the spine frame. The German bike's front end is truly a great working design. Comfort is surprisingly close, with the BM edging out the Lemans simply by having better leg room. The factory heated grips, the very well designed fairing, the factory panniers, the ABS, it all makes it very attractive. BUT, BUT, if you ever get one of these newer oil head bikes, pray very hard you never have to have any work done. It is very expensive, and you can't do it!! BMW doggedly is sticking to oil control seals with only one seal edge instead of the standard two. The shaft drive of that era has a reputation of needing the rear drive unit [differencial] needing it's oil seal re-done semi annually. They have a reputation for the rear engine seal going, destroying the clutch in the process. You can't change your own brake fluid without telling the ABS computer you have put in new fluid. The EFI, after 12 yrs, is still notchy and difficult to modulate during low speed manouvers. I could go on. Ciao, Steve G.

It's not that I don't agree with you Pete, but your comment about the V11 not being a huge step forward I find puzzling. This engine architecture is from the 1960's as you know. Anyone looking for a giant leap forward mechanically on a bike need not look to Moto Guzzi at all. Most, but not all people looking for rising rate linkage suspension would look at this engine and laugh, just as they would get all wet looking at the engine of a ZX10 [once you got the fucking bodywork off]. That said, I will agree with you about the [what I will call "kit bike feel"] of a V11 based bike. "A series of components bolted together" is how my buddy put it, which is not a bad thing, it's just this bike was not designed from a clean sheet the way the Griso seems to have originated. I think this feel originates from the spine frame architecture more than the quality of the suspension. Speaking of which, it's 6:45am, sunny and warm, I'm going for a ride! Ciao, Steve G.

As for collectibilty, I'd have to say that they probably made too many V11 based bikes, and that supply and demand will drive the market value for these bikes in the future. The original green V11's will do better, as most first year/first model bikes will, the limited production models like Tenni and Rosso [although their numbers are not much less than the other models] and the Lemans bikes with the high end suspension components. Don't want to say alot about some of the others. Ciao, Steve G.

I like the Beemer I guess. I don't dislike it. I save that for physical monstrosities, like Suzuki Madura's, Yamaha Virago's, Harley's, etc. The BMW is a typical German machine, in that it does most everything nice, offers a "German" solution to the issues at hand [good and bad], and even with 'outside of factory' design styling, still has a "form as a result of function" look. It most definitely will not offer the degree of character and emotional feedback the Moto Guzzi will deliver. I guess the biggest difference between these two machines would be that one is basically a one off [it isn't, but you know what I mean] hand built BOTT race bike, and the other is designed and built as an assembly line mass production street legal machine. We all know that the Moto Guzzi engine in the MGS-01 is operating at very close to maximum output for this 4 valve pushrod air cooled architecture, and that life expectancy is going to be less than the expected life span of a 4 valve Centauro or Daytona, and that the BMW engine is operating at an output which is not reducing it's life expectancy. So this one, even though from a distance they seem similar, are quite different machines. Really they are very much apples and oranges. Ciao, Steve G.

Calabria, Tuesday April 25th, evening, be there! Ciao, Steve G.

Sorry Jaap, this entry should be in the 'event's catagory, but it's short notice. A group of us V11, and other assorted Guzzi classics are rendevousing at the Tsawassen Swap meet this Sunday the 23rd. All you boys from Seattle and points north should do the ride. The weather is calling for brilliant and 19c/68f. Some of us will be checking out the Mt. Vernon VME swap meet on the Saturday. Get your bikes out, it will do them good. http://www.classicbikeswapmeet.com/links.html Ciao, Steve G.

It was a tough act to follow replacing the 748-916-996, arguably the most beautifull motorcycle ever made. Pierre Terblanche had the near impossible task of designing a bike worthy of replacing the old superbike. As you say, it continues to be a "love it or hate it" visually. But it is a nicer bike to ride, more user friendly, as you sit in it rather than perched atop the 748-916-996. The handling and sure footedness is brilliant, the best handling bike you are likely to own. The occasion I've had to ride one was a great day. As a previous owner of a belt drive Ducati, I strongly urge you to take a course or tutorship at a Ducati shop to learn to work on these machines. They continue to be high maintemance, and shop service work will cost you dear, although they have gotten much better since the first water cooled 4 valve 850-888's. Also, if you are a big man, you will have to go almost fetal to fit on one. Ciao, Steve G.

My cover caps are getting grotty looking. Are there companies who make anodized replacement covers to replace these original painted ones? I'm sure I've seem forum members who have these. Ciao, Steve G.

I would enjoy M.G. in Superbike more than anyone. And if Piaggio would bankroll the R&D for a new engine, for WSB and as a replacement for the great old engine in use now, you would hear a great cheer from my home as I see a WSB Moto Guzzi thundering along. Ciao, Steve G.

It was unfortunate the Zane Laverdas stopped production. The chassis and hardware on these machines was top shelf equipement. Nothing but the best. Ultimately, the companys downfall was the engine, through excessive warranty claims. The early 668 engines did have a solid reputation as having a limited life, with big ends the weak link, as this engine shares it's lineage with the old Breganze 500cc Montjuic engines, which did extremely well at 500cc. A move to 750cc, and a liquid cooled head cured many of the mechanical issues, but not only had the damage been done financially, but this engine was not able to compete performance wise against the 600cc jap bikes, although it was more than a match against the Ducati 748. Ciao, Steve G.

It would be great to see. The biggest problem with Moto Guzzi is, they are too small, even with Piaggio's large, but conservative spending potential. Guzzi only sells, what 7000 bikes a year? They already have a potentially HUGE bill looming on the horizon, namely the replacement engine for the inevitable [it has to arrive some day, unfortunately] replacement of the current air cooled lump. It will have to be done with both feet in. Has anyone remembered the huge failure that Harley Davidson [the second richest motorcycle company] went through with their AMA superbike effort. Even with arguably the best rider on the AMA at that time [Duhamel], all they could do was 1 podium, after 100's of millions spent. And this was with liquid cooling, 4 valve heads and twin overhead cams. They finally gave up. I guess I'm trying to say, watch what you wish for. It could kill the company. Ciao, Steve G.

Most would agree the original V11, the green model, was inspired by the V7 Sport. Ciao, Steve G.

How much are they charging you there Brian? Just curious.

Saturday I headed down to local big US bike shop Skagit Powersports in Burlington, Washington, checking prices on 'stuff'. This shop carries Ducati, Suzuki, Yamaha, KTM, and ............Moto Guzzi, although I'll consider them a passive dealership over the years, and currently just one machine from Mandello, a new Breva 1100 in red, I think the price at $12900us, sitting beside a Monster at $9900. Anyways, a pleasant surprise as who was in attendance but 4 time roadrace champ Eddie Lawson! Very casual, with hardley any people, he had time to strike up conversations with many people, unlike the usual mob scenes guys like this attract. It was very different for him to walk up to us rather than the other way around. Very cool. This shop has a reputation for bringing in famous riders for their open houses. Last year the shop brought in former champ enduro legend Malcom Smith, and that was a total zoo, many, many people. And when Brad Lackey came in that was neat. No Moto Guzzi stuff anywhere at this shop, and it sounds like the frustration is high at this shop with Piaggio as well. No parts availability at all. Ciao, Steve G.

I'm going to be buying a bunch of motorcycle grade oils from a retiring local rep, at pretty good prices. If anyone is interested in any, I can order more. I'm not a business, so won't be able to deliver across the border, but I can beat any prices at any of the shops, and if you want a whole bunch, I may be able to deliver locally. I'm in the greater Vancouver area. Basically, there's a range of oils, 2 stroke and 4 stroke, non-synthetic, semi, and full synthetic, gearbox oils, and chain lubes. An example price: ELF Moto 4XT, %100 synthetic 10w-50, API spec SG, and JASO MA [MA is extra designed for shared gearbox/wet clutch], priced at $9.50cdn per litre, no tax. Comparable local oil would be Motul %100 synthetic @15-20$ cdn, plus tax. Less performance oils are of course less money. P.M. me if you're interested. Ciao, Steve G.

OK dad. Ciao, Steve G.

Oh yes Greg, I know all about the wheelies on these. In fact, when I was at M.I. and got a test on a Tuono, and a Mille R, I had been out of hospital but 1 1/2 weeks from surgery. After the ride on the Tuono, I had to return to my doctors office for repairs to the "repairs", [blood all over, sorry for grossing you out guys]. Ciao, Steve G.

I think a major amount of the H.D. 'character', has to do with it's 45 degree V configuration, along with the single crank pin, giving those engines the "potato, potato' idle, and obnoxious blatt at it's high rev area. An interesting note. The last 2 weekends I was at Harley test ride days, tried several models, and frankly don't get it. Absolute trucks, all of them! It's not too often something this horrible makes me laugh out loud while actually riding .Anyways, Pete mentioned something about the noise factor that a Harley owner quickly adds to the package, [along with many, many dollars to actually get power out of the pigs. From the test ride comes confirmation that Harley is dropping all aftermarket pipes from their "Screamin Eagle" performance catalog. Seems H.D. is bowing to pressure from the U.S. govt. about the un-social nature of these attention whores who would be weekend warriors, waking people, intimidating kids and old ladies, and generally looking silly. Ciao, Steve G.

Ouch, that's the kind of stuff that might happen in my garage Jim. Where did you buy it? Hopefully not in Quebec.

Actually I'm with Geno929 on this one. Nothing worse than getting held up by anybody. Point and shoot riders are the worst, because they foul up the true essense of motorcycling, namely the proper navigation of the corner. I will get by any way, and soon. I have little patience. I only que [line up] during movie ticket booths, and at the supermarket. It is not done while riding. Sorry. Not. That said, if I see a faster guy in the mirrors, I make room for him fast. I refuse to hold up a guy that wants to go by. Ciao, Steve G.

I thinks not whether he will ride again, but whether a team/manufacturer will give him a ride. I'll miss him, he's a great diplomat for motorcycle racing! Ciao, Steve G.

I was at Laguna Seca in 2002 [i think] for WSB, and remember Noriuki Haga factory Aprilia rider at the time pulling the wrapper off the Tuono for the world press launch. Several hundred people waited to see the "new" Aprilia. I remember almost all of those hundreds of people quickly turning and walking away when they got a look at it. Now, beauty is in the eye of the beholder as we all know. And I know it's a great bike that will blow the doors off a V11 with similar riders. [i remember a test ride on one at M.I.] But this is not a bike that would make me turn back for a final look when leaving the garage. A second bike in the garage? What a cool problem to be faced with. It is one that ultimately only you can decide is best. I used to have 2 Nortons, and found that duplication, with any type of machines made little sense, for me anyways. Ciao, Steve G.

Which make is this one Mike? Who seels it? I want to check to see if they have a Canadian rep. I like the large size of the front tire clamp. Does the bike feel secured with just the tire clamp? Ciao, Steve G.

Five yrs ago I bought a pair of Altberg Albion Classics, I think it was 95 pound. I'm not sure if they have that model anymore, but basically, they are 17" high, 3 buckles on the back, and zipper up the back, and Goodyear Commando sole. Very comfortable for riding and walking, [i use orthotic inserts] but only so-so for rain/water resistance. You will have to lube the crap out of them with water resistant stuff to avoid wet feet. From what I remember, there was something of a communication problem. I've been to Richmond, Yorkshire, and don't recall the people there being particularly dumb. All I'll say is, make it easier on them, and order your boots in European sizes! Ciao, Steve G.

So tell me, is Repsol oil really that good, or were the stickers free? Sorry, inquiring minds! Ciao, Steve G.