Steve G.

I can't comment on the installation of it, but I can confirm that the green matched color [like mine] is not a good match. I spotted a V11 green a year ago at a bike rally here in Vancouver, and it was quite off. The price does include the lower clip on handlebars [needed to clear the fairing, makes for quite a reach] so, when you think about it, $2000 cdn [my quote from Moto International] is ok. Maybe you can save some bucks to ask for one in primer paint, as you will have to repaint anyways. Ciao, Steve G.

I believe this tv program listed these as the top 10 BEST bikes. I'm not sure I would use the word best. Perhaps the 10 most influential machines/bikes of all time. Using this means of judgement, I'd have to say I mostly agree with the list. All of these bikes have had a specific dramatic influence on motorcycling. Where they place on the list is about the only thing I may have issue with on some. The 10 Best?? Well, this thread could go on indefinitely based on the great experiences different people have had with various different bikes. And being a V11/Lemans forum specifically, and a Guzzi site in general, well, we'll just see how the thread leans. Ciao, Steve G.

Forward? That might be a tough task. The Evoluzione kit basically repositions the pegs on holes already on the side plates [pork chops] using large stainless hex head bolts, with the brake side using a brass bushing [i had to make a proper fitting on on my kit] for brake pedal actuation. Very inexpensive to put together and reasonable to buy I you don't want to make it up yourself. A kit to place feet forward would be rather, to very expensive, as there may not be many sold, hence higher price. Ciao, Steve G.

6 months, mmmmm.... Sounds like they really want to sell bikes here. So what are the Guzzi dealers supposed to sell until something shows up? T-shirts? Ciao, Steve G.

Rather than getting a new one from the dealer, go to an autoglass shop, and ask for a squirt of urethane, then push it onto where it should be, and tape it there for 1/2 a day. Never come off. Much cheaper than buying a new specific rubber component from M.G. Ciao, Steve G.

The GEI relays are indeed the ticket! I spent 2 miserable years while under warranty playing around with relays my dealer would give me. Grey ones, black ones, tall ones, skinny ones, short ones, fat ones. A waste of my F@^*$#G time. These relays have eliminated the electrical issues, period. I got a new Oddesey battery only because other than the factory Sparko piece of junk being available from the dealer, the Odyssey was the only other one available, and it was less than half the cost of factory, a no brainer. Interestingly, the instructions with Odyssey are that under no circumstances are these batteries to be left on a battery tender style charger. Reduction in life will occur. Ciao, Steve G.

Use low pressure water from a hose or tap, in the opposite direction the air travels through. Dirt gets trapped on the outside of the filter and it's film of oil. Low pressure water forced into the direction of the airflow will impregnate some of the larger particles which the cotton matt can stop without the oil backup. This of course will permanently reduce the performance advantage your cotton based filter has. I use a K&N recharger kit, they are cheap enough. And remember that these reusable filter renew kits do not only have new oil. They have a spray compound which neutralizes the oil in the filter matt, which allows the filter to release the dirt/dust which is trapped in the oil. Pouring water on a filter without using this compound is a waste of time. And, just like it says on the K&N, the BMC, and the filter renew kits, no amount of forced air is to be used. Air dry only. Ciao, Steve G.

74151[/snapback] Not so. A high profile friend of mine out of Calgary, Alberta just sold his Harley, and his stable is decidedly Italian, with Benellis, several Laverdas, and other Italia. Ciao, Steve G.

It's a fact that all bike makers in the world source their electrics. Hardley any of them make their own. Ciao, Steve G.

I've been lucky enough to see several WSB races live. Last year at Laguna was my first Moto GP. I was disapointed. Not really with the race itself. I mean, watching the race itself at home is better than at the track. So one shouldn't put a high expectation with it. But, the race track itself has been turned into an anticeptic security zone making it emotionless. The paddocks, for me the greatest place to watch the techs renew and prepare the machines in plain view, are now all behind closed doors and drop tarps. WSB was always better entertainment in and around the paddock and pits. And now that more and more big names are coming back to WSB, as well as manufacturers, WSB is gaining prominence over Moto GP in my eyes anyways. Ciao, Steve G.

You know Pete, John Howard is looked upon highly in the rest of the world. His hard line on illegal immigration is much admired by the populace here. And what's wrong with returning to the simpler days of the '50s? The world is getting too complicated anyways. Angry? Paranoid? I bloody well would hope my government would be angry after a bunch of fellow citizens were blown up on purpose by people bent on destroying your way of life, country, beliefs, yes your's too Pete. And please don't do the typical left wing mantra of linking racism with right wing thoughts. It's really getting so old! As a Canadian, Australia is found to be very appealing for many reasons, the main for me being the better motorcycle friendly weather. I would not consider living in say Brisbane, at least not during her summer. My brother spent 8 months there, has the same thoughts on what the ideal weather scene would be, and found Brizz to be much too humid and sticky. NSW would be more to my liking, and motorcycle holidays up Gold Coast way during the cooler times. I do understand the cost of living/wages are much tougher in Auz than Canada, but things like that can be adapted. My line of business in Canada does me well, but in Auz it pays a pittance. I'd have to do something else. But all for not, as I went onto the Dept of Immigration site last night, and found that I'm now officially too old, with 45 being the cutoff. Funny, the first time I checked, in 1986 during Expo 86 in Vancouver, 25 was the cutoff, and later when I was 31, 30 was the cutoff. Ciao, Steve G.

Golly, I'd like to know how you are getting into the country? I tried for years back in the 90's, and finally was told there was zero immigration status in Auz. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Roadslayer, Pretty sure DirtyBill has left the Guzzi fold, but last I saw him, had picked himself up a street kitted CRF 450R, as well as a Hinckely Triumph RS. So not sure if you'll hear a Copper Canyon report from him on this forum. But, if things work out, I'll be heading a group to Baja in fall '06. Ciao, Steve G.

I've been using a GPS while touring now for 2 yrs. While it is basically a toy for most [i think you'll agree while on a bike with one] it does give good info in towns you are not familiar with [hotels, food, gas] and is fun seeing how far the Veglias readings are. I will note that the only company that has map software of any regard for Canadian roads is Garmin. Anyone in my country seriously considering one of these things should look into this. My 76S has done well, it's main drawback is it's screen is not as big, clear, color, or advanced as newer ones, but for the price I got this [$0]. I usually use the Garmin in the map area of my tank bag, along side a map. Be carefull what you have displayed on the unit. Last year I got stopped for speeding [in the USA again] and quickly put my helmet on the tankbag covering the GPS, which had a display of fastest posted speed during my tour [176kms/hr], and proceded to claim inocence. Ciao, Steve G.

I'm with yu Jim. 2 wheeled racing is IT!!

Combustion blow-by is by far the main cause of color change of oil, in any internal combustion engine. A perfect example is the extra dark color of used oil in diesels. Most all industrial diesel engines have at least 2 inline oil filters, and very elaborate air filteration systems. Kerosene [diesels fuel] burns dirty, hence the combustion and oil ring bypass, hence dirty oil. On the other hand, propane is extremely clean burning [we cook food on open BBQs flame], so much so, that record must be kept on oil changes, because visual checks show oil to be extremely clean even after thousands of miles. Air cooled engines have a greater ability to stress an oil's viscosity to the point of burning it, which of course can be vastly reduced by using synthetic, which will withstand high heat without changing viscosity. Of course non-synthetic is cheaper . Ciao, Steve G.

And here I thought Scura clutches were already sourced from China! Ciao, Steve G.

Ever since their start of production, I've called them Hinckley Triumphs. There is no lineage. Even the tank disign is different. As with the new Triumphs, I can't call the new Nortons 'Nortons', but Dreer Nortons. Ciao, Steve G.

I'm thinking the same thing.

Sighhhh!!

The symptoms you talk about are exactly what used to happen to my bike. The first time it happened was during the late summer in Reno, Nevada, after parking my bike at Harra's after 20 minutes of stop&go to get there. I knew it was heat related [being in Reno in summer], but then it happened once more at home on a warm day after 40 minutes parking at a winery. The injectors were indeed coolish at that time, but the underside and lines were quite warm, hot even. It was then I knew it was not a classic case of carb/injector heat related vapour lock. The fuel lines close proximity to the cylinders was the main problem. After re-routing, there has been no issues, even after 155 F in GarberVille, Ca. this summer. Ciao, Steve G.

Thanks Van! I must say, I had a very close look at your bike when it was at British Italian for sale, actually there were 2 Tenni models at the time. Such a cool color scheme, lovely looking thing I must say! I'm sure you must have alot of pride of ownership. Regarding the words that Moto Guzzi may not find itself on the same sales floor as non European machines, this is not just the plan for Canada, but all of North America. The thought that Transport Canada is getting involved in my hobby/passion again causing hassles in importing these machines makes me sick. Why don't you start up your own dealership Jim? You can give these civil servants crap for me!! Ciao, Steve G.

Very Cool! Every summer in the small border town of Lynden, Washington, they have their annual engine, tractor, and steam show. Among the hundreds of mainly farm and industrial engines on running display, including a 1 cylinder, 600hp@ 30rpm monster with 60 inch piston and 60 ft diameter flywheel, is a fellow who makes engines from scratch. 1, v2, 4,v8 and v12 4 stroke engines the size of your toaster. They all run, and are water cooled, and he pipes propane into their little propane mixers [carburators]. They are for sale with a repo of a 350 Chev engine @ 5$K US funds. they make fascinating sounds. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Van, It will affect things I think, if you get all your service work, and buy all your parts from the local shop. Right now, the local shops have tremendous difficulty competing with local [and not even local] U.S. Guzzi outlets with parts prices. It's not their fault, it's the bloody government in Ottawa that adds tax to everything that moves here. I'm very willing to buy everything I need from my local dealer, but if I'm easily able to buy it for less than 50% south of the border, I'm sorry but I am. My good buddy business travels to Houston and San Antonio every month. He drives right by MPH on the highway there. Factory filters are worth 10$cdn, up here 27$cdn plus tax. If this rumour of getting Guzzis off of floors housing Japanese is true, it will affect things. The Guzzi sales are relatively small, and I can't help but think that sales of Japanese stuff helps the dealer along and offsets the low profit margin of Guzzi dealership status. I can't help but think it's going to raise prices. Luckily, except for the odd ECU check with a diagnostic, these things are stone simple to mechanically maintain. Ciao, Steve G.

IMHO, the time it takes to do a quick oil change is the perfect amount of time it takes to superheat the fuel system to cause a VL. As well, IMHO, it was the VL which caused the lean condition, which caused the backfire. Common sense and understanding of a basic engines needs would make a person read the backfire as a symptom of an outstanding problem. Thinking it's the intake rubbers only is just treating the symptom. This is a problem that predominates with pre-'02 bikes that has been talked about before, and is just now being understood more. Ryan [badmotogoozer] has a great understanding of it, and came up with the great idea of reducing the pump temperature by wrapping it, and the fuel lines in a temperature reducing product from the aeroplane field. Ciao, Steve G.