Steve G.

Yeah, I saw the video, I'll give her a thumbs up for putting up with those squids, and sacrificing the back of her head. Team sports don't do anything for me any more. I've played hockey for 35 yrs, and got sick of carrying slackers on the team. Independent sports are the true test of a person against an obstacle. Ciao, Steve G.

Must be nice to be independently wealthy, not have to work. Ciao, Steve G.

I don't know Bill, you really should ride it before you buy it. Nice engine, but it's a top heavy truck, and is ugly when it's trying to look good. Ciao, Steve G.

Well, first off, I can certainly understand if Jaap sends this thread over to the non-technical section. I think Miles needs to take a reality pill. Maybe two. I've owned Commandos for years, and still do. I will say that Ratchethack is close to reality, except for the electrics thing. I still think that to keep costs down Moto Guzzi continues to use electrical components that ultimately make it the weak link on the machine. As a result, I call the electrics on these two machines equal. As for the rest of Miles conclusions, well lets go through them. The brakes are a no brainer, the Brembo equipement is simply the best, no question. The engines on these machines both have character in spades, and while low and midrange are surprisingly close, once the cam shows it's influence on the Guzzi, about 4800rpm on an unfettled example, it again is far superior in output, in fact close to double if you compare actual dyno tests of stock untouched models. The facts again are clear, that the Norton twin's design origins are from the fourties, and the Moto Guzzi twin's are from the sixties. Now Miles, don't bring up the magazine tested Combat models, as everyone in the world know that these were factory ringers. And we won't even touch the debacle of road going Combats that often blew their engines before their owners made their first payment. Handling wise, both machines have their own achilles heal. The Norton's isolastic system, while granted offers a virtually vibration free ride compared to the V11 based machines, is, lets face it, a hinge in the middle. Oh, you can ride around it, get used to it by ignoring the tail waggle, or tighten up the isloastic system to reduce frame flex, thereby increasing vibration. The Moto Guzzi V11's handling does suffer from two main things, one that it is shaft drive, and the inherent weight bias to the rear does show itself once you ride a machine of 'proper' weight bias. The other problem is the frame on these bikes, which does get 'willowy' as two magazines have noted in tests, as speeds get higher. As for the gearbox, I don't think the Guzzi needs a 6 speed, but this is almost expected by the buying public these days, so you certainly can't call this a negative thing. Oil leaks, who cares, even though most Norton's actuall sweat oil out from porous castings. The carbs are easy to deal with that's true, but they are essentially toast after 10,000-15000 miles, luckily they are cheap and easy to get. Miles, when you are asking about any takers, are you actually talking about.................a race? Me on my V11 against you on a Norton Commando? Just say where and when and I'll do my darndest to set it up. And I'll only use the first 4 gears. And if your Norton is non stock in race trim, please allow me to use the 5th gear. Just in case you are wondering, I like a California Merlot. Ciao, Steve G.

Don't be too worried about shift patterns. Keying in to each bikes different guages clicks it in for me. Old Smiths guages, and it's the right shift, shift down to shift up gears. No Problem!. Ciao, Steve G.

Different strokes I guess!. I find the game basketball to be idiotic. Ciao, Steve G.

Except when they were in Alberta, and some greasy little squid in a Honda Civic rear-ended McGregor on his bike. The Honda's front end was totalled, but the big Heinckle just kept on chugging along. I'd take the big bike over the little one on a trip like that. Small trip, small bike, big trip, big bike, it's easy. Ciao, Steve G.

I never got a chance to meet Jim at the show. I understand from friends that he did visit the booth I was working on to ask where I was. Sorry I missed you Jim, we'll have to join up at a central location for all Guzzisti locally to ride, and tell stories over a pint or two. Ciao, Steve G.

How about making them Canada legal! I'd be all over it! Ciao, Steve G.

If you want to get picky about it, you can say with accuracy that all internal combustion piston engines vibrate, and that alot [i say most] of the vibration in any piston engine is in fact the explosion of the fuel mixture, not the inherant mechanical design/layout, or percieved lack of balance of the engine. You want an example? Run your Guzzi down the road at 50 mph, trailing throttle. Not much vibration. Now lay the throttle open, and there is a significant rise in vibration. If this engine or any were badly out of balance, it would shake regardless of throttle setting. I have a multi-cylinder bike [6 banger], and people say'oh it must not vibrate at all. Well, yes it does, if you roll the throttle wide open it sure does. But because the combustion chambers are so small comparitivaly, it's more like a tingle. As for the argument of transverse vs longitudinal, well, I've been to many bike rallies, bike campouts, bike museums, etc, and the simple words used by the common person [Joe Six Pack if you will], is "in line" describing an engine layout in line with the frame, and "across the frame" describing and engine across the frame. And a Moto Guzzi v-twin is most definitely an 'in-line' engine. Ciao, Steve G.

I find myself in the very odd position of agreeing with Enzo! On this one anyways. Ciao, Steve G.

There is a strong rumour that Honda is also dropping the V5 for a V8 in GP. Ciao, Steve G.

The one think I have noticed from seeing both the nicely layed out Moto Guzzi display from Valley, and the less Guzzi commited display from B.I., is the growing anamosity between the two dealers. I'm not really sure why this is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Greater Vancouver may just be too small to have two Guzzi dealers. Maybe there is a "history" among personel at the dealers that we the public don't know about. I can tell you I have received. This passion for Moto Guzzi may be a good thing for enthusiasts of the brand. I'm just hoping that these apparant feelings for each other don't get and worse, it can't help in the long run. Ciao, Steve G.

I think it's a nice shirt really, the kind of costume I would have used, quite easy to dress up for the party, though he should have tucked it in and buttoned it up. And also it gets all the do-gooders upset, so I think it's cool. Ciao, Steve G.

I spent a week touring Wales by bike on the way to the IOM TT. This is motorcycle country. I have extremely fond memories of this country. A very memorable time has just come back to me, one I had with my recently departed dad. Back in '84 the two of us found ourselves enjoying a pint of bitter in a lovely old public house in the town of Dolgellau, after another great day touring. As we sat there, the town constable entered, greeted with waves and smiles from the locals. It seemed he was on his way home, and stopped by for a pint before dinner. He noticed us, and walking over he started telling everyone within long earshot his daily joke, and as he finished his joke at the foot of our table, giggling and patting us both on the back, we of course joined in with the laugh which encompased everyone in the pub. As he walked back to the bartender, I looked over to dad who had a silly grin on his face, as he said "great joke, eh", to which I replied, "i guess". The constable spoke Welsh throughout the joke, and it seems the real joke was on the two of us. For the rest of the night, we could not buy a beer, or any food. Great people! Magnificent scenery. Another time in the Rhondda Valley, we found ourselves hopelessly lost. A couple of suitably coal dust covered kids kindly told us the proper way to our destination, of course in Welsh. Another good chuckle as we drove away. My last time riding there, while on my way to the Heysham ferry boat to IOM, I spent 2 nights at Llangollen, using it as a base to tour Northern Wales, including the Snodon Pass and out to Holy Island. I was with an American surgeon serviceman on the tour I was with, [Edelweiss] and his bike quit. We had AA coverage, so I went into the town of Ysbyty-ifan [don't even try to pronounce that one], where I found but one telephone, which ate coinage like a Las Vegas slot machine. Again, a Welsh speaking fellow, who when I told him I was Canadian, was very nice. Good memories, I won't bore you guys anymore. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Jim, You really caught my attention there. Did you say Guinness Goodness? Just tell me when and where! I'm assuming at or near one of the two Moto Guzzi presences during the show this weekend. [by the way Jim, not to be fussy or anything, but I'm really partial to Yale IPA, but have never turned away a cellar temperature Guinness! Thanks buddy!] For those local lads, you will find me there Saturday 3:00-6:00pm looking after the vintage/classic display. Sunday, my brother-in-law really wants to sit on bikes, so I'll be back to do the tour, and giggle at the biker wannabees walking about looking like they think they are unique, and cool looking. And laugh at the Harley Davidson display, you know, the machine thing which is basically a bunch of rocks tumbling around a miniature clothes dryer, made to represent the sound of Milwaukee's finest. Just been to a meeting with our display people. Seems as though this will be the last year of the Vancouver Show at Abbotsford Airport. It has outgrown the venue. It reverts to B.C. Place downtown next year. Ciao, Steve G.

Surely unlubricated suspension axis points would not cause breakage of components. Alot of squeaking perhaps. I'm hoping this is but a casting flaw. I hope! Ciao, Steve G.

Unnecessary paint damage is something I unconsously try to avoid, without going overboard. I use my machine in the crappy weather [though I can't even come close to the hardiness of Brian Robson ]. I have used tank bags for years, and can confirm that they all cause damage if used regularly, prevented with quick application of tape. Damage from the rider rubbing against the tank [carefull guys] can be prevented more or less with clear mak-tack on the tank down near the private parts. Gortex or other nylon based garments can strip the clear coat off of paint real quick, but road grit and leathers can do just about as much damage. Without being paranoid, you can protect the paint, but ultimately the more the machine is used, the more the cosmetics will degrade. Alternately, the less you use your machine, the worse off your engine, as engines don't do well not being used regularly. I'm thinking somewhere in between is where most of us stand. Ciao, Steve G.

I shouldn't say bad things about Norway. I mean I havn't been there. And the people I've met from there are just the greatest. As always, it is the bl%@$y government. Pizza? Well, here you can get 2 extra large deluxe with dipping sauces for $17us. Sorry. And police here can take away your license on the spot as well, as judge, jury, and executioner. Ciao, Steve G.

Too much power? Never! Better stay away from the big jap 1000's. Ouch! Ciao, Steve G.

After checking out Jim's entry about country speed limits, etc, I am now crossing Norway off my list of places to see. Absolutely unbelievable! No wonder my buddy moved out of there. Ciao, Steve G.

I was talking to a supplier at the Seattle show and he summed it up well. If you go cheap with textile jackets, like Joe Rocket [for example], it will do you well in a fall, but will basically disassemble itself into non-repair. Get a high quality textile garment [Aerostitch, BMW, Motoport etc] and it will take at least two get-offs before you need to repair the garment, and they can be repaired. A perfect example was a buddy of mine who tucked the front end of his 78 900SS Ducati [god nooooo]. His high visibility Joe Rocket did it's job well, not a scratch or burn, but the thing was done, many stitches coming apart, much like modern cars crumple zones. A good friend of mine has a Darien and pants, with liner, and it did him well when he took his Norton to Prudhoe Bay Alaska last yr, which involved at least 2 crashes, one which broke his leg. He still wears the same 'stitch' everywhere. He finds that after 3 yrs of ownership, it just now is starting to loosen up, and indication to me anyways that the things are built tough. I check regularly for specials on their site, but rarely do they come up available in my size. I've got 5 jackets right now, 3 riding pants, 7 pair of gloves, 3 types of boots, and 4 helmets. You can't have too many bikes or types of riding gear! Ciao, Steve G.

Jim, If you want one, it is available right now. The real deal, waiting for you. Just imagine Jim, showing up on one of these, with lighting kit of course. I would be most lovely! Go for it Jim, you deserve it. Ciao, Steve G.

Jim, I can confirm for you right now that price, and availability. I talked to Mike @ B.I. yesterday and he says he is confirmed one, which the customer just backed out on, because the customer found the hassle of making it streetworthy too intimidating. I hope you are paying no more. This is a confirmed price before taxes, and he is very serious about this price. Unless the Canadian dollar crashes again, this is the time. The machine is of course being brought into the USA from Italia, so variables in currency are moving about, but this price of 32k cdn is based on conversions as of Friday. Ciao, Steve G.

This may sound odd, but in a situation like yours where you need it cleared of 'dangerous cargo' as the shippers call it, very quickly, I would slosh it out with water. It is a plastic tank, so no rust, the gasoline is lighter than water so will overflow first. When the bike gets to it's destination, you will have to evacuate the water residue to prevent running problems I believe with your '02 Lemans you will have the manual petcock, so you should be able to get more gasoline out than just by siphoning off from the fill cap. Unfortunately, both of these procedures will mean taking the tank off, which on these bikes takes a bit longer than average because of the multiple hook ups they have. Given more time, you could have drained off the majority, and let it air out over a couple weeks with the top filler open, there would be little evidence of previous fuel. Ciao, Steve G.