Steve G.

60 mph sweepers? MMmmm. That speed is more for hairpins don't you honestly think? Dropping down to a 160mm is a good move though, on the old V11s with the small rim. I have no problem with Metzelers, except the stupid prices. Really, the extra money they demand for these things does not relate to an equivalent operational improvement over less expensive [i never say cheaper when talking radials] . I used to swear by them, but saw that there was available the same characteristics with other makes, for literally half the price. On my old D-P bike, the Metz Saharas are of course still very fine, but found the Avon Gripsters just as good. Half price! I actually liked the Avons. Unlike Metzelers, which have a habit of breaking loose, only to hook up again during spirited riding, the Avons would start giving you gentle reminders of approaching limit of adhesion by just getting a little loose, kind of slowly stepping out in an entertaining kind of way. Ciao, Steve G.

You are a smart guy Jim, keeping the "boss" involved in the purchase of your next big boys toy. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Paul, To know about Dale Earnhart, you will have most likely to reside in the deep south of the US of A, and have a serious, if not permanent case of a red neck. Ciao, Steve G. P.S., I got 3 best of's this Christmas, Patsy Kline, Carlos Devandip Santana, and Bobby Darrin. Oh, and Boston 1. And a taster kit of fine Celtic Ales from Scotland, barley wine, cyzer, froach ale, etc. , and Red Breast single malt Irish whiskey. Ciao, Steve G.

So, is this your own personal harem, relations, or hired help eager to please? Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Jim, OK, I want to be present during this rousting occasion. I'm assuming this will be during the Vancouver Show next month? Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Jim, The lady in question, one Dagmar Midcap, no longer tests bikes for the local newspaper, no longer tests cars for the local Global television station, and rumour has it is back east [like Ontario] with some new show, not sure what it's about. Ciao, Steve G.

Golly vleal, I'd have to agree with Fritz and Pete on this one. If you really want eye popping power, you should garner a grasp of reality, and get yourself a big Jap superbike. I'm a strong proponent of having more than one motorcycle if entirely possible. One for extreme performance, and one for sheer enjoyment of character. Ciao, Steve G.

Yeah, I really needed to see this. I'm jumping on one of these things to Maui soon, Thanks! I was actually on a Mexicana Airlines flight once that landed like this in southern Mexico 15 yrs ago. I've flown into some weird places with very questionable aviators, and don't get rattled easy, but, I won't fly on a Mexican plane again! Ciao, Steve G.

I've known of Gordy @ Valley Yamaha for many years [he has a Laverda 1200 Mirage], and he is a top notch motorcycle mechanic. I'd trust him to work on my bike, and that says alot, as I'm very privy to who touches my machines. Ciao, Steve G.

Hey Jim, What do you think of the street version having that exhaust on the side rather than up the middle of the tail? That's one of the things that make it so cool looking. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Chris, That is a very good setup you have there. There is in fact an issue with the factory front fender being more of a cosmetic piece than an integral part of the machine, meaning it is too small to do any good. BTW, I know you've just gotten the bike, and it's a bit cool out there, but those are mighty big chicken strips on that front tire! Ciao, Steve G.

There were dry racing slicks on that one at Seattle, Jim. Couldn't see the make though. Ciao, Steve G.

John, I have very thick skin, you cannot offend me. I on the other hand must keep myself in considerable check at all times, or I wouldn't have a job, would be in jail, and would be banned from every forum of every description on the internet. Regarding my comment on pinning the engine etc, can't you see that I was just joking around? I was bringing up a procedure that I feel was just as pointless and silly as learning to shift without a clutch. Have I tried clutchless shifting? Of course, on ratted old bikes I used to have. I am good at it, and while it sounds neat and seemless, much like a tightly set up automatic transmission in a car, I see no benifit to propelling myself forward faster by using this method, I mean heck, you have to roll off the power man! Also consider that you are actually having to press on a shift linkage, and on a shifter fork to make sure you engage the next gear fully, and I've seen bent shifter forks tons of times. Now, I guess we won't be coming to an agreement about this procedure, and that's cool. We all know that motorcyclists are individualists, that's why we operate a vehicle that is primarily for one person. Just please don't try telling me that clutch operated shifts are worse on a gearbox than clutchless shifting. Please!!!! I can't take this laughter any more, the face aches, my god! I can tell you that if I were to lend my bike out to someone, only to find out he was practicing his clutchless shifts, man, he'd be in a world of hurt! Like I said, I'm glad it's your bike! Ciao, Steve G.

Well John, I guess it's your bike, so go for it if it turns your crank, I guess! I really don't think this questioning of a particular way you are shifting your bike is something out of the dark ages. ...... Using a clutch, dark ages? Experienced enthusiast motorcyclists stuck in a time warp? Good one. If you are really determined to gain that extra "tenth" per shift to get down the road that much faster to your destination, you must be in a big hurry to go most everwhere. May I point out a faster way to get power to the ground, the power shift! Simply pin the engine to the stops and leave it there[ don't worry the rev limiter will look after things] and go through the gears using the clutch. Like I said, glad most of my bikes were bought new. No telling what these things have been put through. The term "I told you so" is ready and waiting the thread which describes that stupid Guzzi 6 speed which shifts like crap and jumps out of gear when the throttle is rolled on. Sorry John, I had to say it. Ciao, Steve G.

I've got some good advice as well. Use the clutch. It's amazing how well it shifts when this devise is used! A very interesting thread though. I don't know guys, I guess I just have more mechanical sympathy and respect for my machines. Sure, after practice, clutchless upshifts and downshifts can be mastered, but think about what you are doing to the entire drivetrain until you've got it mastered. I'm glad most of my bikes were purchased new! Ciao, Steve G.

Golly, now you guys have me thinking I have another model of Guzzi tankbag. My tank bag "base" has as you say Keith a rear flap that is bolted down to the fuel tank rear fastening bolt. However, my tank bag base has just one set [two single straps] coming off the front, which when wrapped around the frame headstock, are snapped into little slide adjustable snaps located near the origin of each other. Then you can slide the strap through much like those cheap motorcycle tie down straps, to to tighten up the tank bag. Once firmed up, I can concure that there is some extra strap left hanging out there, which if not stuffed away or tied down, will do a wonder on the paint as they flail around. I have been stuffing the excess strap in between the tank bag and the tank bag base, right at the front. They do stay put there so far. I have found that when touring, the tank bag will loosen up a bit as the strap adjusts and stretches out a bit, so a little tug of the excess strap through the little plastic slide ratchet does the trick. A buddy of mine has gone one step further, one that I may adopt. He has been using an all purpose generic tankbag on his Guzzi Quota, 78 Lemans, and Laverda Mirage for years. He uses a slide proof rubber pad under the tank bag, found at stores that sell tool boxes and tools, with great success at paint protection. It has a bumpy ripply texture to it that would reduce the chance of abrasive grit getting trapped in between and causing damage. He has trimmed it to just slightly more than the outer edge of the bag base, so it does not flap about. Locally, I have seen these pads for sale at Lordco Parts, not unlike the AutoZone automotive supply houses in the States. I've also seen them locally at Steveston Marine, a marine/boat supply chain, which I guess makes sense as it would reduce stuff falling off shelves and tables on rolling boats and ships. Ciao, Steve G.

I've ridden alot of bikes with fuel injection, and as far as I'm concerned, the Marelli EFI on these bikes is as good as any. Unless you have money to burn, what are looking to achieve? Ciao, Steve G.

Take your seat off, and tap all the relays firmly on the top with your index finger. This often works, but it is a sign that your relay has done about all the cycles it can in it's life. Ciao, Steve G.

Keith mentioned the worry of protecting the tank from the forward straps. I know there are those out there who could care less about saving the paint, but I've got some bikes with over 90,000kms with tank bags, and had I not used simple means to save the paint, they would not be looking new today. That said Keith, a simple solution, electrical tape on the tank where the straps go forward around the headstock of the frame. It was on my bike twice for over a week this last summer for tours, and when I came home, simply take it off. I was in some serious heat on my last ride, and so there was a very small amount of residual sticky goo left from the tape. It was very hard to see, as it is clear, but I wanted it off. Simply dabbing some WD40 on it, let it soften up the goo, and a soft rag wipes it away. Oh, and the Guzzi tank bag, best one I've owned. Bought it from the little Guzzi dealer in Sparks [Reno], Nevada. I think he has a couple left. I heard a rumour that Guzzi does not offer them anymore. I would be astounded if this were true. It is the sale of these little "add-ons" that make a motorcycle profitable. Just look at H.D.. Ciao, Steve G.

My Brembo front pads have held up well, no complaints. But the rear pads were worn nearly to the metal at 3000miles. I put in EBC rears, and they are just getting tired. The silly thing is, I hardly ever use my rear brake. Ciao, Steve G.

BMW bikes through the ninties used Bosch micro relays with the same fitement and rating. Also [surprise, surprise] the relays at the BMW dealer are 1/2 the price of the Guzzi dealer, at least in my area. Ciao, Steve G.

You will have to try some on to see if you have an Arai Quantum head, or a Shoei head which will mean an Arai Signet. As for the price, yes they are expensive, and yes, you are paying for the name to a degree. But if you really want comfort, these are the ones. Will they protect you any more than a true full face of another make? No! Ciao, Steve G.

Hopefully the kit does not include and aluminium flywheel. I seem to remember a reliability issue is currently in the air with regard to alimunium flywheels on the Scuras and Tennis. Ciao, Steve G.

It is a very common trait among all of these V11 based bikes. The spring they use is too thick and strong, and it does not have to be that strong. Earlier on I took the spring off, cut a section out and stretched it out, with some success. Chris Beauchemin was nice enough to mail me a spring of lighter guage which works great. Don't take it to a dealer, this is an opportunity to get aquainted with your machine. This small, but annoying little glitch with these bikes is another example of how a Moto Guzzi engineer given the responsiblity to install this "fast idle thing" must have been a real lazy bugger, to simply try out a 1/2 dozen springs of differing length and size to get the one that works. I don't know, maybe engineering in Italia is a footloose and lackluster assignment. Ciao, Steve G.

Hi Al, Where does the exhaust exit on this unit? Ciao, Steve G.