Steve G.

The grand daddy of the radial powered bike, the priceless Megola: Steve

Hi Dan, Don't worry, I don't want to hyjack the thread either. I did the tour run by RoadRunner magazine. The tour guide is actually a friend of the lady who owns the mag, he's actually an Austrian bike policeman in Tamsweg, Aust. The bikes were rented from Martin BMW Motorad, located in Bad Tolz in south Bavaria. I've done 2 Edelweiss tours, and can say this one is far better, a serious ride, fast, smart, just great. Regarding the lack of character of the GS, I fully agree. The flat twin engine layout has 0% visceral feedback, no emotion, nothing. That's one of the reasonm's I never bought one. A buddy has a GSA12, and just installed a Staintune. I've told him many times already it's one of the most obnoxious sounding bikes I've ever heard, it's an engine layout that simply gains no appeal by hearing it or feeling it. There are otherr engine layouts also, the inline Japanese 4 is another engine I don't need to hear at an elevated noise level, uncorked Japanese v-twin cruisers sound discusting, as well as open pipe H.D. . There's something about 90 degree vtwins that do have an appeal though, if opened up. Steve

I've got to agree with you here Dan. I've spent much time on the newer 1200GS's, and GSA's, including 2 weeks in the Alps & Dolomites. I even have the ability to jump from bike to bike and have done so many times. I can tell you that there are very few bikes out there that will keep up to a new GS in the tight stuff, whether smooth road or goat path. No disrespect to a V11, heck I've owned one new since '01, but it really is no contest! Steve

Just an observation. I've found that carbon panels do not age well, that there's more faded/flaking carbon out there than stuff with nice clear coat. Steve

You've got to put the CAT somwhere. Steve

Consider changing out the electric fuel petcock for the manual one. It will eliminate the possible closing of the petcock due to vibration damage on the pitifully designed electric system feeding this thing. There is also the theory that this electric petcock, which closes when you shut the ignition switch off, may be a partial factor in the dreaded vapour lock situation, which happens after the bike sits in hot weather imediately after a long ride. The theory is the fuel being shut off causes a lack of fuel in the lines. Also consider using firesleeve over the exposed fuel lines, another possible cause of this vapour lock issue on bikes with 'outside of tank' fuel pump. Check the condition of the oil cooler brackets. Pre 2002 models used aluminium which crack from, you guessed it, vibration. The retro'd to steel in 2002. Check the clearance of the side covers to the underside of the tank. Improper height rear tank support causes the tank to settle on the side covers, cracking them at the fastening points on the airbox. Of course, the elimination of the crappy German relays will eliminate grief. Check, tightness of ignition switch bolts, they go loose from vibration. Motorcycle specific oils are the key, whether synthetic or not. They are easily available, and easily cope with the V11 based engine. Anyone who thinks that a Guzzi engine stresses oil more than a 175 hp ZX10 engine, really needs to step back and realize what they are saying. The air cooled design of the engine here, and the fact that we ride our bikes mostlty in summer, means you should go with a thicker oil, 20w-50 vs 10w-40. Steve

While the MPH kit can be used without the clutch line on the Lemans, it is needed on the V11 Sport, which has a lower factory bar height. I do wish the kit came with a longer throttle cable, the stock V11 cable is taxed to the limit with this kit. Steve

BMW's use two u-joints on their shaft. Steve

If it's an '03, it should have ITI guages rather than Veglias. Steve

The bike is friggin' eye candy!! Steve

Frickin' wacko!!

What you smokin' boy?

Couple of friggin' wankers if you ask me! Steve

Been there, done that. In time, you will see the advantages of Seimens/Bosch relay elimination. Steve

No worries Ryan, I've been waiting 7 yrs. Steve

I rode Lolo Pass last Saturday May16th. Warm sunny weather, lots of dear garzing on the side of the road in the morning. I did an Iron Butt Run 5 yrs ago, and part of the tour was Lolo Pass, at about 9:30pm, frickin' scarey, the amount of animals. Many close calls! Steve

Good opportunity to duplicate a few, sell 'em for 50$, everyone's happy. Steve

This appears to be using the kit that was once available from Moto Evoluzione, I bought one when it was available, $25, it was worth a try. Basically, it relocates the pegs to an existing retaining bolt hole, in the foot brakes case, it also supplied a nice bushing for the foot lever. It dropped the feet 1" down and 1 1/4" back, close to perfect for me. I've spent $25 way worse than this, I'm happy. The only negative is that the left side moves your foot away from the shifter, so you shift with your foot on the heal, rather than the arch of your foot on the peg. No worries! Steve

Have to agree, the Stelvio fuel range will be poor, even compared to the standard GS, never mind the GSA. They really should have made more than just a paint job change from the 'standard' Stelvio. People know the differences between the GS and GSA, and people will soon realize the lack of differences with the new 'special' Stelvio. Steve

#2. Steve

I've owned Ducatis, and i found that not only do the parts cost just as much, but they seem to need them more. That said, Valeo products are pure shite. I had to replace the Valeo starter motor on my old airhead GS, the dealer wanted $1000Cdn. I went to a local guy who said he'd sell me a reconditioned Bosch unit off an old Beemer for $200. If my starter ever goes on my V11, I'm going to install an old Bosch unit. Steve

Just pulled off a set of Conti Attacks. POS, waste of time. Steve

I strongly reccomend the Michelin Pilot Road 2. Dual compound rear AND front. Tested best rain tire available. I've got these on my FJR13 Yamaha, which can easily shred a tire in a weekend. It recently did eat a set of Continental Road Attacks in 3 weeks. While I've yet to put serious mileage on these things, feedback from others I know indicate that they are 16,000km tires on big power sport tourers. I can tell you the way I'm casually grinding pegs, when my Bridgestones are done on my V11, I'm going with these. I'm kind of funny, I'm not really a fan of French made stuff. As a result, these tires had to really prove themselves to a tough judge with no pre-confidence in the product. But these tires are the best radials I've ever used. Can't go wrong! Steve

I have strong Christian values, yet have not felt it bad to occasionally sample what is available legally. Steve

Most mass produced Canadian beers are pure cat piss. And MC is about as bad as it gets. It's barely acceptable for marinating a cheap cut of steak! If I'm in a beer mood, it's Phillips Amnesiac IPA, made in Victoria, BC. For the true hop head in us all. As far as whiskey, my current inventory includes 16 single malt scotches, all differing regions and tastes. But if I'm going to just sit down with a straight tumbler of whiskey, it's got to be Red Breast single pot whiskey from Ireland. There's just no better in pure flavour!! Steve