jrt

True. I understand your point about replacing the battery anyway and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it also. I'm always up for learning something new. For now, I'm sticking to the PC545 for two reasons- one is that it has a long life (which is backed up by some data). The other is just expense which I can't justify based on my riding characteristics. I did get rid of the stock mufflers, airbox, recovery system, rear hugger and a few other bits. Then I load it up with saddlebags and go camping One good reason to consider these lighter batteries is that the V11 battery sits up higher than the center of gravity. It could make a difference in handling, though I won't wager how much.

Agree with Pete. But also, there is significant driveline snatch in the V11 and it is especially noticeable at low gear/rpm. By all means, check the paint lines, but if they do line up, then you are probably ok and just need to shift at higher rpm with a smoother clutch actuation. The new tires may have just brought to your attention what you've been doing before.

This is a LiPoFe battery? They are all the rage amongst some Ducatisti... That in itself says something, although I am not sure what. I dunno, I'm not convinced 1-200 g is going to save me much on my V11 but I'm running non-CF mistral exhaust. They sound great. If the technology is anything like laptop batteries, then they need to be duty cycled to get the most lifespan. I've killed a couple of laptop batteries by leaving them plugged in all the time. Surprised me, I have to admit. Anyhow, Richard, you should be able to do a search on LiPoFe (or maybe LiFePo?) and get a bunch of hits. As for my bike, I'm sticking with the gel/mat battery because they seem to last for a long, long time. Well, that and I'm slow....and cheap. [edit] wiki has a webpage, if you want to believe it. Has some manufacturing links at the bottom. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery

The tank is plastic. Beyond that vague description, I cannot offer more. I personally think it is worth it to change the crossover and the exhaust. You get a much nicer exhaust note and with the Stucchi crossover, you lose the 4000ish rpm dip in hp. Overall, it makes the bike more rideable. I don't think you get much more power out of it, but since it is louder, it seems faster Changing the intake to K&N's provides a great 'honk' on acceleration. I didn't need a PCIII when I did mine. I just set the TPS a little richer and it runs just fine- the plugs look good, too. Welcome to the rat-hole.

I remember those as well. It was something like Guzzi Jingushi (sp?)....

Oh, you're just jealous. I should dig up pictures of my ride when it was -10 F or so. Cough, swagger, throw back another scotch and pee on the carpet.

Fair point BFG. Guess I had really thought too much about it - but I see what you're getting at - yes, I'd rather take a cradle frame Tonti off road than the V11. The big bore Tontis are a very solidly engineered motorcycle. I never really got why people remove bottom rails from the Tontis - I can see the attraction, & for track use I guess it's not really too much of an issue, but I've always thought it will greatly weaken the bikes. Perhaps it just looks good? Apart from a small amount of weight savings, which I can't imagine add up to much. Then again, I don't race. BFG- the pegs were just an exercise- no real need, I made them for fun after I relocated my footpegs. They are, um, remarkably ugly and functional. Edit:one could always go this as an inspiration for an 'off-road dog': ]http://www.automotto.org/entry/wild-bill-s-ride-remembering-the-road-dog/

When I made a set of shift/brake levers, I used soft aluminum for the toe-thingys (what's that part called?). My hope is/was that they would snap off and leave the main part of the lever intact- because that was much more involved to make. The toe-thingy is just a rod that's been drilled and tapped. honestly- the toe part is straight- the picture is off angle!

I concur. Good point about the gearshift/brake levers. Are there any folding ones out there?

Do Trailwings come in V11 sizes? That would be a reasonable mix of road/off road. Or something similar- I can't recall what came on the SV650 (or SV1000??), but it was mostly street oriented. Although- the disclaimer- I've never been to Morocco or that area, so I don't have a clear vision of what the roads are like. If hard-pack, then street tires should be fine. Frankly, your tires (tyres) won't be the limiting factor here. Baldini makes a good point about the intake- make sure you have some filtration.

That's exactly right. But this is no place to have that drawn-out discussion again. If ya'll need some help, just shout out. Thanks, Jaap, for bring this up. Hoping for the best, J

Hey, hey, whoa now. What are you trying to say here? I bath my Guzzi? I get hy with Gene? And let's not bring my dental floss into this. I'm about to harvest a fine crop- been riding the fences on my horse.

LOL. The last time I did donuts (round-d-rounds or whatever) on a golf course, I was chased off unceremoniously. Jeez, I was a dumb teenager.

Maybe one of you knowledgable sorts would know...are the V11 pork chops the "weakest link"? No, I don't think so. I've not read of any reports about damaged chops. The weak part is up where the spine connects to the steering tube. Here's the thread I was thinking about (sorry-the pictures are gone): http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=9339&st=0&p=107308&hl=crash&fromsearch=1entry107308

Galaxid, that's pretty darn cool! ScuRoo- I don't know that anyone has made a plate for the V11, but I would think simple is best- have a machine shop or welder fab up a fat slab of aluminum that curves up around the alternator and with tabs that bolt onto the lower engine mounts? The holes are still there. There are aluminum caps in them now, but they pop out easily. Not sure about rear mounts... Also, in the simplest interpretation, you would have to drop the plate to change the oil/filter. One really serious thing to consider- Carl Allison and a few others found out the hard way that if the V11 crashes nose-in, then the frame is very prone to being bent, even cracking at the steering head. In light of that, maybe a Tonti frame would be a better tool for the job, so to speak?

I love how HaydnR and BigJ's bikes are at the same angle Almost looks like a photshop, LOL.

Gavo- thanks- that's exactly the picture I was thinking of. BFG- ok, you've convinced me. ScuRoo- Best of Luck! You might want swap the clipons for handlebars. I did that and it gave me a lot more leverage in cornering. A sump guard also sounds like a pretty reasonable addition. That would probably be a one-off. I've taken several of my Guzzi's off road (not anywhere near what you propose) and they have done ok. You are already aware of how heavy these bikes are (when they fall). Start lifting weights???? What I would suggest is to look into some way to 'blog' your journey in either real time or daily. Folks who do that seem to get a lot of support...might not be a bad idea. Hell, you might even get a beer out of the deal. Again- good luck! I say go for it and hope it is a wonderful experience.

Well, if there is one thing Guzzi does well, it is smuggly.

Bath soap?

This is cool- a very interesting topic. I've seen pictures of (I think) some Finnish person who put ice tires on his Guzzi, but I've never seen dirt knobbies. I've taken my V11 off road on some mild fire roads- it handles fine on packed dirt, but I don't think she would do so well on sand or river crossings- too soft. The handlebars aren't very wide either- there is less leverage to force the front tire in the preferred direction.

Cheers We're packing stuff up, getting ready to move back to St. Louis. I'll probably pretty quiet until the new year. Jason

Or just carve one out of wood

I have several Tonti framed Guzzi's...older ones, but they are kind of similar. I love 'em. Others are right- it's not a canyon carver, but the cruisers have their place. I enjoy riding big sweeping roads on mine- that's where it excels. So, broaden your horizons, take a ride up 95 or something. Be sure to wear flip-flops to complete the look!

Good looking Norton. I'm still commuting on my bicycle although it has been cold as a witch's tit recently. No snow or ice yet, thank goodness, but plenty of wind. Bleagh.

Ditto- thanks also from me. Hope all is well- Jason