jrt

It's interesting. A bit too angular for my tastes, but I like that one can still see the motor. That's a proper motorcycle.

Did you leave an offering for the electrical gremlin? Or water the diametrical cognitizer?

I grew up with bikes that had ginormous side stands. As such, I couldn't see the use of side stand switches, so when they get flaky, I just remove them. It sounds like your problem is the neutral switch; replace it as others above have suggested and you should be ok.

Alfred, you would have been better off taking that ride on this bike! Safety Guzzi!

As I recall, the putative cause was corrosion between the shock eye and the steel pin it rides on. The eye couldn't take the stress from the corrosion swelling, I suppose. Someone (don't remember who) said that there was no grease on the shock when they took it apart. I dunno.

Fish-eye lens, most likely a 'go-pro' camera. The lens curvature really accentuates distance if it is not center-of-frame. Not trying to talk the guy down- it still looks like a pretty hairy ride.

Good to know- and I'm happy to hear you have it fixed. Now you can get out there and have fun. We've been having unbelievably nice weather hear in St. Louis. I'm sad that I missed a chance to ride today (25 C and sunny!!!). Damn work.

OK, I just looked at my bike. The manifold is still 3 bolts (on mine). Loosen the rubber intake boots on both sides (after you remove the gas tank) and it really shouldn't be much trouble to remove both injectors (just pull them back). Then removal of the intake is a piece of cake. I have to admit that I'm biased- I wouldn't ever drill and tap a part without removing it. The possibility of swarf in something that matters is too much for my weak constitution. JB weld I view as a 'side of the road' fix. Well, except that one time on one of my old BMW. There it seemed to last. JB weld is basically a usable, but inelegant fix. Yes, it's cheaper. But it looks cheap. If you go that route, then make sure to clamp the balance nipple in so it's a good seal. And use rubber-toothed wood clamps, so you don't mar the intake or other metal surfaces. Just saying'....not like I've ever done that. Or, pop the manifolds off, send them to me, and I'll drill and tap them out to the next thread (M5?, I'd have to look).

I'll have to look at mine...I've been thinking about my Eldorado recently, so I have that on the brain. It really shouldn't be too hard to take the intakes apart though. Are new gaskets available? I'll pack that wine up post-haste and get it right out to you!

Geez, it's too easy to remove the manifold(s) to worry about it. 3 bolts and you're done. Then you don't worry about metal flakes. If you don't have the money for a helical, then drill and tap it oversize. FWIW, I have mine set up with a balance tube running across both sides all the time. Seems to run just fine. Now, if you really want to bodge it, then buy a very small rubber cork and stick that in the existing hole. Carry spares in your pocket, that'll be good for a laugh. Or better yet, wrap the intake manifold in saran wrap. Sorry, too much wine.

What about using a helicoill? Might save you a few bucks.

Throw a Falcone on there...I'd be pretty interested in that.

I picked this link up from a loopframe discussion list- full video of the Motogiro d'Italia 2011, which is like an hour and a half long. Some cool video, that;s certain. I haven't watched it all, but perhaps you have more time, and then you can let me know who won:

Ah, yes. 0-60 within an afternoon..... Seriously, the round fins aren't too bad, but they are full of noise and blustering, without compromising a lack of performance. I love them still with a '74 Eldo and a several early '80's G5s and SP3s. The biggest advantage of this era is comfort. These old bikes, although slow by today's standards, are so darn comfortable that you can ride them all day. Several days if you are young.

Thanks for the info. Doubt I'll do it on mine, but it's nice to know! Does the wrap hold in moisture? I was wondering if the pipes show corrosion.... If it does, it certainly doesn't seem to have caused any damage. But I'm fortunate to have a garage to keep the bike in, so the only time it sees rain is while riding, where the heat keeps it dry anyway. Last time I wrapped them (about a year ago I guess) I noticed no damage or corrosion. They're stainless anyway, so I wouldn't expect them to.

Does the wrap hold in moisture? I was wondering if the pipes show corrosion....

Happy Festivus, all! And all those other holidays

It's been a couple years since I read the book, but wasn't Lisbeth on something like a (ninja) KZ250? I recall that it was a small displacement sportbike?? Anyhow, the Swedish films are brilliant, but I've only seen the first two. I hope the American versions are as good.

I'm not sure why the Florida highway was on it. I've ridden it...and it's straight. It goes up and down a bit. Two roads you'll never see, but I enjoyed riding a lot (in the US only- no Euro roads in this list) are Highway 50 across Utah/Nevada- also straight, but really stark, and Highway 395 on the east side of the Sierra Nevada's. Again- just really interesting scenery. But, as with any holiday roads on the best-of list, part of the equation is the time you had on that road. Aw hell, I like most of them. Who am I kidding....

Umm, well, good for you? I can't disagree; today was a pretty good day for me as well, although I didn't ride my bike. Nor did a lithe young thing in red fishnet approach me....good also, as my wife wouldn't have understood. On the other hand, I cleaned and oiled my microscope (not a euphemism).

Good call Furry. That's exactly what I used several years ago! J

Yeah, but then Wayne Newton will show up with Ken.....

Too funny! I think I have that CD somewhere (not that I"m going to look).

Pennsylvania 6-5000, that'd be Glen Miller. Good stuff. Wichita Lineman would be Glen Campbell. hey, at least it isn't John Denver? or perhaps this would be a good segue into 'music I"m embarrassed I listen to' thread.

Here's what I did- I removed the entire air box, being careful not to damage the temp sensor. Then I took the intake runners (velocity stacks, the hard plastic tubes) and cut off the large lip at the end, so the tubes would then fit into the individual pod filters. In retrospect, it was a bit rash to cut them. Get some spares, or pieces of plastic tubing the same diameter and keep the original intake runners. Put the filters on the intake runners, and put the intake runners into the throttle bodies. You may need to remove the side panels, depending on the size of the filters you use. This is a good idea anyhow, as several people have reported them cracking. I used a ziptie to affix the temp sensor to the main spine frame (on the side of the spine). You do need to keep the sensor, but just make sure it is high enough that it doesn't read too hot from the engine. That's it. Easy as pie. I've probably forgotten something, since I did this 5 or 7 years ago, but it really was about that easy. Say, can you still get the aluminum intakes from sportcycle pacific? They looked great and you could keep your original intake runners.