LowRyter

I've never done two-up the Sport. Never taken the seat cowl off it. OTOH, I don't think Bev is interested in riding anymore. Too many aches and too long of stretches getting on and off. And I'll admit that these bikes feel a little heavier and my legs seem a little shorter.

Actually, the labor was no more than a 16v 4 cyl. What got me was parts costs and neglecting to shop around. I was heading on a ride that just came together and had to rely on getting the parts from the dealer. I didn't think it would be THAT bad. Well.. they charged $45 for plugs that were less than $20 at NAPA and and $90 for each belt (x 2) that were $60 on the 'net. I already knew what the filter and oil would cost and decided to eat that. So I basically threw $100 away just because I was in a hurry and my bad planning. Dan does warranty work for the dealership but he doesn't get jobber prices. He usually orders from another dealer out of state but there was no time either way. I also paid to change the fluid in the forks which was on the schedule but I think unnecessary. I told him not change the air filter because I knew that was expensive upfront and asked him just to blow it out with air. The plugs and belts piss me off the most of the whole deal.

I believe there is a masochistic streak to own one. But I got into it innocently. I wanted a two up bike with bags on it, I noticed that I could get an EV for about $4k (2007 dollars) vs $6k for a used Japanese cruiser or $10k for a Harley. The local mechanic said they were pretty "sporty" and he could work on it. Bought that bike and really enjoyed the ride and handling despite that it only has 60HP (69K miles on it now). Then I went to the Guzzi National Salida CO and saw a Greenie and wanted one until I got one. Again, I like the feel and handling and the power curve makes up for any HP deficit (48k miles now). Then I got a Ducati (22k miles now). Same deal, I like the feel and handling, there's something about Italian bikes that fit me. Unlike my Guzzis, so far the Duc has been totally reliable although major service at 18k wasn't cheap and I've been through a boat load of tires. Of course the Duc is much newer and doesn't have near the mileage.

I saw one of those Yamahas in Switzerland. I almost missed the tour bus while taking the photo (the bus driver owned a Harley). The fellow travelers had a hoot watching me run for it (the Mrs too) -all good. So far as V11 being a classic? Reminds of 911 Porsches being so good and "reliable" but all the other models with the same mechanicals aren't. I don't think these things are cherished for any utility whatsoever. Not a rational choice. OTOH, I'm sure that Yamaha is as reliable as all of Doc's hammers... I'm not sure I'd want one even if it was green with a red frame. .. anyway......

A dollar for anyone that can find me in the crowd

I got a new AV receiver, that has phono inputs. The receiver has mic set up that does the balance and EQ and it's just marvelous. I bought my front stereo speakers in '74 and supplemented them with a sub about 10 years ago. It's never sounded better. Got the old Philips turntable out and have been enjoying vinyl for the last month. Some of my jazz records never made it too CD and listening to them for the first time in 40 years. Someone did load this one up to the 'net.

yeah, I think might right wrist might've contributed the problem.

How about a bracket for a bracket? I saw the issue with the gentleman that has a Red Frame with no bracket. Bend stock 90 degrees, bolt the horizontal side to the frame and the vertical side to the bracket. Might be dicey drilling some threaded holes through the frame. You guy are smarter than me. It might work. It should be simpler than welding a bracket for the bracket- I'd assume you'd have to disassemble everything for that.

I like to dress up the bike, engine and hoses with Silicone spray. It gives a nice shine to everything and protects from water, good on rubber and plastic. But I ran into a problem the WD 40 Silicone Specialist Lubricant. I'm sure it lubricates but it leaves a flat milky finish. Not good to dress up your engine, car or bike. I recommend Ace Hardware Silicone Lubricant. It leaves a nice shine. I think the key was written in the instructions: recommended for slippery car bumpers. FYI

Wetton was with King Crimson IIRC

Which was Booker T's MGs and Otis Reading's bands. I pretty sure that ain't Booker.

so who's on the keys?

Dallas Alice

I didn't go there but those are the words. I did have a chance to see them with Lowell. According to the book, backstage they were volatile bunch.

We've had 60+ degree weather all week but there are still some snow piles cleared from parking lots. I'd just come from Don's place trying to get my commission money. All I got was a lousy photo.

Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made, Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed ........ but I'm still willin'

I'm kicking myself for not getting a commission.

I would only paint a Greenie as a very last resort. Best of luck.

Guzzi did offer a brace at one time. It wasn't installed on the bikes originally and is no longer available. Don at Motiv made a batch after repairing my bike. It's a pretty simple "crescent moon" brace and a few fasteners.

Anyone with a red frame V11 Sport should get the the brace kit from Don at Motiv. I think I bankrolled much of it from my repair. He traced out the brace from a rendering of the factory part (no longer available), made a run of them and includes the bolts and fasteners. I think he still has my can of red paint. Contact Don here. https://www.motivcycleworks.com/

I got my GB case fixed. Of course the transmission had to be removed and taken apart- all beyond my skill level. For the fix, it was sent to powder coat oven for several heat cycles to clean out all the residual fluids and then welded. So far it's held up. The shop that did it for me sells a brace kit to prevent it from happening again.

wow, I live in Edmond and didn't know anything about it. I remember when I joined the board there was a fellow in OKC that had a Coppa but he left the board about when I got on.

He's The Master of Space and Time.

food for thought