NZ Rider

Hi Jen and DD, Just picked up on this thread now. For what it's worth, I rode this bike about 4 weeks before you purchased it Jen as I too was thinking of buying it. I only took it for a quick squirt around Mt Wellington streets. Definitely noticed the miss lower down, but it was no where near as bad as in the video clip. Also, it went like a shower of shit above 5k, completely opposite to what you describe. It felt much faster than the Ballabio I ended up purchasing that week. Granted, the CS was the first Guzzi I've ever ridden, and the Ballabio only the second but both ridden on the same day. Thought I would share for what its worth, as it could indicate a degenerating cause or at least that the bike was running somewhat okay recently. Keen to see how you progress with getting the bike sorted, I'm sure you'll get there eventually. Good luck!

Thanks cola - what are you talking about, coming from Glasgow! Will do as soon as I can dangerous. I've got a couple but they are on another camera, every other time I go out I find roadworks about the same time it pours down. Pisses me off as I've fully cleaned it a couple of times already! CS coming down to Christchurch, great stuff! Do tell, have you made a purchase or a friend of yours? At the price Jase was asking it was very tempting... Oh, $7400 good tidy condition and it was 19 000km on the clock. Now it's past that and time for an oil change so I'm learning all about that with guzzi's. Found a hydraulic fitting at work with a 27mm hex on the end. Welded a handle to it today and it fits perfectly.

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up north a second time, the Ballabio hadn't sold and the owner was more realistic with his selling price sooo it is now mine. Long ride from Auckland to Christchurch over two days to get home and I absolutely love it!

Looks like I read this too late... Having come from almost 20 Japanese bikes I too had the V11 itch that needed to be scratched. I dove in 2 weeks ago, purchased a Ballabio and promptly rode it 1000km home from Auckland to Christchurch in New Zealand. At 0 to 100km mark my thoughts were what have I done, what is this weird thing I've brought. However even with legs still sore from lack of use and a 1000km ride... the very next day after reaching home I was on the bike again My two cents would have been go for it, but now that you have good on ya, glad you did.

Thanks for the info Pdoz. Had a look at both today, and a 2000 sport with only 1800km on the clock! Cafe Sport has definately done some riding in it's time. BUT, it still rides very well, and feels like a great hoon machine. Definately not standard. Ballabio is in good condition, but soft in the front end and power. Where the cafe sport felt lite but solid at any angle, the Ballabio felt heavy and less solid. After riding both I want to turn the Ballabio into something like the cafe sport, but I get the feeling what the guy is asking for the Ballabio won't allow that, and a bit unrealistic. I forgot to check closely, but the Ballabio did have adjustment on both forks. Both rebound or is one rebound and the other compression? The way it felt in the front end compression was a tad soft.

Thanks for the comments so far. Yes I'll look at the both the Cafe Sport and the Ballabio.

Hi folks, new to the forum and have permission (kind of..) from the wife to purchase another bike. I know this is probably a fairly common type of question from newbies but at the moment I'm keen on a Cafe Sport or a Ballabio and would be interested to hear some thoughts on each. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-704687347.htm http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=701412047 I've done a bit of research, understand these things require a little more care and attention to keep in optimal running condition etc BUT does the engine work to date on the Cafe Sport seem excessive? There is also an 02 Scura in Wellington but at $12k NZ seems a tad expensive to me. Plus it's out of my budget anyway. Keen to hear your thoughts, flying up this weekend and hoping to view both.