Scud

^wow, that was 10 years ago...

I also skipped through the video. For me, the Brutale is either at or near the bottom of the list of the most desirable MV models. I'm sure the craftsmanship is impeccable, but if this "motorcycle art" then it's sort of a post-modern cubist thing. So not my style. I love the look of the original F4 with the round pipes. And I did fancy the Superveloce 800, but not enough to buy one. Maybe a 750 F4 will scratch the MV itch for me one day?

I do like the looks of that R12S. If there were a new LeMans, there would be an interesting comparison. I took a strong look (nearly bought) an MV Augusta Superveloce. The BMW is a "bargain" compared to that.

Picking up on the swingarm bearings... I have replaced two sets of those, and they were sealed bearings. I didn't think they could be opened up, cleaned and re-packed. And these are double-row (extra thick) bearings, so I'd be surprised if you could service both rows. But I'm open to learning if this can be done. If you decide to replace them: Removal... an electric heat gun is useless here. You will need a proper torch and a heavy slide hammer with the swingarm well secured. You can probably borrow/rent a slide hammer from an auto parts store (especially if you buy a pair of bearings from them). And for putting them back in - freeze the bearings (in a zip lock bag to prevent moisture from getting in), heat the swingarm with the aforementioned torch. Grease it all up, and pound them in with a proper bearing installation tool - or just take it to a machine shop and have them pressed in.

The exhaust gaskets compress so much that they appear like a machined ridge. I once thought there were no gaskets on a bike of mine, then was able to remove them. As for rubber bits, like the boot for the rear master cylinder, you might have to find out what other bikes used the same master in order to find a part. There are many documented examples in a thread called "Encyclopedia of Compatible Parts" and if you find something not previously documented, please share for the community.

I suspect Sardarov bought it back for less then he sold it. This often happens with business acquisitions that aren't done well. It's a shame too, because I liked the brands that were coming together under Pierer Group. Someday I might have an MV Agusta. I seriously considered getting a Superveloce S about a year ago. I'll be watching closely...

Leave the silver side plates in place. To remove the swingarm, you first disconnect the shock, then remove the large chrome nuts (30mm IIRC). Then, with the swingarm supported, you can back the pins out with a hex wrench. The spacer looks like the one that goes on the rear axle, between the rear wheel bearing and the drive box. It sometimes falls out unexpectedly when you remove the rear wheel. Totally normal.

Since you're in this deep, it's a good time pull the swingarm, which will make it even easier to install the above bleeder hose. Be sure to carefully inspect the shock mounts. Many of us have found cracks in the lower shock mount. Even if it's not cracked, upgrading that shock will make a big difference in handling - if that's in scope/budget for this project.

I just started watching the TV Series The Blacklist. In the first season, one of the bad guys used mass transit "accidents" for assassinations. The world is crazy enough these days that what used to feel like the "tin foil hat zone" has to at least be considered. This ought to be enough to start a proper thread drift....

Fun times ahead... Is this the red/grey or the champagne LeMans? She looks like a candidate for a thorough clean/inspect process. Although it is low-mileage, since it's been neglected, I'd check every bearing, hose, and electrical connection - replacing things liberally if in doubt. And don't forget to clean those brake calipers and make sure all the pistons move freely.

Being the curious sort, I went to measure. If I measure from the outer tread blocks horizontally, the diameter is only about 32". However, the tread is curved and the center of the tread bulges almost 1/2" per side. I don't have a proper caliper to measure the maximum diameter, but If you were to measure the diameter at the center of the tread, I think the expected 32.8" measurement is realistic.

@GuzziMoto I wasn't aware of the undersize issue, so can't help with your question. I didn't measure the physical tires. I used a tire size calculator and also the advice of technician at Discount Tire store. I went from 275/60R20 to 285/70R17.

I got a set of 3-peak-snowflake rated tires for my F150. The truck had 20 inch wheels with short sidewalls, and I got a set of 17 inch wheels and the BF Goodrich KO3s that were almost same size as stock (10mm wider but same height). They are much better on snow and ice than the stock tires. They are a bit noisier, and probably a tad less fuel-efficient. But they are safer and more versatile, as they are also really good for traction on dry dirt and rocks. I did quite a bit of research on pure snow tires, vs the 3-peak rated all-terrains, vs those simply rated M&S. The snow tires performed best in snow, as you would expect. But the 3-peak were good enough for a conservative driver with 4WD. And the 3-peak significantly outperformed the M&S rated tires. So the 3-peak, at least for my needs, was the clear winner in terms of safety + versatility. They enabled me to have just one set of tires I could confidently use year-round in desert, snow, highway, around-town, etc. Plus they look tougher and more rugged than the stock tires.

I sent a private message. Still have quite a few springs left.

It's really bad in the LA area, and still spreading. 30 years ago, I worked in Pacific Palisades, and the fires have come close to my old office. As for losing stuff... we used to have some boxes of old photos and significant documents that we told ourselves we would grab if there were ever a fire here. But that was when the kids were home and we would all go together in a truck. Now we are actually scanning and digitizing all that. If my house were to burn down, I do have one prized possession that would likely survive it: a 400 pound hunk of petrified wood. It's made it over 250 million years, it wouldn't give a damn about a house fire. Evacuation... I too, would escape on a motorcycle. It would be the Husqvarna 701 for sure. A giant street-legal dirt bike that's good for two people with backpacks for food and water. If I am actually fleeing for my life from a fire, I am not going to be constrained to stay on the road. Several years ago, when there was a big fire in East San Diego county that was headed west, most of San Diego County was placed under evacuation. The potential routes were: East into the fire, South into Mexico (only two border crossings), West into the Pacific Ocean, and North to Orange County (with literally only one road, the I-5 through a military base) to use. I think they lifted the evacuation when they realized there was no realistic way to get everyone out.

My January 1st ride was on my Jones Flagship snowboard at Mammoth Mountain.

I didn't post that, but here's how I see it: Loius Pasteur - the inventor of the process (aka science) of pasteurizing milk to prevent disease... but there is now some interest in raw milk products, thus denying the scientific evidence. So Louis is good example of a person who would be wondering about some widescale rejection of evidence. As a scientist, Louis would probably be just as surprised to learn that his consciousness continued to exist beyond the death of his body. Happy New Year What was this thread about?

Faster than what? Yellow? Then probably so. But black is 11.3% faster than red, because of reasons. And that is science. BTW - these days it seems fast and science can both mean anything you want. I just got back from a romp on my Griso. I'm 6 feet tall and find it slightly more comfortable, and slightly less sporty/nimble than the V11.

That looks like a nice Griso, and the owner's garage is also well-organized with a few other well-kept toys. That's a good sign. If all the stock parts are included, you can undo any modification you don't like.

12.1 Billion cans in 2023 according to this website. https://www.statista.com/statistics/275163/red-bulls-number-of-cans-sold-worldwide/ Plus media outlets, ownership of sports teams, merchandise, etc. On KTM, I do hope they stabilize the business. And if they really do have that much inventory, there will likely be some clearance sales. The emissions issues may only be relevant to sale of the street-legal bikes, not the off-road only or race bikes.

There are similar discounts on Husqvarna bikes here in San Diego. And I assume they will also be similar on the Gas Gas models. Even the e-mountain bikes are discounted. I have the Husqvarna Mountain Cross e-bike and it is a great value, with components equal to Specialized bikes at almost twice the cost.

I wonder if we might see a resurgence in interest as kids who are now commuting to school on electric bicycles find out what a pain in the ass it is to deal with car parking lots and (at least in California) having to wait in line at traffic signals instead of filtering to the front. And they would be primed for electric street-legal motorcycle ownership. nine best electric motorcycles... https://gearjunkie.com/motors/best-electric-motorcycles Maybe one of these will become a best-selling motorcycle someday. It won't be the tailor-made Italian Volt at the end of the list... but that is a cool bike.

Enjoy the R9T, and if you do get bored, but want newer tech with a Guzzi feel, you could swap it for a Griso. I've been enjoying my Griso immensely. Parked it next to an R9T the other day. They are similar in height and riding position.

@docc if you listen carefully, you will hear something about a "red stiletto."

This is still the philosophy at Honda. Every CEO, starting with founder Soichiro Honda, has experience in the company's research & development division. https://www.historyoasis.com/post/honda-ceo-history I had an opportunity to go on a private tour of Pierer Group US Headquarters a few months ago. It was shortly after they announced the acquisition of MV Agusta. I was impressed by the racing culture and how they have vertically integrated (making so many of their own components). But at the time, I was also wondering "how do they afford to support so much racing?" I'm a huge fan of my two newer Husqvarnas, the 701 Enduro and the FE501S. When they bought Husqvarna in 2013, I thought they might have just bought if "for parts" but I was surprised to see that they made Husqvarna a premium brand (some components and price above the KTM equivalents). I see a lot more new Husqvarnas than KTMs. But the Huskys have KTM engines (along with Gas Gas), so it's all related somehow even if it's between "sister" subsidiary entities. Hopefully, this restructuring will be a wake-up call and they can regain their footing. There might be some good consumer deals out there if they get desperate for cash.