Scud

Earned the "street motorcycle tire change" endorsement for my man-card today. Did a quick 30 mile bed-time-snack ride to Elfin Forest - I like new tires. Took the opportunity to install angle valve stems, which are Scura-er than the stock ones. Soooooo convenient. Definitely recommended. I'll probably check my tire pressure more regularly, because it's so easy.

Thanks. I flipped the piece. Mirrors were a bugger to get on. See Bar End Mirrors thread for details. As for vibes, I won't claim that they've reduced the vibration - but I'm not sure they've increased it either. Maybe the same - maybe a touch more or different, but not dramatically so. The mirrors weigh less than the combined bar-end weights and stock mirrors - but they are further out, so maybe that compensates a bit. I got the Napoleons on Amazon for $30 each. Even after installation, the stalks rotate - so you can stick them way out, below the bars, or at 45-degree angles. I like them a lot - even if they are a little shakier than the stockers. Thanks. Pads are still new (just over 1,000 miles on them). I saw no sign of leakage and the system is holding pressure. I can only assume somebody did something to it - or it was poorly installed from the start. Definitely worth keeping watch for the next few rides.

New entry on an almost 10 year old thread... I just did my first street-bike tire change. While it did take a long time to figure everything out, I think I will be a lot faster next time. I used stuff as described earlier in this thread: Harbor Freight tire changer, which serves as the base for their motorcycle tire changer adapter (2 parts). I needed a thinner center post the one that came with the changer. Fortunately, I had an appropriate diameter solid copper ground rod stashed in a dark corner of the garage. Mojo blocks and Mojo Lever: the Harbor Freight changer would destroy any decent rim without these blocks - in fact, I'm not even sure it would work without the blocks. The mojolever was great too - well worth it. I also used bunch of extra padding and protection. I used split vacuum line to shield the clamps, and leftover pieces of surfboard traction pads (basically adhesive foam sheets for you land-locked riders) for the base of the bead breaker. Marc Parnes wheel balancer - also got wheel weights from him. This was more expensive than other balancers, but it is excellent and he makes all sorts of adapters for other bikes - so forward compatibility is worth a bit extra. Within a couple minutes, I was able to get each wheel balanced so that I could put it in about any position and it would not start rotating. Ru-Glyde tire bead lubricant - 1 gallon (lifetime supply) - had to special order it from my local auto parts store. I watched this guy on YouTube before deciding to give it a try myself. He shows how to do a front tire, which I found easier to do than the back (but I did the back first and was still figuring it out). I did put a little scratch on my rear rim (dammit, dammit... and dammit that paint IS soft) - but left no marks on the front. I probably should have practiced on a dirt-bike tire first - but I normally just do those on a 5-gallon bucket - or a stump - or whatever's handy on the trail when it goes flat. This setup should make dirt bike tires super easy. I took a long time at it today - my wife said: "you should have just taken them somewhere." True - if it was a one-time thing. But I think I will be a lot quicker in future - especially since it's all properly set up now. It'll take a few more tire changes to break even on cash. However, I can do it myself any time now - and faster than the total time of going somewhere and waiting for them to do it.

I ordered the belly pan and rear fender in carbon fiber. Still awaiting delivery - hopefully any day now. Pics are from G-B. Maybe someone else can help you regarding the rear-sets - I didn't order any - but but I thought they looked like quality parts for someone who might want them.

Finally got a day of wrenching. Flushed all three hydraulics - they were nasty after 12 years, especially the clutch. The rear brake was well below the minimum level mark (should have checked that earlier) and the fluid tank was super loose. Also replaced rear brake o-ring bumper (it disintegrated when I touched it). Darkness fell on the front of the bike: Rizoma fluid tanks and brackets for clutch and front brake (new hoses too). I don't plan on buying too many fancy parts - but these are just eye-candy!!! Tinted turn signal lenses with VHT Nite Shades spray (one coat - not too dark) Painted (black of course) a bunch of silver screw heads and washers that hold other black or carbon-fiber things on (fairing, pillion cover, turn indicator stalks, front fender, dash, etc.) There are a lot more of these to go as I work on other parts of the bike. Painted the chrome rings on the horns (Does anybody just take these off? Who actually uses a horn?) Figured out the Napoleon mirror mounting Plugged left side mirror mount with the "official" plug Plugged right side mirror mount with RAM ball mount for my gps - maybe I'll try a GoPro one day too... The 3 screw heads on the warning light cover were a major PITA (unplanned HOURS). One came out easily, the other two just spun. So I took the back cover off the gauges. The white T-shaped plastic part that holds all the lights is a problem - the three metal screw-anchors for the mounting screws are just molded into soft plastic. Two of the three anchor points crumbled when I tried to remove the screws. This is the first time I've ever used Liquid Nails to get one of my motorcycles back together. Rear wheel is currently off - hopefully I can get my new tire changer figured out tomorrow. First time doing my own street-bike tires. Rear axle looks totally dry, I will follow the wheels-off maintenance checklist. I think a carbon-fiber alternator cover would be nice - and some black paint on the heat-sink-thing, which I think might be a voltage regulator. I was going to paint that today - but it looks easier to remove when the tank is off. Haven't got there yet. Garage pics: ... and a general thank-you to forum members - especially those who post technical topics and maintenance checklists. This forum is really helping me learn about my bike, what to do, what to expect, etc.

How about a low-mileage Daytona while you're waiting for the RM? I just happened to see this on Craig's list today: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/4792300345.html It's in Los Angeles. I'd be happy to ride it to Canada for you... ... but that would double it's mileage.

Got the Napoleons mounted. I used the wire wheel on my bench grinder to shave the inner bushing down to size to fit in the bars - also had to grind down the flange on the compression nut to get it to fit. Here are two pictures with both mirrors for comparison purposes. Seeing it with all four mirrors on made me think of this...

I need some help or maybe just some affirmation. The Angel GT does not have a clear "rotation" indicator. I assume the rotation is indicated by the arrow in this picture: If that's correct, then the tread patterns seem opposite on the front and rear tires. This picture shows them from the rear - direction indicators at the top of the tire pointing forward. Are the tread patterns supposed to be opposite (ie front pointing down and rear pointing up in the picture)? Sorry if this is a total newbie question, but it will be my first time mounting my own street tires. I've done lots of knobby dirt tires - but they are not directional. I still need to wait a bit to put them on though - since I am waiting for some stuff to arrive (angle valve stems, wheel balancer, etc.).

2005 Husqvarna TE510 - photo taken today near Flagstaff, AZ 1973 Honda CB350-Four. My first bike was a 1972 - who says you can't go back. Here's something interesting about the Scura and the Husky: Moto Guzzi = Italian marque with Swedish (Ohlins) suspension Husqvarna = Swedish marque with Italian (Marzocchi) suspension. Although Husqvarna was Italian-owned at time of manufacture (by MV). http:// http://

The lower makes no sense to me either. That's why I ordered one. I just like the fluid lines on the bottom of the bike to go with lines on the top. It feels more visually balanced to me. Oh - and it's shiny. I looked for a CF cover too (didn't find one). At some point, I'm probably going to take mine for powder-coating along with a few other bits that aren't quite dark enough for the Scura.

I just got the Pirelli Angel GTs delivered today. But mounting will have to wait at least till next week - when I should be able to get a suitable bike stand. Based on some comments, it seems that those who tried the narrow tires are pleased with the result, though some people talked about ride height differences and changing the front end to compensate. The stock tire is 180/55R17 and I ordered the narrower 170, which is 170/60R17. If I understand it correctly, the height of the 180 is 99 (180 x .55) and the height of the 170 is 102 (170 x .60). Given that the 170 will spread out a bit more compared to the 180, which would have more of a peak on the same rim, it seems that would make their final heights about equal. Am I missing something here?

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Agreed. I suggested that he join the forum (which he said he would do) and post some items in the classifieds. He also mentioned that he's going to launch a new website soon, which will show all the parts he has available. Rearsets, Ohlins bits, fairing, exhaust........... beautiful work. Seems like a great guy. I hope he sells a bunch of chin-spoilers/belly-pans to all the interested parties on this conversation. I bet the price will be even lower for European delivery. He emailed me the bank transfer instructions and my money is in - parts shipping soon. CF belly pan and rear fender for the Scura.

Here is the response from Bruno (aka Brian). I suggested that he offer us a group discount on individual orders for a short time. Order up and get your wrenches (aka spanners) ready... Hi Tim, I agree with you that collecting orders and money can be a little bit complicated; your proposal is acceptable and here is my offer: -bellypan (including mounting hardware and shipping cost): EURO 195,00 -rear fender (including mounting hardware and shipping cost): EURO 175,00 if somebody buys the two items in one shipment, the price is reduced to EURO 340,00 Enclosed pls find some bellypan pictures made today in my workshop, where it is possible to have a look of the finishing, I'm sorry for the bad quality picture sent yesterday NOTES -prices valid for USA and Canada only -no modify to the bike, mounting very easy -orders to be received within December 31th, mentioning the code BF1 -sorry, no VISA accepted, the payment has to be made by bank swift -bank transfer cost on customer charge -the customers can contact me (b.saturno@promo.it) for order and instruction I thank you, Tim, for contacting me and showing no people in the blog has knowledge of the tuning parts offered by Ghezzi-Brian; you have seen we have many high quality parts for V11; can you suggest me how I can increase the G-B parts visibility on the blog? stay safe Bruno

I recently got my first Guzzi too. Mine had also been sitting for a while (12 years, basically it's whole life) - but it was not modified at all. I totally understand the passion and enthusiasm - I am obsessed with mine. I had a problem with the bike not returning to idle - up to redline on one occasion. The cause was sticky throttle linkage - especially the pin on the connecting rod on the left side (can be disassembled after removing a tiny c-clip). After cleaning and lubing all the linkage connections it was fine. As for your bike: If you have not done so already, it would be a good idea to change all the fluids and filters. Especially the fuel filter - a clogged one can cause all kinds of problems. Also inspect and clean or replace the spark plugs. Personally, I struggle with electrical problems, so I like to eliminate any potential mechanical problem before I get into the electric stuff. That's good advice by luhbo re the software. I'm going to get that too. I found this cable on Amazon.com for US$10.00: Golition OBD OBD2 16 Pin Connector Diagnostic Adapter for FIAT 3 Pin. Several reviewers said they used it with their Moto Guzzis. There are other threads about the software (which I will have to figure out too.) Be safe. Get it running right standing still before you ride it again.

I inquired at Ghezzi&Brian. They sell kits that include the chin-spoiler (which they call “belly pan”) and I thought they might be willing to sell individual parts. Here is an excerpt from Brian’s reply: Just a couple of examples about prices, included the shipping cost to USA: carbon fibre belly pan: -1 piece euro 247,00 -5 pieces euro 990,00 -10 pieces euro 1.730,00 At US$1.25 per Euro, the delivered prices are about: US$310 for 1, US$250 each for 5, US$220 each for 10. I can see a CF belly pan under my Christmas tree… Group ordering and re-shipping sounds like a hassle. But if several of us are serious, I could ask if they would offer a discount till year-end for forum members. Then we could all just place our own orders. They have lots of other interesting bits, including a CF rear fender. Mounting hardware included. Pic of CF spoiler is not too good, but he said it would be same level of finish as the rear fender. http:// http://

I ordered some Pirelli Angel GT tires (decided to try the 170 rear as you recommended and as referenced in some other threads). Also checked date codes on my tires - 2001 . I've got almost 1,000 cautious (mostly) miles on them now - can't wait to hit some favorite roads with tires I can trust. Re spacer: I did not see a Corn Flakes logo on mine. How did you determine that the spacer was too short? What is the correct length?

Assuming another $300 in shipping and other costs on top of the mold fee the fixed costs are $400. Then $90 "variable cost" for each spoiler. Assuming we could get at least 5 commitments and we share the total cost, it's only $170 per person. It's an easy "yes" for me if it's $200 or less. Could even be an ongoing hobby/business for somebody. Maybe somebody who has a painted one, but would prefer carbon-fiber, could provide the stock piece for the mold. Alternatively - I found this thread re alternator covers that references a DIY approach to making molds and casting one's own CF parts.

The Rizoma front brake fluid canister and bracket went on easily. It looks better (and Scura-er) than the big piss-cup. I got an identical set for the clutch. As you probably all know (and I just learned minutes ago) it's nearly impossible to reach the clutch bleeder. I think I will wait till I remove the rear wheel for new tires (should be in the next few weeks). BTW - I'm also seeking advice about mounting mirrors in the thread "Bar End Mirrors"

Here's another gratuitous photo that I took before getting the tools out.

I had the Napoleon style on my Ducati Sport 1000 (came stock) and on my BMW R100CS (added) - liked them a lot for visibility, looks, and adjustability. I was just trying to fit a pair on the Scura. However, when I removed the bar-end weights, I found that the inside of the bars are threaded and that the rubber bushing of the Napoleons would not fit. Even if it did fit, compressing a rubber bushing into threads would seem to make it very difficult to remove later. Has someone else solved this puzzle? Maybe the threads are some kind of insert that can be removed - if so, I'd appreciate a tip.

I like that idea a lot. I was thinking about smaller, aftermarket indicators. However, I like the shape of the stock ones pretty well too. Do you happen to have a convenient link to a site where I could order said smoked signal lenses? I've also seen people spray lenses with a light coat of plasti-dip to get the same effect.

No sign of bubbling paint so far. It's perfect really - like a time-machine dropped it off. I would guess that the bubbling shows up after several heating and cooling cycles - which my bike has not had many of (yet). Let's assume that MG used a very slow-acting hardening agent in the paint... therefore it has finally set after 12 years of non-use and I won't have any engine-paint problems.

Here's the only other good picture I have with me. I will also figure out how to post full-size pics.