Scud

I just finished flushing all the hydraulics in the stable. Good to do them all at the same time out of a freshly opened bottle of fluid (or two as I needed). This was the first time I did the clutch on Stelvio and I must say, I was dreading it. But amazingly, the clutch slave has no bleeder, only two lines. I followed the other line and found a bleeder at the end. All nice and high and easy to reach for one person. This makes me wonder if I could run on of these on a V11. I'm in no hurry, since mine already has fresh fluid. But maybe somebody reading this thread is thinking "it's about time I flushed all my hydraulics." So take up the mantle for us and figure out how to run a remote bleeder like is on the 2017 Stelvio.

I loaded mine in the truck and dropped it off for electrical service. Hoping for a working bike next weekend. She's got new shoes and needs to go dancing.

Well, that is a fitting photo from the San Diego "not a rally" at Lake Henshaw, which the previous owner of my Tonti-framed LeMans helped to organize. I don't recall who the other rider is, but he managed to get a Moto Guzzi patch on his leathers. And FWIW, yesterday I flushed the brake system since the rear had almost no pressure. Those linked brakes work really well. The brake pedal activates rear caliper and front left caliper. The hand lever only activates the front right caliper. I didn't think I would like the linked brakes, but I do.

OK, first... the fact that this thread had drifted to include prospective inheritances of TR7s and an album cover by Wishbone Ash... that is expert level thread drift. Next... I just got an email from GP Motorcycles (Guzzi Dealer in San Diego) promoting a new V7 Special with an 850 engine. I assume same engine at the V85. If Moto Guzzi doesn't make a LeMans, somebody surely will make a LeMans kit for that. https://gpmotorcycles.com/bikes/inventory_Detail.php?id=3654

I've got a set of plain black perforated Vanson Leathers that suit this bike (and my Scura). But it might be time to put some vintage Moto Guzzi eagle patches on them. Maybe I could find a big reflective one for the back.

Blasphemy alert... I am going to share some more first impressions. It feels in some ways like my old BMW K75S. And I mean the good parts of my K75S (which had upgraded suspension). Let me just preface by saying that the comparison stops at the engine, which is like comparing a gorilla to a sewing machine. But check this out: In 1989, you could buy a BMW K75S or a Moto Guzzi Lemans 1000 at your local dealer. The overall shape of the frame-mounted fairing and seat are remarkably similar. Both have metal tanks that hold close to 6 gallons. The front tires are exactly the same size (100/90-18), and the rear tires are close (The LeMans rear is 120/90-18 compared to 130/90-17 on the brick). Both are shaft drive through 5 speed transmissions. Same Brembo 2-pot calipers on both bikes. The BMW was 30 pounds heavier, but carried its weight lower. Now the engines... in stock form: K75S - 75HP @7500 and 50 ft/lb at 6750 LeMans - 81HP @7400 and 56 lb/ft at 7250 (that's stock, this bike has a bit more. Obviously the LeMans is far superior in the intangibles of engine feel and sound and just plain fun factor. But I was really surprised at how much it felt like the little brick in the corners.

Chuck, you might know this bike. It belonged to a Wildguzzi member, Groundhog. This particular LeMans is surprisingly nimble. He got the suspension tuned perfectly and I weigh about the same as him... so it really is a "hand-in-glove" fit for me. Come ride it next time you are in Southern California.

I had a problem like that with a 2003 LeMans. I hooked up an oil pressure gauge and found that the pressure was low. I finally solved it by dropping the oil pan, pump and spacer ring. Turns out piece of gasket was missing. New gasket - problem solved. But it had running like that for a while (since previous owner). On that bike, I ended up installing an aftermarket oil pressure gauge so I could monitor it instead of just having a warning light. If you are not sure of the history, I'd recommend replacing those gaskets - and if you can get your hands on a Roper plate, that would be the time to install it.

I just picked up a 1989 LeMans 1000. It's a well-loved rider with extensive upgrades... full Zard exhaust, Caruso timing gears, electronic ignition, seriously upgraded suspension, etc. It was previously owned by a local guy who is an excellent rider. I've chased this bike on my Scura and had a hard time keeping him in sight. Just took my first short ride and loved it. Though I must say... there is a big difference between 1989s LeMans 5 speed tranny with manual clutch and 2000's 6 speed with hydraulic.

Just re-discovering this Audioslave album. It is so good. I had it on CD back when it came out (2002). If you don't know... Audioslave is Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden) singing with the entire band Rage Against the Machine (after their singer left). So there's the whole album for you... The reason I "rediscovered" it is that I was helping my daughter dig through my old CDs to find some of best full-albums - not best songs, but the kind of CD where you are amazed that all those great songs are one CD and you don't want to skip anything. Other CDs that fit the bill (and this search was focused on hard rock and metal, not all genres): Dirt by Alice in Chains Master of Reality by Black Sabbath Van Halen's first album Sad Wings of Destiny by Judas Priest Master of Puppets by Metallica Led Zepplin's first album She played Dirt first, on her drive to school. That afternoon she told me "I didn't even need a second cup of coffee."

Been there. Done that. But did not get the T-shirt. Powdercoater you say? Are you having all the cases powdercoated? That shitty paint is on the final drive case and the driveshaft collars too. FWIW, I had the collars powdercoated flat black (along with a lot of other stuff), and I used VHTs satin black engine paint for engine, trans, and final drive. The sheen of the flat black powder and satin rattle can are very close.

Just found this most excellent project and read through it. LOVE IT. The Greenie really pops in that rustic environment with red accents. Somebody mentioned epoxy floor paint in an earlier post. I second that. I have spilled everything on mine and the only thing that did any damage was aircraft paint stripper. I recently saw at a Sherwin Williams store that you can have epoxy paint mixed to any color you want.

Based on what we see so far, my choice would be the 05 LeMans. It appears all original - I don't see any modifications. With 55,000 kilometers, it's probably not been sitting for long periods, and it should go a lot more Ks. As for collector value, who knows. But that black beauty could be the last Moto Guzzi LeMans ever made. On either the LeMans or the silver sport, factor in a new shock. The originals tend to crack the lower mount eye. And a new shock just makes it so much better. If you got the Scura, you'd probably want to service the Ohlins if the previous owner has not.

That looks like a good DOT 4. The boiling points are just a little lower than the Motul 5.1 that I used. Dry boiling point 509F vs 522F. Wet boiling 329 vs 365. I don't think the clutch slave will ever get that hot, but I like to use the same fluid in everything. I think any DOT 4 or 5.1 is probably fine. The key is to keep it fresh - not let it sit in there forever.

I wouldn't be happy with just bleeding the system after a failure. Consider flushing it completely. If you have a little syringe, you can draw all the old fluid out of the reservoir and fill it with new - that will reduce the amount of flushing you need to do. FWIW, I just did this yesterday as I am getting mine back on the road. I used Motul DOT 5.1 fluid in place of DOT 4. (not DOT 5, which is not compatible). It's best to have a helper to squeeze the lever while you work the wrench and monitor the fluid. To keep the hose on the bleeder and avoid making a mess, use a zip tie.

Today (and yesterday): Proper cleaning Installed a pair of Angel GTs (with my new hitch-mount NoMar tire changer) Flushed clutch fluid and both brakes (I thanked myself for installing speed bleeders a while ago) Cleaned the brake calipers and pistons Changed transmission oil and rear drive Dropped the pan during oil change since it had been sitting idle so long. For entertainment, here is an easy way to bleed the rear caliper (while you have the wheel off).

I used the Shindy on a past V11 and was happy with it. I would not hesitate to use a Hyperpro. Ohlins dampers were stock on the "special" models that came with Ohlins forks and shocks - so you know the Ohlins will fit easily. The Shindy I installed took a little fussin and cussin - but only a little.

I've been using the Harbor Freight tire changer, with the Mojo Blocks and Mojo Lever. It's mounted on a pallet. It's been pretty good, but there was a learning curve. Having recently bought 6 motorcycle tires (a pair each for the Scura, Stelvio, and 701 Enduro) I decided to get the No Mar tire changer with the hitch mount. I did the Scura tires yesterday and I really like the convenience of the hitch-mount, and I'll probably figure a way to mount it on the wall or hang it from the ceiling when not in use. The wheel mounts much more securely to the NoMar than it did to the Harbor Freight. The wheel did not spin at all while removing or installing either tire. On the Harbor Freight unit, I had to use strap to tie a spoke to one of the arms. The bead breaker was a puzzle at first, because it is not compatible with the hitch mount and I didn't mount it to the floor (can't drill into a post-tension slab). I managed to get the front bead broken with some effort. For the rear, I figured out how to position the bead-breaker under my hitch, then used an adjustable height hitch and some wood to sort of jack the truck up on the bead breaker to keep it in place. That worked great. As for the levers and lubes, I had plenty of RuGlide tire mount lube so I used that and didn't try the NoMar stuff yet. I did try their mount and demount bar, but I like the Mojo Level better. Maybe it's because I have so much experience with the MojoLever, but I really struggled with the NoMar lever. I can probably figure it out, but I think I'll just stick with the one I know. FYI - my Harbor Freight unit is for sale on Craigslist for $75. But if anybody here wants to come get it, I'll gladly take $40.

If the frame is not bent or rusted out, and if the engine block is solid, you can replace everything else and still have an original, but restored bike. It just comes down to the old "time and money" adage. With enough of both, you can get it back to factory fresh. You just have to decide how deep you are willing to get into it. Alternatively, you could go for a solid performing bike with character and patina. But you're still probably going to replace a lot bearings, seals, and other parts that normally wear out.

@Rox - all good here now, but it's been a challenging year. @GMC - I think the earlier Stelvios had smaller tanks. Mine is the NTX. It's a Camel. I rode it through central Nevada on a single tank, I only saw a few other motorcycles out there, most of which were carrying extra gas in rotopacks or other strap-on tanks. How do you like your Multistrada vs the KTM 990?

Well, I was talking to myself on my ride today, trying to ride the Stelvio like a sport bike on my 200 miles loop to Borrego Springs. On the way home, I balanced out the 3 cases with a 10 pound bag of oranges in each, along with avocados, tangerines, onions, ginger, and cinnamon. I love the fruit and veggie stands out in Pauma Valley. Perfect spring day in San Diego County - hot in the desert, there was still some snow on top of Mount Palomar, and ocean breezes at home. Another thing I like about the Stelvio - 8 gallon tank. If I had left with it full, I could have done that loop easily without stopping for fuel.

I decided I've been pushing the electrical-dead Scura around in the garage for too long, and that I also hate doing electrical work. So I made an appointment to have a professional repair it (had to book it out 4 weeks). That gives me time to freshen it up so it will be ready to ride when I get it back. Ordered fluids on Amazon, and a set of Angel GTs on Revzilla. Also ordered new tires for the Stelvio, which I think I will go ride now.

It's been a weird year. A veritable roller-coaster ride for my work - but managed to stabilize and do better than the worst-case scenario we planned for. My quarantine project was planting a bunch of fruit trees on the slope behind my house, and putting in some raised garden beds in the side-yard. I know several people who have had a hard time with COVID, and several more for whom it felt like a bad cold. My family and I have managed to avoid the virus so far. I've had a few good small rides on the Stelvio - mostly out to the local fruit stands around Palomar mountain (strapping 25 bags of oranges on the Stelvio for fresh-squeezed OJ at home). I managed to get the Husky 701 into some snowy single-track, which was my favorite ride of 2020. But the Scura is sadly collecting dust. My garage is stuffed with things I moved out of my office. Starting to chip away at it so I will have room to work.

I thoroughly enjoyed his book Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind. Although it was a weighty tome and not at all brief.