Scud

Like someone else posted, I would go for the MV Augusta Superveloce over something like this. I'd also consider the Triumph Thruxton. As for nearly new models (which you can buy used from a showroom today), I really like the Husqvarna 701 Vitpilen - if you want a lightweight hooligan cafe bike, I think Husqvarna nailed it (about 75HP and 350 pounds). But now they only offer the 401 versions (about 45HP and 330 pounds). I did see a custom bike I really liked recently, it was an early Honda CB750 street legal recreation of a competition racer from the era. It was for sale on Craigslist, but now I can't find it (maybe sold). As for customs... I do like looking at them, and appreciate the effort. And sometimes think I'd like to try building one. I have stashed away the majority of parts needed (including a titled V11 LeMans frame). But I keep thinking of the cost/effort and wonder if I'd really be happy with the outcome. The only design that almost got me motivated was to try to make the V11 look like the original Ice-Blue Lemans (but then I thought, why not save up and buy a classic?). For me, the idea of a custom build seems to be moving from a dream to a hoard of stuff I will likely not use.

Update - I've decided to leave my V11s as they are for the moment. I already have a set of Titanium Racing cans, which I will probably use on the Nero Corsa. So Mikko's Quat D is still available.

Interested. Message sent.

386 grams (.85 pounds) savings - for a fresh and stronger axle. If you're thinking of making a few more, put me on the "interested" list.

That wasn't me though. That's an actual Moto Guzzi print advertisement. Found it on "This Old Tractor" site - where there are lots of cool ads and manuals about the Ambassador and other models.

You tease... And if you're going to build a bike around a gas tank, that is a damn fine start.

If it was closer to me and going for a lower price, I'd have been tempted to get it just for the black Quat D exhaust to stick on my Scura. Otherwise, it does seem a fine machine.

If you have a digital speedo, such as a GPS unit, there might be a way to do an electronic gear indicator based on ratios of engine RPM and vehicle speed. I don't have the electronic or programming skills, but I think that someone who does could find a way to extract those two signals and rig up a discrete display. And for general shifting chat... I do often find myself reaching for 7th gear. I even do it on bikes that have gear indicators, because when I want 7th gear I don't want to take my eyes off the road even for a second. On my Yamaha TW200, the shifting is easy. First goes to 10MPH, 2nd to 20, 3rd to 30, 4th to 40, and 5th can go a bit past 50... and that's all there is. Personally, I like the mental challenge of keeping track of what gear the bike is in while riding. But I do lose track in sections of multiple curves and grades. I most appreciate a gear indicator when I am loping along in 5th, but think I am in 6th. So seeing the little 5 prompts me to upshift, smooth out the ride, and save a bit of fuel.

here's a link to a pic:

haha... 20 year gap in this thread. I had not seen this before. Interesting that "Guest Hank" correctly identified one of the problem areas with the original spring, which is that the 90 degree bend had too tight a radius for the gauge of material used. That issue, among others, are now remedied as discussed in "some" depth in the re-engineering topic above.

Good read. Interesting that they showed a magazine from 1996 comparing the Ducati to a Moto Guzzi Sport. Those were competitive options when new. The design of the slab-side 900 is a classic. Will still look good for years to come.

Nine months later? There is a little twinkle in your eye. Don't need the details...

Spineazoic: the era of Moto Guzzi sport motorcycle evolution characterized by the successful adaptation of a skeletal mutation spawned by Dr. John Wittner. Further mutations saw the spine frame gradually evolve from thundering carbureted wild beasts to the partially domesticated V11. The V11 DNA proved inherently unstable, with the most notably unstable example being the "limited" edition Scura. As the spine lengthened and changed from red to black, excessive variations within model years made genealogical tracing virtually impossible, however, the LeMans gene was successfully reintroduced during this era. A phenomenological study of the V11 noted that long-lived green variants developed a hyperactive ego with narcissistic tendencies. The spineazoic era concluded with the advent of two significant mutations: reliable electronics and the cardano reattivo campato (CARC).

Spine-oza : a monistic, metaphysical awareness that you, your V11, and the road are a singularity. Apologies to Baruch Spinoza

Here's a nice video about my first bike, the CB 350-Four

My very first would have to be some lawnmower powered minibike. Not sure if it even had a brand name on it. I just ripped up and down a long gravel driveway in upstate NY when I visited my father (that's all I was allowed to do). But my first street-legal transportation motorcycle was a 1972 Honda CB350-Four. Candy-apple red. Not sure if I have a photo of it. But I did buy a 1973 version a few years ago and putted around on it for a while. Re-owning the first bike did not re-capture the magic. It was just tragically slow, but it was fun for a spell. Rode that for a year and some change then got my first new motorcycle, a 1986 Yamaha Radian (also red). That was such a great little bike, and I have not seen one in a long time.

... or some UK-based enthusiast may have a spare stash of springs that we built and you could acquire locally. Otherwise, happy to send one along, but I might not be able to post it for about a week.

I had some spare banjo bolts and new washers on-hand. Sorry I don't know the part numbers. But I'd feel 99% confident getting the ones @speedfrog mentioned.

...archaic mechanics... too funny. I'm rather fond of my Stelvio. Took it out and rode it like a sport bike last weekend. No protest whatsoever. Brought home 25 pounds of oranges.

Hey - nice work. That was a clever solution to make a bigger contact area out of a nuts and stepped washers. Glad the household lamp fixture was useful for you.

Some of us hoarders probably have a spare ignition switch. If a local hoarder is not willing to part with one, I'm pretty sure that I have one I could ship from the US.

You could easily pay $7,000 for an unmodified bike in this condition, then drop $2,000 finding a perfect set of Titanium cans, HB painted to match bags and racks, a Russel saddle, and the other mods. For somebody who wants this combination of features, the price is reasonable. If you don't want all the extras, maybe you don't like the price.

Yeah... California, Nevada, the Stelvio National Park, and LeMans are gonna have to think of something quick.

Good to know... gonna get one on order for my Stelvio.