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Blast to the Mountains


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Here is a summary of my trip . . .

 

Day 1 - speedo and mileometer stopped working.

Day 2 - massive brake fade before a very hairy corner on a mountain pass (I had been riding hard for a few hours). Nearly lost it over the edge. Stopped for deep breaths. Maybe should have fixed the speedo !

Day 2 - the pawl spring snapped late afternoon (second time in my ownership of this bike).

Day 3 - spent the morning replacing the pawl spring (missed some great riding). Lucky I was carrying a spare (take note all).

Day 4 - Charging circuit fuse melted.

Day 5 - finally got home, parked up the Guzzi and will not go near it for a few weeks now.

 

When it is working it is a mighty fine bike, but too much spanner time is needed to keep it there. I also ache like hell. Losing the faith again. . Will post the GoPro footage when I calm down (the good bits were very good). You may see a v11 in the small ads soon . . . 

 

At least it didn't rain . . . hope you had a great trip Orson.

Wow!

 

The brake failure sounds pretty scary! I saw some car skid marks going off a steep edge with no guard rail.

 

I also suffered a breakdown but, not nearly as thorough as yours. My regulator fried itself on the second to the last day. Luckily I had a reservation at a hotel and called them. They were able to sort out a tow truck to come rescue me. The bike shop sent a truck for it the next day and I took a cab to the airport.

 

 

Yep, those mountain roads are fairly unforgiving. I had been going a little bonkers, breaking hard and late into corners for a few hours, having great fun. The lever suddenly pulled right back to the bars without any bite. It was fine after it had cooled down for 15 mins . . .but did slow me down a tad. Think I boiled the fluid.

 

Sorry that your trip was cut short. 

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... The lever suddenly pulled right back to the bars without any bite. It was fine after it had cooled down for 15 mins . . .

 

 

How old is the brake fluid? I think that a well sorted car shop can measure how much water it holds already. Brake fluid on at least my list is something very close to the end - your post reminds me to look up when I changed it last time.

 

Hubert

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... The lever suddenly pulled right back to the bars without any bite. It was fine after it had cooled down for 15 mins . . .

 

 

How old is the brake fluid? I think that a well sorted car shop can measure how much water it holds already. Brake fluid on at least my list is something very close to the end - your post reminds me to look up when I changed it last time.

 

Hubert

 

 

 

It is 18 months old. Still looked the right colour but I guess that is not the best guide, Will certainly now be replaced. Here is a map of one of the roads as an example, this was a very steep descent. So very hard test of the brakes.

map.jpg

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Sorry to read about your mishaps. I took my Rossa several times on similar trips; only problems (so far :race:): several speedo cables; one rear view mirror that fell off on the Autobahn. I would think that your brake problem is highly unusual. Even during race track use, one can rely on the brakes. I still hope that you enjoyed your trip!

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Isn't it amazing that those fuses will melt like that and not "blow?"

 

I'm still in awe of those of you who change your pawl springs on your way somewhere! :notworthy:

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