Surprised how easy parts are to procure... and a thank you.

[VtwinStorm]

Let me start in saying I lurked this forum for months before deciding that I needed a V11 in my life.

I will admit to being reluctant to take on a more niche motorcycle, even compared to the Ducatis I'm used to.

I thought if I bought a Moto Guzzi, it would be endless frustration, waiting five-ever to just LOCATE parts...not to think about shipping from the EU for everything, save oil filters. I thought it would be hell, like owning an MV Agusta.

I am here to say, my fears were nearly entirety unfounded. Namely, MG Cycle, AF1 Racing, and eBay have helped me find every washer, seal, gasket, bolt, so far, that I have needed.

Please, spend your money with MG specialists, so they can keep working with us to keep going. They deserve our support and encouragement.

I think most of this fortune stems from a very small and cultist group of riders and suppliers who keep these elegant machines humming.

Admittedly, some parts are a little spendy...but, I'm pleasantly surprised I'm able to locate what I need with little drama and a pinch of patience. A lot of parts are downright cheap!

So, to anyone on the fence about getting a V11, I'd say go for it! Just do yourself a big favor and only buy the nicest example that you can afford. Don't buy a project bike unless you have very deep pockets and endless patience waiting for parts.

A huge thank you especially to @Docc, for giving me buying advice and not letting me talk myself out of one of the best experiences in all motorcycling!

I really look forward to next year when I can put my V11 Sport through her paces!

[footgoose]

MGCycles has a Lot of my money. I go there first. For replacement oem stuff AF1 or Harpers. Harpers used to have many items in stock, not guaranteed anymore these days. I always call if I think it's something they are just going to order from Italy AFter I pay for it. Sometimes they come back to me with "NLA." Some items are laying around in obscure dealership parts bins and that takes some work and patience to find. For something "unobtainable" I will always get the p/n and put it into my ebay search notifications. It has served me very well.

As far as Guzzi goes, as long as you keep passion for your bike, you won't be disappointed.

[VtwinStorm]

55 minutes ago, footgoose said:

MGCycles has a Lot of my money. I go there first. For replacement oem stuff AF1 or Harpers. Harpers used to have many items in stock, not guaranteed anymore these days. I always call if I think it's something they are just going to order from Italy AFter I pay for it. Sometimes they come back to me with "NLA." Some items are laying around in obscure dealership parts bins and that takes some work and patience to find. For something "unobtainable" I will always get the p/n and put it into my ebay search notifications. It has served me very well.

As far as Guzzi goes, as long as you keep passion for your bike, you won't be disappointed.

Yes... and I already have several MG OEM p# searches saved and notifying me via eBay when they get posted. That is how I found my seat cowl pad... nearly unobtanium.

[LowRyter]

You might not find a side stand kill switch.  

[VtwinStorm]

11 minutes ago, LowRyter said:

You might not find a side stand kill switch.  

I heard about that one... and I'm preemptively looking for one before I get sidelined.

[Scud]

^ side stand switch is easily by-passable if you are in need. Same with the clutch-in-to-start switch. I carry a side-stand bypass plug (homemade) in my underseat kit. Hacked the connector off an old wiring harness and closed the loop.

Honestly, to start this bike... ignition switch, kill switch, clutch switch, side-stand switch, neutral switch, starter button, relay, starter solenoid, battery amperage, starter motor... what could possibly go wrong?