JFK

My guess is overexuberant fork oil change and no air gap... we could start a book on this

Pete, looks like I might have found someone with the right philosophy to work on my Guz'... JFK

Yikes, check that sidewall flex!!

Rocker, looks like you may need a pressure gauge that goes up to 42 ... JFK

I think it boils down to how tall you are. Those with duck's disease seem to find them a stretch... I find a 1000km day easy. JFK

Echoing some of these thoughts, I find Guzzis respond to the basics: - Tyre pressure (try 36/42) - Tyre wear and choice - Suspension back to stock settings - Back off the steering damper - Corner on the throttle and keep it steady / wind on rather than changing tack JFK

Hi Raz Thanks heaps for the pics ... looks great! Not sure I want to cut up the original fender though I'm going to look into Greg's units (above), and have a think about alternatives for the fender. JFK

I am interested in replacing the rear fender on my Sport 1100 with a hugger (and some sort of panel underneath the rear section of the bike). Has anyone done this, or can you refer me to an aftermarket product? I have googles and searched this site but post-v11 bikes only seem to be catered for. Any help appreciated... JFK

Wow, thanks guys (no others then?!

I have a 1996 (injected) sport 1100 with brembo front brake discs that are due for machining as they pulse, however I am likely to "cut to the chase" and replace both with new items. The stock ones I understand are 4.5mm stainless units, but I was thinking of stumping up for a better spec ... thicker, floaters... mainly so they last longer (and rust cooly in the rain) rather than any need to dramatically improve braking performance. Does anyone have experience of this? In particular can you use the thicker (5mm or 5.5mm) discs with the stock calipers? Do the bolt holes line up? Any help appreciated... JFK

Oh, and linked brakes? I got used to them pretty quickly and think they are a pretty good system considering the weight and poise of the bike. You are never going to be standing a guzzi on its nose at the start of a hairpin and squirting it out the other side anyway, and in the real world I think it copes with "oh sh*t" moments well.

I owned an '85 LeMans MkIV for about 5 years and loved it, despite consensus saying it was the least desirable of MkI through V. My own ranking of the others (based on a mix of subjective factors) would go - MkI, MkIII, 1000s, MkV, Mk II. I took it on the track, commuted every day, filled the panniers with shopping, toured up and down the east coast of Australia 1 and 2 up ... put about 50,000km on it ... and did my own basic servicing. Styling - you will just need to form a view. In mine, none past the MkI are oil paintings. But I'm not offended by any of them ... quirky is all. That dreaded 16" front wheel - they certainly handle differently to their 18" kin. Here in Australia there was a lot of bollocks written about them and their poor handling, but I found that not to be the case provided you recognise the differences and ride accordingly. The steering is quicker but the wheelbase stays long. They prefer smoother roads. They are more sensitive to tyre pressure and wear profile than 18" guzzis, but if you manage that they handle just fine. I also upgraded the front suspension units (they were due). In terms of riding style I found the trick is to steer with the pegs & seat rather than wrestle the bars ... just let the front wheel do its own thing. Collectability - I would agree its at the low end ... way below a MkI, but let's face it guys, it better than a Lario! Hence, value for money is high. Good luck! Jonathan

Thanks Raz, I could (and may yet) write a very long post about how long I have waited for it!

Its a good point about not sweating the little things - I'm just looking to reset it back to stock and leave it at that for now. Thanks for the welcome and no doubt will make my introductions to Messrs Roper and Field in due course... JFK