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My brother, who got me into motorcycling, performed this valuable life-learning experience for my eternal benefit . . .

Wasn’t the spark plug experience mandatory growing up all over . Some things just need 1experience to be remembered. Cheers Tom.

Two of mine also, one in Norway one in Panzertruppe on the Eastern Front. Both were POWs eventually, of US and RUS respectively. The latter had some stories. His wife, my great-aunt, lived thru the firebombing of Berlin, sweetest woman. He taught me how to fix a lawn mower engine when I was 10, had me confirm there was spark by having me hold the spark plug wire while he pulled the cord.

I was perusing some archives of the South'nSpineRaid and ran across this post [edited] from SSR XII/ 2016 and thought it lends some perspective: Posted March 15, 2016 As spring is performing its springing here, and the Sport rolled over 98,000 miles today, I'm motivated to revisit the raison d'etre of Spine Raids, and Spine Raiders. The inaugural South'n Spine Raid was all about getting a few V11 together in order to get some 'semblance of understanding of their traits, transitions , and taming. This was 2004, about a year after Jaap launched this forum. It was massively revealing to put the four V11 side by side and pore over them. Along with my 2000 Sport was the 2002 LeMans of TheProfessorHisOwnSelf @andy york (now with something like 120,000+ miles), @Bill Hagan on a 2003 Ballabio whose absence in his life haunts him to this day, and a beautiful black 2004 LeMans. Since no photographic evidence exists of that event, we need say no more . . . With no SSR in 2005, we've gathered every year since in the TN/NC/GA mountains. The collective experience is beyond words. So many great folks, so many interesting bikes (not all V11 or even Guzzi), so many Tech Sessions (some rather impromptu!) After moving the meeting place around for several years, we've settled on TheLodgeatTellico for so many reasons, not the least of which are [the] garage and [the]breakfast! I am reminded to repeat the disclaimer: This is not an event, rally, or official gathering of any kind. It has nothing to do with V11LeMans.com, its owner, administrators, moderators, members, posters, spouses, offspring, or pets. There is no fee, no insurance, no sponsors, no map, no plan, no organization, no support. No , no T-shirt, sticker, patch, pin, or swag. There is no release to sign because there so no one to release any more than the last time you took your bike somewhere or showed up to talk with some fun folk. It's like Burning Man. Without the smells. So, let's say some V11 are likely to be in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Some at [the] LodgeatTellico, but often folks stay all around. This year, a little nuance: the theme of the Slimey Crud Run, up in Wisconsin, seems à propos, especially for Saturday: "Show up. Plan your own route." ____________________________________________________________________________________ [edit: The "Slimey Crud Run" motto was the inspiration for the SSR motto, with our own V11 twist]: Get There. Bring tools.

What is it about that generation...of Germans? My Grandfather taught me in precisely that way. He was a WWI AAC mechanic. His 'right hand man' was a former POW Luftwaffe mechanic. Our family comes primarily from Frankfurt and Gdansk, though both in the 1800s. Learning was always interactive with them. One Great-Uncle drove a heavy truck through WWII, another was tail gunner in a B-17 and after surviving 10 missions with a dozen kills, they brought him to Pensacola to be a gunnery instructor.

I had to look up that “Burning Man” reference. I then saw that "smells" at one had nothing to do with the other. A noncombatant in the sexual and other revolutions of the '60's and '70's, I have never been into druidical gatherings of the Burning Man sort, tho my parents, both closet bohemians and hippies, would have loved to attend the early ones at least. For me, however, the term evoked another “burning man,” and I was puzzled by the connection until I did the wikipedia thing and learned about about the one @docc mentioned. The "Dead Man’s Corner” in my head was this: I visited that spot in May 2018 with five other Old Flatulent paratroopers like me who, at least in our fading memories, “were soldiers once … and young.” We toured several battlefields and cemeteries where, in particular, our “alma mater,” the 82d Airborne Division, the 101st, and other airborne formations had fought in WWII. Many are still there. As I started my Army life as a tanker, and my father was an armored crewman in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy in that unpleasant international event of ’39 - ‘45, I was especially drawn to the affair at Dead Man's Corner. By now, if still reading, here’s that story: Dead Man's Corner God bless all those brave folks. Feeling (somewhat) apologetic for thread drift, Joe & others, I did do some Guzzi-sightseeing, too. Met these folks at a rest area at a rest area: And stopped here to kick tires: Jaap was, regrettably, vacationing in the UK when I was near his home Nijmegen/Arnhem, of “A Bridge Too Far” fame, so we couldn’t link up. Ciao, Bill

Remind me to tell the story of a friend, a Kawasaki 500 triple, and being able to run on two cylinders... (Spine Raid content)

Yes, quite the place. BTDT ... but, thankfully, not in June of '44. Our entire 10-day tour of airborne battlefields in France, Holland, Belgium, and Grmanywas inspiring. Touring cemeteries was sobering. The latter visits included German ones; two of my uncles were in the Wehrmacht and my mom a physical therapist at a German military hospital in Rottweil! As a retired career U.S. Army guy that amazes even me. Stories, if you care, in May in Kentucky. Bill

319 miles from me, I’m in on the bid for that greenie.. just sayin, you may be able to outbid me since I’m kind of a bottom feeder right now, just dropped a lot of cash on a new car today.

I can only think that @Pressureangle could make this happen. As much trouble as these crossovers caused early on, I can't imagine how "floppy" they might be now. And the (outdated) opinion that they get loose, but won't fall out? Uh, yeah, the crossover can actually fall out and go bounding zither&tither as following bikes deal with the event (SSR X/ 2014) . . .

Probably not from the original folks involved since they haven't been active for a loooooong time, and the thread is almost 20 years old That might be a record for a thread resurrection! That being said, there is a dimensional drawing in the first posts of the thread, and if that is accurate you could possibly take that to a machine shop and have them made. Or... I just discovered that MPH cycles makes these! So you may just be in luck https://mphcycles.com/v11-spine-frame-exhaust-crossover-gaskets/

Love the bike. My first new bike purchase was a '77 xs650. $1999. Learned all about carbon brushes on the side of I-8 around 3AM. Packing for road trips was......creative.

Just bought a Royal Enfield Scram 411 today. Picking it up Saturday.

They are not. We did a few to start, but the stainless material and our engraving machine didn't like each other very much. To send them for laser engraving would have added to the cost.

I have, always A OK by me.

Bill, thank you for your service and the lesson in history. I started up the OL' Google machine and found this.... https://dday-experience.com/en/

I think everyone may have missed my edit to my post above which was: So it appears that MPH already makes them

While I'll accept the flat tappet fiasco was a disaster in many ways I don't know what he's gibbering about about electrics or lubrication? As for dealerships? Well, yes. And roadside assistance? If you get sucked in by that shit you deserve everything you get! No idea

“It’s like Burning Man. Without the smells” Classic Doc, what a great “idea”

I spoke to the owner, who is very nice, and now too elderly and ill to ride anymore. So although I don't think he wants to sell the bike, he has decided it is time to let it go. The bike has been sitting for about 5 years, and hasn't run since then. As you can see, there are only a few lower resolution photos in the FB Marketplace ad, and he's not able to move the bike around to get better photos. He says it is in very good shape, but does have some minor rash on the left hand engine and pannier guards, and a chip in the paint of the left bag from a stationary gentle drop some time ago. One of the side covers is cracked, but he says he has a NOS replacement. It is interesting that it doesn't have the "skunk stripe" seat, which would have been normal for the black CalVin. The all black seat typically came with the white CalVin. I forgot to ask him about why his black CalVin seems to have the white CalVin seat. It wouldn't surprise me if it came from the factory that way, as we've seen other inconsistencies with MG products. It currently doesn't have a battery, drained of fuel (good), but some wiring is chewed through by a rodent in the battery compartment. So currently it doesn't run, and he isn't in a position to get it running. Given that I'm nowhere close to give it a close in-person inspection, and he can't verify that it will run, I told him it probably isn't for me, at least not for $5000-5500. He wondered what I would then offer, but I told him that I really couldn't offer anything that he would find reasonable for what is currently a non-running bike with unknown issues. I told him that just about any prospective buyer would likely have similar concerns unless he can get it to at least run. And he agreed that he'll probably need to get it running to get any serious buyers interested. So I just asked him to reach out to me if and when he gets it running, and then maybe if I can find someone from the Guzzi community that is local and willing, perhaps they can go by and inspect the bike and get better photos, etc... then see if we want to go from there. So we'll see. If there isn't anyone from here in the Colorado Springs area, maybe I'll see if someone from MGNOC or Wildguzzi is in the area.

Available via auction, ending April 15th, 2023. Current bid: $170 USD 2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport, Green, 12894 miles https://auctions.yodersold.com/auctions/8151/lot/10699-Motorcycle-2000-MOTO-GUZZI-V11-SPORT

Available via auction, ending April 15th, 2023. Current bid: $225 USD 2002 Moto Guzzi V11 Lemans, Champagne, 11756 miles https://auctions.yodersold.com/auctions/8151/lot/10622-Motorcycle-2002-MOTO-GUZZI-V11-LEmans

And this... yep, if I even were to consider this, I'd wait 2-3 years to see what bugs get worked out, and what other models show up.

Very much so docc. I love the style of the classic standard. So many iterations to choose from. When I'm tempted with something new, I look back at mine and wonder what's the point in chasing what I already have. Early concept pic, some things have changed. it has mufflers now

+1 . . . Many of you know what a champion I have been on the HIGH Current OMRON (and now the High Current CIT). I am currently on my 7th generation of relays. (Yep, I got to say "Current" and "currently" in the same post. ) Ironically, my only relay failures have been the High Current OMRON G8HE. I traced this to a faulty regulator combined with probable voltage spikes from a failing Yellow Wire connection from the stator.

I've been casually keeping an eye out for a California Vintage, and ran across the following listing: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580559014110608/ But I'm a bit leery of considering a big purchase via Facebook, especially a vehicle, without being there in-person to see the bike and meet the seller. So I wouldn't ask anyone to take a special trip outside of their immediate area, but if anyone is in the Colorado Springs area and willing to maybe drop by to check out the bike and seller, it would be appreciated. @biesel: Could you offer a quick "checklist" of things to easily check or ask about with regard to a California Vintage since I think you are our resident expert on a CalVin? (BTW, I've watched your YouTube videos regarding your California Vintage) Thanks

lol i'm so weak ... it is a greenie after all .. the silver lemans is nice too can't resist placing a lowball bid on greenie. if you really want it i wont push the bid @fotoguzzi

Looks to be an auction house handling an estate sale of a motorcycle/car/truck collection in Wisconsin. . . https://auctions.yodersold.com/auctions/8151-789---Estate-of-Zell-D-White-Motorcycle-and-Automobile-Collection

I did, and it's accurate but for the needle wiggle. I do have a brand-new (2 years now) and *very* expensive NOS Daytona tach installed.

The oil in the sump can "slosh" and uncover the pick-up, especially if the oil level is low. Check that first and report how far down the stick it is. Otherwise, this is the reason there are "Roper Plates", or in today's parlance, "The Rusty Star Picket Project" . . .

The reason I brought up guzzidiag is to verify the idle. I have seen V11 300-500 rpm low relative to the tachometer reading. No big deal riding along, but at idle that means an indicated 1050 could be 750 (no good for charging), or even lower. @Pressureangle, it seems you have already noted your tach error somehow?

I had a look at the part, it's certainly something we could make. We're in expansion mode right now and alternating between 'buried' and 'catching up'. I haven't even been able to get the plastic balance rod knobs made yet.

MyECU uses an Android app and bluetooth dongle to tune. It's a fundamentally simple system with complete ownership of the program. The only complaint I can make is that I need reading glasses and a magnifying glass to make adjustments to a small map area as the numbers are tiny. I believe you can export the .bin files into TunerPro, but I've not done it.

I looked and do see the Sport 1100-i as a selection in guzzidiag. Probably not valid in this case because of the Cliff Jeffries myECU ?

Guzzidiag? What's that do? I have a Jeffries MyECU. Yes, my idle speed on the tach is within ~50rpm of actual at idle. I keep it to 1150-ish.

I agree 100% with Giuseppe from the same article- Giuseppe Grisi 20 hours ago All that is well and good. Maybe. Fair question: Can Gooz execute? Fact is they prototyped this motor what 25 years ago? And the look, the vibe of the bike recalls an awkward take on the regrettably failed Terreblanche experiment. They'd be way better off today if they'd had the ball bearings to roll with it. It's all indicative of a company missing the backbone to lead. Yes, Guzzi is sometimes nice on design and dynamics, but just abysmal on execution. At the end of the day Gooz reliably fails and shows contempt for its customers by pumping out poorly assembled, poorly executed, not ready for prime-time bikes. Don't believe me? Three little words. Griso valve train. Look it up. And I'm going to beat on that drum and add: Griso electrics. Griso lubrication. This all applies to Stelvio as well. Don't get me started on dealerships, service, the Roadside Contempt Program. So until someone can persuade me that Mandello has implemented a well-funded and serious program to vet components, vendors, assembly line performance and invests in a serious way on building the dealer network, the answer is: non tra un milione di anni Hey, three time Gooz owner here. Just fired up a couple of them for the first time this year. So I've been there, rode that, got the toolbox to prove it.

Yes, the wires are yellow and I'd not lean on them too hard. When I did the cam gear set, I had it all off for a thorough inspection. Subsequently the voltage started varying so I verified the entire charging system; I found the connector for one of the yellow wires to have some corrosion, so remade everything. It charges better than it ever has, always between 14.4 and 14.8 at speed and goes over 13.0 by 1500rpm. It's just weak at idle. I do have an aftermarket fuel pump, perhaps it draws more than the stock pump did.

7800 miles….it’s not even broken in yet.

Hens teeth are easier

the raised screen is the same screen.. but extended (duh) so they can be trimmed (I did) easily with a jigsaw and the edge smoothed out with sand paper. Re-cover the edge with oem or box-store edging. I actually made mine an inch lower than stock because like scud, I like the wind lower. ... and it looks cool

I'm kinda with the reviewer. No real preference. I prefer the RE motor concept 270* crank, I'll bet it sounds lovely and I love twins. I'm not in love with the look however, as much as I am the BSA. Don't care for the BSA radiator but it's an advancement I'm wiling to accept. The concept of smallish/retro/standard is the only point I can consider and address, and that puts the BSA in front for me... I like that they embraced their Arms heritage coming back to market. TBH my interest in bikes in that category is firmly in the vintage originals. If I were to cave and opt for reliability and newness I'd go for a used W650 or even a new W800. For now my 1980 XS650 is occupying that space nicely.

Have fun.

After a quick read, some (slow) reflection, it seems the Battlax T32 Sport Touring aced it over almost all the other brands save for the Dunlop Roadsmart 3. One parameter the test lacks, is longevity and autonomy. How do those tires retain the rated efficiency over time? I am on my second set of Michelin Road 5 2CT, and I rode the whole of the Motorcycle Grand Tour of Texas 2022 on them. I wanted to check the Road 6 this year, but for lack of availability, I had to settle again for the Road 5. When I read the specific report on the Michelin Road 5, I find some elements I concur with, others I don't have that experience of the lack of progressiveness in cornering. When I did the twisted sisters last year, which are a mix of tights and more opened corners, I did not have to fight to lean the bike. It also may come from how I approach curves. I tend to use the rear brake; I believe the tester did not. I am going to have to check the Battlax T32 at some point... after I check the Michelin Road 6. It is interesting how some of the rider's reviews for those tested tires do not reflect the data presented in this UTAC report. I also noted the author of the report uses the word "subjective" several times.

Thanks for bringing up this topic; UTAC used to based in Monthlery France, where I happened to do my High School. UTAC stands for Union Technique de l'Automobile et du Cycle. Monthlery has a racing track where Grand-Prix F1 and Motorcycle took place when I was a kid. While in Monthlery, we used to go to the track to watch cars while they were being tested, and spoke with the UTAC technicians. UTAC has grown and has an international footprint today. However, the headquarters are still based at the Monthlery racing track like they were in the 60's when I was there. The track is no longer certified for racing, but it is used for numerous events of all kinds for cars and motorcycles. UTAC is the company you would use to do all your testing including certification. They can be trusted for impartiality, even if the test was paid for by Bridgestone; UTAC is a private for profit company. Glossary: the report mentions "on the ring"; the "RING" is an oval with banked curves. The Monthlery circuit is not where they did the test in the report. The test was conducted at Bridgestone Italian tracks. As you can see in this very old diagram made by UTAC (look at the telephone numbers with only two and three digits), initially the track was long; 7.765 miles when you include what is described as "boucles des Biscornes (Biscornes Loop). Look at the two videos herewith: the one on motorbike is done on the Biscornes Loop. The second video is shot on the oval. As pointed out in the second video, during tests, they run the oval counterclockwise. For races, clockwise, and they omit the Biscornes loop. They take the short cut turn at "The two bridges". I have driven on the Biscornes loop, not with a motorcycle though. The track is very representative of all you find on road. The oval is also very bumpy, because with time, it has degraded. This is the reason why they have added so many chicanes to prevent drivers to go too fast.

I like my motorbikes to look like they came out of the assembly line yesterday. Independently of their millesime. I am not so much on time erosion. My V11 exhibits plenty of signs it has been here and there, and some of them make me cringe and unhappy. My right hand side initially immaculate exhaust has a small scratch, after I dropped the bike. Each time I wash the Le Mans, I try to ignore that it is there, but I can't, and it brings pain. I considered replacing that exhaust just for that, but Stay in Tune did not Stay in business. When I was young, a friend of mine had her nose broken playing sport. The patina rationale did not hold water. The nose job did.... There is also a great debate on artificially aged guitars. All my guitars look like new. I take great care of them. If you follow a little bit the guitar market, you will find out that people are willing to pay more to purchase a guitar that looks like it was used and abused for several years. So, I guess Patina makes sense. Not to me though. I like my glaciers to remain as they were before...

from my notes: MPH Cycles Starter Interruptus mod Parts at http://www.cycleterminal.com/ (except the 14 AWG blue, green and white wires). The MPH Cycles part comes with a 10amp fuse in the fuse link. The heat shrink tubing and the black protective tubing could be replaced by ordinary electrical tape. You need a crimping tool for the brass terminals, but a garden variety tool from the hardware store will do fine. The connectors from Cycle Terminal come with male and female spade terminals. The "eye" terminal on the fuse link has to be purchased separately.

I mean, mySport has never run better. I guess I'll install a Genuine / P.Roper MotoModa ® plate "when the time comes." Maybe when the Genuine Joe Caruso® timing gears get mounted. Maybe replace the original valve cover gaskets . . . I am very proud that V11LeMans.com, and @Pressureangle in particular, has honored @pete roper's engineering/design contribution to this community.

The pair of slosh plates arrived today in Ireland, i must say someone is quite handy with the jigsaw. Lovely job, a pitty to hide it but when my oil light flickered during heavy breaking i knew it was time to do something. Thanks Eric and greetings from Cork,world capital of the sideway rains.

FYI: Stereotypes of the Netherlands (I live in motocross and farmers land)

You forgot the gear shift spring!