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Well, after sleeping on this for a few months, it looks like I'm back in the game. I've found a beautiful V11 Le Mans Nero that I'm going to have a look at this week. If it was just an ornament, I'd buy it on the spot but having never ridden a v11 before and having given up sports bikes over 10 years ago, I need to check whether it is comfortable enough to take round Europe for a 9 day tour next month. Are there any things that I should pay particular attention to? The bike has done 17K miles. TIA

I am with @Pressureangle where it comes to filling the gap, "black hole", of support for older models to actually facilitate the living history of the brand. The popularity of 68-72 V7 models is quite high overhere. And the older Nuovo Falcones are also preserved as good as possible by enthousiasts. At the other hand, I still have no trouble keeping the '82 LM3 and C2 rolling (The california 2 going at least 10.000km/year).

I visited Mandello in 2013 during Xmas time, unfortunately it was closed at the time, but still a very nice visit to Mandello and surrounding areas. It's time for a return trip hopefully next year. Nice that they have modernized and kept a connection to history as well. Some of the design looks like the back end of the Griso exhaust pipe. Now...if I could arrange a ride on the original Norge....I would be happy! Taking Guzzi out of Mandello would be like taking BMW out of Munich or Porsche out of Stuttgart (aside from its temporary home in Gmund, Austria during the war)...besides this area of Italy is just beautiful...why move it anywhere else?

A nero sounds like a nice version. What is the model year? My 2002 V11 Sport was first registered in 2005 and that helps for getting better air-pollution ratings, but all that is newer than 2001 is in general not a problem in the European cities.

In the interest of science, I recruited a friend to go on a short, but twisty, ride with me this afternoon for the purpose of conducting a rigorous scientific experiment. The null hypothesis was: "OP Griso owner should not buy a Moto Guzzi V11 Sport or LeMans." Methodology Our study included suburban traffic, stoplight filtering, 40mph lane splitting, extraordinarily tight and narrow roads cut into steep hillsides, high-speed sweepers with uninterrupted visibility, and steep ascents and descents. We did not test any freeway or long straight sections, because that would have been immoral and would have violated the personal integrity of the test riders. Test riders switched steeds partway through the circuit, but did not liberate any oranges from the orchard. Findings: We were unable to disprove the null hypothesis, and therefore recommend that the OP should buy a V11, preferably one outfitted with Ohlins (or other suitable upgrade) suspension and the factory Titanium Kit Racing exhaust. Statistical significance was determined via the application of Scud's constant: intuition squared = objective reality. V11 LeMans = Sport Bike Griso = Sporty Power Cruiser Additional Findings: Riding the V11 caused rapid growth of chest hair, while no measurable effect on chest hair was noted during Griso riding. However, some light tingling in the wrist was noted on the LeMans, which was remedied by switching to the more relaxed riding position on the Griso. The LeMans exhibited a flagrant disregard for speed warning signs at the entrance of curves, while the Griso was arrogantly dismissive in similar situations. Furthermore, the acquisition of a V11 is projected to improve, rather than risk, marital satisfaction due to a logical syllogism. If buy V11, then ride more by oneself. If absence, then heart grows stronger. Therefore, If buy V11, then heart grows stronger. It follows that investing in motorcycles is the same as investing in a primary relationship. Disclaimers: The Nero Corsa is mechanically stock except for the Kit Racing exhaust. She has not been given a "decent tune up", and therefore suffers markedly in comparison to her Scura stablemate. The Griso is significantly upgraded. She has Matris forks, Wilbers shock, titanium exhaust, Marchesini wheels, Beetle map, upgraded Brembo master and rotors, Corbin seat, and every other bit and bauble that caught the PO's (Kindoy2) discerning, yet wandering and somewhat impulsive, eye. Additional Findings: This research study finds that if @KINDOY2 offers a motorcycle for sale that he has personally modified, it should be purchased immediately for the asking price. Finally, OP does not equal PO. This demonstrates that the commutative property of mathematics is not applicable to initialisms. In fact, in this case, OP = FOV11. Original Poster is a Future Owner of a V11.

Before you buy it or before you ride it?

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=83

So I'm almost completely sure that the V85/V9 clutch mechanism would fit in there. PS: very pretty.

The 457 is more modern in every way, but actually makes 4-5 HP less - probably due to EU regs. Its chassis is light years ahead, but Kawi did a heck of a job way back when, with EX500s running 50-52 HP. One of mine has WebCo 245 cams, Cobra slipons, Dynojet kit, a K&N and an airbox mod. The chassis though, well, late 80s. The 660 on the other hand is up near 90HP and no doubt a serious weapon.

maybe.

My V11 was my first ever owned bike. I looked at 3, rode on one. After 5 min of test driving, the shop owner looked confused and a bit disappointed. Don't you need more time? I said: no, what I need is a cup of coffee to discuss your asking price over. 10 years ago, still my best bike (own 3 and have owned 2 more, rode 10+).

Glad you did the road test and all those calcs...too much figuring for me though. I took the easy way out. I judged the book by its cover.

This V11 Le Mans is a beautiful birthday present for your wife. It is a very matury ellegant ballerina with an astonishing first impression, it ages like a flower in her prime. All of it resembles your beautiful wife. How else could you honor her.

Gotcha! what about the shoes?

I know a guy that went down in front of Ky Oaks Mall w/Converse AllStars on. He erased 4 of his toenails doing this.