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Greetings. As there have been a few rather hot days this summer, it has occurred to me that getting onto a seat that's been baking in the sun can be unpleasant. Meanwhile, my daughter finally did a big clean in her room, dumping things she didn't want in her room into the hall. Among the unwanted items was a sheepskin. So, I found a couple helpful websites and a sewing kit and started into project seat cover. From a plethora of cam straps I grabbed two. Advice said use floss, so I found some Listerine mint floss and eventually got it through the eye of the needle. Though I used a needle with the smallest eye I could, it was a bit of a bear to pull the needle through the leather, especially in warm and humid conditions, as my fingers had trouble getting purchase on the shaft of the needle. I was a bit lazy and thinking I should go raid the son's climbing gear for some chalk, but fortunately that was unnecessary as I found that drying blood actually gives some good grip. After several hours and several times that number of non-life-threatening injuries (the stick under the index finger nail still smarts), I had completed this masterpiece: Very happy with the aesthetic; it matches Bubbles' personality quite nicely. I was very excited to try out new seat cover today; even treated Bubbles to a little cleaning. While she was outside awaiting this cleaning, it started to drizzle, so I threw some plastic over top of her to keep the new seat cover dry. However, just a few drops and this thing smells like a wet dog. Definitely don't let this thing get wet. Figured I'd let things dry up for a bit before my inaugural ride, so I came in here to post on my excellent work. Started reading @Oxfo-Moto 'give me one reason' post, then start writing this post, then look outside. It looks awfully grey out there. Could it be raining heavily? Yep. Shite. Guess I'll be waiting for this thing to air dry before I report on how comfortable it is. Still, it looks great, IMHO!

...but you still have a spine to bring.

. Sigh, but I do understand that a Honda C-RV is chopped liver among the spinies, lesser Guzzi=es, and the occasional unmentionable "other brands," so my fragile ego will get over this. Bill

Sorry to say I won't be attending this year. Happy to add that I've moved my life, with my girl to a most glorious section of south central Indiana's Hoosier National Forrest. She hasn't left the city yet and I'm covered up with preparations and repairs. It's gonna take a year to settle in. The SSR is the best! I am missing you all.

Always a bit hard to pin down attendance until the time comes, but I'm seeing a good spread of SpineFrames: my(2000)Sport, a (returning) 2001 Rosso Mandello [ @Agonza5 ], 2002 LeMans (first-time South'n SpineRaider: @Kevin_T , and (returning) @Tom in Virginia [but with his '02, or '03 LeMans?], plus @Randy's 2004 Coppa Italia. Somewhere, I thought I saw @footgoose might return with his lovely 2002 Tenni. All-in-all, y'all: "Get There. Bring tools." Missing: @Gary's "silverie" . . .

Ok. Can you PM me either your email address or phone number for the postal forms as I have a new one to send you. I recently bought a spare here from the company I linked previously and thought I may as well buy 2. You'll need it sooner or later.

Ha you caught that before I could change "mount" to "install"!

I don't know anything about mounting sheep.

I've been doing it wrong all these years, mounting only the hide instead of the entire sheep!

Sometimes insurance write-offs can make a nice vehicle more affordable, especially if damage was cosmetic and rare parts (as you would have on the Nero Corsa) were unavailable. FWIW - my Nero is on it's 3rd speedometer. The original MPH one was replaced with a KPH one when she went to Canada for a while. Then I installed a Speedhut GPS tach and speedo in MPH, which is kind of a PITA, but so pretty once completed.

Ok. Many thanks for your input docc. In response: 1. That is a given 2. It was an insurance write off 3. Roger that 4. Ditto 5. Thanks 6. Apparently on its 3rd Speedo 7. Will check 8. Natch 9. Tbc 10. Yes indeed. Viewing this week hopefully.

If Enzo is so stubborn, I make one myself, he thought.

whatever you're going to need sir. let me know. anyway I can help.

I thought you meant this....After the first ride after riding my Norge My 03 EV felt like a "Tractor"

Docc- This would fit perfectly in your collection between the GB500 & V11 Sport….

I am now the proud owner of a low-mileage, fully recall-compliant Hydro 03 EV, purchased from its original owner in Seattle. The paint and chrome are in excellent condition, but I look forward to addressing the long delayed maintenance. So far, the only physical issue is the high position of the rear brake, which requires me to rest my heel on a nub to modulate it. Being a hands-on person, I plan to change the oils, inspect the brakes, and replace the tires and battery while reacquainting myself with the older electrical and fuel injection systems. I’m also looking for a locking set of saddle bags to compliment her livery. Any info on oils and tires etc or maintenance tips will be appreciated. This Hydro 03 perfectly complements VroomHilda, my 2007 Norge. I sit in the Norge and feels like on top of the Cali so might me looking to change to another seat in the future. They are only 4 years apart the Norge and the Cali but worlds apart in totality. <br />[url=https://ibb.co/B29F8Pww][img]https://i.ibb.co/B29F8Pww/IMG-4801.jpg[/img][/url]<br /><br />[url=https://ibb.co/f6KNm2J][img]https://i.ibb.co/f6KNm2J/IMG-4943.jpg[/img][/url]<br />

not the best 'racer' look but I've been using the very same, only black, for 25 years. Great in cold weather, great in hot weather, great in the rain. Water runs off the natural lanolin fur. Very comfy.

@docc, that's a sans sheepskin pic. Bum against the bumstop is about 2" back, but knees still aren't inside the scalloped facet of the tank.

Aussie overstock!?

Is that with your "bum" against the "bumstop", or more centered on the, erm, sheepskin?

2003 Rosso Corsa project bike: Replaced intermediate plate that had cracked side stand bolt hole, replaced side stand that had bent mounting bracket, changed oil and filter. First bike maintenance I've done since open heart surgery the end of February

I did find one for about $30us. How little do you want to pay for a part that has a 25 year life? Phil

Happy to report that Black Mistral reverse megaphone mufflers have been ordered. Thank you for your comments.

I would love to archive an alternative replacement! @Speedfrog? @audiomick?

Just wonder if anyone had found a replacement ? Docc , I revived mine w/contact cleaner and a lot of plunger movement!

OEM part as far as I can tell. Phil

Phil's link looks OEM . . . https://motociclo.com.au/product/neutral-switch-moto-guzzi-6-speed-and-small-block/

You are amazing, sir! Thank you for the kind consideration!

Good advice Scud, I will continue to research the bike to try and determine if it ever had a “Txxx” assigned to it. If it did and I can determine what it was I will have one made up. The previous owner did contact Moto Guzzi with the VIN and engine numbers and they did confirm it to be 2002 Tenni. Thank you for your comment

Those number plates are stuck onto the top triple clamp, same as the eagle badges (which I think are still available to buy). I had not heard that some plates were missing, but that is entirely plausible. If the VIN shows that bike is an actual Tenni, that's what matters. I suppose if you really wanted a number plate, that you could have one made and laser-etched, but you'd need to either find out what number yours was supposed to be, or just make up a number. Personally, I would enjoy the bike and chalk it up to inconsistencies at the factory.

Yessir!

You're talking the "16" you can see in this photo?

It is really ridiculous how "normal" this bearing feels, on the bench (after 10,000 miles). What made it feel "gritty" in the wheel? Was I dragging the spacer around with my finger and that is what I felt? I'm bringing this bearing to the SSR and have everyone inspect it. Looking like a false alarm . . .

Three is a collection. Two is just a coincidence .

A too-long spacer won't put side pressure on the bearings, so no- probably. You can, if the spacer is too long, drive the bearing outer races into a tight hub where they can't center themselves- achieving the same effect, though the axle nut can apply a lot more pressure than likely to achieve by driving them against the spacer. Phil's method above works, and if you have a nice hardened (read 'measures consistent across surfaces') washer, you could probably just rotate the washer by hand on the spacer and installed bearing, and feel it kinda just brush against the race shoulder. If the washer is hard against the hub, the axle nut will crush any clearance out- too tight. If it measures good and feels good, you're good. "In the event this 112.9mm measurement is reasonably accurate, and my replacement spacer is 113.145, then may spacer is too long by almost 0.010" (0.245mm). Based on the discussion, that sounds like too much lateral displacement of the inner race limiting the bearing life?" I'd like to see less than .010", but I wouldn't let it keep me from riding.

In the event this 112.9mm measurement is reasonably accurate, and my replacement spacer is 113.145, then my spacer is too long by almost 0.010" (0.245mm). Based on the discussion, that sounds like too much lateral displacement of the inner race limiting the bearing life?

I mentioned in my previous post the technique for those without machine shop equipment. If you haven't got the money for a $50 set of 6 inch verniers that will last you for life then you probably shouldn't be working on you bike to start with. I've never had a wheel bearing that was a "tap fit" in a hub that wasn't damaged in some way. Thats why they are usually C3 bearings standard. Every one I've ever done on an undamaged hub required enough hammering on the inner race during removal to make it unusable again. Unusable in the sense that it will have reduced life by quite a margin. It is still of course "useable" in the sense you can fit it and ride around for a while but long after you've forgotten how you hammered it you'll be wondering why it's life was far shorter than you expected. Phil

Parts came in yesterday, so back on the project. It took some effort to split the clutch discs from the intermediate plate, but they look really good, so spare parts. Installed the new clutch, new throttle cables, transmission seals, rear main seal, float valve, breather hoses, air filter, etc. The swingarm and the center stand were PITA, but they are on now. Hopefully more work tomorrow.

@Oxfo-Moto, I would be curious about the tenth digit of the VIN (year of manufacture). It will not likely be a "6." As to "particular things to pay attention to " before buying: 1) That you already love the bike and some blindness is acceptable from the start. 2) No history or signs of a crash. 3) No history of running out of oil/ significant engine repairs. Is there a written service history? 4) Assess the charging system. Put a voltmeter on the battery: key on/ idle/ at some rpm (13.8 -14.2). Look at the battery type/ age/ terminals and general wiring status. Is there an added ground strap to from the regulator to the engine? 5) Under the seat: are there signs of monkey business? (added wiring, shoddy changes, "something" plugged-up between the ECU and the harness). What sort of relays are installed (original, quality replacements, shoddy replacements, mixed bag?) 6) Original, working speedometer/ odometer and tachometer. 7) Presence of factory yellow "witness" paint dabs on all of the tuning screws (TPS etc.) 8) Tire condition and date codes 9) Starts, idles, runs, and rides. 10) That you already love the bike and some blindness is acceptable from the start.

I'm not a big fan of fitting and removing bearings in the hub unless it's totally necessary to minimise wear and tear on the bearing bore. Once a bearing has been "driven" on the inner race which is the only way to remove them the bearing is junk. Throw it in the trash. Here's my way. Fit one bearing to the hub bottomed out on the shoulder. Insert the spacer so it's seated on the fitted bearing and then a large flat washer into the other bearing shoulder and measure with a depth gauge on the end of a pair of callipers between the face of the washer and the end of the spacer. Subtract the thickness of the washer and add a thou or two to the calculated spacer length. Everyone has access to a decent set of 6 in verniers and a hardware store for a large flat washer. This way the fitted bearing stays in place and the other bearing only needs to be installed for the final assembly. Instead of a large flat washer you can use anything with accurate thickness and parallel of the right dia to insert in the bearing hole to measure down to the spacer face such as a piece of 6 in stainless steel rule cut to just under the the bearing bore OD that can rest on the bearing bore shoulder and measure down from the top edge when held vertically to the spacer end face then subtract the measured width of the piece of SS steel rule. Obviously better and easier to just machine a flat washer but not everyone has a lathe.

Well, It's what I just gave myself for my 70th! Needs new tires and battery too... LOL. ** I have not even wrapped my head around turning 60 yet! WTF?

Day one with mySport: twenty-five years ago today !

No one has ever heard the phrase, "Sorry I got that Kubota" . . .

Just bought this and have been riding it around quite a bit. It's incredible!

You probably don't remember me whining that my car got broadsided from a gal playing with her phone, running a stop sign and hitting me in the right rear as I was exiting the intersection. It was in the shop for 3 months but is cosmetically and mechanically good to go.

In May there's Queensland's Ruptured Budgie a few hours inland from Brisbane. September is the NSW Ragged Fringe about 4 hours north of Sydney October is Victoria's Spaghetti 3 hours towards Sydney from Melbourne. Budgie is the biggest, about 400 attending, 250 for the ragged, 200 for the spag. About a quarter at each are Guzzis, but a V11 is a rare sight. Tontis, carcs and v7s dominate.

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+).

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.

Moto Guzzi, making engineers from motorcyclists since 1921. Still love the slow lumbering beasts though. Had a Yamaha XS750 triple, it was what everyone wanted - shaft drive, electric start, three disc brakes, faster than any brit bike. But.....wound it up, easily clicked through the gears, 130mph.....but no sense of feedback, "Is that it?" I thought. Took it on rallies, it just drove there with no drama, no roadside repairs or tales of derring do, may as well have taken the car. Six months later sold it for a new '78 850 Guzzi T3. Loads of fun, engine torque rolling you from side to side as you blip the throttle in the car park. Get it wound up and feel the back end lift as the swinging arm is pushed down. But of course soon learn not to shut off in a corner as then the rear lifts which makes for interesting handling. None of that old character on a Le Man's Sport of course, lighter flywheel and the floating rear bevel box smooth out such hooligan things.