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No mechanical or other issues to attend, why not help the paint. Just cleaned the paint from everything, and a little paintrepair.(not finished). Need to raise the seat a bit front. And did I mention, they are rideable [emoji16]. Yes they are special, for sure another IPA. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

NEW and better volt meter made of metal and has charging capability. From Amazon for $10 *Wired direct from battery and has good off and on button! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LKRDG2T?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Nero in for a full service, A to Å. Yes even further than xyz, Å, 29 letters. 21 + years paint in black metallic came out amazing with 3layers of ceramic coating. Bloody hell, they bring so much joy. 47k km now, like new. Ok will do the bushings on the gear lever. Wrong bolt for the job, to many treds in the wrong place. IPA time yes. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

Indian brand has been owned by many different companies, I own an Italian made Indian labeled dirt bike from the 1970’s bought for me in the 80’s when I was a child. Pertaining to Polaris ownership of Indian, I don’t think they wanted to “sell out” to the Chinese, so selling a majority stake to a PE with real estate and media portfolio seemed to make sense. With tariffs and other worldly pressures, HD & Indian’s bread and butter high end bagger global & domestic sales are down, making PE a good option for a soft landing (before default?) I am just glad that Moto Guzzi is building bikes in a new factory in Mandello del Lario….

I’m all ready for my next Guzzi

I got about 5 minutes into it, and decided the bloke is too much of a tosser.

Yesterday I put new spark plugs in the Scura and gave her a quick bath. But why new plugs? Well... @LaGrasta and I were out for a jaunt last week. I was going to introduce him to the Elfin Forest, but before we arrived at the enchanted road, the Scura started running horribly. Pulled over, found a plug wire dangling. Popped it back on. Rode through the next intersection with a smile on my face, until it popped off again. The cap wouldn't stay seated on the plug. It turns out that the plug's screw-on tip had rattled its threads right off from the inside, which I did not figure out till yesterday. First time I have ever seen this happen. The tip was lodged in the wire's boot, and yesterday I extracted it with a wood screw and pliers. So... without knowing the above, we searched for the nearest likely place to procure a plug. Apple Maps showed an auto-repair shop two blocks away in an industrial park. Rolling up, we found ourselves in a Ferrari repair shop with at least 30 stunning Italian steeds. The mechanics took pity on us, informed us that many Ferraris use motorcycle plugs, and turned their toolboxes inside out looking for a suitable fix while we ogled 4-wheeled Italian art - vintage and well-used to showroom fresh. But alas, no solution was present. So I rode it back home with the plug wire strategically tensioned to stay on. Today we tried again, but with a group of four, including @bzane. And she ran sweetly all day. Here is the original photo of the four bikes. And here is the same photo, but with 100% of the orange and 50% of the collective horsepower edited out.

We (company) just went to our bank for a short-term building loan. By the time it was over, I had to decline; I had to put up my *personal* assets against the loan. I told them, 'if I'm a corporation and you're a corporation, and my corporation needs a loan and you're in the business of loaning, and my corporation is viable with cash flow and assets, why should I expose my personal assets? After all, the primary function of incorporating is to separate the two". The response was at it's base, "Government regulations now demand it. We have no discretion". So that's the primary reason Private Equity has gained so much traction and market share. We just went out to PE, showed them our prospectus for the new building, and got the money. Simple papers, no hooks, no mountain of IRS returns, officer affidavits, etc. Just cash and business. Terms were agreed in about 10 minutes. Penalties in 5 more. Too easy- but, a predatory or dishonest PE could be Satan. As probably many are.

Part One: Second Part next week.

I’m on the verge of soon attending the local 250th anniversary celebration of the Marine Corps at the annual birthday ball, a deeply meaningful event that also marks my 30-year retirement from active duty. It’s hard to believe how special this occasion has become for me. In preparation, I've been working and dieting hard to fit into my Marine Corps dress blues, the very uniform I received while on recruiting duty as a young married staff sergeant back in 1980. As I pull out my well-worn cap, I can’t help but notice the cracks that time has left behind, a reflection of the years I’ve spent serving. I’ll also take a moment to dust off my chest full of ribbons, each one a reminder of cherished memories, though I admit I may not recall all of them. I know I’ll need to shave off my facial hair to meet uniform regulations, but I’m at peace with that. Every time I think of the comrades who have faded away, it stirs a mix of emotions, yet I am grateful to still be standing, even if for just a little longer. I’ll be attending with my girlfriend, who, while not very familiar with military traditions, has excitedly chosen a beautiful ball gown for the evening. I’ve also invited my golf and poker playing friend who's a retired Army Sergeant Major in the Army Reserve, and I know we will all have a great time together. It's going to be an expensive outing but that is OK, I never did buy myself that 18 year old scotch for my 50th anniversary of graduating boot camp. It’s a poignant realization that I retired before many of the active-duty attendees weren't even born. As I prepare for the cake-cutting ceremony, it strikes me that I might be one of the oldest Marines present. This thought fills me with humility and gratitude for the journey I’ve had and the experiences that have shaped me.

Tail of the Dragon isn't the craziest road in the country, it just lends itself to hooliganery better than most, and surrounded by great roads and scenery. The riding is comparable to California but wetter. Craziest road I've ever been on is CA 130 between the Lick observatory and San Jose. Handstanding in neutral to make the turns down, the air full of burned brake smell from the cars, what few dared. More like a hiking trail that got paved. https://www.google.com/maps/search/observatory/@37.3371791,-121.6615309,3558m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTEwMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Coppa and Nero carbon fenders treated with a couple of layers with clear coating. Nero absolutely ready for next year. IPA time. Cheers Tom. Sent fra min SM-S906B via Tapatalk

Another way to ease connections to the battery is this: https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/topic/19319-what-did-you-do-to-your-v11-today/?do=findComment&comment=270297 This leaves only 2 connections on each battery post, and keeps the original terminal sizes. +ve to starter & terminal block, -ve to ground and terminal block.

closer...

The early Hi-Cams were a morass of frictional losses. That, along with the twin, and too heavy, valve springs, (2 per valve.) and aggressive camming is what made them not only prone to lifter wear but also not nearly as powerful as they were expected to be. Hence the return to the tried and tested 2V Pushrod format. The early engines had belt cam drives at the front of the motor with camshafts that overhung the front bearings by a huge amount, stressing the oil wedge which was already being provided by a barely adequate oil pump. The second generation Hi-Cam has cams driven by chains up the back of cylinders, single beehive valve springs and the lubrication pump is a larger and much more efficient trochoidal Gerotor pump. There is no doubt that the Gen 2 motor is streets ahead of the earlier one. It is a far, far simpler design and considerably more efficient. It should have been the engine that opened a new chapter for Guzzi but the flat tappet fiasco put paid to that. By the time it was sorted out, five years on, the world was already moving on. It took the ‘Full House’ Piaggio V100 engine design to finally deliver what the Hi-Cams couldn’t. It’s just a pity they are just such a boring and unexceptional engine in technical terms. Oh and ugly! F*ck me drunk the V100 is an ugly powerplant! It gives me a headache just looking at it!

High mile Guzzis are suspicious animals. Probably has things like non-factory relays and wires running in funny directions to surprising places.

The 1000S there had over 200,000 miles. Original owner

Hello all, I just picked up #539 in the Northern VA area and wanted to introduce myself. I believe it is already on the Registry, but now with a new owner. It needs some TLC, but I'm really excited about it. I've posted a couple of pics. They're not the best, but once I get her all fixed up I'll post more.

I'd like to do some west coast rides. Chuck posts quite a few N of LA. I'l like to do all of them and PCH up the coast. I've done a good portion of the PCH in a rented Mini Turbo Stick, but would love to ride it all. So far as the Dragon. I think what makes it so special are the sight lines. And I'm guessing that is an enticement to the hooligans: The riders have good vision rounding those tight corners.

Private equity can be good or bad. It can provide funds for growth and expansion. But it can also focus too much on returns (profits). If that happens, a common path is to increase profitability by cutting costs. That often leads downwards, to eventual destruction of the brand.

This is the best place I know for connectors ==> https://www.customconnectorkits.com

Just the normal spring pre load. I have a tool for this nut I made 25 years ago. The larger round aluminium one with the 4 pins. Phil

I always put them on and tighten them w/a pair of pliers. And I get them snug !

Nice milestone today on the speedometer...smooth with all of the fresh fluids! Successful 100 mile run...no leaks!

Finally finished the California II.

Here's the second (and last) installment for your enjoyment... or in some cases, a source of ire. This one has some very well known names being interviewed.

I'm also still waiting to see if I won the raffle...I bought 100 tickets, so hoping to have a twin...if I win it, will sell it to you very cheap! I had my Norge out yesterday for a nice 100 miler thru the forest, the bike is running phenomenally after several months of extremely detailed electrical work, fixing some corroded wires, painting some panels and general extreme cleaning with a steam cleaner from head to toe. All of that to say that I'm now getting 50 mpg, which I've never seen before on my usual run, as I'm used to getting 42 all of these years. Good karma I'm guessing!

We'll see, haven't told the missus yet!

Aren't you a business writer? I bet you know retirement rules.

That statement is a poetic, and poignant, expression that informs our lives (whatever we have experienced and endured). Semper Fidelis, indeed, @Sempervee1

https://superbike-news.co.uk/the-piaggio-group-takes-centre-stage-at-eicma/

I'm planning on getting one next year; waiting to turn 59 1/2.

So good to finally find out this here back story… I’ve always been intrigued by pics of this lawn tractor Sure hope it stayed as is! It’sa what happens when some good ol’ boys get on the weed instead of cutting weeds 🤣

I am of the theory that I caught a similar airborne virus at around 12 years old when I had a paper route and an older (14) gave me a ride on his new Honda 305 Superhawk. I have suffered almost 60 years since and tried various medical, psychological and other cures. I thought I had it in remission (numbers going down) until recently when the count started the other way. I have enlisted a psychiatric nurse who claims she has a solution and last evening came over with some of her solution which involves two roaming cats that she brought along, in the last picture. I think it maybe my final chance to beat this virus!

Shawn has a great Beatles cover that's one of my all time favorites.

Unless there's a running issue I wouldn't worry about a leak down check. If you really want something to do then just do a simple compression test and if you find low compression then go for the leak down. The comp test you can do anywhere with an economical/borrowed compression tester. Phil

Can never have enough good grounds. I can't speak to historical anecdotes, but on mine the case ground disappears into the harness, and if experience is a teacher it probably goes through at least one connector and to a frame lug with paint on it. Prone to failure. An extra ground wire with a proven path is little cost in time and materials at least for peace of mind. I also see that some ECUs are upside down- mine and Docc's early have the backside with harness connector on top, mounted to rubber vibration isolators. This must be a year/production split. On my '97 sport, the regulator ground was through the painted fairing frame, through the painted fairing frame/frame joint, through the painted frame/engine/trans joints, to the main ground lug on the transmission. I ran wires connecting points across all of these joints. Your ECU operates obviously with a ground, but your injectors in particular are fired by what they call a pull-down circuit- that is, they are switched on the ground side (on most EFI, not certain here) because the current load on the switches is far less on the ground side than the hot side. So inadequate ground will result in poor injector performance at least.

I'll be "just retired" by then, too, @4corsa! We'll celebrate!

Yes pump is shot. They are dirt cheap to buy with new filter and hose. I'm assuming it's an in tank pump on an 03 model? I've had the exact same issue on an in tank pump. I got it working again with some WD40 in it but replaced it anyway. I was selling the whole pump assy and thought I'd check it before I shipped it so at the end of the day the buyer got a brand new pump. Sold it to someone here I think. Phil

Strangely, a number of auto parts stores have started carrying weatherpak/metripack connector parts for repairs. May be a walk-in find.

I'm not seeing anything problematic. I installed my own yesterday, and I can say with confidence that there is absolutely no way to force the bolts past the splines without being in the appropriate relief. My rear drive came to me partially disassembled, or had been, in a box. I replaced the main bearings and cleaned everything, but did not replace the pinion bearings. I studied the play in the pinion very carefully, as this thread had been posted by then. Reviewing the internal structure of the bearing arrangement, and an hour on the bench testing adjustment, that there is *no way* to assemble this box and have zero play, either radially or axially. That is a function of the front, or thrust bearing, which appears to be an angular thrust race ball bearing but not one with very tight tolerance such as in a machine tool spindle. So by the time the adjustment is tight enough to stop play, the assembly is so tight it's hard to move and would self-destruct. I adjusted mine about one hole on the retainer plate looser than the point at which I could feel the rotational resistance change. That left me with just enough play in both directions that in any other shaft I would be concerned that the bearings were shot. But that seems to be the way it is, and likes to be. To the point of having too much play, well, it seems anecdotally that they don't much care; these are spiral bevel gears, not true hypoid gears, so they tolerate axial movement far more than hypoid will. And, because the thrust surfaces don't change their orientation under load, the bearings are unaffected. I would, for my own peace of mind, tighten the adjuster up until I had (shame on me for not actually measuring my own) .020" to .050" of movement. <shrug> And thanks to @nuevototem for showing me that those spacers go under the joint cover, I was going to complain about how difficult it was to install the rear joint bolts without unbolting the cover. I'll get them in at the next tire change lol

Know that Chevron Delo ESI gear oil also comes in 80w90 if you want to stay close to the recommended viscosity. Around the same price at ~ $112 for a case of 12/1 quart

I've never had real time sellers remorse. Once the decision is made to sell the vehicle it's dead to me. Years later, well that's another story. Phil

I love this so much. Thank you for taking me along when I have not been able to get back there for so long . . . The sights and the sounds are so comforting, reminding me of my ten years there. The special interviews with Peter Egan, @Corey Levenson, and @swooshdave (himself!) are just extraordinary. That the sound is raw and unaltered makes the experience better for me. Having actually been there, I appreciate the raw take on the audio. That my ears ring all the time and my bandmates are suspect of my hearing should be considered in this matter of "audio" opinion . . .

Eric…I think you would be very happy on a solid Norge for touring! Here’s mine from earlier in the year at Rusk camp ground! Hard to beat for all day comfort, great in the twisties with an upgraded suspension and high speed touring…