[Tampa Bay, FL USA: baffi e chiecchiaroni]

Docc- I plan on joining you guys!  Had the pleasure of meeting Czakky yesterday.  He was gracious enough to come over and help do a service on my Le Mans.  Looking forward to meeting you guys.  I know a couple other guys in the area that ride Guzzi's also. I'll spread the word.

 

 

 

Jerry

[REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTER/FUEL PUMP OPTIONS?]

I recently purchased an '02 Le Mans with just over 3,000 miles showing on the clocks.  I am fairly certain this to be correct in that the tires looked virtually new other than being hard as a rock, and the date codes on the tires indicated a manufacture date of 2001.  After replacing the tires and going over the bike I decided to ride it over to Daytona for Bike Week for its maiden ride.  Initially the bike ran great but as the air temps increased the bike developed the dreaded hiccup and cough when stopped and idling in traffic or at a stop light.  Other than feeling a little "weak" in the mid-range between 3500-4000 RPM when accelerating, the bike ran great cruising at 80-85MPH on the interstate, achieving 43 MPG.

I should mention my fuel pump is situated in front of the frame, above the oil cooler and the regulator/rectifier is mounted in the frame triangle behind the fuel pump.  The fuel filter is mounted to the left side of the spine directly adjacent the left cylinder, and they wondered why they had vapor locks!   The fuel lines from the petcock to the fuel pump and filter as well as the oil cooler lines are all braided stainless steel.  Although everything looks well installed, the area above and in front of the engine just looks like everything was jammed into the first convenient place they could think of.  

After doing a complete service with the assistance of forum member Czakky, we adjusted the valves to the .006intake/.008exhaust specs, balanced the TPS, and installed new plugs.  Re-starting the bike we discovered a slow gas leak on the bottom of the fuel filter.  Before I turned my bike into a Roman candle we shut the engine down and decided it was time for a cold brew.

 

My question is, since I plan on replacing and re-locating the fuel filter on top of the frame spine, where I have seen pictures of others located, has anyone used any other type of filter with smaller dimensions? I realize I will probably have to modify or fab a new bracket to hold the filter as well as provide some type of heat insulation, but for the life of me I cant understand why it was mounted on the side of the frame directly above and next to the cylinder.

 

My second question, has anyone considered moving the fuel pump to the area behind the air box, below the shock and above the swing arm?  There looks to be plenty of room  and it would be easily accessible for maintenance.  I have seen several different automotive EFI fuel pumps with like pressure specs, much smaller dimensions that could easily fit in that area, and don't cost nearly as much as stock replacement units.  Any questions, comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

Jerry      

 

   

[How to improve turn in?]

Quercus- When setting your suspension, don't  forget to take into account the weight of the luggage you will be carrying while on the trip.  I have found where the load is situated height and how far back can greatly affect the center of gravity and handling of the bike. 

[Tidying up the Tail]

Gottagetone- Really like what you have done with your bike!  I have a few questions please.  What model M4 mufflers do you have and where did you source them? Did you need to buy a connector pipe from the muffler to the original exhaust pipes?  Also, after you installed the new mufflers did you need to re-map the fuel injection system?  Thanks-

 

Jerry

[Just a little bit of luggage]

Scud- A friend and I began discussing an extended trip for later this summer on our bikes.  In preparation I began a search for additional soft luggage that I can use on my recently acquired LeMans as well as any of my other bikes in conjunction with my Tour Master "throw over bags".  Not knowing how often it would actually get used and being the cheap skate I am, I ended up buying a Nelson-Rigg CL400 Tail Bag for the exorbitant sum of $95.00.    I used it last week exclusively on the trip over to Daytona for Bike Week.  It easily held enough clothes for several days of travel. The ride over and back totaled close to 400 miles.  Arriving home I was unable to detect any signs of chaffing where the straps came in contact with the bike but if I were traveling farther I would certainly use some type of preventive chaff protection just to insure the paint and finish doesn't get damaged. Hope this helps and any questions or comments are welcome.         

[V11 LE MANS REGISTRY]

Hello all- Recently purchased a low mileage '02 Champagne LeMans out of Texas.  Found some paperwork in the tail pod indicating the bike was originally sold in Alaska!!!   Rode it over to Daytona for Bike Week,  first ride over 50 miles and love it!!!  Hope to meet and greet you folks at some of the gatherings this year.