PJPR01

Now that was exciting in a different way!

What has happened to Bagnaia...he's acting like a first year rookie all of a sudden...timid, unsure, happy with a 3rd place finish...I don't get it. I mean I enjoy seeing Marquez win, but some variety would be nice too...it's like the rest of the folks showing up are being paid NOT to race almost. Fabio...well, Fabio is in a slump now...from World Champ to has been in just a few seasons. Zarco...another no show. At this rate it would be almost fun to bring back Takagami to see some more bumping and grinding....

Almost true...the 2V 1200 Norge engine is significantly better than the 2V 1100 in the V11 series. However...having said that, owning and enjoying a 2002 V11 Scura, a 2008 2V Norge and a 2015 4V Griso...all I can say is: N+1 is the correct # of motorcycles you should have, with N being the current number! By all means delve into the V11 series...worst case scenario, you could sell it, but I doubt that would happen. The V11 series of bikes are extremely intuitive to ride, love the twisties and are very easy to work on, with the exception of some oddly placed zerk fittings...but to be fair, all of the Guzzi bikes have something unique about them. I have yet to find a reason to sell any one after having acquired another one.

It's been several years since I've stopped into Mike's place in Hempstead...we had a few guys drop in one time for a little rendezvous. He's not too far off the route we do from time to time from Hempstead to Belleville, we swing right by the road to his house. Agreed, it's a bit of a stretch to get there, and logistics are a bit more of a challenge. I'm lucky to have a motorcycle trailer stored at a friend's place so I could drop off a bike there if needed. Let me know if that becomes an issue for you...easy enough to arrange it. Perhaps he can only do so many jobs...did you get the idea that Mike would be doing the work or Davey from time to time?

Interesting...that same cold day, we had received news that the Guzzi Demo day had been cancelled...so sounds like a mixup in communication. If he's planning to discount some of the newer Guzzi's maybe we'll see a few more on the road. I'd be tempted to get a Blue Mandello, but honestly I don't have any more room with 4 bikes already and I'm afraid that would mean I'd have to give up one of the other bikes...none of which I'm ready to part with just yet! I may stop in there in June...there's a fantastic Table Tennis Club off Mason road that I go to from time to time, not far from WWM, so I may drop in the next time I'm down in that area. When do you pick up the "new" old Stelvio? Maybe WW would let you store your Quota with them for a while or put it on consignment for sale as well while you're advertising it. I'd also suggest putting a For Sale on WildGuzzi or on Facebook...both have a few dedicated Quota owners...you might get a bite there.

Instead of loctite, you could use a very very small amount of Blue Hylomar on the thread, would provide enough "stickiness" w/o creating a locking situation. I couldn't imagine how it would spin off by itself unless it was well enough loose, or the Quota is like a paint shaker and vibrates like hell. Seems unlikely though.

Exactly why do they put springs on those exhaust headers. I mean, how likely is it that both exhaust nuts or bolts are going to come undone, and the spring is the only thing holding it on. Surely there must be a good explanation, other than aesthetics. Any ideas?

I am a fan of Marquez...but he screwed up big time. To quote an old friend..."He snatched Defeat out of the Jaws of Victory". Very disappointing to have a self inflicted disaster like this...but hats off to the rest of the racers. It was still a fun day to ride up to COTA and enjoy the environment at the races, always a treat to go to the track and enjoy the festivities...visiting Ducati Island, seeing the Demo Bikes (no Guzzi tent for demos but every other brand was there) and lots of Guzzis in the parking lot..saw 2 V85's, 1 Griso, 1 California, my Norge, 1 V7 Special and I'm sure there were more. Onwards to the next race...and hopefully more prudent racing and decision making as well! I'm guessing the race stewards will be re-evaluating their rule book...again! As much as I would have liked to visit with other V11 members, managing the family, their timing and activities made it impossible to meet anyone and still see the race on time. Maybe next time!

It's always a fun event at the Texas Sidecar....will miss it this year however due to other family commitments. Nice to see the tour of their factory, quite a bit bigger than the older one. He does have a custom painter who does excellent work...I may have to consider him for a paint job in the future on the Norge. A few years ago, an older fellow had a Norge with a TSC that he was selling...but I never had a chance to see how it all bolted up...hopefully not putting any stress on the CARC itself. At this point, still planning on getting to COTA for Moto GP on Sunday...

Let's hope he doesn't crash out inadvertently!

One of their best!! Every time I ride thru La Grange…mysteriously I’m listening to ZZ TOP!! How does that happen!

Excellent plan John...hope you can make it! Riding the Greenie? Was just thru Lockhart a few weeks ago on the Tour of Texas coming back from Bandera of course, had to stop at Blacks! Mandatory stop in Lockhart as one of the stops was the Grand Courthouse just a few blocks away.

I've been lucky over the years I've gone 5 or 6 times, I just show up and buy a ticket at the box office when I get there. If you ride a motorcycle, parking is also free! In prior years I've had seats in the Grandstand, Turn 1, Turn 15/16 and general admission. Very rarely does it sell out completely so it's more how much you want to spend. Although it's a hike to get to the top of the hill ( you get your cardio activity in), Turn 1 is fantastic to see the long stretch and then tight bunching around the almost 140 degree turn. Turn 15/16 is great to see the backstretch at full speed, full braking and lots of turns with the bikes fully inclined over. One year I went with my wife and son and bought tickets in advance on Turn 15/16, so we could guarantee a seat since it was their first time. If you go by all means pay a few bucks and ride to the top of the Red Tower...it's an amazing view from the top!

I'm planning to go to COTA on Sunday morning for the race...my annual tradition to ride up on the bike early morning and enjoy the day. Nice easy 2.5 hour ride, see some great racing, look at demo bikes and ride home. As long as the weather holds as it is now, it should be a spectacular day to be at the races again. I think there will be some bumping and grinding, maybe a crash or two...but no doubt the King of Cota is favored again!

The Griso is a more acquired taste riding wise. Styling wise, it's a beauty, but it took me a while to "bond" with the bike, after doing the right ergonomic modifications, it became a wonderful fit. The Scura, straight out of the gate, both stylistically and ergonomically was perfect.