PJPR01

That might have been a Jackalope...those were fairly common in Arizona when I lived there a while ago.

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.

That's a nice piece of jewelry! Only 105 Octane should pass thru that gate into the Greenie...anything less is not worthy!

A little minor maintenance…decided to install new ignition coils…had them in the box for a year now…and since the tank was off…might as well. No difference vs the originals so that’s actually good! Ran a wire for my TomTom under the airbox to the battery since I had the tank off, I had an extra mount so now fully wired. Resealed the fuel sender unit at the tank with some Hylomar blue…no more leaks ( last leak was two years ago)…had some very minor drips over the last couple of weeks. Did a valve adjustment…a lot quieter…would like it quieter still but will run as is for now. Bike running beautifully…out for a ride with friend today…lent him my Griso.

Excellent…well if we’re in town when you come thru, let me know and hopefully P6X and I can meet you nearby for a quick get together. If you need any help in the Houston area let us know!

Most excellent!! That makes 3 of us then on the board doing the Tour. If you're near Houston anytime, send up a flare and we can have a small Spine Raid reunion at Classic Rock in Navasota and pick up that stop for you! My flag is 108 this year - 13 stops done so far on the weekend of the flag pickup, hopefully another 3 this weekend and another 5 or so next week. P6X and I picked up our flags in Bandera...did you make it there also or just got it in the mail now?

Yes....it's in Datil/Pie Town area, usually in August. There are a few folks in Arizona and Texas who go there occasionally. Matt Forslund I believe is still the guy who runs it...I think he's still the New Mexico rep. Will have to see if there's a link somewhere on the other Guzzi forums. It should also be posted on the MGNOC events page...

Yup...a 10mm wrench!

That's cool Phil...similar experiences in a different part of the world! The front hood of my vehicle had a slight wrinkle in it that my Dad had hammered out (not perfect, but good enough!) I can't even recall the hundreds of hours spent on maintaining and modifying the 122S. Upgrades from IPD here in the states, a short shifter, some added guages, upgraded needles in the SU Carbs, rebuilt the gearbox with new bearings and synchros, new clutch, new shocks and springs all around, and then a fabulous stereo system installed with 4 6X9 speakers and an equalizer and special wood cabinet panels built in the rear area to replace the soft carpet like panels...plus so many other fun little items. Mine was the original Pearl White, I had painted it a lovely burgundy, blacked out grills/rings around the headlights...upgraded FIAMM horns hiding behind the grills. Geez...far too many hours and $'s spent...but for a 16 year old it was decent but not fast transportation, and lasted me until my mid 20's. I used to drive it every trimester up and down the California coast from Palo Alto to San Diego (500 miles each way). One memorable event, the engine blew coming over the Grapevine north of Los Angeles with oil scattered all over the engine compartment, and I had to nurse it the remaining 100 miles to San Diego by adding a quart of oil every 20 miles and driving it only about 25-30 mph the whole way...a long and tortuous return to school. Found a guy in San Diego to help me rebuild the engine, and it lasted for another 100K running as smooth as silk. I think I put close to 150K in total miles over that time...was glad to finally upgrade to an Audi 4000S...but it served faithfully for all of those years.

We were just a bit after you in the line up. My Dad had a 66,67,68 122S station wagon all at the same time. He loved Volvo’s and had a friend with a Saab dealership. I learned to drive on these Volvos as a kid and had the 68 model until my mid 20’s! Rebuilt them completely at times as needed. We later added a 73 145 that my dad bought from the factory in Goteborg and brought it back home to California. Years later my Mom bought a 1982 245 DL. All 5 station wagons and all 5 stick shift. They were slow but reliable and super easy to work on and roomy. The newer ones are reasonably stylish but never enough to want to buy another one.