Gmc28

that would be cool, if it can be sourced and evaluated.

Seem to recall the same issue on the Cagiva Gran Canyon (ducati 904, with external fuel pump), and we all used what we called the "sharkbite", which was the brand name of the 90 deg copper reducer synonymous with what LaGrasta shows above. I think Ducati used a custom hose, and we changed to the reducer fitting, and in doing so actually gained additional leeway in how the hoses routed (they were down low, bottom front of engine). Seems it might yield the same benefit here, where the issue Phil is wisely pointing out might be alleviated with use of a 90 deg fitting coming from the petcock. maybe not.... would have to look closer at the limited real estate available, but i'd think the small hose leaving the petcock could point inward toward centerline of engine, then the 90 would turn the flow straight forward, and attach to a nearly straight run of the larger diameter hose to the pump.

amen. Or the sign on the way down (southwest), the yellow caution sign that shows the squiggly curve symbol and says "next 78 miles", or some such thing. delish.

Sounds like you've got a good feel for the good stuff up here... Lolo is always a great run, and the area all around there. the curves are fantastic on any bike, and then if you're on an ADV bike there are lots of great offshoots into the boondocks, or on a V11 there are lots more twisties to chase. Not sure if this an appropriate place to throw out some other "snapshots" of nice roads, but here's a link to what I'm 99% sure is the run i've done a few times that I quite liked (google map link, fairly ubiquitous). You can continue up the snake river to Oxbow, which is another short distance up-and-back also: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8LiNXm6iAV2Fg6d39 Thats a neat, fairly remote route between the snake and Joseph, and then north of there up toward lewiston on the 3 is also good. For off-road (ADV, not dirt bike) riders i have a great little route between walla walla and Anatone (off route 3, north of Joseph). If you're out that way and want to do the Joseph OR area for those enjoyable riding routes around there, my favorite little hotel at Joseph I think I heard is selling, and maybe is selling or may shut down, but their web site is still up. It's a quirky place, but unique in what i'd call a good way: jenningshotel.com i don't actually know who sets these (John Day) events up, other than the generic knowledge that it's MGNOC. I know there are great day rides around John Day, but whether a guy would have to arrive armed with that knowledge or get it from a resource at the event I don't know. yesterday I did the run NW from John Day toward home, up through Fossil and Condon, which is always a great ride. A few very short sporty sections, but mostly just "mildly sporty" and lots of great scenery, and in large sections of the ride lack of vehicles. But in late June, will be strings of tourists checking out the fossil bed stuff I assume, and will likely be HOT in some sections. the "lonesome highway" from Vale OR, up the 26 to john day, was enjoyable. A few grin-inducing sections, but mostly just grand scenery and a good number of sweepers. But in that corner/quadrant of the state, there are lots of fun, remote routes.

To those not familiar with John day, my humble opinion as an Oregonian and with my own subjective lenses on, is that it’s not a destination you’d normally have on your hot list. Far from it. But the area is beautiful. If I were offering advice on where to go, stay, and ride on a visit to Oregon, this area would certainly be hot on the list of recommendations. But I’d consider staying down the road perhaps at prairie city (nifty old hotel there), though I suppose maybe it’s crowded in the summer…. Can’t say for sure these days if the wonderfully quiet area turns into a zoo in summer. Maybe. long distance travelers coming out to John Day and who have time, I’d recommend including the Joseph & Enterprise area, walla walla, Bend (opposite direction), in addition to all the great more remote areas between John day and the Gorge (with the gorge also worth visiting), are where I’d generally point. Lots of scenic hot spots and sporty roads.

Well, not to get too far off thread topic, but will indulge in a quick offshoot… cold riding. Partly in defense of my childish behavior yesterday on the v85 :-> i lived in alaska for a good number of years, and have mostly TomChri’s type blood in me, Norwegian, so maybe thats whey the cold is not as bothersome 😉. Used to ride year round (on a BMW RT), but In truth, I have only very rarely in the last couple decades decided to man-up and purposely ride into very cold weather, choosing instead to re-schedule whatever i had planned when the weather gods were smiling more. Last month I had planned to go get the V85 from Denver, and the weather looked good, right up until i was about to leave, then went downhill fast (dumped snow). Cancel. This time forecast was decent, a lot warmer on the western end of the ride (today… supposed to be mid 60’s in Boise later), and nothing forecasted worse than brief periods down around 42 and dry on the east/denver end. But as often happens, crappy apple weather app forecasts and spiteful weather gods conspire and i end up needing to “man up” as you alluded. Oh well… so be it. Riding for an hour or so through nasty cold, snowy conditions is what it turned into, so thats ok. You riding the Quota to John Day?

All very good. Sounds like you pulled trigger on the Quota, so that should be fun. Might you ride that to John Day? I should have started my opining above about the v85 by confirming that i think such opinions are nearly useless, albeit potentially entertaining, as they are so subjective, and serve mainly to either reinforce others love of the machine, or in some cases perhaps to help someone interested avoid a trait they very much want to avoid. I know that various versions of my younger self over the years would not have loved the bike as much as I do now. I used to scoff at my good friend who first had a V11 Lemans back when I had my ST4… friendly competition. Now the V11 is my favorite. The V85 so far is doing everything well, but doesn’t necessarily win “best of class” in any category. As a total package, it needs no excuses despite some areas where it could in fact be improved, and is consistently bringing a smile.

For what it’s worth, not regretting the v85tt, which is now my official opinion. Mine is a 2022 (bought it used), not the 2024 from the thread title, but today was the unintended test to settle things. Left Denver (Longmont) in unforecast light drizzle and wet snow, and being the child that i am i headed out and upward in elevation. Forecast was for 39 degrees at the coldest, but Apple weather was garbage as always and it dropped to 29 (f), in wet snow. Pavement was fine, but the moisture made it painfully cold, even with the electric gear. Sigh. But in rain mode (pioggia) to assist, she handled smooth, and then when we finally broke out into balmy 38 degree weather and dry air/road, she picked up the pace and danced along beautifully. Then on the highway slog later in the day, something i didn’t test in Italy on the rental v85, i locked cruise control at 85 and she was smooth and steady even in the blustery wind. Only complaint is I thought I had heated grips… but I don’t. Just the button. Cruel Italian. So have had her now in the Italian mountain twisties, nasty cold & wet in CO, and open highway at high speed in WY, and she’s checking all the boxes. Now to waste more hard earned cash on guzzitechs mods to juice up the HP and exhaust, something she does NOT need, but the child in me will keep the upper hand, and money shall be well wasted.

I’ll probably ride through john day on sunday, making a bee-line though, to get home that evening after a few days on the road on the new-to-me v85tt. Weather is typical spring…. Supposed to be pretty nice tomorrow, then cooling off again into the lower 50’s Sunday when I’ll pass through. Can’t complain. (Left Denver with an ok forecast…. But per usual Apple weather was way off. Forecast for 39 deg at coldest turned into 29 (F) and wet snow. A brutal 1.5hr slog till it cleared off. But the V85tt handled nicely)

I've done similar, even with AGM's, when they got real old and were showing "end of life" signs, and I felt I'd gotten enough life out of them to feel ok to swap it out (got my bang for the buck). For what its worth, that AMG brand (AGM) I took out of the 1200 Ducati was still getting the job done, but was cranking slower each start over the course of the summer, then in the cold wx i had the almost-no-start, so i changed it. point is it was a Li-ion, and that one seemed to show similar signs as a lead-acid to being worn out. Not sure what kind of data point that is, but perhaps of interest.

From a broad perspective, it’s arguably the most common issue with any old Italian motorcycle, the electrical system. Years ago I just determined that I’d go through the electrics and do the handful of usually affordable and not-to-tricky upgrades on the front end, and life has been easier ever since, with all my beloved Italians. I’ve not done much with fuse blocks, though docc and many others have a lot of insight there. Mine have always looked great, so I haven’t messed with that. But checking for good grounding (can be a “free” fix for a lot of issues), the mosfet VR retrofit, new & good relays, and at least checking if not also just pro-actively upgrading the wire connectors is time/money well spent for longer term peace of mind. I’ve purchased a number of mosfet upgrades from roadstercycle, which were quite a bit more expensive, but he specs out some good (or great) quality connectors and wiring, which is handy.

Norge seems like the right bike for that lovely route & distance. I’m doing the Lemans because it’s in the home state… perfect distance to stretch her legs a little.

I assume Austin will be easier, but if by chance you’re going to the John Day Oregon event in June, I’ll have my V85 a few hours from there if u want to go for a spin. I’ll have the Lemans in John Day, but half a state away will the V85. Might even have the foolishly expensive new exhaust and other doo-dad tomfoolery installed by then… i rented the V85tt in Mandello, as the consolation prize because the new Stelvio had just been taken/rented by someone else. But ended up really enjoying the V85, much more than I had anticipated. Of course lake Como area in the sun, pasta, wine, and amazing back roads in the mountains above/behind Varenna does tend to put one into a less demanding state of mind, so hopefully i won’t regret my leap into the V85 here at home.

Will indulge in some moto-modeling, since with Goldie finally back on-line, Greenie done, and Red in good shape per usual, was the 1st time the gaggle of geese could get dolled up for a family photo…