po18guy

I describe the Ballabio as the red-haired step-child of the Guzzi family and that's not far off. By comparison, the '99-'01 Sports have a more integrated, compact (is that even possible?) look at the front end. The fairing is the subject of discussion. From straight on, it's not my favorite, but from the front 3/4 view, I think it looks rather nice. It does block a fair bit of wind at my favorite 120km/hr riding pace. The rest of the bike is standard '03 and onward OEM stuff. Is it possible that the reported instability of the short-framed bikes was compensated for by the longer frame, slightly more conservative geometry, and frame-mounted rather than fork-mounted gauges and fairing? I recall here the infamous tank-slapping early Kawasaki police bikes, said problem resolved by frame mounting the fairing. For a bike named for the hillclimb victory, I can understand the high bars, but you'd think the suspension would be upgraded. As well as something stating, proclaiming, even boasting Italy - but no. A little script on the tailpiece and that's it. However, nothing in the Guzzi lineup makes perfect sense - nor should it, nor should we expect it to.

We are on the fringe here. ""Most" of the small block Guzzi buyers are more toward the hipster mainstream, and that is what parent Piaggio wants. They are a scooter company and urban appliances are their forté. As I see it, the newer bikes have probably been subjected to focus groups and marketing studies. Homogenized 2-wheeled McDonald's hamburgers. Satisfying many but exciting (or offending) none. Guzzi exists and for that reason we should derive some satisfaction, and Aprilia had things moving in the right direction until they fell on hard times. If I had to guess, Piaggio bought the company with the idea of exploiting the name and. history, using that horrible business philosophy of "brand management." A certain American company has done the same, licensing their name to Ford, clothing manufacturers, glassware, jewelry - everything but better bikes. Alas, it seems that they are also in dire straits now, despite appearances. My proposal is to hire Erik Buell and allow him to offend a few and inject some lightness and performance into the current commuter bikes. Speaking of which and totally off subject: back when Buell introduced the Harley-powered XB9 and XB12 Firebolts, I examined one and sat on it at the international motorcycle show in Seattle that year. Despite the horrid engine, that bike fit and felt perfect - as very few do when subjected to the "fit" test. Daydreaming is satisfying - else we would not spend to much time involved in it. I somehow doubt that the board of Piaggio is capable of it.

Certainly does sound like a poor connection in the primary voltage. I recently had an odd low-current starting problem after a 40 mile freeway ride and a 15 minute rest. Engine barely turned over but did eventually start. I cleaned and tightened the battery terminals, the starter cable at the starter and tightened the ground cable at the transmission. All better, so it was apparently somewhere in there. Will still have to remove, clean and reconnect the ground at the transmission, as I did not completely remove it. But still, starting is fine.

Is the physical size of the Purolator an issue, or is it OK?

Until then, here is the comparison of the "recommended" motorsports filter and the "Boss" PBL14476. The Boss is claimed to be their best. Given the dimensions, threads, etc, is that enough to figure it out? I note that on amazon, the Boss is actually cheaper by a buck or two.

So, the take-a-way is: 1. Change your oil. 2. Use a filter. Seems simple enough. So why does the Ford/Chevy debate always rage on? As Guzzi owners, I get the impression that we are all part of a widely dispersed somewhat dysfunctional but very passionate Italian family. And having grown up across the street from some 1st generation Italian Americans, arguing among them is an art form. EDIT: Well, it's all academic now, if it wasn't before. Ordered the metal gaskets, 2 Hiflo filters and the double secret key to the mysterious door in the sump which holds the filter. All from MG, as I'm sure they can use the business. Even though the filter is enclosed, I am reminded of Cycle Magazine's comments in their test of the original 850 LeMans. "18 bolts and a glass of Perrier" to access the filter - what? No San Pellegrino?

According to MG, the production alternates between 8 and 14 flutes. So, two wrenches then? Am thinking that my uni-wrench from Cycle Gear might work in either case.

It might have a pair of those legendary, über rare factory liquid cooled cylinders. (OK, I made that up). Still, would do nothing for the cherry red headers. Maybe these blokes thought up the header wrap...

Prego! Hey, while we're here, any practical difference between HiFlo and the OEM Ufi oil filters? Inquiring minds and guzzinoobs wanna know...

They're not really lights, but reflectors. The glow from the cylinder heads and exhaust helps light the way - for a mile or so.

It's for riders who like to illuminate their big jugs. The upper is a repop of a Magni half fairing or something. The lower is pure garage rock. But, what would it do to the cylinder head temp?

Ah, thank you much! That clears it up completely and I am surprised that they are not $100 each!

I contacted MG and... "But they are actually manufactured by a company like Sesallt or Centauro. Maybe Athena Moto Gasket. Many places make gaskets, Valpolini is not one of them. I think in the link you provide, you'll see the words "Moto" and "Gasket" printed on the gasket. Those are Athena. Point is, that the gasket is .8mm, rather than the standard .5mm stock Guzzi gasket. That's why those people swear by them." MG also has the coated metal gaskets, but lists them only for the post-V11 models (Breva, Griso, Norge). Is this what we are speaking of and is it compatible with the V11? https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4634:18fc72d8b8aba03a4d84f66efabce82e

Is there a favorite goop to apply to the gaskets, just install them bare or??? I generally use either synthetic grease, or 3M gasket maker (8001 or 8008), which keeps the cylinder head of my '87 Kawi 500 (with original rubber head cover gasket) leak-free.

Hasn't happened, but am heading out to check my shock reservoir position as we speak!

I hope it doesn't drain back via the pushrod cavities! If ever an engine needed a dry sump! But, more complexity it needs not.

I wonder about crankcase pressure. Those are pretty big pistons displacing 1064cc in both directions. Have not done tank-off yet, so I don't know the crankcase vent system. But, whoever did the initial valve adjust either left the valve covers slightly loose, the gaskets compressed and needed re-torquing, or both. Have new gaskets, but would rather ride right about now. Like an XS650, pretty easy when the time comes. As to cleaners, I didn't think SuperClean was quite strong enough. Purple Power seems stronger, and less damaging to finishes than S-100.

Rode big red about 5 miles and parked it. Came back 5 minutes later and saw drops on the ground. Originally thought it was A/C condensation from the car before me. On the ride home, got a little squirrelly on a left turn. Hmmm. At home, the left side is dripping oil. What? OK, where's it coming from? Mind racessSS$$$. Trace it uphill, right? Stops at the left valve cover. But, all of a sudden? Pondered quizzically for a moment - then glanced at the name on the tank. Ah. Tightened the valve cover bolts which were not really loose, but not really tight. Now, to S-100 the left side, focusing on the rear tire and disc. I try to avoid the paint with S-100 as it is rather stout stuff and dulls the sheen.

The Red Green show!

Here's a local Washington State example (2004, 4000 miles) that I just noticed. Dunno what his reserve is, but we'll see. Which model came with 1/4 fairing, Marzocchi/Sachs and clipons? The Sport standard? 6 bidders and 49 watchers. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-Moto-Guzzi-V11-Sport/184347509167?hash=item2aebf7c1af:g:8fIAAOSwFbFe8jT-

So, what do we call you? Abe ViGuzzi?

I have an aftermarket centerstand on myV11, but it is poorly engineered. The pivot point is 2"-3" too low and one must lift the behemoth about 3" before the stand goes over center. Have thrown my back out once already. Am searching for a different stand to adapt to the aftermarket mount.

Sadly, Piaggio/MG heard the "Italian Harley" reference and took it to heart. Why not hire Erik Buell for some quick chassis R&D? I heard he's available... Would not be the first Yank they have leaned on. Regarding Piaggio, it seems that some of their scooter mindset has crept in. Did Honda dispose of all the tooling for the Honda CX650? That seems to have been a better, more advanced and emissions friendly design (in 1983) than the current small-blocks are. Harley has had to cave on liquid cooling (if the roof has not caved in, that is) and I suppose that a "Water Guzzi" is in the future. Pondering this, the V11 is essentially an air-cooled slice off a 1965 Chrysler hemi. Hard to meet Euro 3,4 or 5 emissions with a somewhat refined 1930s radial aircraft engine combustion chamber. Band Aids on the intake and exhaust (F.I. and Catalyst) are only crutching for the antiquated engine itself. Speaking of which, were they separated at birth? Guzzi V11 Chrysler 426 "Elephant" hemi

If the reflector housing is the standard 7" unit with the three indexing tabs around the perimeter, it "should" drop right in. Knowing MG, they may have used some obscure proprietary unit. I guess one would have to compare the LM unit to a standard 7" automotive sealed beam as to the attaching/indexing points for compatibility. As bright as we oldsters thought H4 halogen units were back in the day, LED is a world apart as well as a blessing for bikes which have marginal charging systems.

Don't know if the headlight buckets are the same, but I have swapped out all lights on my '04 Ballabio for LED units. If it matters, the bucket is plastic and has the QD harness which attaches at the bottom rear of the recess intended for the OEM H4 bulb and harness. The "bulb" is a unit from Infitary (eBay). It has Philips ZES diodes, a cooling fan and the separate driver. I wrapped the driver in some thin closed cell foam to prevent it from rattling. Many LED 9003/H4 units will have provision for rotating the unit to achieve the beam pattern that suits you. The taillight is an LED unit from Clear Alternatives and came with the bike. As to signals, I used "iBrightstar" 7507 (BAU15S) units with projector lenses in front. About $17/pair on Amazon. Much brighter and more focused light than the incandescent bulbs. In the rear I have some generic projector lens LED units that seem roughly equivalent to those in from but cost considerably less. Time will tell on this. To prevent hyper flash, I bought a two-pin adjustable flash rate LED flasher unit on eBay. When I have the gauge cluster apart, I also have some LED T5 units for the warning lights and gauge illumination. Would like to change the signal indicator lights to yellow from the green that MG thought made sense... Headlight: https://smile.amazon.com/INFITARY-Headlight-Headlamp-10000LM-Warranty/dp/B07V36DVLB/ref=sr_1_40?dchild=1&keywords=9003+led&qid=1593627161&sr=8-40 Signals: https://smile.amazon.com/iBrightstar-Newest-Bright-Projector-replacement/dp/B075Q9RGZW/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ibrightstar+7507&qid=1593626377&sr=8-1