VtwinStorm
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Posts posted by VtwinStorm
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1 hour ago, fotoguzzi said:
Just a reminder, the front zerk fitting on the drive shaft is tricky to get at. But don't ignore it.
get a Roper plate right away if it doesn't have one yet.
im 5'10" had 2" bar risers and it fit me perfect. Sadly I traded it for a Miata in a weak moment. But I got the better deal, later sold the Miata for a bigger profit that should have been illegal. then got a Buell, torq monster and it had a similar character to the Guzzi.
I'm waiting for the perfect V11 at the perfect price to get back on someday.
notice the chrome, None! Oh wait the rim around the tack and speedo was chrome I think. Oh, I added those beautiful chrome mufflers to shine it up just right.
The time is now, friend. V11s are never going to get cheaper.
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1 hour ago, po18guy said:
All of the above is true, as it comes from rider/owners. Guzzis are an acquired taste. Growing up around radial aircraft engines, certain parallels may be seen. They are, by definition, the road less traveled - and for many of us that is precisely what we seek. Being shafties, they prefer to corner on the gas, or at least neutral throttle. The shaft itself is very well controlled and your rear wheel will be dusty rather than greasy - a more than fair exchange. The suspension runs from very good to excellent. Cruising at 4K or just above, the engine is notably smooth and you make excellent time, provided that where you are going allows (or overlooks) such velocity. You don't always want penne arrabbiata - but when you do , nothing else will satisfy.
I do enjoy my pasta burners.
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9 minutes ago, Kane said:
The gearbox is great. I was told that Guzzi had a formula race car designer come up with the design…..anyone know about this? Apply the slightest pre-load pressure to the shifter and your shifts will be clean and easy. This is an analog real motorcycle, and 20 years old. Very charming machine. The vibes are great, nice low frequency stuff, not like the buzzy crap that makes your hands go numb on other bikes. The shaft torque is a comforting sensation to tell you she’s got it. The only real problems that I have had have been grounding issues with the headlight, but nothing that has kept the bike off the road. My trip meter stopped working soon after I got the bike, but I can remember OD numbers and my low fuel light works so that’s ok. So long as you keep up with basic maintenance, keep the oil clean, remain connected with her, like a good pony owner should, Guzzis will just keep going. Heck, my other Guzzi is a ‘78 that just turned 180,000 miles, and that bike has been my daily rider for the past few weeks while my V11 is off-line getting some upgrades. The ‘78 runs every day, back-and-forth 38 miles each way to work. No problemo. That bike is a testament to the build of the Moto Guzzi, and certainly to the care and upkeep it received from its previous (and original) owner, Bobby D.
One other thing that you may notice, on hot days after hard rides, when you come to a stop at idle, these engines will give an occasional hiccup. Apparently this is how they shrug off the heat. Kind of like how a fast horse will give a shiver when resting after a ride. If you are riding in cooler weather this may never occur.Thank you, Kane. I can't wait to get started!
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23 minutes ago, Scud said:
It's an engaging, and just plain fun motorcycle. From my past bikes, I'd say the V11 takes the best features of my ex BMW R100CS and my ex Ducati Sport Classic Monoposto.
From the BMW - ease of maintenance, reliability, comfort.
From the Ducati - styling, sound (Guzzi actually sounds better, IMO), broad torque curve (like the DS1000 motor), and sporty orientation.
My Sport Classic was painful in town, perfect on long uphill grades, and tolerable everywhere else. The V11 is more comfortable in more places without giving up the level of performance that I can realistically use on the street. The R100CS was a better two-up tourer than the V11. (But my Stelvio has that job now).
As for the V11 tranny, it is a good one. But with the Red-Frame bike, you should plan on getting yourself a frame brace and installing it ASAP (to avoid an expensive case-cracking experience). Next up, a few tweaks will make the tranny shift even better. Get Lucky Phil's shift extender lever. Also do the whole shift-improvement thing to the pre-selector, including the Chuck-designed "unbreakable" shift return spring, which you can get from me. The stock spring is a known achilles heel, and if (when) it breaks, it will leave you hobbled.
Awesome, Scud. Links to buy the return spring and frame brace please?
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1 hour ago, gstallons said:
Well , this 10 wants only YOU
Until the heads need a rebuild...then finding parts will test Indiana Jones, and test Monty Burn's bank account to somehow pay for it to be done correctly.
This isn't like owning a CBR1000RR or CBX 1000. All of the bikes listed before require a personal assistant to locate parts when something major goes South, which it will. All machines break. That is the only thing giving me pause or I'd have a bevel 900SS right now instead of 5 "common" bikes.
Just a case of bikes out of my wallet's league. 😆
Again, I envy someone who has an OHC Guzzi Daytona...but let's not overlook the commitment and patience necessary to keep one.
Expenses only START once you buy one. It doesn't end.
I'd only feel comfortable owning one if I pulled 100k USD+ a year, because I would want to ride it, not just stare at it in my living room like the fine Italian art that it is (but I certainly would!).
Nor, would I even let it see rain.
Unobtanium.
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55 minutes ago, gstallons said:
If you own a Rubik's Cube , you are halfway there ,
If you own a Rubik's Cube , tore off the stickers and moved them around , a little closer .
If you bought books , learned all the combinations , then finally "got it" , you are ready .
If you are still able to work it , good for you .
Now go gas up n go !
p.s. this is not a Japanese bike and never will be , That is what the V-Strom is for .
I swore off Japanese motorcycles after I rode my first Ducati. I exclusively owned, and would only own Japanese bikes up to that point. After that experience, as good as they are, they come off as impersonal.
Ducati, Triumph, at least (Guzzi I'm sure, haven't rode my V11 yet), have a bit of sense of occasion when you start them. It feels an event.
"Wow! Noise! Vibration! Rattling clutch plates! That exhaust note! Popping on overrun! We are working together to have fun while going to our destination!"
Tried riding Honda, Kawasaki after, came off as "Yeah, here's your motorcycle."
I can't go back now, even with the hassles of not taking/buying/riding the more obvious choices to be just like everyone else who bought a fast 2 wheeled Corolla.
Like I said, problems and all, I can't ever go back. Nor do I want to. I love my European thoroughbreds.
The problems are worth what I receive in return.
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On 9/4/2021 at 5:30 PM, Dave Swanson said:
This Daytona brochure is probably as close I will get to owning one of these beautiful beasts.
I cry those same bitter tears. A Guzzi Daytona (monoposto), bevel (round tail section) Ducati 900SS, MHE900, Vincent Black Shadow...Glorious motorcycles I will probably never get to ride...much less actually own.
On the bright side: I hear all of these machines are a nightmare to live with. Parts are unobtanium for most of these. I'd be terrified to ride or start them.
Like being married to a "10" who refuses to be touched or accept any affection. What a hell that must be!
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22 minutes ago, po18guy said:
At the risk of sounding politically incorrect, the V11 is a man's bike. It is big and heavy and 1st gear seems too high and low-speed maneuvering takes some practice. It must be commanded what to do. She's a big gal, but she can dance...and oh can she sing!
Aprilia must have worked on the trans between '02 and '04, as mine goes 1-2 and so on with zero drama. Caveat: The shift lever must be adjusted to fit your seating position and even the boots you wear, or it will 'reward' you with false neutrals. False neutrals going up are no big deal, but downshifting, you may get a rather horrendous crunch unless you match gear speeds precisely.
Thank you, po18guy.
I am pretty used to a bulky, heavy bike, like my Daytona 1200. I will adjust ergos to avoid the shifting issues.
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38 minutes ago, Kane said:
The V11 is a very real roadster! You’re gonna love it! There is mass and a bit of bulk, but she loves to be ridden like you mean it, and she will pay you back with a visceral, steady and comfortable ride. Push it and it handles pretty good for how heavy it is. Mine is an ‘01 red frame, and I find the bike to be very stable. Don’t lug her! Guzzis like to be revved. My V11 Sport starts to smile and lighten up once past 4K, and opens up and seems very happy around 5K. There are a lot of great bikes that are lighter with more power, but the V11 engine is great, and the bike will really grow on you. I love mine more and more as time goes on.
Congrats!
Outstanding testament, Kane! I know that I will love my new to me, V11 Sport. I'm just preparing myself before her arrival.
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11 minutes ago, footgoose said:
ok I have some more.... It's a fair reach across the tank. I'm 6'0" and it's perfect for me but noticeably further than bikes of my experience. I like the feeling of laying into it somewhat. The look over the bars has no match. No crotch rocket bend in my back. Stretched out with superbly positioned foot rests and easily adjusted controls. Some don't like it but I'm still pretty limber and am quite comfortable. Trans shifting is smooth once broken in (the bike AND you). From starting out, neutral to first may take a double clutch. 1st to 2nd is the least friendly. Keep the revs up and the toe off the peg prior to a positive shift. There are shifting 'upgrades' available to perform once you get to that point.
I'm 6', so this is encouraging.
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3 minutes ago, footgoose said:
good description. And the only reason I have to compare them is they are both old world twins in a new(er) world sport tourer. To me the V11 is a good old reliable design motor, with 'some' up to date (for then) componentry, connected by questionable electronics, in a race bred frame. What's not to like?
I don't like the fact I don't have one in the fetching champagne color in my garage. 😂
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Just now, footgoose said:
The only thing I can compare it to in my personal history is a 2000 BMW R1100s. The Beemer was technically a better bike. It was faster, but It did not handle as well, it did not look nearly as good, and I could never bond with it.
Winner winner, chicken (goose?) dinner! I've also heard that BMWs come off a bit... Clinical.
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2 minutes ago, docc said:
Between the Triumph and your Ducatis, it will be very interesting to hear your impressions of the V11.
Expect a period of "courting." Then the marriage. Then that part that comes later . . . you know, "the long haul" . . .
Like Andy York's 125,000 miles - that don't come easy if you're expecting someone else to keep your V11 roadworthy.
" . . . touchy feely . . . " = "polished wrenches for polished things."
I know the u-joint likes to go south often... and the clutch slave cylinder is inside the transmission... already knew that. Replacement will be an adventure when it starts leaking. I also understand that the electrics are um... interesting.
But what is the ride like?
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Just now, andy york said:
You could have done a lot worse....said the man who has ridden one just a little.
But then I'm a touchy feely kinda guy
I really enjoy the "freight train" feel of the big yellow pig. She's heavier than I'd prefer, but she's a great bike.
"You haven't driven a motorcar until you have driven a Rolls-Royce."
Yes. But how? What is the experience like? 😆
That's what I'm interested in knowing because I'm the kind of joker who bought one without even a test ride...so everything will be a surprise for me when it arrives.
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2 minutes ago, docc said:
" What does the gearbox act like? The engine? The delivery of power? The braking, suspension? Any quirky/eccentric qualities of the machine? "
> Yes. All of the above. <
" Also, what compares to a V11, so I have a baseline? "
One can only compare to his own baseline. Long ago, I learned to ask riders, "What was your last bike?" That will be your baseline.
If you are lucky, and have really found what you are looking for in a motorcycle, the V11 SpineFrame is incomparable.
Last bike was a Daytona 1200.
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So, to mirror the old ad slogan for Packard Motor Cars. "Ask the man (or lady?) who rides a V11 Sport/LeMans."
I'm waiting impatiently for my '01 V11 Sport to get shipped to me from 1900 miles away.
I'm confident that our forum is for fans of this fine motorcycle, not Debbie Downers.
That said, what is your honest assessment of the V11? What does the gearbox act like? The engine? The delivery of power? The braking, suspension? Any quirky/eccentric qualities of the machine?
I want the good and the bad. Also, what compares to a V11, so I have a baseline?
I'd like as much feedback as possible to tide me over as I expectantly await the arrival of my new to me baby.
Thank you all! I love this forum.
-VTS
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2 minutes ago, gstallons said:
If you had ridden one ,you WOULD have a different opinion . I rode a White Lightning about 5 miles about a year after my buddy purchased it . I stopped it , shut it off , got off and looked at the engine at least 5 times to make sure it DID have a V-twin engine that looked like a H-D engine . YES , it did . Did it start , idle and run like a H-D ? NO .
Did it take care of business . YEAH !
The reason Buell tanked . Harley owners wouldn't buy something that didn't run like a H-D .
Erik Buell is a brilliant engineer, and he did some work on the XB9 and XB12 engines to make them better, but they were never known for being high quality. Also, an XB12 cost around the same as any number of Japan Inc. literbikes at the time. That, and HD cultists shunning Buells, and them not being competitive, not selling enough motorcycles, killed the brand.
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2 hours ago, Rox Lemans said:
Man, I'd love an MT-01 in my stable.😍
Yes, it's like a Japanese Buell, but, you know, without a garbage asthmatic Hardly-Abelson engine. 😂
Confession: I really wanted an XB12R around 2 years ago. The YammerHammer is still better. It has to be.
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20 hours ago, 80CX100 said:
Guzzimax, not many other bikes intrigue me, but I like the look of that MT01, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on it compared to your guzzis.
They're as rare as hen's teeth in Canada, they may not have sold a lot of them, but they've definitely got a cult status thing going now.
Glad to hear you describe it as heavy to push around compared to the V11, helps quell the jonesing a bit, lol.
That MT-01 really looks the business next to a V11. Great contrast and great taste.
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3 hours ago, guzzler said:
G'day mate
No not threaded.
They have an end cap with an arm,the mirror clamps on this end and is inserted into the bar,
Then when you tighten the allen key the arm expands inside the handle bar and tightens everything up.
I'd take a photo but as usual with these digital cameras every time you want to use them the bloody battery is flat..
Hope this description explains?
Cheers Guzzler
Ps being a cheaper Rizoma copy I did have to resort to a little bodgery, not much mind.
No worries. I am able to visualize it, Guzzler. Thank you again, friend!
I want to go with chrome bar end mirrors, something like the Napoleons in style.
I'm not really into the foldaway round ones.
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9 minutes ago, p6x said:
People are telling me I should live my present instead of looking in the rear view mirror and being nostalgic.
I am guessing you will have you moments too, later, remembering when bikes were not electric...
No, I won't. I see where the winds are blowing. This is why I have so many motorcycles.
They don't build them how I like any longer.
Nothing Ducati, Triumph or Guzzi currently build excite me.
They no longer build V11s, so I bought one before doing so would be very costly or impossible.
I also have a hoard of parts because that supply will dry up.
I'd say gassers will be under 50% on new motorcycle sales in another 20-30 years. Plenty of time to play with gasoline...but at least in terms of style, the best years of new motorcycles and automobiles are looooong behind us.
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1 minute ago, docc said:
What you are seeking, my friend, is the "RUSTY STAR PICKET PROJECT." Accept no substitutes!
Thank you, Docc! Will buy and install one post-haste!
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I understand the oil pickup is up front and during hard acceleration can lead to oil starvation---Not good. In the intertest of not lunching my engine, I'll take the cheap insurance.
I've been doing some reading about it and want to get a Roper tray. Paging Dr. Roper?
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5 hours ago, blackkat-1 said:
This is my 97 RS which Pete has mentioned, it currently has the Euro fairing/headlight and a full Staintune exhaust system. I changed the belts a couple of years ago but it still has the original oil pump which will have to be addressed at some point in time though it has low miles. I know others have taken the gear route but I was just going to get the V11 series oil pump and a set of chains whenever I get around to doing this work.
In terms of selling the bike, I'm a bit on the fence as I really like riding the bike though it kills my neck after about 150-200 miles. These bikes are more comfortable for someone who has some long arms and that is not me. And to be honest I have no idea what one is currently worth. This bike was originally owned by a collector who put no miles on the bike and it sat in a basement in Wisconsin until about 2003 when my friend David bought the bike. He only put maybe 3,000 miles on the bike and then I have put another 2,500 miles on the bike. It is fun to ride, and the engine is like no other Guzzi.
What a unicorn.
Experience/opinions on Continental Chrome bar end mirrors?
in Technical Topics
Posted
I'm still looking for threaded ones, but I may just have to make due with non-threaded wedge style mirrors (like the Napoleons). I'd prefer not to make modifications, but it may just come to that.
If anyone knows where I can land a new set of chrome ones that fit the stock V11 clip-ons, please let me know. Also, are the V11 clip-ons 7/8" or 1" so I can adjust my search?
Thank you all again.