Bbennett
-
Posts
339 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Community Map
Posts posted by Bbennett
-
-
The front end should not shake, and that is something that could be serious, including bent front wheel, warped front brake rotor or perhaps a severely/differentially worn front tire. The bike should track straight on a flat well-maintained paved road going straight when you release the bars at anything above say 30 mph (I would not test this with your bike in current condition). I assume your front shocks feel normal when you compress them a standstill with front brake on. If you are instead referring to "handlebar vibration" I have almost none on my 2001 Sport, though I have standard anti-vibration handlebar weights screwed into the ends of the clip-ons (nothing exotic). You are right to not assume this stuff is "normal" and to seek the advice of people here on this Forum.
Re: misfire I have a slight "bobble" at around 2800 rpm if I am running a low throttle as the engine seems to want more fuel in the low end. This was reduced substantially with the addition of a PCIII but I still feel it sometimes. I always run high octane fuel FWIW.
-
I have the same bike as you but with 4X the mileage.
The only bike that has tempted me is the BMW HP2 and that bike is $$. I have never owned a BMW by the way.
I am sticking with the V11, it really does feel good every time I ride it.
Instead of buying a more expensive bike, if I need new tires or whatever for the Goose, I just buy it. I figure I am still ahead.
Oh, regarding the handling....I did put new shocks on the front of the V11 from an Aprilia RSV - oh man, it really helped
Bob
-
Am here in Seattle too. I can send you some (Various) PC-III maps if needed. Send me a private message on the forum if interested.
-
Is it a PC-III?
Bob
-
The newer stands and sump spindles are black. Too bad - the red was cool. Oddly the *wheels* are now the only red part. Instructions in Italian, priceless.
Getting the bike up on the stand takes some practice, but the money saved in oil changes and tire changes (cheaper at any shop if you deliver the wheel w/tire and do not make them take wheels off and re-mount) makes the purchase worth it over time.
Bob
-
Consider installing the 90 degree bend tire valves for increased clearance
-
I agree with Felix above re: engine. Perhaps the engine they could use to build a next gen sportbike could be the one on the larger 1200 Dorsoduro - 135hp. I would hate for MG to give up on their engines but there is no shame in OEMing an engine from their sister company for a modern bike.
-
Two pix from a recent install of Joe's fender eliminator on a 2001 V11 Sport..
(see attachments)
Bob
-
While this comment is not a direct answer to the questions above I want to share my experience that slow "around town" driving is NOT necessarily enough RPM's to re-charge the battery. On my bike, if I have an older, tiresd battery then I need to be doing at least 4k RPM to begin to re-charge the battery. I have a little colored LED that tells me the charging state of my battery at all times. You can easily see the effect of putting on the turn signals for example.
-
Another option is HyperPro - have been happy with my rear shock from them on my V11 Sport.
Bob
-
I have Aprilia mille front forks on my V11 and my old forks are available for sale I suppose. I get *much* better handling with the Ape front end. I use a Norge front wheel. It transformed the bike handling. Some mods were req'd - I had Moto I. do it.
Bob
-
Hmmm...the above link is not working here.
-
What is the fuel capacity of new polished aluminum tank please?
Bob
-
A bit disappointing, I would observe that Aprilia is beating the pants off Guzzi in terms of innovation - at both the high end (RSV$) and low end of the market (new 125cc). I have heard that Piaggio has positioned Guzzi to compete with BMW (pls correct me if I am mistaken) and BMW is also, uh, light years ahead in terms of innovation.
The Scrambler does not offend me but it is just splitting the V7 brand into another sliver - and will not be nearly enough to lift Guzzi out of the "basement" as one of us put it. The California is a kind of bike I really know nothing about.
The motorcycle industry today seems to be poised on the brink of another leap in technology (ABS, electric propulsion, sophisticated fuel injection mappings, and even anti-collision technologies and many more). European manufacturers are once again leading the way in most of these. I would really like to see Guzzi assume more of a leadership role.
-
Just adding my voice: I am interested in an after market metal tank for V11 Sport too
-
I've got just under 3000 miles on mine. I agree with most of your observations. It does quite well in the twisties although I have to ride about 200 miles to get to any. I put 460 miles on mine yesterday and I would say that the seat was murder for me after about 150 miles necessitating frequent stops to relieve the pain. The footpegs are a bit too far forward which cramps the body on long rides as well. Personally, I feel the ride can be a bit harsh but that may be a settings issue. I haven't touched mine. The stock mirrors have a tendency to break since the metal is machined too thin at the clamping area, I've changed to 1200 Sport mirrors. It is a pretty sweet bike other than that but I would not get rid of the Cali to make room for one. A V7 Café and a Cali would be very complimentary but neither bike by itself covers all of the abilities of the other.
Good review. I think the bike fits a niche. Seems like a nice bike for hopping on and running an errand, probably with a detour to have a little fun. Great bike to learn on. Good 3rd or 4th bike. I kind of want one, but I still wish it had a bit more power, even 60hp. Every bike is a compromise, and dammit my V11 is probably my all time favorite overall. The new V7 sport looks pretty good too, but I cannot get past that weird number plate. I dunno if it is coming to the USA, there is an open posting on that topic elsewhere on the Forum.
-
5k RPM is the sweet spot on my V11 Sport
-
Strange, my Griso front wheel feels a good bit lighter then my wifes V11 front wheel with the exact same tire on it. Haven't measured the difference as I didn't care that much. Keep in mind that one or two pounds difference in weight for a front rim is a lot.
Most 150 rear tires are made for a 4.5" rim so your choice makes sense to me. A 160 is the more common choice as it is also usually made for a 4.5" rim (it is what I have done) but a 150 should be plenty for the V11's power output and weight and should increase steering response and improve stability. It may wear a little faster then a 160 but that is just a guess and I doubt the difference will be significant.
My original posting was wrong - it is a *Norge* front wheel. Sorry about that. I now have several hundred miles on the new tires and really like them alot.
Cheers,
Bob
-
Nicely done, Bob.
Your move to a 150 on the 4.5" rear is the first I've heard about.
I salute your resistance to the popular GROUPTHINK poser compulsion of going to a handling-killing "wide butt" rear. <_>
Gotta ask. Wot was your objective in selecting a 150 over the more common (yet still narrower than OE) 160?
My objective with the 150 tire was quicker turn in. That is accomplished but since I have not ridden on a long distance trip yet, I do not know the implications (possibly negative?) on other aspects of the handling. You know that little S turn maneuver some people do to "warm up" their tires before a turn? Well this bike feels like it can do almost double the # of turns in the same distance - it is dramatic. I grew up with dirt bikes and own an Aprilia RXV 450 so I am used to narrow rear tires.
I think I paid only $325 for the forks.
Yes the cowling does fit over the new seat but it is a tight fit and the cowling currently leaves a small dent in the leather after it is removed. I also have to admit that the cowling slightly intersects the seam - but this is obscured by the strap. I use the strap for carrying helmet cover, hat etc.
The new front wheel is not appreciably lighter than the old one unfortunately.
-
Not a big deal but my final mods for the winter (here in the USA) were done this week;
1. New gel saddle from Rich's (black stitching and black leather). It feels a bit better and is easier to move around on. I hope the big difference is on long rides.
2. I went to a 150 size tire in the rear - am amazed at the increased agility compared to 170. I believe this tire has a more constant profile as it feels "the same" at all lean angles and also tips in very easily.
Here are two shots with the seat cowling removed.
Note: The front end was done earlier this winter - I have Aprilia RSV front forks now. Not the result of a crash or anything - my old shocks were tired and I just wanted an affordable set of shocks with adjustable compression and damping on each shock. I was going to paint the front fender but heck I am just leaving it for now as the color is not a bad match for the frame. The front wheel is from a Norge.
That is all.
-
I like
-
Re: To Do list
I need to modify this new front fender to get better splash protection
Front shocks and fender from Aprilia RSV
-
Just to cap off this thread as well as I can....it was not the relays.
I finally took the bike into Moto Int. and they informed me I was "out of fuel". Very embarassing. All I could muster was a "but the light never came on" response and mutter something about my purposefully keeping a minimal amount of fuel in tank while taking the tank on and off 3X per day.
Anyway, they could find no problem with bike when fuel was added. The only difference is that it is about 20 degrees F cooler now. and they fully charged the battery.
So I am not 100% sure what the issue was. I certainly had plenty of fuel for the majority of my tests.
Thanks for all of the great suggestions in the thread - off to RIDE
Bob
-
The bike gets worse and worse each day. Now it will only idle. Any application of the throttle kills the engine.
I am not skilled enough to mess with the TPS.
What is the tank thermal line pls?
I will move some relays around - I think they are fine but ya never know.
Bob
2000 V11 Sport misfire
in Technical Topics
Posted
Great point above re: motor mounts. The early ones 2000/2001 were low quality - mine were replaced.