ALLAN
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Posts posted by ALLAN
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The only time I ever had “sellers remorse” was the day after I sold my ’04 Lemans. It was the red and black one –gorgeous. It had a brace of M4 carbon cans, a Stucchi x-over, Mike Rich hi-compression pistons, PC III and custom map – and the thing ran perfectly -84 RWHP.
I replaced it with a Ducati Multistrada; a thousand miles and one month later I hated the bike and replaced that with a Triumph Daytona 675. That was a nice bike but limited in its function as a ‘tour-er.’
Last February I treated myself to a new 1200 Sport. I now have 6,000 trouble free miles on the clocks and enjoy the bike more and more every day. I agree with ‘Steve G’ and ‘VR6Dave’ with a number of issues. I have always ridden with the balls of my feet on the pegs; this is more difficult on the 1200 Sport because of the shape of the castings holding the foot-rests. I no longer notice it unless I’m really hustling in the canyons and I turn my knee out and my heels in. The Handlebar: I bought the “recommended’ Aprilia Tuono bar but never installed it. I now like OEM piece. It’s a bit wide but you only notice it when making u-turns. As far as your foot hitting the side stand during up-shifts, I only noticed it when I first rode the bike. It is no longer an issue – and I run my shift lever quite low.
The 1200 Sport is exponentially more comfortable then my Lemans. 400+ mile days are a breeze. Well not quite, because my knees don’t fold like they use to 20 years ago. But the saddle is as good, if not better, than on any bike I’ve ridden hitherto.
I don’t think the bike is built any better then the Lemans. The instruments are ‘complete’ and I love all the options but it is plastic and looks a little cheap. The hardware are the usual Guzzi high standard. The fit and finish is good but not perfect. And the performance of the motor feels stronger but the numbers say it ain’t so. What is available from DynoJet won’t work on the new MG’s so the fuel metering isn’t perfect. There is some “jerky-ness” at very small throttle inputs so it isn’t perfect. The handling is better in that the bike feels lighter and is more “flick-able.” The weight distribution is better, more 50-50, on the 1200 Sport and you can feel it.
I no longer regret selling my Lemans. I love this new bike and it will only get better.
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What is it about H-D V-rod riders? The same thing happen to me while I was out on my 1200 Sport. The guy also had his lady on the back. I just passed him as we were approaching a light. We were alongside each other at the light; the guy nor the woman would look my way as I tried to catch their eye to say hello. Okay, so we went for it and we were dead even untill I said "enough." I was actually surprise that I could stay with him as I know the performance numbers of the V-rod. Without a passanger he would have kicked my butt. My first instinct after arriving home was to send my motor off to Dynotec in Germany for some more 'horses.' Maturity and better sense prevailed - for the momment.
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I had one of these setups on my Triumph Daytona and absolutely loved it - the best bag and attachment system I have tried. The tank-bag was an "Engage Sport." It was the perfect size. I purchased it from www.twistedthrottle.com for 189 USD. I wanted to use it on my 1200 Sport but the fuel filler ring has no bolt holes. I saw a post on one of Todd's sites where a guy made it work - after I decided on a different route. You won't be disappointed. I also use their "Cargobag" seat luggage system. Another great piece and would work beautifully on a V11.
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I recall on this forum postive feedback purchasing products from Rossopuro Italia. I recently ordered a torque arm (Cardan Bar) for my 1200 Sport. They sent an 'arm' for a V11 instead. It was quite expensive considering the 39 euros (about 60-bucks) for shipping. I sent them a number of e-mails without any response so I telephoned them and spoke with Paolo. His English is very good. The e-mail address on their web-site is not good. It is best to use paolo@rossopuroitalia.it
He told me to keep the V11 torque arm, though I had already shipped it back to Italy, and that he would refund all my money plus the cost of shipping. I told him it was not necessary, only to send me the correct piece. It was a pleasure to speak with him and do business with him. Sometimes it can be a bit 'dicey' dealing with overseas dealers but Rossopuro are excellent and I would not hesitate to purchase again from them.
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Steve -
I have spent a lot of time in Italy including Lombardia, the region that encompasses Lake Come. September is a perfect time to go; fewer tourist and normally good weather. The Moto Guzzi museum is closed in August so there is no problem; remember though that the museum is only open from 3 - 4 p.m. There is a docent and it's doubtful he'll speak any English but it won't matter.
Mandello is on the eastern shores of Lake Como. Ten kilometers north is the quaint fishing village of Varenna. This village is my/our (wife) favorite of any on the Lake. Our favorite place to stay is Hotel Du Lac. They have a website that you can check out. Make certain that it is the Hotel Du Lac in Varenna because there is a hotel by the same name in Bellagio, not nearly as nice. Another nice hotel in Varenna, and less expensive and more basic then Du Lac, is Albergo Olivedo. I don't know if they have a website but I have their phone number - the proprietor speaks English. Albergo (hotel) Olivedo is right by the ferry slip. Mandello and Varenna are about one and a quarter hours driving time from the Milan airport. While in Mandello visit Agostini's Moto Guzzi concessioner. Also check out a big Guzzi shop, Millepercento, which is close to Monza and not out of your way if you are driving from Milan to Lake Como.
If you want to e-mail me I can send you some photos from a kodak Gallery with shots of Varenna and Lake Como. If you're renting a motorbike, which you can do at Agostini's, I can suggest some awesome roads to venture on.
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I recently purchased a 1200 Sport from Vespa of Oceanside in Oceanside, California. There are a couple of Vespa dealers in the southern California area that are now concessionaires for Moto Guzzi. I have no idea if this is a bad thing or a good thing. More dealers are usually a good thing but are these folk’s motorcycle enthusiasts or scooter enthusiast?
I really don’t know a thing about Vespa of Oceanside because I haven’t visited the dealership or met any of their employees. I agreed on a price over the phone and the 1200 Sport was delivered to me the next day – yes, delivered. I live about 75 miles from Oceanside so this was appreciated. The bike was spotless and it had a full tank of fuel.
Vespa of Oceanside tells me they will pick-up and return your bike for any ‘service’ or warranty work. What’s not to love? Of course I have no knowledge of the mechanics competence working on Moto Guzzi’s, and this is certainly paramount. I have ordered the hard panniers and hopefully they will stay on top of the part situation and notify me when the bags will be available.
I tend to gravitate towards shops that have been around for a long time, especially with pertaining to Moto Guzzi. I have to say, that if these guys prove their worth the 1200 Sport won’t be the last Moto Guzzi I will purchase from them.
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Check these beauties [V11 Exhaust] from www.Magni.it . I love the way they flow; and the flat-black finish.
Does anyone have any experience with the magni pieces?
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[I have been following this thread for a while. I was born in France and until my early 20's ( some 25 years ago ) I was truly French. After I met my future wife, I decided it was time to bail out and see the world. Moved to California, and here I am, 2 kids and a business later.
I honestly would love to go to France more often. But the 3 times we have gone back, it was just plain FANTASTIC !!!!
Because of my wife and 2 sons, we do speak mostly English, so I pretty much qualify as a foreigner. As a matter of fact, when I speak French there, people ask me where I'm from ? Go figure ?
There are at least 2 kinds of " an American attitude " : one is the arrogant one, the loud obnoxious one etc... you know the type. The other one is why I love it here : a smile on your face from morning up, eager to have fun and to connect with everyone, basically a " radiant, charismatic " feel about live. With that game face on, I just found out EVERY experience in France was fantastic. From Paris to the smallest village ( like 3 folks !!! ).
French people are just very cautious. Sadly, the first impression does it !!!
But I guaranty you, if you bring a great attitude along, you'll do just fine....
I lived for a while in a small village south of Paris. I struggle with any language other then English but make an effort. My 'bad' experiences that come to mind while living and traveling in France have come from observing other Americans. When I am around arrogant, obnoxious Americans I am embarrassed because I think the locals are going to judge me by the actions of these other Americans. To be honest, I avoid tourists, whether American or not, when on holiday on the European continent. Italy is my favorite place to visit but I also love France, Spain (No. 1 for beautiful women), Germany, Holland, Norway, Slovania - actually every country, without exception, I have ever spent any length of time in. It's all about attitude and making an effort to fit in, and not stand out.
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I've got one in my garage:
Quite frankly, no production Guzzi can touch it: 139 crank HP and 416 lbs, a Moto GP champion, aluminum frame, swingarm, chain final drive. Very easily tweakable to 150+ crank HP. The engine response is stunning. There is also no way that an air cooled engine is going to run as well throughout the rev range as a water cooled one, much the same way that the suspension action of a shaft drive bike does not compare to a chain drive one. I see no point in Guzzi going that direction, unless it's competitive.
Why would Guzzi want to compete with Aprilia? That makes no sense. They are aiming for BMW/Ducati's sport touring segment, which is wise.
Why would Piaggio build a Guzzi with an Aprila engine when they already have Aprilia?
I agree with 'Richard.' MG needs a "sporty" bike, not necessarily a sportbike. And judging from this forum there are a lot of (other) folks whom agree. I just put a deposit on a 1200 Sport; the aesthetics are somewhat 'sporty' but the running gear is lacking. How I would love a half-faired, pleasing to the eye, Guzzi with the 8V motor.
By the way, Aprilia was never a Moto GP champion - never even came close. Their first year the best finish was 11th, the second Edwards got a 6th and the third and last year they contested the MotoGp Championship their best finish was 14th.
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I try not to think of this
I just bought my 1200 sport a few weeks back. A set of Nelson-Rigg bags and I couldn't be happier. I wanted to wait to for the 8V but it jsut wasn't going to happen. Caio
Z
Can you post some photos of your bike with the Nelson-Rigg bags? I know the bike is new for you but I am curious about specific things that you do not like, or feel will take time to adjust to. I expect to have my 1200 Sport [black] in about two weeks. I have considered the OEM hard bags but I am also looking at alternatives. Have you looked into suitable tank bags? I am looking forward to quizzing the reps for Moto Guzzi next week at the Long Beach Cycle World Show.
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I just took a look at the inside of the back cover of this month's (december?) issue of Cycle World. Moto Guzzi has put in a full page ad for the new 1200s. Wow! The bike sure looks beautiful in the ad photo.
Has anyone seen the 1200s in metal? What did you think?
I was pretty convinced that my next bike purchase would be the Griso 8V but I don't know...that 1200s looks pretty nice too.
Any thoughts out there on these two machines? (the 8V seems to be getting some good initial reviews)
Just curious.
I test-rode a 1200 Sport at a dealer in San Diego. I did a 'report' on "24/7V11" forum on November 4th. Check it out. The motorbike is every bit as nice looking in the 'flesh' as in photos. There were concerns having ridden the bike but I am drawn to the bike enough that I expect to have one in my possession within the next month. The 8V is certainly enticing. I understand this model will not be available in the US until next fall. Possibly is another 18+ months this is where my heart will lead but for now the 1200 Sport satisfies all my visceral needs.
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I mounted my Zumo 550 on my Triumph 675 and my '04 Lemans in similiar fashion. It works perfectly. Unfortunately I do not the photos any longer but they can be viewed at www.triumph675.net. Click on "Forum Index" then "Test & Ride Reports" and look for "Touring on a 675." Towards the bottom of Page 1 there is a description of parts used and detailed photos.
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Now displaying the 1200 breva sport as one of the models!! The model used to look like a breva with a monster type fairing but the model has grown on me. Anyone know if the luggage for the regular breva will fit on it? Might consider putting some convertibars on it to retain the sport but also add some touring comfort.
I too am looking seriously at the 1200 Sport. In fact I expect to take delivery within the next few weeks. If you are curious
about the hard bags check out www.1200sport.com. Click on "General" and "Technical" and look for the forums on "1200 Sport Panniers." All your concerns will be satisfied. I test-rode the 'Sport" about a month ago and wrote a piece on this forum, "Test Rode a 1200 Sport Today." I posted the blog on November 4th.
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with all the hardware, the headwork and the dual sparking, that doesn't seem like a bad price at all. If i were to actually decide not to leave the engine stock that would definitely be the way to go. The new head sounds like it's not worth the trouble or even possible for that matter.
The main reason I want to dual spark is for the ferracci drop in pistons. I've notice on here that alot of people are having problems with street gas without the dual plug setup. Oh well. I guess I've got some money to spend either way.
I used Mike Rich hi-compression piston in my '04 Lemans without any difficulties on pump gas, 91 octane. The bike had a custom mapped PC III. It ran absolutely perfect from bottom to top.
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If there is someone out there that has a set of Tekno Bags and needs the little plastic pieces that slide along the top rail of the mounting rack to position the bags - I have some. They are new, I don't need them and they are free. E-mail an address and I will send them to you.
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Do any 'forum' members have personal experience with purchasing a new US-DOT Certified Guzzi as a 'European delivery?' I want to pick up a new 1200 Sport in Italy, ride it around for a couple of weeks and have it shipped to a dealer here in California. I have e-mail Moto Guzzi-us on the subject and, as axpected, never heard back.
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I Had an '04 Lemans with M4 cans and PC; I was also using Mike Rich Hi-Compression pistons. I had a custom map done by a guy who knows how to make the V11's run perfectly. I got 42 -48 mpg, depending. The bike ran absolutely perfect from 'bottom' to 'top.' I'm certain he could offer you useful advise. Give him a call; Mickey Cohen Motorsports @ 714-993-5000. Tell Mickey that 'Allan' suggested you phone him.
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Test rode the 1200 Sport today. I had been reading all the various forums on the 1200 so was anxious to see one in the flesh and ride it. I spent about an hour on the bike; 60+ miles. In as much as I was the first person to actually ride this particular 1200, the bike was far from
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I am relocating to western North Carolina, between Asheville and Henderonville. Can someone recommend a Guzzi dealer, preferably a good one? There is a dealer, Myers, listed on the MG-US web-site but following a phone call to them they tell they haven't been a dealer in a number of years. Thanks.
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Is anyone aware of and Norge 1200 Forums [in Enlish]? I am planning to purachse a Norge and would welcome an opportunity to quizz present owners.
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Has anyone been successful or know of a way to register a Ghezzi and Brian bike in the US? Is it even possible? Thanks.
RS
It should be easy to register your G-B in Texas. The importer for the bike was from Texas and had no difficulty registering the bikes. I bought a Folgore from him a few years ago and had it registered here in California. I had to have a VIN number mounted on the frame but the entire process was pretty straight forward.
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they might be to big. send then to me, I'll solve that
Paul - I tried sending the photos to your e-mail address, paul at daytona-it.com, but the e-mail came back "undeliverable."
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Here are the photos from Daytona. The last is of a very trick,and very fast, 1,200 cc Ducati. The 748 NCR Ducati that I mention in my original post is actually 850cc's. The bike qualified 7th for the Daytona 200. If anyone is privvy to more info on 1,350cc, water-cooled Guzzi in these photos please forward it.
Here are the photos from Daytona. The last is of a very trick,and very fast, 1,200 cc Ducati. The 748 NCR Ducati that I mention in my original post is actually 850cc's. The bike qualified 7th for the Daytona 200. If anyone is privvy to more info on 1,350cc, water-cooled Guzzi in these photos please forward it.
Ooops! Somehow the attachments didn't attach. Sorry. I'll try again.
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I think that's another machine over there on that MGS ,compared with the newest on Daytona race which has less cc (1340 , than 1420) and much more power 167CV to 125 ,,different heads as well.
You are correct; the 'Daytona' M-G is different. I am working on posting some photos.
LSL Handlebar Kit Installation
in 24/7 V11
Posted
The local shop installed the LSL kit on a V11 recently. Telphone Micky Cohen @ 714-993-5000. He'll be glad to help you out.