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beauchemin

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Posts posted by beauchemin

  1. I seem to remember that the engines were built on Japanese principles, with the cam running direct in the head material.

    The cams run in plain bearing blocks that are not integral with the head (i.e. they can be replaced if worn). The don't normally wear out, but the early ones (pre-'76) were prone to crumbling.

     

    The triples are wonderful beasts. They are simple and very robust. They vibrate, but it is low frequency and low amplitude vibration. I think my V11 was worse at times. They really benefit from a proper ignition system with an actual advance curve (as mike wilson mentions). They aren't the greatest for riding around town, but wonderful on the open road. Either one sounds good,. If you can, ride them both and buy the one that feels the best.

  2. I am having way too much fun with this bike. So far 1,200 miles in 8 days. My wife is slightly annoyed that I'm riding so much. This is the first bike that makes me want to keep on riding! If you had any doubts about this bike, then you can forget them - it is awesome. I have only two complaints - the lack of a centerstand (maybe the after market will help out?), and the gearing is a bit high (easy to change with sprocket swap).

     

    I am THIS close to following you, not only in dumping the MG, but with your choice of replacement. Only thing probably stopping me is that these things are basically worthless in resale.

     

    I love it, but it's just been too much of a hassle. The service schedule on the new Ducatis is very very good, not like Ducks of old, the first big service is only for oil change, valves are touched only after 15K miles.........No worse than your average Honda........ :blush: That GT1000 looks a lot to me like what the V11 was trying to be but I have no doubts it will be easier to live with and will handle better to boot.

     

    Hmmmm, maybe time to put an ebay ad up and see what happens..........

  3. Hi Tom - yes, the GT has more legroom and less forward lean. I had installed a Ballabio handlebar kit which raised the bars and moved them rearward moderately. The GT is still more comfortable than a V11 with Ballabio bars.

     

    Nice bike Chris :thumbsup:

    I was considering a DS1000 Monster before I found my LeMans.

     

    How do the GT ergos compared to your V11? Less forward lean? More legroom?

  4. I picked it up on Saturday, put 670 miles on it between Saturday and Monday on the Washington state backroads, and then took it in for its first service yesterday and then rode it home last night.

     

    I am very impressed with this machine. Once you get past the gorgeous looks, the details are very well executed with elegant design and good materials. The stock suspension is unadjustable, but is very well setup from the factory. With effective suspension, a stiff frame, and some Ducati geometry tossed in, it carves up the twisties like no Guzzi I've ever ridden.

     

    The DS1000 motor is awesome with a fantastic midrange. I've installed the Termignoni exhaust kit for the classic Ducati sound. The V11 has more bottom-end torque, as compared to the DS1000 which hits its sweet spot above 4300 rpm.

     

    The riding position is very comfortable for my 6'2" frame. The bike is small, yet accomodates tall riders easily.

  5. These parts are like new and were removed at 3,000 miles to install aftermarket foot controls.

     

    1. shift lever with linkage $95 CAD

    2. brake lever with pivot bolt $85 CAD

    3. both footpegs with mounts & springs $55

     

    Prices include air mail within North America. PayPal preferred.

     

    PM, or email me here: guzzilla shaw ca

  6. When you find yourself in a false neutral, the best thing to do is NOT touch the clutch - just keep the revs at the appropriate level to match the road speed for that gear and gently push the lever into the gear you were trying for. It works every time with NO crunch.

  7. The Breva or Griso has better suspension than the V11, which might be important to you if you like to ride agressively now and then. Choosing a motorcycle is not an entirely rational decision, so try to satisfy your heart at the same time as choosing the right tool for the job.

  8. I love V11 motor and looks, but I never felt "one with the bike" - if you know what I mean. It would have been nice to keep it but I can't justify two bikes at the moment.

     

    I recently test road a Ducati Sport Classic 1000 and I was smitten, except for the brutal handlebar position. So, I've bought a GT1000 and should have it home in a week or so.

     

    If you guys don't mind I'll still hang around - this is one of the best forums around.

     

    Here it is:

    newbike.jpg

  9. Ducati GT1000 looking awful good as a trade..........

     

    I hear you. My V11 is sold, and I hope to pick up my GT next week. I've done a lot of research into the DS1000 motor - it appears to be a sweet motor.

  10. To what did you fasten it and with what?

     

    Looks good.  Is it "high speed" secure?

    92083[/snapback]

    Attached with two long zip-ties to the swingarm tube, and one zip-tie on the diagonal cross-member which forms part of the swingarm bracing structure. It is very secure - tested to 120 mph with no problems :P .

  11. nice. what did you have to do to make it fit?

    91982[/snapback]

     

    Some minor trimming on the right side to clear the torque arm. The bottom left corner also required some minor trimming to clear the TLM centerstand.

  12. I never found the limits of the 020. Maybe I'm a wuss.

    The 020 might have decent traction, but the problem with that tire (as most here would agree) is that it gives terrible feedback. One can switch to almost any tire and feel an improvement via improved feedback. I switched to a BT014 and felt a significant improvement.

  13. I was wondering about this very thing. Did you get the £60 one, or which?

    91473[/snapback]

    I got the one to fit a CBR600 99-03, in black ABS. I'll post photos this weekend.

     

    Just checked my shock and it is also cracked due to the corrosion !! :angry:

    I'm really glad I read this post as I am going to France in 6 weeks and you just know it would have failed in the middle of nowhere, with neither of us speaking French that would have been fun  :not:  (assuming it hadn't put us under a passing Citroen that is !!!)

    Can anyone recommend the best course of action, is the Hagon shock ok or am I better getting a more expensive replacement ?

     

    ( I assume Sachs don't do repairs ?)

    91494[/snapback]

    I think that you would do well with Hagon - particularly since they can tailor it to your riding weight. It will certainly be much better than the stock Sachs shock. The more expensive shocks with remote hydraulic preload adjustment are very nice, but you will have to check pricing and decide for yourself.

  14. I was wondering about this very thing. Did you get the £60 one, or which?

    I'll check the details tonight and post them.

     

     

    Just a reminder that there's a perfectly serviceable BODGE ALTERNATIVE that works with the stock hugger.

     

    The Bodge Guard has kept everything clean & has worked like a Champ since I installed it.  Yeah, I know it's ugly enough to turn a train down a gravel road <_ . but keep in mind that unless the rear wheel off you have to turn y upside down with head shoved up close personal-like tell there anything there.>

    I had a similar bodged guard, but a properly fitted hugger is more effective because it is closer to the tire and has some coverage around the sides of the tire. I'll try to post some pics of what I've installed.

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