guido

Regarding the bike, I am aware that the front fork angle was changed back to 26 degrees from 25. This in itself will give you longer wheel base. Then I know the back fork has been re-inforced. If it is any longer, I doubt, but I don't know. The reduced wobbleness I think is mainly attributable to the front fork protruding further to the front, and then a firmer back from all the stiffening. The longer wheelbase in itself also gives you a more docile creature.

just to keep you posted regarding my bike. I have now fully recovered, so the focus has turned towards the bike. The dealer got it in 2 weeks ago, and checked a few things, mainly at the front. He discovered nothing unusual. I had a meeting set up with them today, and also went and had a look at the bike. the front wheel was off, and I went and turned the bush, protruding on the one side. It was difficult to turn by hand, and gave a little "clonk" from time to time. We put it on a tyre balancer, and once you roll the wheel, there is a noticable coarseness or rumble. There is certainly something wrong with the bearing, they are SKF, so I have suggested to send the bearings to SKF and let them tell us, if, at any time, there could have been significant resistance from the bearing, which could perhaps explain the "buzz" I felt just before the crash. I had suggested that they sent the bike to the factory, but that seems not to be an option, and they have suggested that they buy back this bike, and I pay in the difference on a new model. I am reluctant to let the bike go, provided I can find a reason for the crash. If I can't, then it must go, however. Any advice, suggestions or experience? Now we have a fatigued steering damper bolt, a defective front wheel bearing and a gearbox on recall! I am still smiling! As regards the front fork setting, then the top of the fork was exactly in line with the top of the yoke. Somebody suggested this could also be of significance.

Now I'm feeling much better, healing fast. thanks for all good wishes. As for the bike. Air pressure 2.4 front, 2.5 back. Suspension checked front and back, OK. Steering damper 3 clicks. All wheel bearings OK. Engine: flushed out sand from one cover and drain back, apart from sand, engine oil clean. Replaced sparkplug, runs perfect. Gearbox OK. The only thing we have found that's not OK, is the eyebolt for the steering damper. The blot has broken off, right at the base of the thread. There is evidence of fatigue, one third of the break being greyish matt in colour, the rest silvery and knobbly(?). The best take on the situation is that the steering damper has come off at the begining of the bumpy road, and that the steeing became unstable. The reason for the fatigue, could possibly be the adjustment of the damper clamp. Which might have made it possible to lock on the steering damper instead of the steering lock tabs on the clamp. This is not yet clear, as my bike has got broken tabs, it will have to be checked on a new bike. This could explain the scenario seen, and there is no damage to the steering damper, it has certainly not made the violent swings the steering has done, as there are no marks either end, only a scratch where the damper has fallen on the oil cooler. My advice to anyone with this steering set-up. is to check the eyebolt, right where the tread starts, before the contra nut, on the lower clamp. Also check that the steering is stopped by the stops, not the clamp. This is only applicable on parking, of course, but it could bend the bolt, only for it to snap later. As for my fits and old age but thanks for the good wishes

Just a short rejoinder. My steering damper is actually broken on the short rod, attaching the body to the lower front fork! And yes, there is dampening on the unit when you move it. How much I don't know, as I have left all as is, for an anticipated visit today by the local importer. What that means though, is most likely, that the dampener was working at the start of the incident, assuming it has been snapped by the violent movements. I have read all your contributions with great interest, but I have not even finished breaking the unit in, with 1100km on the clock. So I have not been in any conditions which could be regarded as extreme (like speed or track), and there has been no issues with handling before, apart from low speed wobbles, and "fall ins" , initially, in curves, cured with slightly higher air pressure and slightly modified driving technique (which, come to think of it, most likey had something to do with a working steering on this unit) sompared to my other Guzzis. So the bike is as received from the importer, and, as said, all seemed fine like that. The only thing I would have said is that the suspension felt far better than on any of my other bikes. And tanks Fox for pointing to the right link, can't post this reply on the aussie site though, citing "invalid session"

One of my mates came by this afternoon, and pointed out, that my steering damper is actually broken. The eye is on the cylinder, but the rod has snapped off, so in effect, no damper. I would ,ost likely put this down to result of, rather than cause of problem. I have asked the Moto Guzzi/Aprillia imprter to come by for a coke tomorrow, where I will discuss further. I have run out of battery in my camera, but will post one pic here when i can. The bike is still standing on my truck as we picked it up.

I have had a fall on my 2000 V11 sport, thread posted here: http://www.morini.com.au/index2.html anyone with similar experiences? Regards Ps I find the registration required on this forum a bit of an overkill, yet more passwords to remember, and for what.? Have a look at the above forum, seems to work fine without. Much easier to give your five cents worth!