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Hi Andrew: I'm taller than the other "little guys" here at 6'6" (198 cm) Good choice, IMO the LeMans is a great option for a tall guy (or gal!). My '04 LeMans is stock in ergonomic configuration, so IMO you'll "fit" just fine even before the aforementioned mods. FWIW, the engine and exhaust is where I spent my money on "tweaks"... The biggest problem for me is "legroom" given my 38" (96 cm) inseam legs. I have to take a break every few hours to stretch said legs. In fairness, I do the same thing on my BMW GS Adventure despite the fact that it is a much more "roomy" ride. Good Luck!

Read this on the MD site the other day. Wow! Fuel cell and battery: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/23october07_suzuki_tokyo.htm

+1 as above Timbo. I have an '05 1150 GSA and an '03 V11. Sure they're similar in the sense that they're both twins but the similarity ends there... One thing that I might toss in is the difference in rider ergo's. I'm tall ( let's see 6.6- that would be for you metric guys about... 198 cm ) and the upright ("begging dog") riding postion of the GSA sure beats the pants off my V11 posture after 3 or 4 hours of riding. I love my V11 but I have to be willing to put up with all the little quirks and mechanical failures she loves to challenge me with from time to time. The beemer boxer is rock solid and bullet-proof out of the box (at least the past 4 I've owned have been). If I'm off for an extended ride or a situation where back up may not be readily available, I always pull the BMW out of my stable. Just my So, here's another vote for: have both!

Not bad- I got 142 miles before my then new '03 LeMans ran out of gas and left me standing roadside admiring the starkly desolate (and unfortunately very unpopulated) high desert scenery which is my stomping grounds. No cell phone service... Fortunately a good samaritan rancher came along in his ranch truck an hour or so later and "donates" a gallon of gas to me. Saved me a good 4 hours of pushing said ride home! Besides I was able to answer his "Say, who makes Moto Guzzi?" question when he noticed this label on my bike. Turns out the wiring to my low fuel light was never connected at the factory. Anyway, the good news is I now know exactly how far my bike will go on a tank of gasoline!

As mentioned by others above, I also use Motul Gear 300 in the transmission. At last change I tried Motul's Motylgear 75w-90 fully synth (100% ester). Hmmm, the V11 did seem to shift a little smoother with this (as advertised by Motul). Engine? Plain 'ol BMW brand dino oil. Mainly because I buy it by the case for my BMW bikes, thus it's always on hand- I'm also a fan of Redline Shockproof but I find the Heavy (Pepto Bismol lookin' stuff), well, too heavy. For example, it makes my GS Adventure feel like I'm driving with the parking brake on, particularly if the temp is below 40 F outside. Lightweight Shockproof (blueberry milkshake lookin' stuff) makes my beemer's tranny very happy however. Maybe I'll try the lightweight shockproof in the LeMans tranny next time...

More of the same from the MD site: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/15november0...07motoguzzi.htm Just one quick question guys: Who is doing their exhaust pipe design?...

Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that... Cosmetics aside, what really caught my eye was the stated 381 pounds ! That would be some power-to-weight ratio-

Saw this on the Motorcyle Daily site today. Very pretty! http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08november06_ducati1098.htm

Yes, clearly a matter of "getting what you pay for". Remember, Gear 300 uses a 100% ester formulation not the usual PAO base stock encountered in most synthetic oils. Hence Gear 300 will set you back a few dollars more given its composition (with its intended racing application...) OTOH, my V11 has never found a false neutral and shifts like a Hyabusa since I've been running the Motul. I think if you Google around a bit, you should be able to find it for 13ish dollars a quart with free shippping-

I've been running Motul Gear 300 (transmission but not final drive) for about a year now. IMO nice stuff! I personally like it a little better than Redline. http://www.motul.com.sg/product_line_up/gear_box/gear01.html

I thought 6'3" or 6'4 was average height... I have all you "little" guys beat at 6'6" As posted by my commrades here, the V11 LM (stock ergo's) is fine for me as well- at least for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours of riding. Then it's time to get off, stretch, take pictures, stop for lunch or whatever. FWIW, I've found the same "time limits" on my BMW LT and GSA, both of which have more "stretched out" and upright riding positions than the LM. OK, I'll admit- it helps to be physically fit and somewhat limber...

Having ridden primarily bikes of the german persuasion prior to my LeMans I'll toss in a "quirk" that I experience on a frequent basis. Visualize with me on this one: I'm waiting at a signal light and in the lane to my left a couple pulls up along side me in their car/truck/SUV. Out of the corner of my eye I see said lady elbow her husband/boyfriend/SO and as I watch through their window glass, I can see her mouth the words as she points to my tank logo and asks "What's a Moto Guzzi?"...

One must keep in mind that the LeMans transmission was designed back when dinosaurs ruled the earth. They probably hadn’t even invented synthetic oil yet… Either way, your bike should be equally happy with your Severe Duty Amsoil or the Redline. Since you've already bought the S. Duty, why not run it and try the Shockproof next time for comparison? FWIW, many BMW riders like myself also swear by Heavy Shockproof for their beemer trannies. I tried it in my GS but I noticed a feeling of drag when the weather was cool to cold- almost like driving your car with the parking brake on. Never seemed to improve even when the engine warmed up. I’m not loosing it as others have complained of this as well… I switched to Lightweight Shockproof in the GS and Viola’ problem solved. Anyone notice this "drag" feeling in their Guzzi's with the Redline Heavy?

I have a PCIII (using Todd's map) on an '03 V11, FBF open air box, Stucchi, FBF cans... Admittedly only about 2 k miles on the clock but... my fuel light comes in the 110 to 120 mile range. I guess I could be evaporating gas out of the open air box thus dropping my mileage! It could also be that this bike is so fun to ride with the throttle W $% O...