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Very nice Paul! My download went OK- thank goodness for a T10 line in my office.... Really found myself absorbed with the "show". Although I'll likely (hopefully) never have to tear down my V11, I kept saying to myself as I watched the chapters "Oh, that's what's in there" or "Oh, that's how that goes together". I'd give this flick two thumbs up! Mike

Yes, I agree but for me this is an easier pill to swallow with the V11- as I gave 7K (USD) for my brand new Lemans (caught the dealer in a moment of weakness) and 18K for my new GT (dealer caught me in a moment of weakness). -Mike

Well $0.02 from a new guy here, but one who owned an ST13, currently owns a KGT and has spent a lot of time on the FJR (bro owns one). Between the FJR and ST (IMO) the FJR wins hands down. The GT is being phased out by BMW which means you can get some great deals on this ride, but it depends on how you feel about owning a bike whos days are numbered and that will not be produced beyond (so I hear) 2005 maybe 2006?? I can also say that the riding position on my GT is rather sporty, or if you will, hunched forward in LeMans fashion. If you're looking for more of a sport-touring machine with emphasis on touring, my personal experience would shift me towards the FJR or an RT. The new R1200RT is a sweet bike if you can get over the "new" looks. Enjoy your search! Mike

You're probably a better machinist than I am but I figured for $79 I'd just buy the FBF model and have it done. That way I'd save the $200 of my time building one myself because I'd probably have to do a lot of trial and error! One perk not aready mentioned about the open airbox is that it sounds really awesome with that air roaring through it when the throttle is cranked open! -Mike

If you have access to AQUILE magazine there was a nice article on this new Breva in the winter issue. Regardless of the styling, kudos to MG for the tranny and drive train design. If I were in for another Guzzi, I'd consider a Griso. Change of marque vs. my LeMans: power cruiser style. OTOH, my LD tells me he was able to procure one of the MGS's which should be here this summer... -Mike

Further language trivia: Left in Latin = Sinister Right in Latin = Dexter, from which we get the word dextrous (easy to remember for all you right-handed people!) -Mike

Why not? In this country alone they sell billions of dollars of bottled water each year when the same stuff comes out of your kitchen faucet for free. Go figure..... -Mike

Kraz: Here's a start: http://www.motogoose.com/tech/trans/trans.html -Mike

Please allow me to piggyback on a few questions as well while we're on this oil change subject: 1) It seems simple enough to simply remove the sump pan at each oil change (easier said than done as I haven't tried it yet!). What is the consensus on how often to replace the sump gasket? Each oil change? 2) Is there a published torque value for the oil filter? My BMW manuals have these specs, but I can't seem to find one for my LeMans- Thanks- Mike

I've owned a couple dozen bikes in my life, but this new LeMans is my first Guzzi. The other rides in my stable are both beemers currently, so all Moto Guzzi experiences are a first for me! Took my dealer paperwork down to the local DMV to license my new ride and had an interesting conversion with the chipper 20 something young lady there. Still makes me smile and shake my head, so I thought I'd share it with you all: Me: Hi, I'd like to obtain a registration and license for my new motorcycle. (hand her my dealer paperwork) She: (after studying the sale and temporary title forms for a few minutes) OK, is this motorcycle a dirt bike? Me: No, it's a street bike. She: I see Moto something here which must be for motorcycle but who is the manufacturer? Me: It's Moto as in and for Moto Guzzi- Moto Guzzi makes it. She: (blank look on her face for several seconds, followed by enlightenment) Ohh, I just love their shoes! They make great purses too! Me: Actually you're thinking of Gucci. This is Guzzi. She: (looking disappointed) Oh, well who makes your motorcycle then, Honda or somebody? Me: Moto Guzzi is the name of the motorcycle company and they make it. She: (confused look on face) Huh, never heard of them. Is it a foreign bike? Me: They're Italian and have a characteristic V twin engine design. (describing a V shape with my hands) She: (thinking for a minute) Oh yeah, I think I've seen pictures of those. Aren't they the ones with a Harley engine put in sideways? Me: (exasperation time and smiling weakly) Something like that... Here's to our unique motorcycles! Cheers- Mike

Hi All: Thought I'd take a minute and toss my name into the hat here as well. Let's see, brief bio: My dad put me on a bike at the young and tender age of 10 (Yamaha 175 enduro) and there has been no looking back. I've been an avid rider ever since. That was about 35 years ago... (this is where you're supposed to think "you don't look that old" ). Raced moto-cross as a high school kid, then jumped to desert racing and as a college kid moved to street bikes. I've tended to own several bikes at a time and then sell them and try several more figuring that variety was the spice of life. Having pretty much run the spectrum of manufacturers (FWIW one of my first street bikes was a Laverda 750) I decided several years ago that I would just have a handful of really good scooters and keep them. My stable has pretty much been machines of the BMW ilk of late (RT, GS-A and a GT). Went down to the LD recently to check out the new crop of '05 Ducati's. Even though I'd decided to stick with my current round of bikes, I figured no harm in looking. Although the new 999's were indeed sweet, I noticed a V11 LeMans sitting off in the corner looking forelorn and collecting dust. Asked the sales manager about it and turns out it was a "new" '03 showing 9 miles on the clock. It had been sitting there for over a year and the owner was anxious to find it a home. Jokingly, I said "I'll give you such and so for it" offering a ridiculously low price. Sales manager just smiled and shook his head and we went on with the window shopping. Well imagine my suprise when he called back a few days later and said "the owner will take that price"! So I'm headed down this weekend to pick up my newest aquisiton! In skimming the owners manual, I've noticed much less in the way of technical detail (such as torque values) compared to my BMW books. I do like to turn a wrench myself and have grown used to BMW precision, but maybe I'll just need to relax a little with this Guzzi. I guess it just reflects the difference between the German and Italian mechanics philosophy? Of the 3 dozen plus bikes I've owned in my lifetime the aforementioned Laverda still haunts my daydreams. Here's hoping that this new Italian beauty will do the same! Best- Mike