Janusz

Universal, similarly to Power Source are virtually identical with the stock battery and both are a good choice. All I was trying to say that why would somebody choose a "close but no cigar" and then struggle with problems if there is clear and obvious choice of IDENTICAL product. All three batteries are identical in size and performance. Power Source being the cheapest is clearly the best choice. By the way, I can see that PC went up in price just recently, unfortunately. I still bought it for $76 shipped; great battery!

Odyssey, Yuasa, Hawker, Westco and all similar are not good because reverse polarity, not really the right size etc. That is why almost everybody has problems with these overpriced unfit batteries. Why then not to choose the high quality, IDENTICAL in size and performance and cheapest solution? That is what I did and never lokked back: http://www.ebatteriestogo.com/landing_page...t/UB13-12NE.htm Then choose the one on the right, Power Source WP13-12NE Sealed AGM which is made in brand new modern factory by good, hardworking vietnamese (no trade union leaches here) people.

What? the poor man's R1? With one cylinder missing? Go for a real thing and you'll have it made, it is not much more and easier accessible. Surely the most beautiful sportsbike in the world made outside of Apennine Peninsula. The years are numbered before they'll completely ban this type of performance for the street easily accessible for a common man. Take advantage of these golden years as long as they still last, people. Do not be caught asleep at the controls! I've missed it obviously. Sorry then.

I see some opinions about new Griso and they are all very positive, especially as far as looks are concerned. Now, I never rode it yet, but I saw it in the flesh and even sat on it for a few minutes while visiting Mandello exactly a year ago, Oct. 2005. It really looks different, better then in the pictures, intriguing even, but beautiful? I would not want to sound negative, but the left side brings to mind back of a refrigerator with all these pipes and armature, on the right side the huge oil cooler looks like someone stuck a plastic tool chest there. Generally an overly futuristic look not giving one too much confidence how it will fare esthetically over the years. In contrast v11 family is always elegant in its retro naked style and its style seems to be not affected by the passage of years. For me it is as impressive as any Guzzi in general and as Griso in particular but in a natural way and not stylistically overdone.

Being a heavy man (225 lbs) I changed my fork springs long time ago for a stiffer ones (I think 1.05 from Lindemann). Recently at the service time I changed the oil into somewhat heavier (15) to hopefully achieve some more damping. Upon reviewing some topics on oil weight I can see that some forum guys (Dlaing, was it you?) recommend LIGHTER oil then stock instead of heavier. It really puzzles me. I am not trying to argue this advice but would like to understand. Why? Could somebogy please explain?

Sorry for dragging the thread on but now... I remember dropping the pan last year and admiring the view. Could somebody then explain where and what for do you look to check the bearing condition? Hoping there is no any disassebly involved, is it?

I'd like to avoid impression that I know a lot but since I also have an R1 and ride it frequently (fantastic bike, by the way) I am able to say with conviction that on R1 the oil lamp is just an "oil level lamp" and not 'oil pressure lamp'. I also noticed, especially on my other Yamaha, that this oil level indicator is just that, an indicator without any hint of precision. The oil can be a half full and under heavy acceleration or on the long incline the light can come on anytime. It is just suggesting that you better check your oil level sometime soon. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR ANSWERING. Peter R.; it was such a pleasure to read your long and entertaining explanation. I don't know if you realize, but in my case you were a main inspiration to buy my first (and only so far, can't have it all) Guzzi in 2001 after i read so many of your posts on Australian forum. Hope your Griso is at least as good as my V11S .

Tonight after my ride I stopped in the garage, lost my footing and BAM, the dreaded 0 km/hr bike fall (to the left). It was for the third time since 2001 and there is no even a scratch anywhere... The engine kept on running for some seconds before I turned it off with the red emergency button. It go me thinking. Since engine kept on idling on its side obviously there was no oil pressure, was it? Could say 7 seconds of that cause any damage somewhere? Would it be significant? Please put my mind at ease, any body who knows. Thanks.

Why would you do such an atrocity? Canadian beer is one of the best in the world, especially made by small breweries (microbreweries). It is so vastly better then American excuse for a beer that whenever I visit our cousins in US I am forced to just stick to wines (not as good generally as BC wines of course, but passable) or even liquor and avoid their beer by all means available.

Is Corvair Italian? I think not.

I've been to one of these Italian car/bikes meets in north Van few years back and yes, it was a fun thing. Just 10 min ride from my home. I will be there to meet you guys.

I've always had just one bike at a time until March 2004 when, buying my first cruiser, I realized that Guzzi cannot be simply replaced and has to stay with me forever. So, for next year I had two bikes and enjoyed both equally. It turned out that each bike complemented the other perfectly and total pleasure derived from both was, contrary to common sense perhaps, more then just the sum of single bike ownerships. Does it make sense? Maybe not but I hope you'll see what I mean. It was so fun that I decided to keep on going and last year bought third bike, new R1. That one became real eye opener. The level of its performance and refinement has to be experienced to be appreciated. It is just out of this world so much so I can honestly say that it is the first and only vehicle I ever controlled which would definitely not benefit from more engine power. And, contrary to some opinions expressed above, as long as you have enough of willpower to control your throttle hand, R1 is perfectly suited for long road trips and canyon work as well as trackdays. I think R6 and other latest 600's are more track oriented and difficult and less useful on the street.

I appreciate your answer which sounds very true for me and exactly what I would hope to expect, also from the horse's mouth, sort of thing. Thank you. I will never want to get rid of this bike, thats for sure.

Yes, I rode quite a few old Guzzis and yes, they, especially loop frames, do have this "solid quality" the same as any old heavy bike has including my new cruiser Yamaha. But for me they look uninspiring and "not Italian" if you get what I mean. It is just my own opinion but no other Guzzi stirs my soul so much as V11S, thats all. Anyways, the question which I cannot answer in my mind remains a mystery: Why retro Ducatis met with an overwhelming public approval and Guzzi, being a better and more interesting bike objectively, failed to do that so miserably?

Now as all V11s are no more in production how would this fact affect: Their desireability, Value, Cool factor, etc? I think that only in a positive way over time. For me V11 family as general and 2000/2001 model (short frame V11S) in particular is the most satisfying Guzzi ever. What are your thoughts? Also, the new Ducati retro styled bikes look very nice but I hear that ergonomics are horrible. They directly compare with V11s in my mind but of course Guzzis look, feel and probaly ride better. Why then everybody and his brother are so in love with Ducatis but our Geese did not raise such an approval in so called general public? Is it all in the brand recognition only or are Guzzi's missing something compared to new Ducati retro?

Here I was, totally satisfied that my suspension was sorted and what you did? You forced me to think and try more; I don't like you Excellent remarks, I have no other choice but try. Did you have your sag properly set before you decided that you still needed a heavier spring? I had to turn the collar 3 x360* before my sag was acceptable and assumed that the spring was OK. Do you happen to know off hand what is the stock spring weight, which you would recommend for my 225 lbs and where I can get it? And is it all you need there, just to replace the spring? Is it easy to do? Thanks again.

My weight is 225 lbs and riding style very aggresive. After replacing fork springs with heavier ones (I think 1.05?) quite a while ago from LE I think the old faithful Goose is as good as only possible in her suspension department. Which, come to think of it, is excellent really for what it is. The OME Sachs does not need any improvements IMO and it looks and works the same as when new (lucky me, I guess). Sure, one could install the most exotic forks and shock possible but would that improve anything? The whole suspension will only work as good as the weakest element of the whole setup. Short of reengineering frame, swingarm and drivetrain it will never come even close in handling control to say my new R1. I love my V11 as it was meant to be and consider it very well balanced as long as everything works properly.

I found that slow and deliberate shifts are not very good for that box. That is how you create a chance of missed shift, clunky and false neutrals. It needs some faith in the beginning but fast, very decisive shifts smooth everything out very effectively. Then after a while you get the feel of speed/RPM relationship and of course you begin your clutchless upshifts and engine blipping down after which there is no looking back. That box is as smooth and pleasant in its snick-snick action as the best Jap machinery. The proper shifting technique plus good Redline oil will make you a believer.

Redline technologists say that Shockproof heavy needs not to be changed at all in street gearbox. I did not change my gearoil for last 30,000 k and the shifting is better and smoother then ever. In my 2000 VW auto tranny which is factory sealed there is a factory oil for the last 220,000 km. Shifts better then when new now. My point is that synthetic oil chemistry and metallurgy improved so much in the last decade that things like that are possible and many old rules can safely be thrown out of the window. Using cheap oil is a false economy, especially single grade non GL-5 in the gearbox.

It is not that my opinion matters but why not stay with tried and true Bridgestones which IMO are the best suited to our bikes ?

I know nothing about Gary Eagan as such and do not have any reason to doubt about his accomplishments. It seems I misunderstood your statement, Mike, and just tried to express my frustration with some people who compromise their enjoyment with so nonutilitarian pastime like riding a bike for sake of saving few dollars on extended tire life, substandard oils, filters etc. That,s all. No malice.

With that philosophy why would somebody bother riding bikes at all? Riding bike like a woman just to save on tires? Some guys I will never understand. Better for him switch to electric scooter or maybe a car even

When I was picking up my new R1 last Friday Gord took me to the back room where there was a huge plywood box with MGS 01 all over it. I wanted to see inside but they wouldn't let me . Supposedly this is the only one in Canada. Congratulations Helicopter. But I am surprised that you let such a silly thing like flying mess with your bike riding. I quit my 4,000 hrs+ airline career over 20 yrs ago since it wrecked my life quality too much. Work for hire sucks, hard work sucks harder. Enjoy your bike.

Sorry for bringing up my own topic but just yesterday i picked up my new 2004 R1, silver color. To give a two worded comment : I'm speechless. A few more words: Didn't rev beyond 8k yet but already fells twice as fast as Guzzi. The redline is 14k and supposedly the real acceleration does not start before 8k RPM's.

I was busy riding my new R1 so sorry for a late answer: Al, you are definitely master of quantity but let me stress that for me and many others, I'm sure, there is absolutely no doubt that your posts are very informative, useful and entertaining. Huge quantity does not always mean lack of quality. Just keep it going, Al, we like you.