docc

Between the Triumph and your Ducatis, it will be very interesting to hear your impressions of the V11. Expect a period of "courting." Then the marriage. Then that part that comes later . . . you know, "the long haul" . . . Like Andy York's 125,000 miles - that don't come easy if you're expecting someone else to keep your V11 roadworthy. " . . . touchy feely . . . " = "polished wrenches for polished things."

" What does the gearbox act like? The engine? The delivery of power? The braking, suspension? Any quirky/eccentric qualities of the machine? " > Yes. All of the above. < " Also, what compares to a V11, so I have a baseline? " One can only compare to his own baseline. Long ago, I learned to ask riders, "What was your last bike?" That will be your baseline. If you are lucky, and have really found what you are looking for in a motorcycle, the V11 SpineFrame is incomparable.

After a few miles and more than a couple challenges from mySport, I oft return to a quote from one the journalists when the V11 was introduced. If necessary, I can locate the reference material. Otherwise, I paraphrase (or, rather embellish) . . . "It is a bike that will benefit from a dedicated level of owner involvement."

All of this Jazz is so refined and hip and cool and gone. I love it! Then I knocked a knuckle open getting mySport ready for the South'n SpineRaid. Perhaps, I uttered some new combinations of special appellations . . . . . . what I meant to say was, You Got to Pay the Alligator !

I wondered that I would be mis-speaking of that. Yet, her images did not impress me as "Madame" . . .

@p6x , any luck finding the missing O-ring? I was hoping that post took the prize, but we're not beyond looking further . . .

A Saturday morning low of 59ºF is going to make the Cherohala right brisk. Big block Goozies looooooove this!!!!!!!

I had thought the early engine cases, like those pictured on that V7 Special, with the simple vertical ribs (before the "waffle" pattern used through the last big blocks) were all V7 703 cc, but seems that must have changed later (not sure when, 1971?)

In his excellent reference, Moto Guzzi - The Complete History from 1921, Mario Colombo writes: "The V7 was replaced in 1969 with the V7 Special which had an uprated 757 cc engine and various other mechanical (gearbox) and and design improvements (wider tank, complete instrument pack, white paintwork with red stripes). Special models were prepared for the American Market with names like Ambassador, Eldorado, and California."

That is a great concept!

"Before you do anything, take 5 steps back, and think about what could happen with what you are planning to do for 5' . . . " Is this to say "five minutes" or "five feet?"

You fine fellows will be dearly missed.

Walt did not mention this to me and I don't see any changes on their website. One of the SpineRaiders had to work through some reservation changes and told me. I hope I have not mis-spoken. I know we all wish Walt and Anna the very best!

I understand Walt is staying on for a time while the new folks get up to speed. Not sure we'll get to see Walt, though. I got to talk with him and Anna a couple months back. What great folks ! It is already looking like these new innkeepers are golden, as well. The South'n SpineRaid's twelfth year at The Lodge at Tellico.

Okay, so there could be some loose cannons and unknown quantities . . .

(I believe that is too small for anything related to the air intake . . .) O-RING 17, 86X2, 62 #35: GU90706178

I know y'all are always on your best behavior. Something special this year, we are the guests of the new innkeepers, Bryan and Catherine. Not sure who the "other group" is at the lodge, but they probably aren't bringing any viable parts bikes we could use.

I dunno, man. These modern fuels don't seem to mark plugs like the good ol' days. Mighty easy to pull those plug caps and check the resistance. My buddy found his at three in the morning with his carbs apart on the bench *(unnecessariy). . .

@p6x, Check your dipstick to see if its O-ring has gone missing.

Another member just solved a similar problem discovering one of the spark plug resistor caps was intermittently giving resistance in the MegaΩ instead of ~5kΩ. Easy check, easy fix. Once found.

*Disclaimer: The "South'n SpineRaid" only borrows the term, tongue-in-cheek. True rally raids are serious, gruesome, impressive affairs. About the most serious event at a South'n SpineRaid is figuring out how to get the stack of pizzas delivered. Mademoiselle Dautheville:

+1 on Melissa Holbrook Pierson's presentation. Yes, she captures some of the essence of why we ride. While her work is also autobiographical, I think that lends a truism to her experiences that she was determined to share with us. Would she have realized these dreams without a Moto Guzzi and Moto Guzzi "people?" "The Perfect Vehicle" (*not a Moto Guzzi!) is worth the read and consideration without the thought-provoking heaviness of Robert Pirsig's philosophical "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" (required reading) . . .

What you are seeking, my friend, is the "RUSTY STAR PICKET PROJECT." Accept no substitutes!

@gelos is in the Czech Republic and checks in with us from time to time. . .

This is one and same bike, yes?