docc

Great to see you back around!! Congratulations on the good changes and especially the garage . . . er, I mean, the lady. That's what I meant . . . We Scots-derivatives spilled out across the seas look on admiringly at this time for Scotland. The very best of good fortune for you!

I'm learning that everything I drink is a "session beer . . ."

Regarding the Workshop manual for the early Sport: I see in Section H, page 10, the angle of 25.0˚. Length at the top of the diagram: 767,203 +/- 0,2 and at the bottom of the diagram: 821,384 +/- 0,2 How does that compare to your specifications? (It appears my manual was printed 03/01 if I can presume that is the date appearing very last on the title page. Is it possible your manual is for the US2002 and later braced frame?) Section F, page 28, shows fork offset of 40,5mm, but like you I get a measurement of 44 mm +/- 1. (Hard to measure accurately).

Hey, sp838: SN above or below 113032? Nutted axle? Can you make out the number on the bottom of the upper triple clamp?

I've changed the topic title to attract more information gathering. Once we've mined a goodly portion of the developmental changes, we can amend the FAQ for model year changes. I have Model Year Catalogs from US year 2000 through 2004. Two for 2001 and two for 2002. There are certainly a number of conflicting specifications throughout. Some of this from the difference in model years for Europe and the rest of the world (for example, the LeMans was introduced in the States as a 2002, but I have a 2001 catalog depicting it). This is why I would propose categorizing by Three Generations of the V11. Let's hope it can stay that simple. >All of the castor/rake specs I can find in print show 25˚. I could have sworn the early Sport was 24.5˚, but I can't find it written anywhere. The LeMans appears to be 25˚, but is this true for all models 2002-2004(5)? >Wheelbase is a simple measure and may be helpful. 1st Generation Sports and the Rosso Mandello were said to have 1471mm (57.9inches). But wouldn't the 1/2˚ rake change with the triple clamp revision have changed the wheelbase slightly? (RM and Sports after SN 113032 with "canted" triple clamps) >The LeMans (US2002) brought a revised frame with visible bracing across the lower gearbox, braced subframe structures both front and rear, and a 1490mm wheelbase (58.6 inches). This should include the first year Lemans, Tenni, Scura, and Sport Naked. These bikes are also characterized by white face Veglia gauges, 'fuzzy' engine paint, and no front crossover exhaust pipe. Neither the Tenni nor the Scura are shown in my catalogs. >Catalog of 2003 shows wheelbase of 58.6 inches and 2004: 59 inches. Models looks identical with the addition of the Coppa Italia paint scheme to the Cafe Sport in '04. Were they just rounding off for the North American market in the 2004 catalog? (These are V11 with black face ITI gauges and a cross-over front pipe.) If you all will please help edit this information, it would be most appreciated!

So, Z, how's the panhandling coming along?

[A cross post from "Early special V11" on the 24/7 V11 sub-forum summarizing a few of Greg Foield's previous posts in this thread regarding the change of triple clamps]: A post by Greg Field regarding the change of triple clamps, but not just for the Rosso Mandello, but by serial number: "What is meaningful is a discussion of triple clamps. Early (to frame 113032) bikes used triple clamps with 1/2 degree steeper rake. It is these that show the greatest tendency to instability, though even the later ones sometimes do, too." With this clarification: "I'm pretty damn sure the steering angle on the frame was unchanged from beginning through the last pre-LeMans bike. All red-colored frames have the same part number. The part number was changed for the Rosso Mandello because it is coated black. The angle change was made in the triple clamps at the frame number listed earlier." And further clarification here, on post#164: " The later triple clamps include a 1/2-degree of cant compared to the steering axis. These gray "canted" triple clamps were used through the end of the red-frames. In general, if your red-frame's forks have an axle nut, they also have the early non-"canted" clamps and if your red-frame has an axle that screws directly into the fork leg, it has the "canted" clamps. There is some crossover between axle-fixing arrangements and clamps, though, and Guzzi offered a kit of the "canted" clamps for people who wanted to reduce twitchiness of their early bikes, so any combination of parts is possible. Rosso Mandellos had black "canted" triple clamps. Starting with the LeMans, Guzzi again fitted non-"canted" clamps, but they were painted black." And these part numbers under the upper triple clamp, again apparently not unique to the Rosso Mandello: "Does it read "01493100" or "01493130" (both early) or "501452" (most late)?"

So, here is where the part number is (between the mounting for the ignition switch): While my serial number (1126xx) is under the 113032 change referenced in the Service Bulletin, and I have a nutted axle, this is the part number referenced as the later canted triple clamps (501 452). LowRyter, where is your serial number in the range? Can you see that upper clamp part number?

I have been admittedly lost on the triple clamp change. It explains why I had never seen an early Sport with a front axle screwed directly into the fork leg until LowRyter came to the last Spine Raid. It would be interesting to compare upper triple clamp numbers as I can't see any difference in the clamps' finishes or appearance from the photos.

I think the true nature of resurrecting this thread has come to light. Ah, Guzzi rides in winter when the beer runs out . . .

Most recent post I've seen from David was a year ago. Miss his wit and banter.

It's all looking really good! You know, there could be less stress on the header mounts with one less point to line up.

AW - you guys are too kind. Oddly, only one of the former posters was asked to leave the party. More odd yet how the others fought so bitterly with him, then left when he did. For some, what good's a party without a fight?

Planning on doing a little brewing, Jaap? Helio-Jim is such an inspiration. A different beer every day til Christmas . . . better yet starting on New Year's Day! Pogue's Run Porter, Flat 12 Bierwerks, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Only a Yank grocery grade 5.5%, but rich, dark and roasty. Goes nicely with the time it takes to clean the bugs off your boots and fork legs. A pleasant bitter finish like you get on the overrun when your mixture's a bit on the rich side.

Oh, yeah, four gone. Plus Nemo/Enzo makes five. Not that my patience accomplished anything, but it wasn't for lack of trying.

Fantastic interactive Craft Beer Map of the US to give us some hope! Fast growing craft brewery in America 2012: Blackstone in Nashville, Tennessee! Love their Nut Brown Ale:

Something to look forward to! Next best thing to calculating the proper battery charge rate at 3˚F!

Sorry, I picked up "cable" from this post. Can you you get a side lit picture from behind the side plate which would show more of the likely leak candidates?

Chamberlin, how about that Pullen book report ?

I hear removing the slave is a bugger. Have you cinched down the line connection (there's no cable)?

Still looking for a Scura owner to confirm wheelbase and rear rim size . . . Could we say the Scura is a naked Tenni with Öhlins and fork mounted flyscreen?

No way it's coming form the gearbox vent just to the right of the clutch slave?

Can you get a photo with a little more ambient light? I can't make out where the leak is.

You can only adjust valves so many times, Jim! What's a guy with a low-maintenance bike to do?

Summary on early triple clamps here: Early Special V11 Post #5 Ooh, Jim! YOU! (Good find!)