docc

I, too, love my (early) Tekno panniers. I used to take the racks off every summer (hey, who doesn't want to see his lady dressed skimpy when the weather's right? ), but have left them inplace year 'round for a long, long time. (See "Fixin' It On The Road" for a complete explanation). Just be aware that not only can the sire rack's welds crack, so can the sub-frame tabs for the passenger/exhaust brackets (just sayin'):

This is wonderful to be able to share and enjoy. Especially without getting my hands dirty . . . (Ever notice that photos of our Guzzis-in-Process always have hammers in the background?)

The Tekno mounts (and bags) were redesigned at some point, adding some additional bracing especially around the rear.

Seems that riding makes them darker. An apparent overall progression of change . . . "patina" - as the say.

Those will be nice badges for the side covers! Can't wait to see more pictures! What a very nice Guzzi!

There is some lame plan coming together to go to Frenchies the weekend before Cinco de Mayo . . . Spine Raid Tropicale, anyone?

Yeah, I see this: Zadi Group, Modena, Italy They appear related to CEV. That seems familiar, like I've seen it on the V11 somewhere . . . (sorry about the thread drift - I thought if we tracked down this specific part all the applications could be specified.)

What do you make of the marks cast in under the cap: ZADI PF 491 4

I can see it in their inventory online, but just three photos? Looks clean, but 30 photos would be better to have look from halfway 'round the world, yeah?

I can't imagine that Turn-of-the-Century Moto Guzzi didn't source this as a common part. We should be able to cross reference this, no? (you're a heap of quite smart lads! The V11 fuel filler is not also for Ducati Monster of the same era? And, did the V11 fuel fillers change with the later (2003-2004) internal pump/ no-chin-pad tank?

Much discussion has been lent to concerns over the nylon tank material, susceptibility to fuel formulation, especially regarding ethanol, shape deformation and problems with paint "bubbling" (coming loose). Let's regroup in this thread and focus on solutions.

This is really a major topic. Especially now that these bikes are "soon-to-be-vintage" and the problems of fuel formulations and the nylon tanks are well established. So, we've make a new thread in Technical Topics to revisit this known issue with this type fuel tank.

Waiting for some special decals for the side panels?

Moved to "How to . . ."

Aww, shucks . . . you're too kind . . . I haven't forgot about the suggestion we have a thread for en route troubleshooting. I've learned so, so much from the people on this forum, and the ten Spine Raids, that I hope to keep it archived for easy access. These are not terribly complicated or unreliable bikes, but they do not suffer neglect well.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Bultaco, Bud Ekins, Baja 1972 . . . No, wait . . . Daytona!

Alright, almost done, then: Only the front/first/Starter relay is 5-pin. All the rest will work on 4-pins. But IMHO there is no reason to chance that a 4-pin might get rotated into the first position and complicate a road side circumstance. The 5-pin will seat in every position, simply not making contact with the fifth (center) pin. I cannot count the spare relays I've carried that are running around in other folks' V11s . . . A far as choosing to use OMRON and carrying spares - why skimp? They're not very expensive, really, and positions #1 and #2 likely the single most failure prone issue in the V11. For the 5 question quiz then: 1. Yes, but G8HE (High Current) 2. No, no need to replace the sockets, but Kiwi_Roy reminds us that the connections must be clean and tight. 3. Some places I ride, the vultures are the least of my worries . . . honestly, there are members here who running their original Siemans with no trouble. Yet, many of us routinely use the highest quality fuels, lubricants, and components available regardless of cost. I extend this philosophy to the relays. 4. With the bases clean and tight, and quality relays in place, you're *probably* good to go. Spares are cheap and easy to store. 5. Yes, by all means! For the record, I started the South'n Spine Raid back in 2004 because I'd only ever seen one other V11 and my dealer (125 miles away) had closed up shop like Pressed Rat and Warthog. The Spine Raid has been a crucible of V11 experience. Re: "BTW" - Yes, you can take the relays out with the ignition off without disconnecting the battery. Pull them straight up and out! Don't wiggle or waller as this can spread the connections in the bases (the bases themselves are mounted loosely, but the connections to the relays' spades should be tight, or follow the link above to Kiwi_Roy's Relay Base method). I hope teacher doesn't keep me after school . . .

Soooo , I hope I haven't dug too many deep holes here . . . First, let me say PyroDan ( http://www.dpguzzi.com/ ) is a true gentleman and has provided excellent service to the Guzzi community for many years. A real unsung hero! I've gotten relays from Dan, both Bosch and GEI. The last relays I recall him offering (at a great price and convenience) were the Chinese GEI. Some years back a member here (Ryland3210) disassembled both the GEI and the OMRON and did an extensive report on their internal construction. I thought his work very competent and have used OMRON since (7 years/43,000 miles/69.000 km). I do carry extras, but have never seen an OMRON failure. The labels on my tail cowl: S(tart), L(ights), N(eutral), ECU, FI (fuel injection. Adding these labels and the complete fuse description next to the components will get you ( or your buddies) off the side of road much quicker than googling the owner's manual. And, yeah, I believe all the relays are in the same order for the entire V11 series. I'll post this and look back at Scud's post above to see how much more homework I've got. EDIT/ 07 February 2017: *Best* relay: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19755&p=216605

I really like my roll-in Baxley Trailer Sport Chock for parking the Sport- keeps it upright and makes oil check easy (yah, with the stick screwed all the way in), and keeps the weight off the sidestand for much of the bike's life.

Only the front ("starter") relay is 5-pin. But, 5-pins will fit everywhere with no modifications. It's my thinking that if a 4-pin gets put forward on a switch-around, the troubles are compounded. Get rid of all your 4-pins. Install the very best relays available. Carry a full set of extras, and extras for your buddies. Make sure your relay contacts are clean and tight. I used to label my relays, but when they get switched around, replaced, or shared - the labels are compromised. So, Iabel the positions on the tail section next to the relays. Know your relays! Give them some love!

Wheel mounted radials are just amazing! Fueling? Exhaust? Really? How? Amazing!

Coming out of the weep hole on the bell housing? Or dripping down fro the top of the case?

Yeah, well . . . the V11 relays are critical components. Ditch all the 4 pins, get the 5 pin OMRONS. Clean your ignition switch, don't let your battery terminals get loose, or your main ground fail. Look at that 30 amp regulator fuse. Did I say OMRON relays?

. . . or there is a leak (or two)?