docc

Thanks MZNYC! All the rest of the photos must have been shot while the ladies were at lunch. (Not that any of them look like they ever eat). The hyper-finning surely looks a bit overdone in the pictures, but, I agree, this more about trying on some new clothes and seeing who wants to go out dancing.

I like the Cafe design (being such an Old Git ) , but it will have to be 125 pounds lighter than my Sport to be the Real Deal. MG claims 400 lb, dry, so maybe close! And where are the photos of EICMA with the models? You mean Italians would put designs on the stage without leather dresses and Pradas?

Hey! Who you callin' aged and out of adjustment?

Looks like my 2000 Sport is configured a bit differently with the nylon knob on the outside.

Yeah. And then you could have an Italian bike and an Italian wife . . . Who was it said an Italian woman (bike) will stab you for no reason at all?

Maybe a little BreakFree CLP or some-such to get the little bugger spinning. A tiny 8mm hex nut secures the knob nicely but keep it secure in the locking process just like you would a valve adjuster.

Ah! Now, reshaping springs in a vice might just get you a bodge point! But only if it works . . .

My RedFrame had a unique spring failure in that the original gearbox was replaced at 27,213 miles (replaced 12/03) with a box probably made later than the original 2000. The selector spring failed on the newer box at 27,463. The newer box still has the eccentric adjuster. I wasn't aware those were deleted in later production.

There is more than one procedure that includes the RHS set screw. I've done it both ways over these 69,000 miles and find the "defeat" method much simpler and just as reliable. I do use a jam nut on the white knob and, yes, you must be diligent to keep it from moving the knob as it's tightened. FWIW, my white knob rotates on threads, making the rod shorter or longer while the right side of the rod stays soundly anchored with its lock nut. I should have read Ratch's post more closely, but I'm understanding his white knob stays "affixed" and his rod length must be adjusted from the right(?). Good news there is you surely wouldn't need a jam nut on the left!

ANd the shift lever and all its mechanism (external) is all cleaned, lubricated and adjusted?

My yellow Anti-tamper paint is long gone. And, still, I can't imagine the value of using any kind of permanent adhesive (JB Weld or Red Loctite) on the throttle rod. It's adjustable, after all. Best advice, so far is the pinned TPS procedure. It's not the only way, but worth a good fettle, eh?

I believe I just watched a 2001 Sport go on eBay for $3850 US. I'd like to think that's the "bottom." I'm waiting for the day when some kid says,"Wow, Pops, is that one of those rare RedFrame Devil Guzzis from the turn of the century?" "Sure, Sonny. Could you help drag me boot across the seat so I can ride off?"

A clean switch is happy switch; and the RedLine will probably help as well. Cure for a sticky switch? Disconnect it? No, only if you're selling the bike on. Leaving the neutral light on activates the (middle/"sidestand") relay full time. Better not to. If a clean up doesn't fettle it, then in with the new switch.

Hmm, the spacers go on top, no? They can be changed without removing the forks from the triple trees. I had made the mistake of increasing the fork preload too much on my stock Marzocchis to where there was little rebound travel left. The answer was "correct springs" instead. Stock spacers in black behind the LaPhroaig Single Malt and Silkolene fork oil (don't they make a nice couple?)

Don't be apologetic. It looks so good you can't even qualify for a Bodge Point.

Simple load test: Turn the headlamp (etc) on high for three minutes and check the battery voltage. Over 11.2 vDC is good. On oil, I've found that Mobil 1 makes a lovely diesel truck full synthetic rated 5w-40 for 15w-40 applications (whatever the hell that means) with a CI-4 plus rating (the next best thing to old fashioned SG). And, yes, lighter cranks easier.

When you lift the cap, there is a small rubber nipple at 1:00 (looking at the cap upside down) which seals the tank vent. SOme have removed theirs to let the tank vent under the cap instead of out the plumbing. Sounds like you should check your hose routing.

And I thought all the '99 - '01 drivelines were silver. I guess "new owners" Aprilia started slipping the black drives in early.

I didn't see quite so many Guzzis this year. Having ridden down with Josh's Sport 1100, we saw a Quota, a champage LeMans, an Eldo, and a really nice metallic green LeMans/CX. There was a 1200 Sport at the motel. There were three amazing cafe Guzzis in the Classics show. And there were a couple Guzzis in the paddock waiting to ride in anger. This remains an extraordinary event; can't wait til next year!

Bad boy, Murray! It's a *foul* not to show your location in your profile and taunt us with your good riding! I can say, here in Lower Middle Mule Town (of Tennessee, USA) the Guzzi loves this dry, dense 60 degree F air. She howls, she idles, she gets good fuel economy. Who could ask for more?

My wife and I run our business together. Today, the nice ladies that work for us got us a gift certificate to a local eatery for Boss Day. I tried to amuse the wife with the whole knob thing, but she didn't get it. She's seems rather steadfast in her view that she's the Boss and I'm the Knob and that, in fact, there is a difference.

In the Darwinism of Motorcycling, Guzzi has yet remained. Let us hope it stays so, but remember it is about being the "fittest" and evolving to meet the demands of ever changing environs. Ford Motor Company (perhaps the only real, surviving American global carmaker) once noted that (and I paraphrase) "an enthusiast is worth ten sales." (or some such); as a satisfied Guzzisto, I suppose Piaggio's only hope in me is to provide me with a proper parts and service network that I can espouse the glory and fineness of Guzzi to all in the land. Here's to my hope in their prosperity!! (ok, so I'll drink to just about anything)

Hey! Who you callin' a knob? Worse yet: I see that this Friday, here in America, is National Boss Day. Is that the same as National Knob Day?

I was thinking your specification fit the latest generation Triumph Tiger "Roadie". But, no, hey, that Valkyrie . . . nice ride! But who's the then? (Kidding, DBG! Just be sure to fit a big windscreen since you'll be sitting back on your bum.)