docc

So, an early 1999-2000 production judging by the finned, steel exhaust header flanges. This run also suffered from the red stillettos fading to pink. Some P.O. likely stripped them to the bare alumin(i)m . . .

Welcome back, @Drahchir! I moved the image of your lovely LeMans for all to see!

"Carajillo !" What a concept! https://vinepair.com/cocktail-recipe/carajillo/

Officially "3 mos. before this event ", now. Get Uranus in gear, @gstallons . . . I need to start addressing my Waddington Effect.

eBay seller in Ohio, "Mike's Motorcycle Parts": https://www.ebay.com/itm/273413734401?itmmeta=01HZR21WKM2Z43WGS6W53W08VH&hash=item3fa8ba8001:g:pX8AAOSwQeVbd3W6&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAAwLQI3gQqGqhZhgMd8FhYifjHiIWme6Us4ItihVYDiZr3c3Yj7Q2ONCBdt9FpcaZxsWxy2um2aVhARD%2FjHc%2B4uYO%2Fcn0s0S81fetg%2FwjfIXfrRk5iSEvbvXaLex5CepSgSmkJTI1QhEyy0Fi1m57XwUmTxt300lVVxOzO5l3F%2BK1jgMl7xosRCivxx8zOhL3gzLXQhZbqcK6jL3%2B7AKQ%2Bx2g0nCZZpIhEYfBIIQhldChfCXNtHM3Xn%2FrFsIEoix3Mqw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR_TJh4L-Yw https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/NGYAAOSwMUNbd3W~/s-l960.webp Looks like under $50 shipped.

Looks like CadreCycle or AF1Racing might get the switch special order . . . https://cadrecycle.com/product/switch-rh-2/ https://www.af1racing.com/search?q=01738800&adv=true&cid=0&isc=true&mid=0&vid=0&pf=&pt=&sid=true&adv=false&isc=false&sid=false

I don't see the switch at MGCycle (GU01738800) Seems that switch was also used on various Ducati (Monster?) and others back in the day?

Open that switch and clean it with CRC Eelctronics Cleaner and follow with Caig DeOxit. Turn signal lens at MG Cycle: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=85

Three months to SSR XX. (Uranus visible on the horizon ) Start a new thread in Classifieds/Wanted with your wishlist . . .

Doug Brauneck rode the #46 Dr. John ProTwins (2-valve) racer in 1987 whose success put the #1 plate on the subsequent 1988 4-valve race bikes.

These outcomes make me ponder that "fork seal cleaning" should be a routine maintenance procedure. Perhaps "yearly" or with every oil change . . .

I so wanted to post a pic of my "favourite pair of shorts ", but there is not enough room for the patch on them and she didn't want me to post the pic anyway . . .

Thanks for confirming that "air gap" is the "proper way." We must just be certain to "prime" the cartridges full of oil before using the air gap method.

The "proper way to check the fluid level" . . .

And?

Not to detract from the interesting route planning, but I wanted to contribute to the DEET selection. This is, hands down, the most effective product available based on many years of field experience taking groups into the Tennessee woods. Lotion is more effective than sprays, apply only twice daily and the encapsulation limits absorption: https://www.sawyer.com/products/controlled-release-insect-repellent We also used Permethrin clothing treatment (per the US DOD) to good effect, but we were primarily battling tick-borne illness rather than mosquitos. Still, mosquitoes can definitely bite through fabric and the permethrin may be worthwhile.

Sierra Hull, y'all! > Nashville>>>>>

Is it possible that @activpop's rebound fork feels like just the spring (no damping), but damps upon extension (hard to feel) and there is nothing at all wrong with his forks?

You know you have fallen in with Class A Geaheads when they all gather to drool over bolts. Those are Class A Drool-able!

That was definitely an "OTR" event for me. I gave wide latitude for the working truckers. I felt like we were working together. As we all should, out there on the roadways . . .

Not long ago, I stood by while my two boys debated the priorities of making the perfect coffee. The connoisseur declared that a fresh roasting (within days) of quality beans is paramount. The chemist-son argued that the extraction time and temperature were the foremost factor. While they never could agree, I can say I have never had better coffee when either of them made me a cup. All of the coffee-making parameters remind me of The Decent Tune-up . There is really no one aspect "most important" - it is an orchestration. All elements must be present to achieve the outcome.

Yeah, we throw people outta here every day for making fun comments about the sound of lovely motorcycles . . .

And I thought a thread sealant/anti-seize or even a lubricant is indicated with any dis-similar metals threaded together?

It is notable that a 2001 Sport in Europe could be a Long Black Frame with the second generation black forks that fit these cartridges. US 2001 Sport would be Short Red Frame with first gen silver forks and not compatible with the Andreani.

@LaGrasta, IIRC your 2003 V11 is a 2002 "carryover?" In such case, it has all the specifications of a 2002 including the forks. The later V11 forks are 43mm and the early 40mm Marzocchi (1999-2001) differ from the '02 40mm.