docc

I certainly agree. If it were just the sense of 'stronger running' I'd say it was my wishful thinking. While the old battery kept a steady 12.7v the new Hawker is 12.84 v. Yet the regulator should level this off to its presets. Here again, the tach is about 300 rpm higher at idle, fuel economy dropped about 2 mpg, and the fuel light came on at 4.3 gallons instead of 4.6. No huge differences but enough to suggest a significant change. I did change the relays from Bosch to GEI as well but after I noticed the rpm increase. I'll have to go into the TPS and see if it's throwing a higher mV than when it was last set.

I'm still amazed at the difference in the Sport's running with the new battery. Stronger throught he rev range, higher idle. Now I've noticed it's running richer ( higher TPS voltage?) and the fuel lght comes on MUCH sooner and much more brightly.

True about the inner amber lenses. I think they were about $1.00 each. I hurried home from the Harley dealer with mine, all excited. The lenses almost ended up costing $170 after the Trooper invited me to court.

Cranks over and won't run? Or doesn't crank over?

Seems like California would be one of the least likely places to get humidity in the tach. Yet, maybe you live by a marina, park on the dock with a cover on the bike? My tach has never fogged ( either of them) . Perhaps tachs made later in the day got more Chianti spilled in them . . .

That's the internal 'cush-drive' which looks like a stack of washers leading to the output shaft. There hasn't been much discussion of it here. I had the impression there were changes in it as well as the 'sliding dogs.' The slop in my gearbox was surely much improved with the new gearbox. What's the word from you guys who have actually done the recall?

Well said, Bill. We can all (obviously) go on endlessly about politics and it is unfortunate for it to color our relationships. I come to this forum for its enjoyable, intelligent motorcycle banter and invaluable insight into the V11 Guzzi. This other trend certainly has detracted from the quality of the forum. Of course I'm still bruised over the witch doctor thing.

Her thighs looked more, uh, sturdy in her speed skating suit. The definition in her quadriceps reminded me of the sculpting of the Sport's tank. I'd have to get a better look at her ass to make any further comparison. Some thing's you have to decide for yourself.

I can tell you that pulling this stunt on an injected bike( er, like my V11 Sport ) won't get you around the next pump island.

If the V11 was an olympian it would be the Dutch speed skater Timmer. . .

I modded the silencer on my Honda 500. It was so quiet you could hear the piston going up and down at idle. "PHP" went from 30 to 40 while BHP probably went from 30 to 27.

Michelin Pilot "Sport" or Pilot "Road?"

The striped Centauros were tributes to the racing Cooper S. ( Pre-new Mini).

Don't you love it when it turns out to be something really simple?

Now there's some sport to line up for. I love the little plaid skirts . . .

With the poll about my life's work being so knee-slapping hilarious and all I guess I need the sense-of-humor adjustment that seems to come from long winters in deep snow. Where's Roper on this poll? And why can't I vote 'witch doctor' across the board? I need a dram and an oil change.

"IN" the hotel? It seems she went straight from the parking lot to the squad car. Having Bill around gives us such credence. I just informed my wife he had already registered for those dates. 'Oh , that's perfect then", she says. She must think he's a good influence.

As Chiropractic is an American thing I'm not sure who the Chiropractors are in Britain or Europe. Maybe Jaap can change your vote to 'Witch Doctor" and I can whip up a little eye of newt from here . . .

My young son home schools sixth grade . Looking over my shoulder just now he exclaims, "Chiropractic? I thought they just talked about motorcycles?" "No, son", says I, " These are an exceptional and intelligent group apt to discuss all sorts of the world's mysteries." Looking at the poll I had to explain what "witch doctors" are and why anyone would say that's what I do. Simpler were the massage therapists as we know several personally, refer to others and have even employed a few. Massage employs various techniques to purge the musculature of knots, cords, tightness and chemical accumulations. They do not ( should not) diagnose ( determine what is wrong) or manipulate the joints. Within the clinical community their scope places them under doctor's orders just as nurses function. Otherwise you can go get a massage anytime just like you can get your hair cut. Often in the same place. As always there are some really talented and skilled Massage Therapists. And there are some incompetants, perverts and charlitans. Chiropractors and Medical Doctors are autonomous. Chiropractic is not massage. If the Chiropractor is doing nothing but rubbing , he's not doing Chiropractic. Chiropractic was defined ('discovered') in Iowa USA 1895. Various techniques have evolved to find and release fixations of the joints, especially in the spine. Trauma, posture and degeneration can all lead to the loss of motion of joints. The joint may 'pop' or 'crack' when mobilized but not necessarily so. The profound effect of the 'adjustment' as this is often called is upon the function of the nerve. Nerves are reflex organs. As the nerves emanate from the spine to control all function in the body, it may be impinged or irritated by a dysfunctional joint. The resulting nerve reflexes cause pain, muscle spasms and inflammation. Left to its own this "subluxation complex" will continue to affect nerve function both downstream ( pain down the leg or arm, changes in organ function) and upstream ( fatigue, irritabilty, sleep disturbance and such). A joint fixation is like that lower shock link with no grease in it. It's tight, restricted and, if you don't do something about it, It's going to tear up. The nerve irritation is more like your wiring harness impinged at the steering head. Trouble starts showing up downstream where it may seem unrelated to the point of impingement ( headlight dim, fingers numb, intermittent starting,digestive problems). Claims that Chiropractic can affect disease process doesn't seem that pagan when you under stand the effect is mediated by the nervous system. Like the electrical system on the Guzzi, when all the connections are good and well grounded and no circuits are overloaded the whole bike runs better. When the nerves of the body are free to function without impingement by the joints, the whole person functions better and healing is enhanced. As in electrical problems the biggest trouble is getting the smoke back in the wires. If you wait that long, you don't need dielectric grease. You need a fire extinguisher. If your apppendix ruptures, go to the Emergency Room.

You gotta love a bunch of guys that get over busted shock links so quick and go back to pints and riding. . . . but not at the same time. . .

Last I heard you were headed to the garage to look at your shock link. Now I boot up and see this? I thought you found bad news and couldn't take it anymore . . .

Oh jeez . . . this is a hard debate to keep concise. Maybe even civil. How about some ground rules? First, Chiropractic is not a religion. But it involves beliefs. Your beliefs about what healing is may be different than you doctor's beliefs. Second, are Chiropractors doctors? True, this can depand on your opinion of what a 'doctor' is or should do. My degree that reads "Doctor of Chiropractic" is from an accredited college and took six years to get. I'm also board certifeid both nationally and by the state. My "scope of practice" both allows and requires that I examine, diagnose, order the proper tests, treat and refer if necessary. (Neither massage therapists, physical therapists or nurses have this scope.) It is notable that scope and licensure differ by state. In Tennessee , as in many states, I am a licensed Physician. In the State of Washington the scope is very limtied. Adjustment of the spine only - no extremities ( I treat all the joints of the body)- no nutrition-no therapy. Next door in Oregon they deliver babies and do minor surgery. Yet, Chiropractors are not Medical Doctors. If you are looking for drugs and surgery you should seek an MD or Osteopath. If your condition warrants drugs or surgery your Chiropractor should have the clinical skills to refer you appropriately. I coordinate referals to all specialties as well as order MRI and CT scan from the local hospital. I operate my own licensed and regulated x-ray facility and employ licensed technitions and assistants. If your doctor doesn't have time to listen to you, doesn't have trained and attentive staff and efficiently coordinate tests and referals then he's not a very professional doctor no matter what his credentials. It is hard to find a good doctor, Chiropractor or otherwise. Look how hard it is to find a good Guzzi mechanic. The way care is paid for often has interfered with good and appropriate care. It has created a sea of appointment mills. This is so from dentistry to pediatrics. ( Probably not Veterinary Medicine as these are some of the most intelligent and sincere doctors in the world). Finally, for now, a docotr's practice can be defined by the patients who present to him. I have patients with back and neck pain. Others whose condition has progressed to nerve involvement. Others who want medical alternatives. Others yet who require surgical interventions or strict encouragement to see their medical physician. Unfortunately, I know other docors who give evryone the same thing. Chiropractors who give the same adjustment to everyone evry time. Medical Doctors who prescribe the same narrow range of drugs. Caveat Emptor.

Chatting with a friend he asked if I'd seen the bike being made in the Isle of Man. ( I haven't) We went on to debate whether the Isle is 'England ' or "Northern Ireland.' Sure it's UK and I'm sure folks there would tell you they are "Manx", but what's the real deal?

I'm sure we could all squeeze in an extra 30 to stay at your place. You don't mind if Scott brings his 'friend' from Athens?

As testimony to the bravado of riding motorcycles, it is notable that we all have well developed beliefs and even sets of rules for being noticed by other road users. Like: * You're invisible, not invincible. * People pull out in front of trains with MARS lights and horns blaring. At marked crossings with flashing lights. Routinely. * Drivers don't hear sirens, loud pipes or, often, the person talking next to them. They have their mind on other things. Fiamms help but mostly for dogs. * Most crashes happen in intersections. Here, graphic patterns will tend to break up your silhouette into the urban background. Presenting the shape of a man with an attached head may be one way to keep it that way. * I 've ridden many miles behind bikes with headlaight modulators. Drivers do seem to get out of the way thinking these are emergency vehicles. Also, it has been common for these riders to be required to explain to Law Enforcement, with documentation, the Federal Statute allowing them to operate the modulator. * Certainly, we are most correct to accept the true measure of risk and our limits including those limits of the traffic. Still, Pete seems fussier than usual. I think we should take up a collection and send him a dram.