Richard Z

Internet sarcasm and thoughts are usually lost in Black and white print. I took nothing you said as a criticism but good knowledge gained by informed and knowledgable individual. We know nothing of each other habits and lifestyles. Mine has gone in the crapper lately as all my bikes are scattered among friends and relatives homes due to a seperation from my shop, oh yes, my wife too. My mind isn't set on doing a lot with my V11 until better times. My assesment was just me, spending time with like individuals with the same interests. Just thought my take on the new bike might interest others. I like to tinker. Right now I'm putting back together for the 3rd time my 1982 Eddie Lawson Replica. Me and a Mitsubishi Eclipse tried to share MY lane and well I lost and the Eclipse and barbwire won. The V11 spends its time in a climate control 5'x10' storage unit and can be accessd only to ride when weather permits. The winter gives me time to look and watch others, to see what they are doing and to take that knowledge and use it as well..... Richard Z.

Unfortunately, being in Kansas has its drawbacks in the middle of winter. I don't have the luxury of California weather. I only get maybe, one day a week to ride for just a couple of hours and when I'm done I put the bike back into cold storage. No time to actually get to the tuning of the bike. If everyone purchased a bike and spent the better part of 5 - 6 hours of tuning the suspension before putting some miles on it, then we all would get tired of buying new and different machines. Especially when the weather doesn't condone it. My assesment was only to post my first impressions as I got it out of the box not to give it any bad reviews. I think I mentioned it was my new favorite bike. Picked over several bike that I have owned for more than 20 years and have spent hours if not days tuning the suspension for my liking. Richard Z.

My thoughts exactly. After riding In-line fours for a long time, there are plenty of differences in initial feel from them to the twin. I haven't done any adjusting of the suspension. As a matter of fact I haven't even checked what the dealer or factory even set them at. None of the comments I made were bad. Its not as refined as some other bikes, but sometimes thats a good thing. It makes me want to ride and learn more. Just as I get complaciant with a bike and its characteristics is when bad things happen. I just don't see that with this bike. You have to ride this bike. I've ridden bikes that you just "flick" into a turn without hesitation. However, I've found with my sport extra effort is needed. It may be due to the degree of rake or my riding position. Being vertically challenged and small in size, it takes me more effort to enter and exit turns than my FZR1000 or GPz. I seem to focus more than I used to while riding. It might be from the accident. Spending a month in the hospital does that to you. I'm sure after initail break in, complete reading of the manual and setting the bike up, I will be able to "flick" the V11 into any corner without hesitation as well. Richard Z.

I didn't mean to create a political post. Just some fun with a pic I found. I'm wonderin why the guy behind the president is smilin so much...... Richard Z.

There are a few corners in Kansas. Flat ones, but they are corners........ Richard Z.

Its been a month since I purchased my 2004 V11 Sport naked. I purchased it new with a couple of ticks on the clock. The bike rolled 250 miles on the odometer and 2 full tanks of gas. This is my first V Twin sport bike. Here it goes: It rattles and vibrates. It starts hard and waits til the end of the ride to warm up. When I give it input, it fights back. When it gives back input, its harsh and abusive. It has a mind of its own and shines when it wants too. Its like riding and fighting Rocky Balboa. Bottom line: I love it. It makes me want to ride. Not cruise or be noticed. It begs for more than I can give it. It takes the confidence out of me and uses it to its own advantage. It likes to be ridden and not cruised or shown off. It eats corners and hills and doesn't brake a sweat. Nobody knows what it is and it likes it that way. It rides through traffic with pride and never looks back. I won't trade it. I have a new favorite bike.... Just my Richard Z.

Wow, I didn't realize I was going to start some kind of debate that no one could win. As far as collectability goes. Everything is collectable as long as there are people wanting and willing to make a market for it. My motorcycle preference is mostly by collectability. What can I buy now that can be a good or profitable return on my investment. I guess the key is, to be able to see into the future to find out what will be worth the money years from now. Most people that don't like something that is collectable are just pissed that they weren't on the ground floor or in the know that something would actually be collectable and somebody else is making money from it. Whether or not the item, or motorcycle in this case, is a pig or ugly. My current collection of bikes are early 80's asian Superbike Replicas and a few albatroses that no one would think could be collectable nowadays. My 1972 Suzuki GT750J is a good example. This bike was built for the US market and was the first liquid cooled bike mass produced for the US. Its 3 cylinder, 2 stroke engine wasn't the fastest nor did the bike outperfom the competition. However, since I bought the bike 18 years ago and paid only $400 for it. I could sell it for almost $8000 on a bad day that is what usually pisses off the average person that doesn't understand why its collectable. The only bike that I own now that I have my doubts about collectability is my V11. It doesn't mean that It won't make some money down the road, but its the only bike I have that I can't sell for a profit. Don't get me wrong. I love all my bikes. Not only for the $$$ but for different reasons on every bike. Some about Racing History: Wes Cooley and the Eddie Lawson Replica's. My GPz since it was purchased for use in the California Superbike School in 1982. The Waterbuffalo, 72 GT750J, for its history and firsts in the market. I would like to add more Italian Bikes to my collection and wishing for one is a lot easier than paying premium $$$ for one. I missed a great opportunity last month on a 1973 Ducati 750SS that had a pedigree from racing at Daytona, Talledega, to winning 4 AMA titles. I assumed the bike would bring 30-50 Thousand dollars US. But to my surprise fell short at only $14,700. That would have been a great investment and a cool addition to any collection. As I always say, "Wish in One hand and Shit in the other. See which one gets full first." Richard Z.

Thats too funny. Today I rode my V11 to work and parked it next to a Ruin. I mean Rhune. It seems that during lunch there was a larger crowd around my bike discussing the ugly thing I was parked next to. I heard he traded his Harley for it. Some people can't be helped..... Richard Z.

I think Corbin should have fired the designer or engineer of the Trim Tab. It has to be the ugliest thing ever put on a motorcycle. OK, that statement may be a little harsh, but you get the idea. I do think the Trim Tab by Corbin would look good under the tire of my truck. Richard Z.

I purchased a set of CNC Anodized head Gaurds off Ebay. I'm sure everyone has seen them. I'm mechanically inclined so instalation doesn't bother me. Anybody have any torque specs that they could share. Any other tips from Guzzi owners welcomed. Thanks, Richard Zimmerman

That bike would go really well with my Wes Cooley Replica, Eddie Lawson Replica and my 1972 GT750J WaterBuffalo. I think I found a 72 Ducati Sport on Ebay that would go with all of them. I'm dreamin again. Time to get back to reality. Richard Z.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Laverda-SFC...1QQcmdZViewItem This would look cool in my living room...... Richard Z.

I was able to find almost all the bikes in pictures. Glad to see I voted with the majority.... Richard Z.

Went for a 30 mile ride today. 41 degrees when I headed out. Ate dinner. 26 degrees by the time I got home. It worked flawlessly. I was surprisingly pleased. There was no buffeting at my normal riding position. I'm 5'7" so the clip ons are a bit of a stretch. When tucked it gave some defense from the cold air. I guess the mylar and rubber washers along with the small bit of velcro between the gauge top and inside the windshield kept it from vibrating or causing any wind effects to the bars. At 90mph it never moved or flexed. It might be a keeper. I'm getting used to the fit and feel of it already. I'm thawing my fingers as I type. Still less than 200 miles on the bike. I love the torque. Its so much different than the inline 4's I'm used to. Richard Z.

Everywhere I had protection I was fine. However, until they make a pant that is shred proof behind the knee we are all vulnerable. Barbed wire can be harmful. This pic was after the skin graft and two months off work. I might have posted these before. The Joe Rocket stuff is great. I probably wouldn't be typing this if I hadn't of been wearing it. All the armored locations did their job along with the helmet. Richard Z.

I picked up a few more parts and got the decals reproduced for the tank. New tank emblems and a Maier Tinted windscreen. I ncluded the pics of whats left of my ELR Jacket. The last pick is what I hoping the final product will look like. Richard Z.

Its aftermarket. Probably ordered from Parts Unlimited. It was supposed to fit a mid 80's CB900 but probably fits about every standard bike with a 7" round headlight. It'll do for now til I find something more suitable. I haven't ridden with it yet. I've been told that addition of this may cause more vibration in the bars. I'll see how the buffeting changes. I may not be happy at all. My biggest reason for doing this is to shade the gauges and lights. I have a hard time seeing the lights. I'm usually the dumbass riding around the world to the left with his blinker on. Richard Z.

This wasn't my first choice of windscreens for my 04 Naked. But after looking at it for awhile It seems to grow on me. I wanted something a little smaller. Kind of what been on the Buell's and color matched. I settle for this National Cycle Tinted Windshield for now. No modifications were required to make it fit. It was ordered for a CB900 Honda and the price was right since it wasn't going to be used on the CB900. I purchased a couple of rubber and mylar washers and some longer Chrome Bolts and Washers too. I also applied a tank pad to the tank. Even though I hate the looks of the things, my jacket was scuffing the paint. What do you all think? BTW The pics were taken before I actually mounted it on the bike. The finished installation looks better. Richard Z.

I hate You....... Sorry......Joke..... That is too cool. The closest place around here is Tulsa at Hallett. I was in the hospital during the last track day Looks like a lot of fun. Richard Z.

I wish I knew how to upload the pic from my cell phone. I was in Motorsports today and Bob had done his magic. He swapped the dark red seat from the 1100 Black breva to the silver Norge. Wow, It was striking. It looked good with the red tank logos. Just enough color to break up the silver and black. I was amazed of the similarities of the 2 bikes until I looked hard. It appear the luggage and many other components would swap too. Richard Z.

I am in the progress of rebuilding my 1982 Kawasaki ELR Replica. This is the bike I was hit on September 3rd of this year. I found enough pieces to put it back together and had the paint work done..... I am hoping to get it back on the road by the first of the year. Richard Z.

I now know where to get some firewood.... BTW I found your 17mm wrench. I had a similar problem with the sport. I was too timid to tighten it. I took it back and let Bob tighten it. I figured if he broke it, he'd replace it. Richard Z.

I want a set of those coveralls. Anybody have any connections on the inside? Richard Z