V11UK

We're in Mandello Thursday 15th to Monday 19th September .

Main beam is a projector lamp, while dipped beam is a standard H4 halogen. The chrome strips are for 'visual impact' .

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say. It wasn't until I test rode the new Breva V1100 that I really appreciated what a fine motorcycle it is. The overall looks do grow on you. I'd seen the Breva prototypes and not thought much of it - preferring the more flowing lines of the naked V11. The petrol tank does hold 24 litres (5.25 UK gallons) and is better looking in the 'flesh' than two-dimensional pictures suggest. I reckon I can live with a slightly oval shaped headlight - it's performance is way ahead of the V11's Bosch unit.

Antonio - Martin is what we call eccentric , who else would do 630 miles in one long day just to take pictures of his bike in different locations..... . You'll be glad to know that my rear tyre is still wearing well - even after some hot biking action in Scotland .

Great picture Martin . Why is Antonio holding Dennis's hand? Are they just good friends.... . It was a good weekend. The weather could have been better but most folk seemed to enjoy themselves, despite the lack of . The roads in that area are stunning and we were lucky that they were relatively free of tourist traffic. I trust Antonio and Dennis got back to Holland in one piece .

It would be interesting to see comparison dyno charts for the stock V11 and stock Breva V1100. The factory brochure specs suggest that the V11 is more powerful and produces more torque, which is probably true. But the Breva felt better lower down the rev range - in a very unscientific seat-of-the pants kinda way . Roll on August when I take delivery of mine .

Keith - Guy wrote this a few weeks ago, it sounds as though the campsite is pretty close.

I think the Griso looks like a real tarts handbag But what do I know..... Has a real bike enthusiast designed it or is it a product of the style/marketing department? At least V11's and the Breva V1100 look like pukka Italian machines.

Antonio try these links for B&B - they may have something available. http://www.inverourguesthouse.co.uk http://www.speanlodge.co.uk Hope you find something suitable .

Have to agree with all those points Guy. I borrowed one for a half day (from Jason @ http://www.motostrada.co.uk - I presume he's your dealer) last week and was very impressed. So much so that I've placed an order for a red Breva V1100 for late August delivery .

There you go Antonio . The Hotel's telephone number is shown within their web site: http://speanbridgehotel.co.uk The dial code for the UK from mainland Europe is 00 44.

Last call for this great weekend in Scotland. Just a few rooms left now so if you're the kind of guy/gurl who leaves it to the last minute - book now! Good weather has been arranged

Buell and V11, now you're talking . My 1997 S1 Lightning... I love them both . Each has a unique 'feel' and character. They're not perfect and mainstream riders deride them as 'tractors', but nothing I've ridden on test rides has come close. I'll be keeping both the S1 and V11 for ever and ever and ever.... .

FYI my V11's shaft has done 67,500 km with no problems. Its been dealer serviced every 10,000 km and to my knowledge has only been greased, never taken apart.

There will be girls there but they're spoken for - so you'll have to bring your own . I'm not sure how many V11 forum members are going - only myself and Martin Barrett? We do, however, have a good number of MGCGB members and Buell riders going... The weekend is informal but we do have various runs planned for the Saturday.

Very funny . In addition to the GMG we're touring Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, hence the two weeks.

Yo Antonio! We're going, leaving the UK on the 10th September (Hull to Rotterdam) and returning on the 25th September. We've booked a room at Al Verde, Mandello, for 4 nights to cover the GMG event.

Martin, I've not had a test ride on the Breva 1100 yet. Should have a ride in the next few weeks - time permitting.... I've been really busy with the Buell side of things this year but have ridden the V11 at every opportunity .

There's just something about Buells. I like their two-fingered salute to all that is mainstream, their raw feel and 83 ft/lb torque @ 3,000 rpm . Buells are one of few good things to come out of the USA .

My Buell S1 - taken at our first Buell event yesterday at Brooklands, London. And few of our friends....

Jane and I have our tickets - see you there Guy.

You needn't have any worries - I can assure you that the Omron relay is perfect for this application .

My '99 V11 has Omron G8H-1C4-TR-12DC automotive relays fitted - no problems in 42,000 miles . These relays are available from RS Components, part number 349-2121 @ £4.49 + vat each. Their web site is http://rswww.com and they have trade counters all over the UK. Hope this helps

Martin, my heart says the Buell but my bum says the V11 BTW the Bulldog may be replaced by a Breva 1100 in April/May - watch this space...

Antonio A few suggestions for you: Rotterdam to Hull - a lot less riding and petrol for you but fairly expensive on the ferry - which you have to pre-book. P&O are good with bikes. Hull to the location in Scotland is approx. 371 miles/597 km. Jane and I are 60 miles/97 km from Hull so it would be easy to meet up with you and save you some money. Frequent sailings on the Calais to Dover route and you don't need to pre-book with a bike. Dover to the location in Scotland is 592 miles/953 km.