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The Monkey

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Posts posted by The Monkey

    Porosity, a retrospective

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    We have to normalize or anneal hooks used for lifting. Ferrous material. this  temperature treatment (controlled cooling) ensures the molecules are aligned for the task (proof load)

    does alloy not respond in like fashion? I was under the impression that the temperature fluctuation with the lubricant helped the material stay supple (relatively) 

    am i mistaken?

    Porosity, a retrospective

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    Glyptol was the go to for the cases on old American bikes. Now with the scarcity of correct parts from the 20s -50s this practice has revealed its shortcomings.  Sealing against porosity locally makes more sense than overall as with time (30 yrs and on) the total sealing effect results in a dry aluminum or alloy that is difficult to work with being incredibly brittle. I'll throw this out here that any metal or combination of metals that can be fed (in our case oil aided with temperature change) should be fed.  A parallel is ceramic material, Think of the old set of cracking ceramic dishes that were never used. Ceramics need water and temperature change regularly to resist brittleness and cracking, its the same with your motor (oil not water obviously). A local point where oil makes it through is worth rectifying but only for that point. 

    Isn't it the rate of cooling that dictates the imperfections of alloys.

    it should not be a problem for the V11 as it is not a "busy" head. The 4 valve though (old and new) obviously should have had a better quality or smaller production supply to address the issue.

     

     

    • Like 1

    Which would you prefer?

    in Special place for banter and conversation

    Posted

    I think you'd have to add 2 more cylinders to increase torque by 20%. 

    Definitely remap the power commander. I lost 10% top end power and got easy 50% increase in fuel mileage when I did mine. 

    The CDs are available, hook up a laptop and remap

     

    With my bike I suspect the original owner wanted to get as much as he could out of the machine. Also the shop had to produce a noticeable punch at the top end considering the cost of the Fast By Ferracci kit. The map I discovered on my 02 was not even designed for a V twin, it pulled hard to 220-225 km/h then rose smoothly up another 20 km/h. Fuel light would come on 150-170km

    I chose a far more conservative map and tuned the manual adjustments on the Power Commander until I had a favourable plug reading at 5500-6000 rpm

    Yes I lost the frenetic thrust at the final rpm range but gained big time on economy. As I was touring about on the V11 this made more sense. it could still dance 4th and 5th gear 150-180km/h and with patience would hit 230km/h indicated, but when ridden 120-140km/h  the fuel light wouldn't show till over 280km

     

    Final tip for fuel economy- don't use top gear at highway speeds. Long legged and easy to live with means 4th gear at legal limit. Hey its Italian!

    I miss that bike

    • Like 1

    V11 Sport Rivals

    in 24/7 V11

    Posted

    The Lemans fairing topped it off for me

    always loved Moto Guzzis approach to wind control

    I would only put an old SP Guzzi up to the V11  

     

    Comparison to anything but a V twin seems secondary as that is where a good bit of the appeal lies

    you can go a lot quicker for sure but does it tickle you the way it should

     

    These bikes were produced when everybody was into the V twin game. At 80 odd horsepower they just made more sense 

     

    The Moto Guzzi is a peach, Ducati a plum. BMW compares as a fig -although I would probably grab an old toaster tank just to talk to the lesbians

    • Like 1

    Trail braking

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    I do not ride behind Harleys, 

    It mustn't happen. Certainly not on an Italian Stallion.

    I refuse to do it even when I ride a Harley. Its more fun to pass between them.

     

    Trail Braking is not unexpected.....

    the Spanish Inquisition was though

    Trail braking

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    Riding fast is easier than explaining how to ride fast for most. 

    Nick Ienatsch in his book Sport Riding Techniques does a very good job of transmitting the information you need.

    There are a few key things to understand and apply prior to practicing trail braking.

    This will benefit you when and if you do get out for the track day tutorial.

    Have fun, hopefully you have access to some corners.

    Trail braking

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    It influences the machine. Done right it creates a constant or settling and allows a faster entry.

    The point is to set the machine up for the next step (acceleration out of the corner)

    Practice it very gently using both brakes and then compare utilizing either brake.

    You will be amazed at your entry speed difference when you've acclimatized to it.

    Aircraft/ piloting analogies

    in Special place for banter and conversation

    Posted

    In high school during a lunch ride a close friend flew his 550 4 honda thru a wire fence. His mortified father snatched the keys from him and promptly bought a Grumman V tail aircraft. Had enough life left in the engine to attain instrument and commercial rating. We were 17, that poor Grumman was tough is all I can say. Loops, rolls, stalls, spins. Fuselage popping and squeaking

    I remember trying to stay oriented and looking over at him, calm almost bored, the land and skyscape a kaleidoscope.  My guts were in my mouth. He still flys commercial to this day, won't touch a bike... far too dangerous. Wouldn't want to push ones luck now.

    • Like 1

    Understanding fuel

    in Technical Topics

    Posted

    It seems that where you buy your fuel (brand) decides whether or not you have issues. I have used ethanol since its introduction here in Canada. Mohawk and Husky both offer ethanol assisted fuels.  I  have had no trouble with the stuff for 9 yrs usage in the Guzzi. I still run it in the HD products (now there is an easily manipulated audience). No issue. Now is it because this cooperative adds the right stuff or is it related to how long your scooter sits idle?

    To me, if I cannot fill my tank with the watery rust coloured shite coming out of the available spigot wherever I may be, because my machinery is too fickle or my temperament can't deal with it then its time to adjust.

    I worked a tanker filling coastal fuel stations on this coast back in the 70s. Delivery was to 3 different brands-all major. Same barge, same line. 2 of those companies are still with us today, you may buy your fuel from them. You stop riding for more than 100 days, drain your tank and system.

    Understanding Fuel is a great topic, thank you docc

    Whats the longest trip you've done on a V11?

    in 24/7 V11

    Posted

    Lots of runs through BC, Washington, Oregon, Idaho. Typically just short rides 2-4 days. Solid jamming though typical day 700-900 km, went over 1100 on a couple days but got kinda squirrelly. 

    Ran down to the Siskiyous and Hwy 36 in California just to experience that road- well worth it. 

    Stay off the 4 lane highways and interstates, 2 lane twisties only, craft beer and a tent.

    Checking out.

    in Motha of all V11 forums...

    Posted

    Thank you Gentlemen

    I will keep membership here just because it is what it is and you are who you are.

    The Italian motorcycle comes from the heart. We have directly ordered parts from the factory in Mandello and had them arrive at our door on Vancouver Island in 5 days.

    That would not happen with any other company. There are still Guzzi in the family and a 66 250 single Ducati has just been finished. What a job! 

    I don't know how to reduce pictures to send a shot of it, besides a family member did it and it will be up to him to send out pictures on the internet.

    If you ever see a Zinnerbot coloured Duck single with yellow highlights and orange pin striping you know where it came from.

    :thumbsup:  Ride them and ride them hard, wash and detail them once at the end of the season. Whether it needs it or not.

    • Like 1

    Checking out.

    in Motha of all V11 forums...

    Posted

    Sad day, I have sold my Italian Stallion

    photographed the magic beast in the rain today. Off to a new home 1100 miles away

     

    Thank you Jaap for invigilating the only online community I will ever partake in.

    Thanks to Docc for keeping it alive and Kiwi Roy for the technical help in making Guzzis bright.

    Helicopter Jim, G Stallons, Hubert and all you other long time residents for input and opinion the value of which is beyond words

    Roper...... If I am ever down under I will pop by and laugh at the time

     

    My old bike calls, its time to put her back together and get back into the saddle

    I am the guy on the panhead that waves to you and doesn't ride past if you are down.

     

    My favourite memory is the hissing of aluminum coming off the side stand letting that goose fly through the bends, the release of the machine as it hits redline in 4th, i force my foot against the tarmac to engage the next gear. That is Italian music. This Lemans is one of the Great Motorcycles. 

     

    Good riding to all of you

    The Monkey

    Cars...

    in Special place for banter and conversation

    Posted

    In the spirit of screaming ladies and Italy

     

    You only get 1

    which one would you choose?

     

    1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500SS

    couple different coachwork companies supplied bodies

     

    1924-27 Issota Frashini Tipo 8B

    There are many versions of this car, it even came as a Fire Truck

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