[Headlight replacement for Ballabio?]

Thanks Pete. Noted if I, or anyone else for that matter, have headlight issues in future...(touch wood!)

Regards

Ben

[Headlight replacement for Ballabio?]

Well I sorted out the headlight on my Ballabio. I managed to get a generic 7 inch headlight lense. Then after a bit of cutting and fiddling I siliconed the lense to the original headlight shell. So instead of it costing about 300 bucks Australian..it cost me 40 bucks!! I'm stoked!! All good now and the big girl is back on the road!!

[Headlight replacement for Ballabio?]

I had an unfortunate mishap that resulted in my V11 Ballabio's headlight lens being smashed!! I wont go into details but safe to say its stuffed!!

 

Are there any alternatives for the headlight shell and lense that will fit on my Ballabio??

 

I live in Australia and have priced an original unit and the price is around 300 Aussie dollars!! Ridiculous!!

 

The plastic shell has brackets made/moulded that fit the chrome rim. So a standard 7 inch headlight wont fit unless you are prepared to muck around with it a fair bit.

 

Any help would be much appreciated...

Benny

[Ballabio Turn Signal Options]

The clear lenses/indicators are the same as the ones used on the aprilia tuonos. Triumphs also use similar, easy enough to get on fleabay

Gary

Thanks Gary. Got a pair off ebay for about 30 bucks Australian. Problem solved!!

 

Ben

[Ballabio Turn Signal Options]

I own a 2005 Ballabio. I want to change the turn signals and go for a smaller option. However they are mounted with 6mm bolts (as alot of you would know!)

 

Does anyone know where I can source turn signals that come with 6mm studs and (same wiring set up) and that are smaller than the standard ones??

 

I'm not real keen on "tapping" out the existing mounting holes if I can help it...

 

Or the other alternative is to replace the cracked front turn signal lense after a recent trip to the World Supers at Phillip Island. Can anyone help me with sourcing one for my Ballabio?? They are clear lenses...

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

Benny, may I suggest you follow this procedure:

 

1. Read and understand the principles and terminology at the first 2 links I provided above.

 

2. Determine your starting point and your desired ending point (target). So far we have your weight (exactly my weight, to the pound, 181 lb.). That's part of wot we need to know for your starting point. The next thing we need to determine is your existing spring rates (an estimate) and your riding style (hence your target suspension firmness), which are both unknown (at least to the Forum).

 

3. For starters, by measuring the laden and unladen sags at both ends (see point #1), you can get a definitive read on the existing spring rates in your Ballabio.

 

4. Knowing as well as can be determined the kind of ride you prefer on the "soft to hard" scale, this will give you the last thing you need to know about your ending point (target).

 

For focusing in on your target objectives, a good GUIDELINE (as opposed to a RULE) for starting out that I use and have found very effective on other V11's that I've collaborated on setting up is this:

With proper rate springs suitable for MOST solo riders on the road (not necessarily track) The difference between laden and unladen sag readings (at both front and rear) should be 18 mm +/- 5 mm. If you prefer a more firm ride for aggressive riding, the difference will be lower within this range. If you prefer a softer, more compliant ride for touring, the difference will be higher within this range. If your sags fall outside this range, the spring rates are incorrect, and you may expect less desirable handling and ride characteristics than your Guzzi is capable of. To adjust your sags to fall where you want them in this range (if necessary), you will need to upgrade to different rate springs.

With this measurement at both ends "in the can", you can determine how far off (if any) your existing spring rates are from your TARGET spring rates, (the key part of your TARGET ending point) and you can decide how much of an improvement would be possible (if any) by upgrading (swapping out) springs.

 

Hope this helps, my friend. It should be enough to get you well started. Now get crackin' on #1! Any Q's, post 'em here. This Forum can help you have your suspension tuned to a point where that wallow is a distant memory, and it'll be a Brand New World of Guzzi handling.

 

FWIW, I've been running Z6's for a few years now and have raved about their virtues ad nauseum, like a mad thing. They're the best tires for my purposes that I've ever run on any moto, and I've run a pretty fair pile. I run my Z6's at 34F and 37R. I suspect you might achieve an immediate improvement in ride and handling by trying something closer to this.

 

BAA, TJM, & YMMV

 

Thanks ratchet. WHen I get some days off next week I will follow ur steps given and let u know how I went.

Thanks for ur time mate

Ben

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

Thanks paul. will do

Paul,

Checked the front and rear engine mount bolts and they were fine. Now for the suspension set up.

Thanks mate

Ben

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

Ratchet's advice is golden. , oh , yes, and also .

 

Also, beware of front tire wear. I just replaced a Pirelli Diablo Strada after about 4600 miles. I had to start turning up the steering damper as the wear got more advanced.

 

How many miles on that front tire?

Thanks. Tyre wear shouldn't be an issue. There is only 4000 km on the front tyre. It still has heaps of meat on it.

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

Benny, have you ever properly set up your suspension?

 

Without doing this, you have ZERO possibility of enjoying the great road manners engineered into your Ballabio (or any motorcycle).

 

Here are the sites I use and recommend. The principles are universal:

 

http://www.racetech.com/articles/SuspensionAndSprings.htm

 

http://www.strappe.com/suspension.html

 

and, for final setting up of the fork, this page:

 

http://www.peterverdonedesigns.com/oilheight.htm

 

It takes some time and effort to understand how things work, and do it properly, but I'm here to tell you that if you want to understand what your Ballabio is capable of on the road, it's well worth it. If a re-spring is required (depending on your weight and riding style -- very often), the cost in terms of expense is minimal. IMHO the bang for the buck when you get the Guzzi chassis sorted is not remotely approachable by any possible engine modification you can think of.

 

Have fun.

Thanks very much. I have never properly set up my suspension. So will follow ur advice and let u know how I went.

I'm 82 kg (not sure what that is in pounds) and dont mind riding her as hard as my ability (and handling!!) will allow on the odd occasion.

 

Can u explain the re-spring issue?? How can I tell if that is needed??

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

check the screws from the front engine mount to the frame, when they are loose, it wil have more flex. I did loose them twice.

Thanks paul. will do

[Handling issues with '04 Ballabio]

My 2004 Ballabio has been having a few handling issues with the front end lately.

 

On long sweeping corners after you hit 120 km/h the front end doesnt feel stable. I would describe it as a "wallowing" sensation.

The handlebars are not stable and dont stay on a true line.

 

I have backed off the steering damper and also tightened it with no result. I run Metzeler Z6 tyres with 36 pounds in the front and 42 pounds in the rear. I have tried different tyre pressures as well with no change.

 

I have checked all wheel bearings and front steering head bearings and they seem ok.

 

Can anyone offer me some advice???

 

Benny