RHIP

Ben; Leo's South has a NEW '08 Tuono in red and white for $8,500. There was a used one (same colors) on Craigslist in Edina for $7K (I want the blue and white one). With the economy the way it is, it's a buyer's market - demand a test ride of those and the Super Duke, or anything else that strikes your fancy. I wouldn't be surprised if you liked the Tuono better than the RSV - same bike, easier ergos. If you haven't gotten a replacement yet, this Minnesota October weather has got to be driving you nuts...but give it a week or two. Where was the accident at? I want to beware of that intersection!

Really sorry to see what happened to your bike. If you are having your mechanic check it out, the single biggest issue is if the frame got misaligned. With the design of the V 11 this could happen from this type of impact, and may affect whether you want to make any repairs. Our bikes are strong and tough, and I think it's likely that your frame is still straight enough to justify getting it back on the road. Just make sure the alignment is still correct.

Tom, my poor poor writing is confusing this. The Rosso and V 11 are one and the same, so if I pop for the Tuono there is no longer a Guzzi in my life. Thanks for the pics. A bit more searching on the forums has me narrowing the options down to the Motobits or the Motratech setup. The latter seems to move the pegs much farther forward than the Motobits. Anyone out there tried them both?

I made the mistake of test riding an Aprilia Tuono R, and can buy a new one at an incredible price. This is a superb bike, but if I get it, the V 11 has to go. I also love my Rosso Mandello, but my main problem is the footpeg location - too high. The bars are fine (my simian arms allow me to put out cigarettes without bending my knees). I have found that any ride more than 350 miles is torture (Don't start on the even-higher pegs on the Tuono: there are peg lowering kits readily available). Looking at both sides of the bike, it seems that there are a number of locations with available bolt heads where I could mount a simple strap of flat metal, on which I could then bolt something like the salvage passenger pegs off of another bike (would be folding, not as wide as rider's pegs). The bolt on the right side of the transmission case looks like a perfect spot; the left side is more challenging. I would try to mount them a few inches ahead and maybe below the existing pegs. This would, in theory, allow me to retain the stock pegs and controls, but have another spot where I could locate my boots on those day-long drones, without having to affect the cornering clearance. Has anyone out there tried something like this? If I can correct this ergonomic issue, the Aprilia can be forgotten.

OK, read the ad. This may have been the first year of the 850 Eldorado, or else he put 850 jugs on a 750 - I do wonder why he had to do this when it only had 24K on it - unless it had the chromed liners and they were shot. I've also always loved these bikes, but Geez...it's like trading a newer 3 series BMW for a 2002. A classic, but this bike is going to be demanding. If you get it and can't find a good shop in the metro area, check out Ron at Judson Cycles in Lake Crystal. He cut his teeth on these, still has one, and won't give you the blank stares like the 20-something year old wrench you ask to work on it.

The Craigslist entry was pulled, so either you did the deal or the Eldo is gone. Those were great old bikes, and Greg will probably insist you get it, but I think the electrics would sour you on this very soon - abysmal. If you are looking for a low-buck comfortable ride, get a BMW airhead.

Thanks, guys; I appreciate the tips. I'm going to give it a shot without the bolt on the rear, and probably put some discreet tape on the tank where the front straps go.

The previous owner of my RM found his original factory tank bag, and basically gave it to me. I don't know if he ever used it, and although I'm sure I can find a way to fit it - any of you out there have any suggestions for the most secure way? It boils down to: 1. Is it really necessary to run the back strap through the fuel tank bolt? Mine is misaligned, and the last time I had the tank off it took waaaay to long to get it back in. It looks like the pressure of the seat against the tank may secure that end. 2. What's the preferred way of routing the front straps? Just loop them through the front frame "V" behind the steering stem? I'm also wondering if using this bag ccan cause any scratching/wear on the paint on the gas tank. I had been using an ancient Eclipse, which never bothered the paint, but also never stayed on the tank. Thanks!

Jimbo is dead nuts on, and Antonio is....partially right. Yeah, bikes are totally subjective, and I don't want to go into the "value for the dollar" morass, of "I can buy two used R1's and a used KLR for the cost of that new Guzzi". Ergos, fit and feel are also subjective. The Tuono R I rode was dialed in or I was lucky - it was on the proverbial rail, and tracked strait and true like a bevel-drive Duck, but with lightening responses. The first-year V11 Sport I rode in 1999 was so twitchy it scared me for years - at any serious lean angle, the front end felt like it was going to tuck under, and I had to constantly correct. It was set up wrong, I'm sure, because my 2001 doesn't display (much) of that skittishness. A lot of Tuonos aren't particularly attractive, but the one I rode had the blue/white paint scheme, and I thought it was pretty. I also think Isabella Rosellini, even at her current age, is more attractive than Megan Fox (forget the oil threads, now HERE'S the making of a flameout). For me, the Tuono was as comfortable, if not more so, than the 1200. It's all in the eye of the beholder, and I'm just passing on what my two orbs beheld. My Rosso isn't going anywhere; it's a wonderful bike to own and ride. I've loved Guzzi's since having a V7 Sport in the 70's and 80's. My two cents are on the table.

Last weekend I finally had a chance to test ride a 1200 Sport; unfortunately, I rode it after test riding a Tuono R. When the Sport was released, I really thought this might be a great transition for Guzzi into more modern performance. The Sport was quick, but not noticeably more so than my Rosso. The handling was, if anything, worse, and the handlebar is just too damn wide (I know, easily changed). A bit more comfortable, but not a reason to switch. The Tuono...oh my. This was everthing dynamically my 1000 Monster should have been. Truly very fast, impeccible handling and steering - I felt like I could dodge at gnat's ass mid-corner, at almost twice the speed of the Sport. The bar was perfect, pegs still too high (but I think a Futura's would bolt right on). Overall, the ergos tied with the Sport. The brakes on the Sport were good, but the Aprilia's were better. This machine was light years ahead of the 1200 in every respect. I'm keeping my Goose (at least for now), but I think that the bike we love, which has so much character, is going the way of Harley and the Morgan. This isn't a bad thing, but the bar on modern bikes (and the Tuono is hardly cutting-edge) has gotten so much higher that it's going to be harder and harder for the classic shaft-drive, air-cooled twin to stay competitive in any sporting niche. A well thought-out, attractively styled sport-tourer may sell ( a full-size retro V7), but otherwise the design is going to be stuck with cruisers. Maybe the secret is found with BMW riders (I've got a couple of those, too): only ride your brand, and you have no idea what else is out there.

I used to putter in 6th at 65 MPH - about 3500 RPM's, whole lotta shaking goin' on, 35 MPG. On a trip last year I was able to cruise with traffic at 80 plus for a full tank - got 42 MPG, the best ever. I've found that riding it between 4-5K is best, even if I never get out of fourth gear. And yes, at 5K everything smooths out, and all is right in the world. Despite the V-twin similarities, the Goose is not a Harley, and doesn't want to be ridden like one. Let her loose.

Who offered the SeaDoo, Denny Hecker? (we get it). They're right - for any serious traveling, cruisers suck. An FL would be OK, but more than you want to spend. My "Tourer" for the last few years has been an f 650 "Fundorko". With an Airhawk cushion, light (400 pounds) and very comfortable for 600 mile days. If you want more power, consider a V-Strom; dual-sport/adventure bikes are the most comfortable, unless you are looking at something like a Goldwing. I understand them, but do not speak that language.

Don't do it. If you are looking to go two-up, figure out how to drop the passenger pegs, put on ape-hanger bars, whatever it takes to give her a comfortable ride. I still haven't forgiven myself for trading in my V-7 Sport in 1985, even though I really needed the money. Even at $6K, with what's on the bike it's a steal. If you do sell it, don't sell the parts! Geez, the bodywork alone should get you another thou on Ebay. As for the cruiser replacement, I've got two BMW's - what's a k1200c? If you mean the oilhead cruiser - ride one first. No power, no travel in the rear suspension, and looks that only a dachshund could love. There should be a Bassa/CAli out there somewhere at a reasonable price. My friend has an '09 XR1200. Not the greatest ride for two people, but he loves it. There are two used for sale at Leo's I believe, asking $8,500@.

RH is unavailable - he's off with Sarah, watching the glaciers recede, which of course is all just an illusion created by Penn and Teller, those pinko fakers working for Al Gore's conspiracy. I love the Tonti-framed bikes, but I think the light handling isn't so much the wheelbase, as the effect of a narrow 18 inch front tire. My '77 RS used to feel like a truck, but it's 3.25/19 front end makes it absolutely gazelle-like compared to most bike with a 17 incher. The new rubber is vastly superior for ultimate braking and corner grip, but the manufacturers have to rake in the trail to get any sense of nimble out of them, which can turn to twitchy if things aren't set up just right.

Monkey Man, you got it right - except I don't think I'd screw around with a convert - there are plenty of 850T's out there at reasonable prices. If a guy could find a decent runner, you could have a damn nice bike with some new paint, bars, and pipes - only $2,000 and maybe 100 hours of work (after you have the bike). I've got enough time and energy into keeping 3 going right now, so this remains a dream ( I still need fulfilled),

Yikes - the Ides of March is the birthday? Et tu, Piaggio?

Hey, Ben, I'm down in balmy New Ulm, 100 miles south of you, and we still have 6" of snow on the ground. It was 40, not 64, and I still put on 40 miles!

Just got this pic of the latest from Rosso Puro. I love my V11, and think they are mechanically far advanced over the Tonti-framed models, but this one (except for the "whale penis taillight") is just perfect. Guzzi, junk the girly V7 and make this bike!!!

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Custom Bikes/moto_guzzi_v11_coppa_acerbo.htm I don't know if this link will work, but Rossopuro has a new custom based on the V 11. I'm glad someone is still doing something with our bikes, but the more I look at this effort, the less impressed I am.

I've had my 2001 v11 for a year and a half, and two very basic issues continue to stump me. Is there any special drill for starting that will get it to fire off sooner? I use the enrichment setting when cold, but is there any trick to opening the throttle while the engine is spinning, or some other technique that gets it to pop off? On most bikes, there is something, whether it's rolling the throttle once before engaging the starter, or absolutely hands off the throttle, that seems to lead to a quicker start. New plugs in, everything else up to snuff - is it just the nature of the beast, because it seems to take a long time to fire up. The other is shifting. I appreciate the huge advance of the six-speed over the previous transmission, but I cannot seem to avoid a jerky engagement in the lower gears, esp from first to second. The problem is solely related to the clutch being released - if I carried a passenger, she'd have a concussion from the lurching. I usually roll off the throttle, clutch all the way in, let it out and give it gas, which I've been doing for over 40 years of riding. I've never had a bike that's been this hard to move though the lower gears smoothly.

Lovely bike, but I can't tell if that's the air filter or an oil cooler under the seat and designed to be a rear fender. Either way, it's going to get a lot of crud on it if this bike is ridden in the rain.

I've got the factory Teckniks , which I haven't used, and a Ventura that I have. The Ventura system is nice in that it can be used with other bikes as long as you buy the mounting kit, and isn't noticed when riding. Two buckles unhook the entire bag, so it's very easy on and off, and it holds about as much as two average soft sidebags. It does make for caution when moving at a parking-lot pace - the bike gets top heavy and can tend to tip over (do not ask me how I know). The US distributor is very accommodating; good people to work with.

David; That was no lady, that was Beth Miller, from North Mankato, Minnesota. She bought her Rosso new, and lives about 30 miles away from me. Beth and her husband Joe are great people, and have a garage full of interesting bikes. A few years ago,I joined her and a few other friends on a ride to the Sportbike rally at Perry Sound. I was on a Fundorko at the time, and she rode the RM the 500 miles from Manistique, MI to our home turf without complaint (Beth does not tolerate whiners). The AMA is a better organization with her on board.

Perfectly expressed; I don't think you will regret your decision. I also sold a perfect S2r 1000 for my RM, and have never had a second thought about it. The V 11 is like a Harley, in that is has some passion and soul - but thank God it handles and stops! Get some photos up of your Rosso!

I have HTFU'd, dropped and replaced the pan, installed the filter (and a clamp), and with the right attitude, it really wasn't that big of a deal. The only surprise was when installing the new filter, it only went on about one turn. I knew there was something wrong, tried it several times, when all of a sudden the rubber sealing ring from the old UFI dropped down from the filter cavity! Check your old filter before spinning on that new one! Before I fill it with oil, I'm going to drill the drain plug so I can safety-wire it. I've found with other bikes with soft pans, this allows minimal torque, no leaks, and maximum security the plug stays in and the threads never strip.