Bill Hagan

I assure you, Crhis, I am as O/C as the next Guzzisto, and after a minor cardiac incident involving a tankbag, a staple, and my EV, I am especially sensitive. That said, no, I have seen not the first sign of abrasion ... and I look. Now ... bear in mind the Ballabio's butt is made of not-quite-flat, but certainly not-bright-gloss, so if I had a different surface, might be more of an issue. Still, no wear, no rub, no nothing from plastic hook, bungee cords, or bag itself. Bill

The bungee cords form an X under the bag and above the rubber pad. I put the back two around the turn-signal stalks, and the forward two each at the lower of the two triangular openings on the ... hmmmmm . what are those thingamabobs? ... to which I think (mine is getting 6K at dealer or I'd go out back and look!) pillion footpegs are attached. Snug enough mount that seems not to stress anything. Don't use bungees when saddlebags are mounted, btw. Bag has only shifted alarmingly once, but I shouldn't have tried to carry that many bottles of wine at once. [i'm serious. Glad I use the bag "backwards" when on the pillion cowl, as I was able to pull the carrying handle to avoid a serious "oops."]

I recently bought the Tourmaster Cortech Sport Tailbag (and saddlebags) for a planned trip to the wildguzzi SW Missouri rally early next month. Haven't tried out the saddlebags yet -- best leave that for the night before and predictable cursing! -- but the tailbag is my daily commuter bag. Very fine. Holds suit, shoes, the works. Internal bungees, and substantial pad. I use it on the pillion cowl, so I turn it "backwards." Have not seen the first rub mark. Affordable. http://www.sporttour.com/luggage/cortech/tail-bag_sport.htm Bill

Good question. I was concerned about this when I first noticed it and posted here about it. But do wonder now what the harm is. An occasional twist of the bolts takes up any objectionable slack. But, mebbe I'm missing something -- a constant state of mine, especially in things mechanical. Maybe I just like my "fix" 'cuz its about the only wrenching in my skill span!

See if you can find the two 2003 issues of Moto-Euro that addressed the FBF mods to a V11 Sport. Pretty impressive. The FBF opration is, as I recall, in Penna, not so very far from you. I have FBF on my Ballabio, and while I believe the others who say nothing sounds finer than theirs, my Ballabio sounds like Cecilia Bartoli belting out Janis Joplin. It's Italian stomp. So very fine.

Nice pics, Al. Thanks. I am one of those "like 'em stock" kinda guys, but must admit your mods are pleasing to the eye. Do wonder -- again likely stemming from my "stock" rut -- how (and why) you keep your exhausts/headers so pristine? Cleanliness is a virtue, but those are almost virginal (another state with its own charm, of course. ). Just wondered, as I don't mind the "used blue" look. Bill

Everything you said. So fine ... especially on that red and black. Intoxicating.

Can you post or email a pic or two of your setup, docc? I have those horns, but, before installing, ordered Hellas from Griots only to find they are platter-size.

I started to post this info about the Dec. '03 MGNA "Technical Services Newsletter" in the speedo thread 'cuz it addresses that. But, as this bulletin goes to other issues, I post it here as an independent topic. Ran a search and didn't see the n/l mentioned. If I missed that by oversight, sorry. http://www.guzzinet.net/Tech%20Newsletter%20Dec%2003.pdf

Have only been in two HD dealerships, and none recently, so can't compare apparel lines. Also don't care for the stlying of the jackets, etc. But the MG "Wing" sweatshirt and "Rowing shirt" are both 100% cotton. Have seen the former up close and it looked fairly good.

No need to pile on, I suppose, as others seem to have reassuredd you, but I will add my own experience with two Guzzis. No one on this board is likely to be less a wrench than I am. As a classic reentry rider, I bought a new but leftover 98 Cali EV in August 2000. Since put 54K on it. Can't say zero problems, but only one disabled it, and that for a day--and, btw, that was at mile 187. So pleased with that experience, and liking the LeMans (rode Tx Phil's one time--he poste on this topic, above) and Sports in general, I bought a Ballabio this summer, and have 4K on it. Only problem thus far (tho I am about to post a question on this site later about another possible issue) has been the speedo cable broke. Dealer fixed on the spot. My bottom line is that one need not be a wrench to own a Guzzi, and mine, at least, have been almost as reliable as my wife's Honda Civic (which is high praise indeed) and LOTS more fun. Regards and welcome, Bill

This thread is exactly why this forum is wonderful. Left to my own pathetic devices, I would have asked the wrong people the wrong questions and, of course, gotten the wrong answers, which, of course, I would have believed, paid... and been stung. Thanks all.

Just posted this on the wildguzzi board, then thought this was a better place for this issue. Also searched back files here, but did not see this addressed. If this horse has already been beaten to death and dressed for ribs, steaks, and glue here, please forgive me. So, has anyone done a serious accuracy check on the ITI speedos to see if they are as optimistic as Veglias? Mine "seems" (code for SWAG) more accurate, but my "data," such as it is, is from a few test passes on one of those police radar speed-display signs in the 20-45 mph range. The ITI on the Ballabio appeared to be almost dead-on, but surely that can't be. Thanks. Bill

As Rich Maund, I am puzzled by your "no dealers" statement. There is one in Franklin, another in Greensburg, and yet another in North East (Erie). The first two seem to specialize in turning Calis into chrome-bedecked, "LOUD," fishtail exhaust, fringed, competitors to HD, but are good folks. Uncommon M/C in Erie is quite capable to handle more sporting lines as he also sells (or at least, I know, services) Ducatis and lots of Guzzis. There are also quite a number of competent owners who can turn a wrench in that part of the world, too. Finally, as Rich pointed out, Eish is a treasure. Where are you? Oh yes, congrats. Hope you love that beast...as soon as you put your mind at ease on those concerns. Bill

I defer to your recent experience as to the merits of that. But, before you get huffy, as I peck this, I can see (and always feel a bit) my thumb scar from my "dismount" last January that reminds frequently how right you are!

Hmmmmm. Wish I'd thought of that. I was wandering around web--a dangerous sport, btw--and thought I'd check exhaust sites. That was a bingo, tho the crossover & other connector isn't same, suppose 'cuz in that illustration it's not for MG. Yeah, I know: again. Anyway, still surprising (to me) that no markings, tho mebbe that is practice or mebbe I just can't the #$%^& label. So, one question left. Does this mean they aren't road legal, or is that one of those questions one just doesn't ask? Bill

I'll do that when I (am smart enough to) get my website up. But, I will say they appear identical to these: http://www.ferracci.com/2002ferracci/onlin...systemB_600.jpg Bill

Thanks, Al. "Something else," it would seem, as they do not look like those. My stock ones in the attic do look like the pic, tho. Oh well, all Italian mistresses need a bit of mystery to accompany their passion. Baffled Bill & His Ballabio

Bill, you're asking about a pair of stock carbon Scura cans? These are identical to the other V11S, only with the carbon wrap. If they are louder then stock by a handful, they are most likely not OEM. $.02, Todd Interesting. I thought--i.e., dealer told me--they were stock carbon Scura cans or mebbe I just presumed the OEM part. They are "louder then stock by a handful," but wonderfully so, not "loud for loud's sake" Yeah, I know that's subjective, but this isn't like the cruiser clowns who ride by with straight pipes, etc. They sound great while riding, and my neighbors (who are not the shy types!) haven't said a word except to say how nice it looks. Moreover, these required remapping. Now I am curious, as I thought OEM from stock Scura, just upgraded. Thanks, Todd. Bill

Those are Mistrals. Don't get them from Guzzi though as they come with a "off road use only" plate on them. When I bought the Ballabio, the dealer swapped out the stock cans & crossover with those on a new Scura then being blueprinted and getting titaniums, etc. (Then the guy told the dealer to sell it after getting all this work done and paying for it!). Anyway, I can't find any labeling of any kind on these. Anyone know the story on Scura c/f cans. Manufacturer? On-road legal? Etc. Probably my imagination (that I don't want a dyno to slap into reality!), but aside from sounding MUCH better, I seem to feel a performance difference, too. Rode John Stoddard's Cafe Racer the other night. While it's Ohlins were oh-so-fine, my B'io seemed a bit quicker. Probably just rationalization, but I liked the thought.

Thanks to both Mikes for the additional info. Maybe I should do that, too, i.e., forget it and ride. Anyway, FWIW, I did check the Ballabio on the floor at the dealer while they messed with mione, and noted that the crosspipe was tight. The "might crack if too tight" point makes sense, tho, and think I recall that this was a frequent complaint of Quota owners with welded cross pipes. I think I'll try to get it so it shifts a bit without rattling. Bill

What Jaap said re town. BTW, I have since confirmed that is pronounced as you say, but I first sent an email to the town's website. No one responded. Probably thought I was nuts! As for event there, think so, but beyond MG advertising claims, I couldn't find anything. You probably also know, docc, that the B'io is just another Sport variant, with the raised, wider bars; flyscreen; and colors choices being the differences. The Cafe Sport is same, but with Ohlins. My Guzzis are redshirted this weekend, as Kathi is on a garden kick. Oh well, it's Cheaha and AMA races at Barbers next weekend, and likely the Kentucky rally after that. So, where is this long trip you are going? Regards from Ballabioland, Bill

Great story, Tommy. Glad I asked. Clever title. In my younger, fit days (redundant, huh?), I rode a pedal bike competitively, and Giro D'italia evokes great memories of incredible feats. Anyway, I have an EV and V11S (Ballabio) and they are ,of course, very different m/c. Still, if relaxed riding position (as opposed to storage,pillion comfort, etc.) is the goal, why not simply get raised bars, as on the Ballabio? Available after-market. The difference in ergos between my V11S and a standard is quite remarkable, simply by that little trick. Thanks again. BTW, explaining to my wife why we MUST go to that American-girl-owned pensione at Stelvio without quite saying why will take some doing. Finally, please accept condolences, on behalf of all Americans, at the tragic murder of your PM. Such violence seems such a sad part of daily life. Bill

Thanks to all. Went to Atlanta Triumph Ducati (& Moto Guzzi!) to show them (tho we had talked on phone about this). Michael Long, the head wrench, pulled the Ballabio in to work on it ... a nice and unexpected touch as they are swamped. By loosening flange nuts and having someone bring the two header pipes a bit closer together while he tightened all the fasteners, he was able to reduce the "rock & roll" action of this crossover section. [bTW, as I have confused at least one person, the "crossover" I am talking about here is not the below-the-sump H-pipe, but the new "equalizer" connector just below the headers and in front of the alternator cover.] This fix is, however, a temp one. Michael thinks that this might not have happened with stock pipes, but the after-market carbon-fibre cans (and, more acurately, the H-pipe for those) forced the headers out a bit more than the stock ones. That gave the connector more room to do what it felt like, i.e., vibrate like a clarinet reed. He thinks he may have to send the H-pipe to a muffler shop so that it can induce a bit greater bend in the forward pipes. No doubt it's my always-gullible nature, but it seemed that B'o actually ran better and sounded better on the way home. That, and a 30-YO babe looked at me at a light and gave a thumbs up. Thank God for dark visors and 3/4 length leather jackets. Bill

Buon Viaggio! Joe Martin and I (and wives) are planning a motorcycle tour there next year. As much fun as is the planning, I am already giddy about the actual trip. Have lived there and been back a number of times. I love the US, and am an unabashed American, but I am also a Europhile. And there is nothing like Italy. Sounds as if you feel similarly. Savor every moment, and keep us posted during and after, especially on the moto scene. One last point. Was last there in Spring '02. I am always surprised at the few Guzzis I see. Even the Carabinieri now ride BMW. Sigh.