jsciullo

The Guzzi World sure is a small one. Like Al and Lex I also work for Cisco Systems (maybe we need to start a company club). I just read Rich's bio in the MGNOC monthly rag and found out that he grew up in the same town that I did in Pittsburgh (Mt. Lebanon) and worked at one of my favorite resturants. Rich, I camped next to you and your son at last years WV rally. Im sure we crossed paths as kids or young adults back in "Cake Town" (inside joke). Anyway, I moved to Columbus, OH 4 yrs ago - Dublin, OH to be exact - not the most exciting place in the world - and found that I could not be a good Dad & husband and still play golf. But you have to have an outlet of some kind - I was too young to die!! I've always wanted a bike and rode a lot as kid. I would see all the Goldwing riders with these shit eating grins on their faces as I drove by. One of my good friends from Erie was a big BMW rider and I worked with another big rider (Tim Gundlauch- races Guzzi) while in Pittsburgh and the thought of those bikes never left me. So I decied that I needed a hobbie that that would not infringe on my family life but still gave me "the Juice". The answer was simple - motorcycles. With the help of my friend - I purchased a 1992 BMW R100GS - loved that bike but always had my eye on the touring Beemer - R1100RT. Another friend just moved to central Ohio from PA and was in the process of divorice. He asked if I would help him sell his bike - it was a new 98-R1100RT w/1200 miles on it. I ended up buying that bike and rode about 12k miles per year. Mostly in the earily morning weekend hours and a couple o longer trips. I love that bike and still do. But then I saw her!! The Green V11 Sport and fell in love with. What would a person ever do with two bikes and Im sure the feeling will pass. Well it didnt and 9 months latter I purchased the V11 Sport without ever test riding it - hell, I didnt even sit on it. After I picked it up from my dealer and drove the 10 miles back to my house - it was all over. I put 11k miles on it in less than 8 months. Then the Cal Spec Sport came out and I thought I would sell the Beemer and get a Cal Spec Sport. Loved that bike and it gave me a chance to do some custom work to that bike!!! Put 10k miles on that in less than 7 months. Well the poor Beemer sits - and I usually use the V11 for my early morning runs and the Cal Spec for afternoon or just toolin around. The V11 is my favorite and Im hooked on Guzzi for life. The people are just an added bonus to this whole experince. See you on the road!! Jim in Dublin, Oh

My bike did all that until I added a PowerCommander and made some changes. Works like a charm now. Jim

I have a 2000 - V11 Sport and keep reading about lowering the front end 1/2 - 3/4". I noticed on the newer bikes that they have a metal "spacer" to take up the space between the shock top and the triple clamp. I suspect that it would be a good idea to get that spacer. How are you guys doing this? Thanks, Jim

Rich- I found the same thing with my bike. Overall, I like the PC3 but have not taken it in to get custom mapped. Im still toying with the idea of getting a new airbox. Jim

I cant find the "special oil filter" wrench from anybody. How are you replacing the oil filters on this bike? Jim

Are these any good. I have a RevPak on it now and it does the trick but it keeps shifting due to the tank pad. Is it worth the money?? Jim

Buck- There is a new Palm version out for about $200. You can get it at: Dear Sir I would like to inform you that you can now purchase the motorbike diagnostic tool for Palm. The price for the kit is $199 + shipping. Best Regards Giamberto Scaccia TechnoResearch Inc. 1080 Centre Drive Suite C Auburn Hills MI 48326 www.technoresearch.com Has all the goodies that the standard software has but not all the cool graphics. You might be better served getting a K&N Powercommander - they have a number on sale for $150 - best money I've ever spent. Jim

Gavin, I had mine replaced a 461 miles under warranty and at over 10k miles no more problems. Jim

Yup, happened to me twice and had the healight replaced twice. So far so good but Im not sure if it will hold. I think the next time I will just get rid of it. I noticed that the lens is held on via a metal wire mesh that looks like a bitch to put back on once removed. Is that the case? Jim

Hey Buck- Followed you in from Carys site. I purchased my V11 Sport about a year and half ago (2000 - V11 Sport). Everything you have seen posted in response to your question is accurate. The older bikes (like mine) seem to have the most problems as Guzzi sorted out most of the issues on the newer bikes. You will find this site and the MGNOC site valuable. Much like Carys site, there are a bunch of Guzzi "gear heads" to help you on your way. I put 10k miles on my bike last year and it a blast to ride. I perfer it over the RT and the Guzzi Cal Spec Sport that I purchased early this year. The best part about the Guzzi experience is the Guzzi people. These folks are real riders not unlike the RT riders. However, these folks are a blast to be around, no anal rententive BMWeenies and they make you really feel welcome. Not many introverted riders like in the BM crowd. The Guzzi folks are a cross between the Harley real riders and the RT riders. You will see some riders in the no helmet, leather class and you will seem some in full Beemer gear and a lot in between. Your gonna like this decision. Jim