SMDL
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Hi, folks.
I have done a search on this topic, but couldn't find a clear answer. So...
I have a 2003 Le Mans, but only have a manual for the earlier Sport. I am trying to remove the tank for the first time, but things on the bike don't look the same as they do in the manual. I have lifted the rear of the tank, and it looks like there are at least two (maybe three) hoses attached, as well as an electrical connection (sender, I assume). However, I'm not sure how exactly to disconnect these, and wonder if doing to will result in fuel leakage. Can anyone advise on how to disconnect things properly?
Many thanks,
Shaun
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I always remove my fairing when pulling the rocker covers. It takes maybe 10 minutes. Here's what to do:
- unplug turn signals
- remove mirrors
- remove 2 screws above rocker covers
- remove 2 lowest side scoop screws
- remove 2 screws in front of turn signals
- straddle the front wheel and grab the bottom of the fairing, spread the sides slightly and back away
Hi, Tom.
Sorry -- just saw this now. This is great information, thanks!
Shaun
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I don't know where you live. I use "Hylomar" sealant on one side of the valve cover gasket.This will keep the gasket from sticking in the future. If you ever start, you will use it from now on.
Good info -- I'll have a look for it, thanks.
Shaun
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Excellent. Thanks, guys.
Shaun
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You only have to remove the 8 bolts to take off the rocker covers, thats it, very easy on a guzzi.
Thanks, grossohc. Are you saying that it is possible to remove the valve cover bolts closest to the fuel tank without removing (or moving) the Le Mans fairing panel? The fairing extends back over the top of the cylinder on the Le Mans, and it doesn't look like it would be very easy/possible to get at these bolts without moving that part of the fairing?
Thanks,
Shaun
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Hi, folks.
I'm getting ready to conduct my first valve adjustment since purchasing my '03 Le Mans, and have searched the forum, but wasn't able to find an answer to this question. Is it necesary to completely remove the fairing panel to access the valve cover bolts, or can this be accomplished by only removing the bolt above the valve cover? Unfortunately, I only have a V11 Sport manual, so nothing specific on the Le Mans.
Any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Shaun
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I've had two Guzzis ('79 SP and the RM)...wife had to come with the pickup for the SP once when I broke a clutch cable (could have probably made it home, but why bother)...never (knock wood) didn't make it home with RM. Once you get things sorted from the prior owner, you should be in good shape. I am approaching 24K miles now, so I know there are things that need to be looked at seriously this summer when it gets to hot to ride.
The MGNOC used to have a pretty good list of Guzzi owners ready to assist around the US...I let my membership run down, so not sure where that stands now. I also think Buzzard has a good point that one or more local dealers probably know where to find one of us if someone needed assist...that would be the case for me with the BMW/Ducati dealer one town over--I know they have my email. Have fun! k
MGNOC does indeed still issue a booklet with names of people who are willing to help. I was actally surprised at how many names were listed, and I found it comforting to have along when I picked up my new-to-me '03 Le Mans for the 1500 mile ride home. Fortunately, the bike ran like a top, and I never did need any help.
Shaun
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I bought this kit from Greg at MI last summer, and it turned out I didn't need it. More details here:
These are truly beautiful, can be mounted high or low, and come with the special race ECU. Brand new in the same box that Greg sent to me in, with all mounting hardware and installation instructions included. List price is $1685.20!!
More pictures available upon request.
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Hi, folks.
As a result of this thread from last August, I bought a set of the Ti cans (with ECU) from Greg. I did this as I thought, at the time, that I was purchasing an '02 Scura that had modified stock cans. However, that sale did not go through, and I ended up purchasing a beautiful '03 LeMans that already had a set of FBF carbon cans on it. So, short story long, alhough these things are true works of art that I covet, I really don't need them, and I have decided to sell them to help fund other projects on the bike.
These are still brand new in the original packaging that Greg sent them in, with the special ECU, factory instructions, and all of the mounting hardware. They also come with the extra set of hangers that allow the exhaust to be mounted in either high or low positions, and they have the Guzzi logo on them. Did I mention that they are beautiful?
PM me if interested. I will put something up in Classifieds, but thought I would update here for the sake of continuity. I hope this isn't seen as spammage (at least not more than the original post!).
Cheers,
Shaun
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Something else to consider,
There is a set of rubber wedges in the rear wheel casting. These need to be cleaned and lubed as part of the tire change. The function of the "pucks" is to act as a shock absorber between the rear wheel and the drive line. The first time I had a rear tire change and the cush drive maintenence, I could not believe how much smoother my bike became as far as drive line snatch/jerking. If this wasn't done when the tires were done, I would definately do it/have it done. Maybe there is a charge for this on your bill to confirm it was done, or not???
That being said, these bikes do not suffer lightly the rider with an unsmooth throttle wrist. The first time I whacked my tailbone with the rear seat cowling was the moment I decided to smooth my technique, asap
Thanks, SH. I've done some research based upon your post and plan to have a look at this as soon as it warms up a bit. I might even drill some holes!
Cheers,
Shaun
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Hi, folks.
Just wanted to provide an update. I went out the other day (after it warmed up a bit), and found that the paint marks on the shaft were properly in alignment. So, that simple explanation doesn't fit, in this case. Oh well, once I get a bit more time, I'll plan on digging in a bit further. When I know more, I'll report back.
Thanks again for all the good info!
Shaun
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Cheers, Pete. Very much appreciated!
Shaun
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Thanks for the great info.
JRT, agreed that there is a slight possibility that this is just the nature of the beast, and that I hadn't noticed previously, but I really don't think so. The change was just too obvious, and I am generally very perceptive when it comes to sensing mechanical issues.
Pete, I'm really not certain if the shaft was separated when the tire was changed. I observed for part of it, but not all, so didn't see everything that the guy did. This is a tire store attached to a Guzzi dealership, but I think that most of the Guzzi work the guy had done was on newer CARC Guzzis. There was another guy there that was very familiar with older Guzzis, and he did help with some of the work, but I don't think he was around when the rear wheel was going back on.
Looking at the manual that I have on disk, I can see what you mean about the yellow lines having to match up on the shaft. I'll plan to get out to the garage to take a look, but might leave it for a day or two as it is -10C today, and should be going up to +1C over the next couple of days. I also see reference to "taking care not to lose the shim" on the rear wheel, so am looking for a worried smilie now. This should do:
I'm going to go dig out my copy of Guzziology, as well, to see what I can learn there.
KB, I have the user and service manuals on a disk I received from MI, but it doesn't seem to have a parts manual. Is one of these available online?
The advice is very much appreciated. I'll likely plan to take everything apart back there to see what's what. Regardless, I'll keep everyone posted on what I find.
Cheers,
Shaun
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Happy New Year, all!
With only a few months of Toronto winter left
, I'm starting to think about getting my '03 Le Mans ready for spring. One issue that needs attending to seems like it might be related to excessive play in the driveline. When I bought the bike last year, I picked it up in Florida and rode it home to Toronto over a three day period. It was a fantastic ride, and I really enjoyed the bike, although I will make a few changes to the ergonomics this year. Now back to the issue at hand:When I initially picked the bike up, it was beautiful to ride. With only 6500 miles on the clock, and with the TLC that forum member mik had showered on it since new, the bike really rode just like it was fresh from the showroom. However, one thing it was in need of was new tires, so I stopped in Georgia and had a new set of Pirelli Angel STs put on (great tires!). Unfortunately, shortly after leaving the dealership, I started noticing that it was very difficult to maintain smoothness in my riding, particularly in lower gears (I didn't notice this at all before the tire change). Normally, I would have turned back and had the dealer take a look at it again, but my travel schedule was so tight, and I had already spent almost the entire day there, so I just adjusted my riding style to short-shift and be REALLY smooth on the throttle for the rest of the ride. I got her home fine, but subsequent rides have proven that something is definitely very different than when I first rode the bike, and the jerkiness has really taken the enjoyment out of the ride.
What I am wondering is if there is some sort of adjustment that can be made in the driveline to minimize slack? Is there something that the dealer should have done when putting the rear wheel back on and that I could sort out now? I'm very new to Guzzis, and haven't worked on many shaft drive bikes, but am certainly willing to dig in and get my hands dirty in search of an answer.
As an aside, I know that many people have reported similar symptoms related to the poor fueling characteristics of these bikes, and I suppose there is an outside chance that this might be the case (no PCIII or MyECU). However, Mick had gone to such lengths to have the bike tuned very well, and it ran so flawlessly before the tire change, that I have my doubts.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Shaun
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Thanks for the great advice, folks. I picked up an Odyssey battery today, and spoke to Greg at MI about the Motobits peg relocation. Still trying to decide about the MPH risers vs. Convertibars, so if anyone has compared them, I would really appreciate an opinion. Also, has anyone used the MPH risers on a 2003+ Le Mans?
Cheers,
Shaun
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Greetings, all. As a new V11 Le Mans owner, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.
Late last week, I flew from Toronto, ON, Canada to Fort Myers, FL to pick up my beautiful new (to me) red/black 2003 Le Mans from forum member "Mik". He was an absolute gentleman, putting me up at his home, and helping ferry me around to get everything sorted for my trip home. It is abundantly clear that Mik took fantastic care of the bike, as he seems to do with everything else, so I would encourage anyone looking for a Triumph Tiger (2005) to check out the one that he currently has for sale. You can be absolutely certain that it will have been very well treated!
Having confirmed that everything was in order with the Le Mans, I left Friday morning from South Florida, and made my first stop for the night at Macon, GA. On Saturday, I made a morning trip from Macon to Dahlonega, GA, to visit Rider's Hill/Black Mountain Cycles/European Motorsports/Tire Technicians/Six Gap Cafe. Lots of names (!) but great people, and they gave me a great deal on a new set of Pirelli Angel STs. I LOVE these tires!! Once that was done, I used the rest of the day (and a bit of the next) making my way to Daleville, VA (north of Roanoke) for a well-needed rest. Sunday was spent going from Daleville to the sprawling metropolis (not) of Lantz Corners, PA, where I found a good meal and clean room at the Lantz Corners Getaway. The last day, Monday, was spent geting to the border, satisfying customs for both countries, and then making my way home.
All in all, the trip was an unqualified success, and I absolutely fell in love with the Le Mans. There were only a couple of trouble spots, with the first occurring on Saturday night when I first had to ride after dark. As others have found with their V11s, I noticed that the oil pressure warning light was coming on under hard acceleration in first gear (very bright at night!), and I immediately cut the throttle to avoid damage. Being in a rural area, I had a really hard time finding 20w50, but when I did, I ended up using the whole quart. That put it just under the full line when the dipstick was in loosely, and just over when it was screwed in. Seems to be very happy there, and I haven't seen any more indications of low oil pressure. Note: we did check the oil before I left Florida, and added some, but it was about mid-way between the min and max lines, which is obviously not enough for this bike. I'll continue to watch this closely, and will plan to install a windage tray if the problem persists.
The other issue occurred on Monday morning when I went to leave Lantz Corners, and the battery was almost dead. I got the bike going, let it run for a while, and then took it over to the gas station to fill up (the tank was almost empty). I then realized, after shutting it off, that they didn't have premium, so I went to re-start it to go somewhere else. No dice. Lights, etc., were okay, but not quite enough oomph to crank it. Fortunately, I waited a couple of minutes and it cranked enough to start, and it was fine thereafter. I'm not sure if this is a sign of a failing battery, or if I screwed up and left the park lights on when I locked the steering the night before. I'm pretty sure I didn't, so will probably replace the battery to be safe (it is 7-8 years old!). I think people have suggested an Odyssey battery?
You're always taking a chance in attempting a long trip on an unfamliar, somewhat sporting bike, without having any idea of how comfortable it will be over the long haul. However, with the knowledge that I had gained here, and in consideration of my unusual body shape (short inseam and long arms), I was hopeful that it would be bearable. In truth, it was just that -- bearable -- but I will definitely plan to make a couple of charges to the ergonomics to make things perfect. My thought is to install the Motobits footpeg relocation kit, and a set of MPH risers. If anyone has any input on these, or feels that there is a better choice available, I would really appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Most importantly, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself, and to extend my thanks to the members of this forum for making available the excellent information that I have found here since joining. Thanks to you, I was able to begin to understand the unique nature of these bikes, amd prepare myself properly to find what suited me best. Hopfully, I will be able to do the same for others in years to come.
Cheers,
Shaun
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are you not just right down the road from Seattle, Washington USA? get yourself to Moto International one of the Premiere dealers we have.
and YES you will love it!
Moto International is great, but they don't currently have any V11s (was down there in July and have checked a few times since). They do have a line on a customer bike for sale, though, which I believe is a Ballabio. Might be worth checking into.
A visit to MI is never a waste, even if you just stop in to say hello.
Cheers,
Shaun
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Hello Folks. I am new to the Moto Guzzi site but have loved the V11 since I first saw it on me and my GFs year anniversary. I saw it and new right away....I had to have one. So a Year later and I am close to getting one. I am from Vancouver, B.C. and what I like most about the V11 Sport is I have only ever seen the 1 on the streets.
So, What should I know about buying one? Maybe you guys could help. Im 6.4. Am I too tall, will I look funny on it? There are absolutely none in my area and cant take one for a test ride.
I like it naked, no faring anywhere. Is it easy to convert from that small windscreen to no windscreen and just the light? Is it a different light assembly itself? I see few bikes available that are exactly what I like, but that wouldn't stop me from buying one if I could easily take it off.
Any help would be great, ma even a few leads.
http://members.fortunecity.com/roadrash2/1024/moto-guzi-v11-sport2.jpg
Thats a pretty good replica. Just make it my own custom beast once I get my hands on it.
Rich
I'm 6'3", and will tell you that you will have issues with the footpeg location. I could not deal with it on my then new '01 V11, the green one. Moto Evoluzione used to sell a cheap little relocation kit [basically a series of long bolts and a bushing for the brake lever] which basically stopped my from selling the bike, it's way better now. I've since purchased the MPH handlbar kit, needed on the pre: '02 V11's with the lower clip ons, a great kit, except that it needs, and does not come with an extended throttle cable.
I can confirm that Yamaha of Chilliwack has an '02, burgundy, higher bars. It's rubber tank cover, or whatever that thing is called, has been damaged, not sure what that thing is worth. It also has factory carbon fibre parts that have, of course, deteriorated, and look like shite. It's been there at least 1/2 yr, so maybe a lowball offer will get it.
Steve
That's the bike I remember seeing, and it did look a little rough from a distance, which is why I didn't take a closer look.
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Its dead easy to remove the bikini fairing and ride it like that. If you're in Toronto and want a v11 I'm in Ohio and would sell my rosso mandello for the right price.
Richard, I am in Toronto, but Rich (Jet) is in Vancouver, so Ohio might be a little far for him. I have already purchased an '03 Le Mans, and am picking it up in Florida tomorrow.
Good luck with selling your RM -- very nice bikes!
Cheers,
Shaun
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Hello Folks. I am new to the Moto Guzzi site but have loved the V11 since I first saw it on me and my GFs year anniversary. I saw it and new right away....I had to have one. So a Year later and I am close to getting one. I am from Vancouver, B.C. and what I like most about the V11 Sport is I have only ever seen the 1 on the streets.
So, What should I know about buying one? Maybe you guys could help. Im 6.4. Am I too tall, will I look funny on it? There are absolutely none in my area and cant take one for a test ride.
I like it naked, no faring anywhere. Is it easy to convert from that small windscreen to no windscreen and just the light? Is it a different light assembly itself? I see few bikes available that are exactly what I like, but that wouldn't stop me from buying one if I could easily take it off.
Any help would be great, ma even a few leads.
http://members.fortunecity.com/roadrash2/1024/moto-guzi-v11-sport2.jpg
Thats a pretty good replica. Just make it my own custom beast once I get my hands on it.
Rich
Hi, Rich.
I'm originally from Vancouver, but living in Toronto now. Just to let you know, Valley Yamaha/Guzzi in Chilliwack had a used V11 Sport Naked (I think) less that a month ago when I was there. I can't vouch for condition as I didn't look at it closely, but you could at least throw a leg over it and see how it fits. The good news is that if it is actually a Naked, you don't have to worry about taking a fairing off!
I understand your fascination with these bikes -- mine started almost ten years ago at the Vancouver Motorcyle Show as soon as I saw my first V11 Sport (green) and Rosso Mandello. The urge has never left me, and I am just now in the process of purchasing my first Guzzi, a 2003 V11 Le Mans.
Cheers,
Shaun
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I also sent a PM, no answer.
I called Greg at Moto International, and he advised that he has access to a few sets. You might want to give him a call directly.
Shaun
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Tryin' to help!
Thanks -- I appreciate it! It's not always easy making a remote purchase, so all the local information I can get is helpful.
Shaun
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Hi, folks.
First post as I am just in the process of purchasing my first Guzzi. The bike I am currently looking at (V11 Le Mans) is in the Port Charlotte area, and I will want to put new tires on it before I begin the trip back towards the Great White North. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good shop in the area that can be trusted to put a new set of tires on a Guzzi with care and competence?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Shaun
What does the owner/ seller have to say ?
That there is no Guzzi dealer close by and that he is not sure who to trust with the work. He is checking, but I thought that it wouldn't hurt to ask for other input from forum members in the area.
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Hi, folks.
First post as I am just in the process of purchasing my first Guzzi. The bike I am currently looking at (V11 Le Mans) is in the Port Charlotte area, and I will want to put new tires on it before I begin the trip back towards the Great White North. I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good shop in the area that can be trusted to put a new set of tires on a Guzzi with care and competence?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Shaun
Fuel Tank removal
in Technical Topics
Posted
Thanks, gents.
No rubber pad on the tank, and I am pretty certain that it has an internal pump. I'm not sure it even has a petcock? Sorry, but I am relatively new to this bike!
Shaun