GraeV11

Yes thanks Hubert, just a bit taken aback that some fairly major bolts have worked loose. Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. I can't recall another bike where this was ever an issue, even my ratty old Triumph (mind you, spent most of my time trying to undo bolts on that heap). I guess it is just part of that Guzzi 'character'. Thanks for your help as ever.

Yep, couple of loose bolts. Hhmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Thanks. Working away from home this week so will get to it at the weekend and report back. Cheers.

If I grab the transmission housing on my 2002 V11 I can rock it very slightly from side to side. It gives a distinct knock. Reason I am manhandling my transmission is that I am getting a slight vibration from there (Well lets just say a new and interesting vibration), especially on overrun. Is the ability to rock it normal, are my bearings shot, or other ? Thanks. Lots of nice oil in there BTW, and bike handles great.

Thanks, will have a look this weekend.

Thanks Docc, I will keep an eye on that fuse. I would do an electrical health check now but past experience has taught me that I should wait for further issues before I dive into things that are largely a mystery to me. Let sleeping demons lie is my motto. I used to have an old Bonneville that regularly conked out with electrical problems and, well lets just say that shouting at a stationary machine at the side of the road is not a habit I want to return to. Cheers

Thanks for all the advice, appreciated. Good news is it is fixed, bad news is I am not entirely sure why. This is what has changed . . . > Pulled the unit, checked all wires (fine), bent the contacts out a little. > Noticed a slight crackle from the fuses when I turned on ignition. Found that one leg of the 30amp fuse had fractured (not melted I think). Was still making contact, but obviously not a good contact. The fuse had not blown (charge light not showing when engine running). I replaced it. Didn't have a spare bulb at this point. > Bought some bulbs from a different manufacturer. These did 'bayonet fix' in the socket, but only if in the right way up (brighter with the brake on). All now working fine ! Checked packet from old bulbs, definately 12v, definately right spec (they were cheap though !) These issues may obviously not be connected, I am just happy it is fixed. Electrical problems have always been the most frustrating to sort for me as it is not my area of expertise. Would be interested in your verdicts. Cheers !

Exactly the same way as the stock cans, just on the other end of the scale. They've become sort of standard at my place now, being cheap, light and road legal. Search Ebay Germany or Italy to get better offers. I've seen them for smaller figures already, and those were in Euros. Hubert Thanks Hubert

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Exhaust-MIVV-Sport-X-Cone-2-Moto-Guzzi-V11-Le-Mans-Sport-Scura-99-06-Stainless-s?item=390467710899&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D2115037925456577671#ht_1511wt_1037 I think they look the biz. Would like to know if they sound 'reasonable' for road use. Thanks.

The Police took a breath test, they were stopping all bikers going through the 'free' toll lane. Sniffer dog as well. I took my 2 kits (£4.50 at Halfords) but they didn't check, and apparently it is not enforced until later this year. They didn't check for spare bulbs either.

The French A roads (dual lanes) are pretty good - better surfaces than the UK, hardly any traffic and lots of fast swooping bends. Nice scenery too and the weather was really good. Only stopped by the police once for a breathalyser and a papers check. They were nice as pie, and liked the Guzzi. One of those great memorable rides. Only drama was my visor saying goodbye at 90mph, one side fell out of the ratchet mechanism (AGV) as I wiped off a big bug splatter and the wind took the rest. Looks very smart now with duck tape holding it on. Arai next I think. The track at Le Mans is good, the campsites are Bedlam - several thousand drunk bikers, huge bonfires, bikes being reved within an inch of their lives, blown engines, lots of silly stunts, you get the picture. The town was very quiet, I think they have gone out of their way to contain it all at the track this year. I would live to do a long trip in the States, certainly on my list.

I install new bulb, ignition on, then lights on, bulb blows. Rear brake light still works (it is burning out the rear light filament). The bulb doesn't seem to 'click' into place when I install it, i.e., it can easily be pulled out?? I have checked all connections and wires and all look OK. On my fourth bulb in two weeks now. The girl in the automotive store thinks I am stalking her. The spec of the bulb is as advised. Any ideas ? Driving me nuts. Thanks.

One in the UK for sale. Looks smart. I have no commercial interest. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Moto-Guzzi-V11-LE-MANS-ROSSO-CORSE-/180912684743?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a1f3c7ec7#ht_1057wt_1037 Send me the cash and I will jump on the boat with it

I took the tank off earlier this year to replace the oil return pipe. It dropped back on without any pressure being applied. I will pull it again this weekend and see if the same applies. I wondered if it is my riding style - I tend to grip the tank between my legs rather than hang off at corners- the damage is the same on the other side in the same place. The damage seemed worse after last weekend when I had completed a 750 mile trip in 90 degree heat.

Thanks. A project for the winter months I think. A new shiny alloy tank is quite hard to sneak past the wife. She would have other ideas for the ££££ it would cost.

Hi Draven Try MCN website (Motorcycle news). Cheers

I avoid fuel that contains ethanol. My tank is getting increasingly 'crinkly' as per the picture attached. The paint is fine. Not sure how I stop the sag. Ideas ?

Well Le Mans 24 hour race was great. 750 mile round trip at warp speed and the v11 was perfect bar blowing the rear bulb twice A few pics . . .

just saw the 'whats in your pants' post - git all I need thanks !

Right, counting the days down to my trip to Le Mans 24 hr race end of next week, so time for a quick question to keep you all occupied. Aside from a good toolkit, what else do you take on a long trip for the bike apart from the following . . . Relays X 2 Fuses assorted Pawl spring spare bulbs (French law) WD40 Gaffer tape insulating tape cable ties right-angle tyre valve adapter spool of various wires international recovery deal Cheers G

I would consider one if the price came down from $600. Existing cycle helmets are fairly useless at any speed above walking pace.

My wife still has both of her hands.

Good call. Is the gauge accurate ? Thanks.

Aye, but I bet you've got sunshine. Weather forecast here is on just now: rain, showery rain, windy rain and showers. I don't understand my bike. Anyway, you shoulda been at home watching Hairy Bikers tonight. They've been riding on floppy rears too, but they're swapping the pies for lettuce and whatnot. Piaggio doesn't love me. "Overtaken by Vespa. Right angle adapters just ordered on Ebay." Weird: there's folks on here will never understand you. I've got an inkling. Do the Irish have more types of rain than the Eskimos have types of snow ? I think we should be told. I do not wish to discuss my floppy rear in public any further. quite frankly I am a bit pissed and have just started my two week vacation. Isn't it weird how speedos shrink over the course of a year ?

Fricking Hell. Can't access the tyre valve with air lines in petrol stations. Rode home on floppy rear wandering all over the road. Overtaken by Vespa. Right angle adapters just ordered on Ebay. My wife doesn't understand me.