Steve G.
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Posts posted by Steve G.
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Al Gore, lobbyism and plastic tanks were different things I thought. Does my tank know what pol. direction I fancy? How that? Or, on the other hand, as our tanks are coming from Italy, is there any chance/risk Berlusconi's sex life will influence our's?
Hubert
sigh,,,,,,,,
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When your 2004 V11 was sold in the US it was supposed to be required to be able to run on up to 10% ethanol.
Can it? Well, my wifes 2000 V11 has been running just fine for over 50,000 miles on fuels that typically have contained up to 10% ethanol. There does seem to be an issue with the plastic of the fuel tanks but I have not seen any real proof that it is ethanol causing it (just a lot of assumptions and speculations) and since ethanol has been a standard for ages it is stupid to blame it if there is a problem with a component that is supposed to be compatible.
Or you can get up on a soap box and start yelling.
I guess you can use what you want, i really don't care. If you want to call all this "just a lot of assumptions and spexculations", it's a free world.
When you say ethanol has been the standard for ages, how long do you define ages? If you read, you will understand that ethanol was partially a stop gap measure to replace the additive mtbe, which was seriously affecting ground drinking water everywhere. Enter the all powerfull corn farmer lobbyists in Washington, and that nutbar Al Gore, a here we are.
Steve
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Well, heads up guys. It is an issue, and info like these sites are the result:
http://www.ashonbikes.com/content/ducati-facing-us-lawsuit
http://www.stayontheblack.com/ducati-in-class-action-lawsuit-for-gas-tank-issues/
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/77-sport-classic/97926-tank-spreading-europe-germany.html
Steve
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I am literally in the process of buying a 09 Dorsoduro 750 with 7k on the clock upgraded rear shock and front springs/oil, billet levers and covers, a gel seat and akropovic exhaust installed. $6750 but it's in florida and shipping is $450
Hey, at least BFG might find it interesting. I have ridiculous bike ADD when I'm in the market for one. I wouldn't go as far as to say I hated my Duc ST2, what's a stonger word than hate? wouldn't start in the cold, wouldn't want to even cruise in the cold, didn't like the heat, didn't like to stay charged, was a walloy pig at slow speeds and the fairings(and ergo's) even with a laminar lip were no better than the RSVR I had. I got LESS wet in the rain on the RSVR. So I dumped 1k into it and put on 2k miles over a year, I've done worse. I was able to sell it for what I paid for it less the few upgrades and new starter
I will post up some pics when I get it and I've already told myself the next bike needs to be a griso(newer and less problems than BFG's though) I wonder if BFG knew my mom 30 years ago. . .
Just as well you got rid of the Ducati. the engines really are just a pile of shite! I borrowed an ST2 in New Zealand last February, nice handling, fairly comfortable, but after a $1000 tuneup, I was told that the belts could not be changed, the covers couldn't be removed as the nuts inside the plastic were spinning. So after being told to nurse it for next 3 weeks, running 3500-6500rpm, the engine literally physically exploded, yes, the engine cases blew apart!!!! in the middle of nowhere!
Never, NEVER will I EVER buy a belt drive Ducati EVER!!!
BTW, the Aprilia will be a great bike, well done.
Steve
To be fair to Ducati's any badly maintained belt drive engine is going to let go in a big way eventually !!
It sounds like that particular ST had been seriously mistreated, as the ST2 is basically a 2 valve 851/888 motor it is pretty tough and if maintained correctly reliable.
Yes, maintaning a machine is important. In this case, the belts did not fail. I was pampering the bike because they could not be changed at the time. actually, there was a catastrauphic gearbox failure that blew the engine cases apart, the bike was singing along at 110km in 6th, go figure.
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I am literally in the process of buying a 09 Dorsoduro 750 with 7k on the clock upgraded rear shock and front springs/oil, billet levers and covers, a gel seat and akropovic exhaust installed. $6750 but it's in florida and shipping is $450
Hey, at least BFG might find it interesting. I have ridiculous bike ADD when I'm in the market for one. I wouldn't go as far as to say I hated my Duc ST2, what's a stonger word than hate? wouldn't start in the cold, wouldn't want to even cruise in the cold, didn't like the heat, didn't like to stay charged, was a walloy pig at slow speeds and the fairings(and ergo's) even with a laminar lip were no better than the RSVR I had. I got LESS wet in the rain on the RSVR. So I dumped 1k into it and put on 2k miles over a year, I've done worse. I was able to sell it for what I paid for it less the few upgrades and new starter
I will post up some pics when I get it and I've already told myself the next bike needs to be a griso(newer and less problems than BFG's though) I wonder if BFG knew my mom 30 years ago. . .
Just as well you got rid of the Ducati. the engines really are just a pile of shite! I borrowed an ST2 in New Zealand last February, nice handling, fairly comfortable, but after a $1000 tuneup, I was told that the belts could not be changed, the covers couldn't be removed as the nuts inside the plastic were spinning. So after being told to nurse it for next 3 weeks, running 3500-6500rpm, the engine literally physically exploded, yes, the engine cases blew apart!!!! in the middle of nowhere!
Never, NEVER will I EVER buy a belt drive Ducati EVER!!!
BTW, the Aprilia will be a great bike, well done.
Steve
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I'll assume that this German E10 is 10% ethanol. This fuel does and had effected the plastic/nylon fuel tanks of ALL V11 Sports/Lemans' models. The same company that made these, Acerbis Italy, also makes the tanks for Ducati, [monster, Classic series, 1098/1198] of which there is a class action lawsuit with problems of expanding/warping tanks, bubbling paint, etc.
In my opinion, ethanol enriched fuels are not even good enough for my Honda lawnmower, absolute shite!!!
Steve
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Hi guys. New to the forum. Good stuff. Just yesterday, I noticed that my 02 Scura starts fine in neutral and idles fine when I engage the clutch but when I shift into first or second from neutral the engine immediately cuts off. It's like I'm hitting the kill switch. And yes, the stand is up. Prior to this happening, there was a increasingly loud rattle under the bike not distinct from the normal dry clutch noise. Any thoughts?
Well,,,,,the Scura, like the Tenni, and the Rosso Mandello have the dreaded single plate clutch system with the scatter prone alumimium flywheel.
Steve
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That muffler looks alarmingly like the one on my Ford pickup.
I admire the fact that you have donated your bike to hybrid technology and recreational pharmacy therapy.
Steve
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Capt Nemo, we missed you!!!!
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The clutch switch must engage for the starter solenoid to be energized. While the switch itself could fail, it is more common to loose contact at the two simple "bullet" connectors beside the frame under the tank on the left just behind the headset. They are certainly worth cleaning, crimping, and sealing.
The switch is activated by the clutch lever through a small hole and a little ball bearing, or perhaps a small plastic puck. Since that area is rather exposed to the weather, it is a good place to clean up, dry off, and maybe apply a little light lube.
Good maintenance!
Good info, many thanks!!
Steve
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I've decided to be pro-active and look for any possible electrical issues before a decent sized ride I'm doing next month. The two I've always read about on this forum which can prevent a button start up are 1] the side stand kill switch, and
2] the clutch switch.
I took the clutch switch off yesterday, and found the thing is essentially sealed, with no serviceable parts to fix, bond, or otherwise renew. I'm wanting to know if the fix to this thing is to simply permanantly join the two incoming wires, or am I missing something?
Steve
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please god someone tell me someone has a saved copy of one of enzo's monstrosity, that purple and blue and I've all but blocked it from my mind
I saw that bike in person a few yrs back, at a vintage bike rally in Seattle. He is a bike customizer on crack, not literally, but artistically.
steve
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I wasn't sure where to put this, so this is a good as any. It had been noisy for as long as I can remember, and those who know have said that crack had been there a long time. Its been replaced by another single plate. The oroginal had about 14000 miles, and 8 years on it.
I've been reading reports about these flywheels breaking for yrs now. I have to say, if this happened to me, I'd be so pissed at MG, I'd sell the bike. The engineering dept at Moto Guzzi should have been fired for this @#!#$# up.
Rosso, Tenni, and Scura models are definitely off my wish list.
Steve
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I saw one a couple yrs ago painted navy blue, with gold lettering, polished silver wheels, gosh it looked good!
Steve
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Well, 2 1/2 months of complete venting/airing out has caused the tank to return to it's original shap with no permanent damage. This was a sigificant lesson for me. luckily there's easy access to ethanol free gasolines where I reside. Travelling in the USA will be tougher, but I shall try to map out stations that offer it before I head out.
Steve
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The SV650 Suzuki is the best middle weight bike available, especially at your target price.
Steve
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Yup, that's pretty expensive!! Vancouver, 94 Chevron right now is about $1.48/litre cdn, so 16litres is about $23/US. I'm not complaining.
Steve
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Just filled up the V11, bike had done 172 miles and the fuel light had just started glowing. Gets to the local petrol station and fill up with 16 litres of shell v power unleaded. £22.27!!!!! So has anyone paid anymore ?.
Not sure if you are commenting on the fuel economy of your bike, or the cost of fuel these days.
As a resident of the area with the highest gasoline prices in North America, I understand your situation,,,,and know that the prices we pay in NA are just a % of the prices you have to deal with in Scotland.
If you are refering to your mileage per tankfull, I think your bike is in the average that can be expected with the spine frame V11's.
Steve
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Going off to live in Mallorca, Puerto Pollenca ,will I have the only V11 there? Will be around till the end of June anybody coming there for a holiday ping me a pm on the board I will still be on line.
I've always been curious to know how to move to such a lovely place? I'm assuming you live in the EU, so living there is not a legal issue,,,,,and are financially 'stable'??
Steve
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I am riding THIS actually,
I bought it the DAY before it snowed and only have about 50mi on it so far got it for a song $3k and already an extra $1k into the damn thing for upgrades and personalizations, I have problems. I have always had that urge to own a duc, now that the urge has been fulfilled I don't think I'll ever need another Ducati what a effin money pit they are. Going to meet the Manic salamander guy in person tomorrow at Bob's Java in uptown(Mpls) and he's going to fit some throttle lock weights on it for me, he is bringing the regular and pounders just to see which fit and look best.
I miss my RSVR like nothing else, too bad I'll probably get a KTM before I get back to aprilia, oh I will be back though, such a solid built machine and felt like it was made with my body type in mind. I rode it to the UP MI from MPLS which was just over 7 hours each way, 850mi in 2 days non stop but for fuel. I worry I couldn't go half that far on this Duc.
I got a new helmet too, so far love it, granted not many miles on it yet.
and I got this tank bag, its awesome
Next summer I'm either going to get a Griso 1100, KTM Super Duke or a Aprilia Tuono for a town bike and probably keep the ST for longer rides with the luggage options.
I'm still here, Might be back to guzzi someday soon. I regret the hell out of selling my goose but I feel that once a guzzista, always at least a little bit of one.
Last month I was riding one of these ST2's in New Zealand, my buddy's, planning on 3 weeks. Well,,,,,,,10 days into it, it had what can best be described as a "terminal catastrauphic failure". Part of the deal was to rent the bike by giving it a complete front to back tuneup, everything!!! including wheels bearings, chain/sprockets, I mean everything! While riding at the back of a gang of 7, we were in the south Isle heading north out of Queenstown, near the village of Tarras. Long story short, shifted down to 5th gear to take a turn, a huge explosion quickly followed by mass amounts of smoke. Turned out that the right engine case split open, not 100% sure why, whether a gearbox failure, or wrong torque on the engine bolt holding the engine into the frame at the back. An 'interesting' result of this case opening up to the atmosphere, the crankcase ventilation system sucked over a litre of oil up into the gearbox, in maybe 10 seconds, so almost all the smoke, a James Bond style smoke screen, came out of the tailpipe, not from being spilled onto the outside of the exhaust.
So,,,,look for hairline cracks around the rear retaining bolt. Sounds like it's not uncommon to happen.
I've owned Ducatis before, so had a bit of trepidation when this riding opportunity came along, and, as a result treated the bike VERY carefully. As it turned out, it blew up anyways. This has confirmed the thoughts never to have a Ducati, NEVER!
Steve
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Thanks all, I'll pass the thoughts to the family. Another friend, who had Ed restoring his BMW R69/S there, went by to check on his bike and talk to the son. Turns out he had a sudden heart attack just a day or two after we last spoke. This stuff happens of course, but it's always a shock. Apparently the son and his wife will try to keep the shop going, which is great. They'll probably have to find someone who can do the real mechanical stuff, but I guess he's an electrician by trade and will try to help out where he can until they find someone. If I was only closer to retirement from the Navy I'd be knocking for a job myself. Six years to go, I'm afraid. Anyway, ride on, and thanks for the kind words.
Oh, that's sad news. I've dropped in there at least 5 times in the last 10 yrs. Was last in there last October, chatted with him at least an hour, just chatting about everything. Super nice old fellow! He actually remembered me from when I bought a tank bag off him for my V11 in 2002!!
Thanks for telling me. I'll be thinking about him.
Steve
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Very cool!! Tell me, are you planning on eventually painting the tank, or keeping it as polished aluminium? Can you see any issues with haveing it painted, or would it need proper block sanding to smooth the surface for a nice mar free paint coat?It appears I may have inadvertantly put some ethanol laced fuel in my fuel tank,,,,,it seems to be showing slight 'characteristics' of this well documented problem. When putting the headstock at full lock both ways, the tank is within 1/8" of touching the fork tubes. Clearly the front of the tank, the two "winglets" which protrude forward, are spreading apart allowing themselves to be contacted.
At this point, I'm assuming a new fuel tank for a 1999-2001 V11 to be unobtainium, so I'm kind of pissed off at the whole thing,,,,Acerbis for making fuel tanks out of plastic that cannot handle a basic additive to currently available gasolines,,,and to Al Gore and the U.S.A. government for feeding the bullshite to the world that ethanol is going to save trees, or something else wild and virgin.
If I drain the tank [which I'm currently doing] and let it sit for a couple months with a rubber strap carefully wrapped around the front to close it up a bit, what may I assume might happen? Anybody else who have had this problem sind a solution?
Cheers, Steve
Mine has done the same. Got challenging getting it on and off. I have read that leaving it drained and off will not correct the situation. This was my solution.....................
Built by John Williams - The Tank Shop
Bob
Steve
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It appears I may have inadvertantly put some ethanol laced fuel in my fuel tank,,,,,it seems to be showing slight 'characteristics' of this well documented problem. When putting the headstock at full lock both ways, the tank is within 1/8" of touching the fork tubes. Clearly the front of the tank, the two "winglets" which protrude forward, are spreading apart allowing themselves to be contacted.
At this point, I'm assuming a new fuel tank for a 1999-2001 V11 to be unobtainium, so I'm kind of pissed off at the whole thing,,,,Acerbis for making fuel tanks out of plastic that cannot handle a basic additive to currently available gasolines,,,and to Al Gore and the U.S.A. government for feeding the bullshite to the world that ethanol is going to save trees, or something else wild and virgin.
If I drain the tank [which I'm currently doing] and let it sit for a couple months with a rubber strap carefully wrapped around the front to close it up a bit, what may I assume might happen? Anybody else who have had this problem sind a solution?
Cheers, Steve
Ok to use E10 biofuel on V11 Sport?
in Technical Topics
Posted
I'm a fence sitter politically, and don't want to bring politics into this. Politics is for ametuers, facts are for grownups. I was simply bringing to note the original reason ethanol was brought in as a widely used additive, and the high profile person who promoted it: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1332231/Al-Gores-U-turn-corn-ethanol-I-mistake.html
I simply and without any agenda bring forth caution to using 10% ethanol blended fuels in vehicles with plastic or fibreglass fuel tanks. As the thread title asks for thoughts on this subject, I simply bring forth what I think is pretty strong evidence that there is a concern. It seems obvious from the feedback I'm in the minority, and I'm ok with that. You guys can use 100% ethanol and it will not cost me any worry, in fact it might be a good test subject to see what happens, I'd be very interested to see the results. I've done my part to at least bring to light evidence for my thoughts. Personal skepticism is a healthy thing, but don't you think it would be wise to at least offer the thought of a possibility of this problem, rather than throw it all out and say just use anything?
Steve