Motomonster

Agreed OK ...fair enough Todd Good luck with the risers, and the shop. I meant no offense by asking for photos. Cheers al Al, you don't have anything to apologize for. There's nothing wrong with asking for pics and opinions of a product you're interested in. Especially from a fellow consumer. From my side of the monitor, the MPH response was ludicrous. NEWS FLASH: Pics posted on a website is free advertising!

Well, I've been here a while, so I might as well show my face. I suppose I'm the token cruiser here -- I have a V11 Stone -- but since this is a V11 forum, I still like the info y'all provide. I am 35 and live in Seattle. Married. 5'11 250 lbs: I used to be a bouncer and now I'm a librarian. Go figure. I've had seven bikes. My first was a chopped 1968 Honda with a VW bug back tire. A real death trap, but I learned to take it on the twisties, and I figure if I can ride that thing, I can ride anything. I've also had two Yamaha Maxims and a Virago; a BMW R65/6 and R100RT; and finally, a 2002 Stone. What can I say, I love shaft-drives. Needless to say, the Guzzi is the most fun. I love the V11 Sports, though, and eventually I would like to get a Ballabio. I've ridden Nemo's enough to know that I need the raised handlebars. I'm enjoying the conversation.

I'm getting the sense that we all mean something different by the term "engine braking".

I'm curious to know why the advanced safety course discouraged you from using engine braking (in the quest of better safety?). For most street work, I try to avoid the use of brakes, chosing instead to use the throttle to control my speed, changing down gears if necessary. It's not the fastest way to get around corners, but it gives me the most pleasure. Am I a dangerous rider? (Those who know me, don't answer that!) I use my throttle to control my speed in traffic, but if I'm coming to a stop, I use my brakes. I used to downshift and let the engine slow me and then down shift again, etc. But at the safety course, they said it's best to "remove the engine from the stopping equation". So I just use the brake and downshift into neutral. They claim there is less engine wear this way, plus it forces you to practice your braking techniqe every time you stop. Also, it is a lot less work at every stoplight.

I used to do a lot of engine braking. Then I took the advanced safety course and they talked me out of it. Now I brake to decelerate or pull in the clutch and slow naturally. THe only time I use engine braking now is when I'm going downhill and keeping my rpm's low to avoid speeding up due to gravity.

I have a matte finish Stone, and I use a fine polishing compound to remove dirt and scuffs, and polish it with Plexus. If any of you haven't tried Plexus, DO YOUR ASS A FAVOR and get some.

After changing out my airbox, I downloaded the PC map for my specific mods and had the same results. So, I took the bike to the shop and had them set up a map using an exhaust analyzer. Runs great now.

I have CRG's on my Stone and I love them. They work great as far as I'm concerned. I agree that two mirrors looks funky, but WA law requires two, so I found a solution. CRG makes two sizes of mirrors, the normal and a mini "blind-spot" mirror. I put the normal on my left and the mini on my right. I think it looks pretty good that way.

2 front and one rear? jean marc, that carbon wheels are dymag. I've been looking long enough for wheels that I've seen ALL options. dymag at harris Since I have a Cali, I have wire spokes.

Lighter wheels? I just took out half my spokes. Saved half a pound. Awesome!

Well, it certainly isn't my intention to help Nemo burn his bridges, Brian, but I can't recall seeing that many tires in stock over at MI -- there are usually 4-6. But they could keep more way in the back. The price discrepancy is a bit odd, though. In my dealings with them, they've always been fair and their prices reasonable -- especially in light of the fact that so many Guzzisti complain about getting reemed by their dealers. My gut feeling is that Nemo's condensed the conversation a bit and we aren't getting the full story. Nemo, are you trying to get some sort of special or "rare" tire? If I remember right, your current tires are still good.

I know some of the newer sports have a handlebars, if yours does then these might work: I have a set coming for my Stone. They're from Monaco: http://www.csonline.net/monacocstguzzi/web.../accesories.htm

In my mind, dropping the pan every 9K (that's how long the filters last) is a good idea anyway. What's a half hour of maintenance every 9K between friends?

You're right, it is a little pricey if you really soak the bike. I plan on using it regularly only for special areas, like the rims, spokes, and brakes -- and for occasional touch ups everywhere else. With my black wrinkle paint, it doesn't do a lot anyway. But on the aluminum it's pretty noticeable.

Ouch! Nemo's finally gone mad. I still think these bikes are reliable and well built. The only problem with mine is the engine paint, and honestly, it's not very noticeable. I did buy some Harley wrinkle black that I will try this summer. Plus I will be getting some free hardbags for touring. Nice. I personally don't want a lot of "innovation" on my bike. I specifically chose the Guzz to avoid all the digital whatchamadoohickys and such. I like that my bike is built from tried and true parts and designs rather than gussied up to comply with all the latest fads. And it's still a hellovalotta fun to ride.

Well, based on the esteemed opinions of my collegues here, I went out and picked up a bottle of this stuff. Wow, it does work, especially on my wheels. Since I have spokes, this is a big timesaver. Cleans up the brakes nicely as well. Thanks Guzzi guys.

Works like a charm, doesn't it? Absolutely essential!

Let me know when you want to wash the thing -- I'll bring my leaf blower over to dry it out. In my opinion, this step is more important than what type of cleaner you use. It saves the electronics quite a bit.

Dumkopfs.

Jaap, I'd just like to say, as an American, that we're really sorry about that whole David Hasselhoff thing. I don't know what happened -- he just got loose some how. But don't worry, we've got this guy under control:

What about this?

I've got a nice big yard and a grill. I'm sure we can scare up a BBQ.

Nice. That red thread is sharp. Glad I read this thread.

Now you guys know why I don't let him near my bike when he's got a beer in his hand. + =

Go here for Jet Hot: http://www.jet-hot.com/ I was looking into them a while back. When the chrome on my pipes gets too frazzled, I'm thinking of getting them done in cream. Or, Jhot has a nice silver option as well.