LowRyter

I think it's worth more than $2k. More like $3k- $4k. You've heard all this on WG.

Mike- still trying to decide? Once all the recalls and tach are sorted out, the shifter pawl spring is one failure item. When it goes the bike locks in gear. The spring is cheap but the replacement is a few hours. I keep a spare with me but probably couldn't fix it myself.

wait! You'll be in Edmond? I am riding from Edmond on Thursday. I'll take back roads, cross at St Jo and hit 281 around MW. Send me a PM and I'll give you my cell. Definitely work out a beer or cup of coffee. No tickets or room yet, I'll either go T1 or GA. Plan to be at midtown area around 290 and I-35.

why not cut the crossover out and patch it? Probably wouldn't look any worse and it's a permanent fix for the problem.

I'll be there on the Greenie! I plan to get there Thursday night. This will be third straight trip to COTA. I was on the fence until I saw Rossi win last week. MJP -Mike- on WG lives in Austin. We met up last year. I think a few Guzzi guys from Houston are coming too. Also Blue Knight is riding from ATL. I think I'll ask Rocker to put on a sticky on WG. http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=75198.0 I went to AF1, the Revival Show, 6th St BS, and BBQ in Lockhart. Hope to CYA there. I'll have scotch and cigars at the hotel. I wonder if the motels have opened the pools?\ I haven't purchased tickets. Turn 1 is best IMO. GA is fine too.

I'll have to try the 160 next time. (Since I already ordered the 170). I am not sure what the "redframe squirm" is. I know Rocker likes the 160 on his Sport 1100.

really? do we have a show of hands?

When I got it, it had matched Angels. I also had a matched pair when both Michelins were new. Now that the front one is worn out, I am going Roadsmarts front and rear. (in between, I've matched the front Angel with a Dunlop Q3 and the front Michelin with an Angel) I really haven't noticed a big difference mixing and matching tire brands on this bike. The Q3 probably stuck best but it was a sport tire.

I am not sure there is anything wrong. It's just might be the way it is. Since no one here runs the big bags on a red frame at speed we just don't have a point of comparison. Docc and I played with dampener. I might just tighten it up next time I am tempted to run a 100 with the bags on.

JRD- it appears that you agree that the red frame has more aggressive geometry and that the bags contribute to an aero issue as well as the semi trucks. Since I am the only one here with a red frame and huge bags, I suppose I am alone with this issue. When I get new tries tomorrow, I'll ask the Ohlins' trained mechanic to give it a "once over"- he's already checked the sag. What I have read, the most likely detectable defects for weave are swingarm and steering head bearings. I've suspected the steering head for some time but at last service my previous mechanic didn't notice any movement. Probably a good thing to check again. Regardless, there's no one here running fill size bags on a red frame, it could be aero and location (behind the rear axle).

The bike handles really well. It does eat up rear tires. I think a 160 would quicken turn in, which is outstanding now, especially with the wide Pro Taper bars. So I am not sure why it would be better.

My bike mostly weaves when loaded with the big HB bags and I am approaching 100mph or encounter the wake of semi. Apparently, I am the only one here with big touring bags on a red frame but I am all ear if anyone has some relevant experience to improve this. I believe my sag is set close. In fact, I just doubled checked it yesterday with my mechanic when I ordered stock-sized tries. The mechanic is an Ohlins trained guy. It was certainly was cursory, I sat in the bike and he eyeballed. The red frames have a reputation to weave / shake. They handle quickly, have aggressive geometry, and probably give up some stability. On the other hand, it's best handing motorcycle I've owned and is great in the twisties.

Why would I be better off not to use the stock size? I've had 4 different rear tires of the stock size, they seem to wear out fast but the bike handles really well in the twisties.

GM/JRD- I am running the big HB hard bags. Certainly the weight isn't equal to a passenger but quite a bit of aero drag. They do sit behind the rear axle (see photo). I get it bad in the wake of a semi. Of course I am talking interstate speeds at an indicated 95-100. Yeah, it weaves, not quite a shake. Much more stable w/o the bags. The red frames have a reputation to weave / shake. They handle quickly, have aggressive geometry, and probably give up some stability. I am all ears to hear if there is a fix other than taking off those big fat 40L HBs. But I suppose I am the only one here that runs those bags on a red frame?

staying with standard 170 size. That's why I have to order the tire and won't get it until Thursday.

I was searching out a tire thread. Found this one. My tires are shot, Mich PR3 front and Pirelli Angel GT rear. Can't complain about the mileage (I did Springfield Il, COTA Austin, and Ozarks on the rear and all that plus Spine frame raid on the front). Anyway, I am riding to Moto GP COTA Austin again and want new tires before I go. The Pirellis and Michelins are really high $$. I can get a deal on Shinkos and Continentals but I can get Dunlop Roadsmarts for 38% off which gets them in Shiko/Conti $$ range. So I've ordered the Dunlops. Hope to get them on Thursday.

The factory filter is $25 from Harpers. See my earlier post.

GM, when I say 85+, of course I mean 95-100 mph on the speedo. The bags make a big difference. I can sometimes get some weave without the bags, on occasions accompanied by wind or semi. What bags does your wife have on her bike? I've got the largest HB. BTW- my EV will give a little shake when it's loaded up with bags and camping gear on the luggage rack.

Guest bike? count me in. I am planning a trip to the west coast. San Diego to Vancouver.

Harper's has fuel pumps for $120. Search the board and you can find the fuel filter at Napa for $20. Or get the whole mess from Harpers. http://www.harpermoto.com/fuel-pump.html http://www.harpermoto.com/fuel-filter-a.html

so far as rear weight goes, I can tell you, if you have a Red Frame bike, it will weave/wobble with the HB luggage packed when you're doing 80+. Especially when you get behind and 18 wheeler. It's a sad deal, when you are loaded up and can't keep with an Electra Glide that's nailed it on an interstate.

Docc- I made he mistake of getting the blue stuff for my EV (5 speed). It's way too light. I drained it and saved it. Are you saying it;s the right weight for the Sport? I just discovered the issue with the EV was the shift linkage, glad to have that one fixed. (OK, I could check the Owner's Manual but it's much easier just to ask you. )

I used a big O Ring from a Caterpillar tractor on my Bandit, until I changed out the bars and grips and didn't fit.

I've not traveled southern PCH. But have done the section from Big Sur to Legget. Didn't have a bike but rented a Mini Cooper S.

good luck Roy. But tell ya what, I looked at buying one in Atlanta. The bike was an art piece in mansion next to a huge grand piano. Didn't say whether the owner rode bikes or played piano. Anyway, the bike had been largely kept as indoor sculpture for most if its life. So, rather than sell it, just call it art. Although, what I don't understand is that you haven't ridden it. I mean the spineys are the best riding bikes you can find.