LowRyter

The race has changed since they paved the road. When I saw them run, they were flat track style bikes converted to symmetrical control to turn left and right. IIRC, the guys still used their feet on the ground in the turns (I might be wrong about that), and they took off in waves of 5 riders perhaps a minute apart. Now they're all high powered road bike specials with tremendous horsepower. Ducati made a huge commitment to the race only to see their rider killed. A couple years earlier, the winner of the race had an accident after finishing and was killed.

nothing to see here, move along..............

OK, the Californias have Tonti frames, just like the pre-spine LeMans. It looks like a cruiser but it's still a Tonti. cya in the twisties.

Paul. The problem with COTA is they don't allow for open seating on practice days. So there's little opportunity to sample the seats before purchasing. At Indy, fans can sit anywhere except for race day (camping is always great fun there too ). I was able to sit in the stadium complex for a bit, I didn't feel I had a great view to the rest of the track, didn't see a lot of passing but there were lots of fans. From T1 you get the race start, visibility for about 3/4 of the track, a big screen, and some spread out room and mingle with my friends that paid for Duc Island. One great spot is T18-19, right by the ticket window entrance (no stands). I saw MM#93 do a cartwheel/ragdoll/get-off there. Besides being a treacherous spot for bikes, fans can also see the violent braking and watch the riders slam their bodies against the bikes. I never saw that on TV and it's incredible.

bb- I don't see the reason to purchase tickets in advance. They'll be plenty of tickets at the gate. T1 is my favorite spot and there were plenty on tickets. I almost bought into Duc Island but my buddy was on a Yamaha. I didn't see that Ducati Island had been released, I was on the info sign up. Still, give Covid, I'm not sure I'll want to travel to Texas anyway even if Dorna opens the door. I'm not optimistic either way. I see the Dead & Co are requiring vax, perhaps I'll go in Dallas?

The newer bikes are superior to the old ones for the last 20 years, whether by wire or cable. The 85TT or my Ducati have perfect throttle control. No Power Commander, re-jets, Up Maps. etc. The only modification that Duc (SS) riders are doing to the "ride by wire" are putting in spacers to take out any throttle play that was purposely designed into the system to "feel" like a traditionally cable. I'm fine with the factory design BTW. The 1400T that I've ridden rode perfectly -throttle wise. I understand that some of the later 1400s had lean maps and weren't perfect. Nothing to do with RBW.

I've ridden the TT. It isn't a bad bike. Sometimes a Quarter Pounder with Cheese hits the spot. But normally I'd rather have a Whopper or if I'm in New Mexico, a Blake's Green Chili LottaBurger.

So no one thinks the 1400 is the ultimate big block?

I hear a horse's panic whinnies!

No seat cowl. If you're concerned with the money, it seems to have the requisite dealer markup. They're all over the map price wise. If you want to make comparisons, go to Wild Guzzi and MGNOC sites and looks at their respective classified. But if you like the bike and want the color, how long would you like to wait? All bikes share common issues. Otherwise, it's condition. This one is supposedly a clean bike. This model should be checked for transmission recall. Also, all "red frames" will need to have a transmission brace that fastens the bellhousing to the frame. My mechanic in Okla City has fabbed some transmission brace kits (includes fasteners). So far shipping, you could also consider a fly and ride it home. BTW- I think the board had a pretty nice "Rosso something" for sale today. It's red and silver. looks cool.

I hear ya but I don't think Austin's been Austin since they closed the Armadillo World Headquarters. Of course I was always partial to San Antonio and San Marcos. But I can agree that Austin is still weird, just not in a good way so much anymore.

Yes Mav was only withdrawn from the next race. In fact, his entire team will sit out and not travel to the race. But when the rider deliberately tries to blow up the engine, and those engines have extended life limits by rule, I'd say he's gone. Like Steal Your Face, gone.

OK, Let's unpack this. 1. COTA is always a rip-off IMO, this year is even worse. I think they may be talking about premium parking vs bike coral parking vs standard free parking....but I don't know. Just as bad are the hotel and lodging prices in A-town. What is COTA direct? 2. The back to back weekend was meant for COTA MotoGP and then the Okla Guzzi Campout the following weekend that Paul and I usually attend.

I'll probably take the Greenie to Okla Campout. If I ride to COTA, I'll ride the Ducati, although I've ridden the Greenie there 3 times. BTW- I think these are back to back weekends.

I think you got it right. Canceled for the next race but I can't imagine that Yamaha would let him in the door if this is true.

That race displayed terrible sportsmanship from #93. I can't believe the stewards did that to Rossi, robbed him of the last chance for a title. I can only guess that MM was so jealous that he just couldn't stand to see Rossi win another one. Rossi called him out for doing some of the same in the previous race....Despite that, I hope MM recovers and can contend again. I have no idea if the problem is the bike, the rider or both. I was fortunate to see Rossi win at Indy and get his last podium in Texas. I'd like to go to COTA this year, despite the excessive cost for tickets. I'd be surprised to see the race happen give the new Delta variant. The big news today is the Yamaha has fired Maverick for abusing the motorcycle at the last race. Apparently he didn't shift to high gear on the main straight for several laps. I wonder if Aprilia will hire him after all given that? Some photos at Indy and COTA

I don't think any insurance company would even check about the sticker given that most of the states don't even require a helmet in the first place. And then, regardless of the sticker, how could they prove it was a defective helmet other than the markings since the same helmet is sold in the US? That was my thinking. Saving $200 <Guzzi content> made it worth it to me.

Yep, they have ECE markings rather than DOT. I don't see any issue about that. No VAT charged and was spot on shipping time. I think the helmet was shipped from Germany but the shop address was Netherlands. Anyway, other than the sticker, I was pretty satisfied but I don't care about the sticker, it's the same helmet.

Oh, this was an 8 valve motor, not the Breva series 1100/1200 engine with the metal gaskets that may fit the V11 series. My bad.

wow. I guess I missed the story about this one. A real Guzzi hotrod.

My brother purchased one of those and he also has a Neo 1. I've not ridden with him for a couple of years and seldom see him due to my fear of Covid. He likes the AGV better due to it's lighter weight. That's all he's mentioned. I read the reviews on the AGV and found a a great deal on Schuberth ($400 in Duc red) before I bought my Neo 2 but didn't see enough reasons to switch brands. I sometimes like riding with face open and I can do that with the Neos without much wind interference (although the Neo2 isn't quite as wind resistant open and is harder to close, perhaps a little noisier but I wear earplugs). One think I'd recommend to anyone buying an expensive helmet, contact Champion Helmets in Germany (Netherlands?). Typically they can discount when US dealers can't. I got my Neo 2 delivered for <$500.

I assume it wasn't a valve cover leak since the Norge uses metal gaskets?

I picked up a 3/4 helmet with face shield and sunshade at Cycle Gear for $39. I don't recommend extended use for 3/4 or open face but hey can come in handy for retro gatherings, like DG, and casual rides in the heat. I sometimes wear my Shoei Neotec modular open when in town, or at stoplights when I need to some air.

yeah, I've owned open face helmets before you could buy any other. In fact, I fell face first into gravel but had a "bubble" shield.

I've never heard of Ruby Helmets. I did see the website. What makes them so great? They appear to be open face helmets, the lining looks extra nice.