Tom in Virginia

Wikipedia: "The report's conclusion was that the probable cause of the accident was explosion of flammable fuel vapors in the center fuel tank. Although it could not be determined with certainty, the likely ignition source was a short circuit.[1]:xvi Problems with the aircraft's wiring were found, including evidence of arcing in the Fuel Quantity Indication System (FQIS) wiring that enters the tank. The FQIS on Flight 800 is known to have been malfunctioning; the captain remarked on what he called "crazy" readings from the system approximately two minutes and thirty seconds before the aircraft exploded. As a result of the investigation, new requirements were developed for aircraft to prevent future fuel tank explosions.[9]" Lesson learned: If your fuel gauge starts giving you crazy readings, BAIL OUT!!!

That's the same center but somewhere there is one that includes the falcon in the black background. As you said,

Wait now, you are speaking of a Kentucky garage, right? Makes sense though, they were essentially purging the tank with carbon monoxide and various other gases.

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=5389 The MG Cycle fuel pump is supplied with a pigtail, but if the old wiring/connector is in good shape and the fuel pump connector is compatible then I may not have to make any "connections" other than plug and play. That avoids incurring any wiring challenges. Another concern was having to mess with the wiring penetration at the base of the fuel pump foundation where all 4 wires penetrate the rubber tank grommet and exit the tank to the external plug in connectors. The fuel pump is not all that expensive so that'll be in hand, as well as the hose clamps and crimping tool, and added to my winter tear down work list when I take the tank off again. Yes, I guess once the tank is closed, then there may be gas fumes in the void above the liquid fuel but not per se "oxygen". I certainly hope so Phil, the "pig tail" in the MG Cycle link kinda made me think I need to do something more than just plug in.

Anyone have any idea who might stock the tank decal identified in picture. Once the tank bag was removed, noted that the decal underneath has several large bubbles. Not a big deal, if I can't source one then will just leave as is. Internet searches have been fruitless. Thanks in advance.

Can someone explain how an in-tank fuel pump with 6 different electrical wires/connections (see picture of pump) can be immersed in a tank filled with gasoline not cause the tank to explode or cause any kind of fire? I took my tank off and pulled the fuel pump unit. Plan was to replace the fuel filter but it back flowed onto a clean cloth with very little to no sediment and the filter is a metal one so assume it has been replaced at least once prior. Also did not have the proper hose clamps and crimper to reattach the filter to the hose. While I was in there planned to replace fuel pump as routine maintenance. Admittedly I am reluctant since I would have to cut wires and remake connections. With concerns for how to properly electrically connect wiring inside of a tank that holds highly flammable liquid, I decided it best just to reassemble the pump unit into the tank and put off until I have more knowledge on the subject/maintenance. Thus the lead in question. The metal foil tape covering the heat resistant cloth on the underside of the tank was showing its age and a bit knackered so I recovered it to give it some more life. Thanks in advance for the knowledge and suggestions.

Great pics Bill, looks like a really fun time. Sure the stories were a lot of laughs.

Wow, Matris has gotta be making a killing on a $400-$500 steering damper!

I like...

Anyone have any experience with this rear shock on an '03LM? I have the fork spring kit installed in front forks from what PO paperwork tells me. The rear shock remains stock and have had no problems with it, pretty satisfied overall but its getting up in age and may consider an affordable replacement. https://www.webshop-hyperpro.com/en/motorbike/moto-guzzi/v11-le-mans/v11-le-mans/2002-2005/suspension/rear-suspension/rear-shock/MG11-0AA

Tell us more! So my son sent me the DNA, kit, sent it in. Pretty cool but somewhat as I expected: 62% British Irish 32% (but specifically recognized Isle of Mann area!) 4% Swedish and surprisingly 1% Filipino and 1% American Indian.

By quick comparison between a '02 and '03 tank ring, measurements appear to be the same. However, I only measured with carpenters rule, did not micrometer. Note that the 2 most forward screws are inverted flat head machine screws installed from the bottom of the lower adapter ring and do not match the tank ring cap screw locations below them. This is how SWMotech adapts the upper lock ring on multiple different tank ring/bike configurations. So to answer the question, it appears the tank ring bolt config is the same between early and later models (at least between an '02 w/chin pad and '03 w/o chin pad).

It's past time to review all the tracks and make MotoGP races safer, as reflected by the 2 horrifying crashes last week. Unbelievable no one was killed in either incident. You will have to follow the links in order to view it on YouTube. (Admin: remove this post if it is unacceptable). Thanks, Tom

Note sure what you are speaking of as to chin pad bolt pattern. The chin pad sits forward of the tank ring. The 175 should work no problem. The challenge will be getting the bag to lock in to the ring as the chin pad "padding" will interfere on the 2002. As I noted above, probably the cleanest way to mount the tank ring/tank bag without having to take the chin pad off of a 2002 tank is purchase multiple mounting rings (Pc. 2, Part #TRT.00.640.014). If you can obtain the individual mounting rings (which really just a spacer ring) from SWMotech you can stack 2 or 3 mounting rings underneath the top latching ring." Or if you are so inclined you could fabricate a couple of rings out of hard plastic or aluminum using the Pc. 2 of the kit. Someone with a 3D printer or a CNC machine could undertake this no problem. You would need to adapt longer bolts than those supplied with the kit but it would then allow you to clear the chin pad thickness. With the 03 LeMans (w/ no chin pad) my large 15-21 Liter SWMotech bag has to be pushed down very slightly to lock in. Not the case when installed on the Norge as the tank ring sits very slightly higher.

OKay, sorry I wasn't quicker to find it and respond. Could have saved you a few clams.

I feel ya! 14 misc surgeries, need another 3 to get both my hands right and 2 more on my knees. Can't pick a box of milk outta the fridge but I CAN still twist the throttle!

Rode it from Idaho to Virginia in May 1980. 2200 miles in 3 days. Back then I was pretty tough. Now at 63, if I do 400 miles in a day then I'm done for a few days. Wouldn't trade my memories on this bike for anything.

2016 Norge, love it!

The line is long. I told my son's they could decide between them who gets it when I'm gone.

Bought this motorcycle in 1979 from a guy in Marion VA. I was 22 years young. Rode the heck out of it until winter of 1982. That was shortly after my oldest son was born. The bike took a back seat to other life priorities (and my wife's insistence that I give up road bikes until both of our sons were grown). She was okay, however, with riding the dirt instead. So the Eldo got shuffled around, into sheds, onto and off front porches, finally into a garage I built. At one point I tried to give it away. Gratefully I never carried out with that plan. Once I retired I still didn't have time to restore so I ended up hiring a guy to handle the task. Here's a pic I took couple of weeks ago on Fort Monroe, Hampton VA of her in fully restored condition. She rides like an old bike, brakes and all. But I love her. Told the wife I'm gonna make a room in the house so she can stay warm and dry each winter. Ha!, she said "no".

Does this look like it?

I got my kit from Twisted Throttle. About 39 bucks and some change with free shipping over a set amount. This SouthWest Motech #"175" tank ring lets me swap one bag between my '03 LMs and my 2016 Norge.

Here's the same tank ring set KINDAOY2 recommends with the kit diagram/parts list/pics attached. This is installed on my '03 LM with a bigger, farther setback tank bag (15-21 Liter). If you can purchase the kit, then purchase multiple mounting rings (Pc. 2) you can stack 2 or 3 and just adapt longer bolts for it to work out and still clear the chin pad. See pics. https://i.ibb.co/DfFdrvj/0820200948.jpg https://i.ibb.co/fCM1CR0/0820200949-HDR.jpg https://i.ibb.co/5TmVtLr/0820200949a-HDR.jpg https://i.ibb.co/CMf7670/0820200950c-HDR.jpg https://i.ibb.co/drfWN4d/0820200955.jpg https://i.ibb.co/Rvcb9gK/0820200955a.jpg https://i.ibb.co/vXBThPR/0820200955b.jpg