Tom in Virginia

For those that might be interested in an older model LeMans: 1978 850 Le Mans Description *: Black and red. Garage kept . Stock. 8900 miles. one owner. new battery, plugs, fuel filter. Photo:: Asking Price: $9500.00 Name*: jennifer johnson City / State*: vienna (VA) Phone Number*: 17039382112

Good point PJPRO. For both of my MG LeMans, it was apparent on purchase that the previous owners ran too low tire pressures. On the front tire it led to (severe) cupping of the tread outside the center running bead of the tire. On test rides, this condition in turn aggravated handlebar/mirror vibration so much you would see double vision in the mirrors, making them almost useless. The 02 only had 2450 miles upon purchase but the front tire was noticeably cupped considering the mileage.

I have had the '02 only about a month now, have ridden it twice. It has very little miles on it and in new condition, but that doesn't help 18 years worth of new oxidation/corrosion on electrical connections for sure. First timeI rode it I think the battery was a bit low and had couple of issues. Changed out all the relays to OMRONs, no issues after that. 2nd time I rode it about 100 miles, no issues at all. Went to move it the back garage to the driveway a few days ago and when I pressed the starter button, started fine. About an hour later I am ready to go for a ride and go to start it .... "crickets". NOTHING. When I'd cycle the ignition switch and kill switch I could hear the fuel pump prime (?), but when pressing the starter button total silence. Cycled misc. handlebar switches, also to include kickstand and manual cycling of that switch. Cycled transmission into out of Neutral couple of times. Rolled bike back in forth in gear, then into Neutral. Investigated fuse box and found F4 (15 amp in the '02 and '03) fuse burned. Replaced. Still crickets. Carried on a few more times with switches/ignition/neutral/kill and then all of a sudden "viola!" it started without hesitation. So as usual, I turned to the V11 forum and your writeup to try and determine some reasoning/pathway for my problem. Thanks so much, wish I was more of an "sparky", apparently my brother and father got all those brains. But being an old "paper pusher" from engineering years back, I'm gonna print your (excellent) response/suggestions to go with the electrical schematic you drew and file it in my MG binder. Maybe this winter I can look at improving the starter wiring/circuitry.

Kiwi Roy, from your V11 Sport schematic ... "Refer to Test Point Layout drawing for additional troubleshooting info" Is there another drawing you refer to here, or would it be the schematic presented here? Having intermittent starting issue with an almost "new" 2600 miles 2002 LeMans and would like to troubleshoot using this schematic. Assume it is also applicable to 2002 LM? Thanks much for the easily readable/understandable drawing! Tom in VA

Photographers posted along the "Dragon's Tail" route did a great job of catching all the bikes as they went by. This is the first picture in over 50 years of riding of me actually underway on one of my beloved Moto Guzzi's. Can't wait until next years Spine Raid.

Got out for an extended ride on the "new" to me "new" '02 LM. Beautiful weather finally has arrived. Tipped the ODO over to 2650 miles. She's tight and runs like a good sewing machine.

That was halfway (300 of 600 miles ) to Spine Raid. Have a camper in the mountains on a creek that I use as my getaway pad to sleep and ride from since my "home" is in the flat lands of Eastern VA. I was just burning up some tree limbs after riding dirt bike THEN drinking a few cold ones. One thing led to another and the few cold ones lit the idea of "why not a fire?"

Here's a link to the photos I took during the weekend. Didn't pull out the camera, just the phone, but had a good time with docc and the guys. https://ibb.co/album/NtZSgC

Will it be engraved with "Last Edition Lucky Phil ... and Chuck"?

I messaged Chuck just now with my email and address for shipment upon fab.

Been out of loop for awhile on this topic, Any update on another batch being fab'd? I have an "02 anxiously awaiting for upgrade and want another to set on shelf in case i change the 03 current setup.

My bike's in same situation, she's tired of takedown/reassembly and wants some ride time. Now, coils due Tuesday from MGG Cycle so tanks coming off off again. Still gonna be there, just may have to bring a backup ride so I'm not left watching

I cleared the 2 faults indicated. Last night I changed out TPS with a new one and set it as close to157mV as possible. I'll inform after completing another decent tuneup process. (note the black line that shows gaps as I throttle upwards and back down. Appears that is where the bike is stumbling and popping/surging. Hope new tuneup process resolves these holes)

Yup, kinda hijacking this thread but here it is anyway....checking TPS now to see if its smooth transition up/down. Seems to be but I may change TPS to a new one anyway. Also CO Fuel Trim. GD shows "0" on the +/_ screen with START button but then click START and GD gives me what I'd call an error screen that says "Active diagnostics could not be started". Tried multiple ways to get by this running, ignition on, off running, motor cold/hot and hot >60C.. No help.

OK, kinda dumb lazy question here, should my 2003 LM have an O2 sensor installed? I just yesterday removed the PCIII, replugged the ECU wiring back into the 15M ECU. Going to "try" to run the GuzziDiag and see if I can work thru/get system at least up/running to check a few parameters. Not going to make any changes though. Bike ran very well 4k to redline. Coughs, spits, stutters surges below 4K when off throttle or transitioning up/down. Idles fine. (Valves in spec, TB s balanced, air bleed screws cleaned, new plugs, new NGK plug wires, new OMRON relays (all 5), fuel filter and pump appear ok, clean K&N air filter properly oiled, intake box cleaned of smudge, intake boots appear OK)

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