I have a 2002 Le Mans and a 2004 V11 California, both motorcycles have been dead reliable. Only problem with the two of them was a leaking timing cover on the Le Mans and a loose nut on the transmission cover on the California. I have been lurking for a long time here, watching for problems with my bike. Yes, the paint bubbled on the engine cases, and I replaced the seat, added the Mistral exhuast, tossed the emissions canisters, other than that I just ride the hell out of it.