supchu5150

The tires that are currently on the bike are Metzeler Sporttec M-1's. They were a great improvement over the Pirelli's that came on it. The Metzeler's are now in need of replacement, which is what got me going on trying to make it handle a bit better. New rubber is going on soon so I am going to give fork/shock adjustments another try.

Thanks guys for the ideas. I do not think the sag is set properly, Ill give that a try first. My compaliant is this, on turn in the bike wants to stand up in the corner. I feel as I am pulling it all the way into the corner, I would like it to be more "neutral feeling". My Ducati is much more neutral, of course it is lighter and has a shorter steering angle.

What are some of the typical settings that have worked for you guys on the compression and rebound settings on the front forks and rear shock. How much static sag on the rear. Thanks for some ideas. I have been experimenting with my 2002 LeMans, but seem to be making it worse.

I own one of each that you are considering, luv em' all. I bought the Ducati new in '95 and it has been a great bike. Had to fix a leaking cluch slave cylinder about 6 years ago and that is about it. The new Ducati 1000DS engine is a jewel. The Guzzi 1100 will out run it but the Duc will run circles around it on the curvy stuff. Tough call, all nice motorcycles. The Guzzi's have also been very easy to own, the LeMans had a leaking timing cover gasket, easy fix. Flip a coin, buy something and run the wheels off of it!

Hey Carl, at the time the guy I bought parts from name was Tony. He thought it was very funny with the "Fix It Again Tony" thing. I too had an 850 spyder and a 124 spyder. Lotsa fun when they ran right. Todd, I too will look for a used M-B when the VW hits about 200k. Turbo Diesel that is. German cars have that certain built like a tank attitude.

Had Fiats in high school, became a very good roadside electrican from that experience. Travel too much now for anything sexy, so: 2004 Toyota Tundra SR5 Crew Cab 2005 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel 1965 Cadillac DeVille Convertable Caddy looks cool, Toyota makes good rescue vehicle for Brit bikes, and the VW's fuel mileage saved the checkbook.

With the Guzzi's (2002 LeMans, 2004 California) I also have a 1995 Ducati 900SSCR, 1977 Triumph T140V, 1973 Norton Commando Interstate, 1972 Norton Commando Combat Cafe Racer.

I have two lifts, a Handy air lift and an older Italian one that is hydraulic that I got from an old Bridgestone dealership 10 years ago. Both work great. The Handy is much more sturdy for the larger bikes, well worth the money.

Mangling of limbs continued: About 15 years ago my wife and I owned an 1986 Buick Regal. One evening we drove it to dinner. I got out of the car and hit the power locks and swung the big heavy door to close. At the same time I stepped in a hole. Reaching up I accidently grabbed the door to keep from falling backwards. The door closed, flush, with my 3 fingers on my right hand in the door jam. My wife had to run around the car and unlock the door so I could get my hand back out. Off to emergency room. Broke two fingers and destroyed the nail beds on all three fingers. Kinda cool watching the doctor pull little bits of bone and fingernail out while you watch. That is nowhere as good as a shell landing on your foot, then riding to get it fixed, classic.

That is kind of the same feeling I have. I also own a Ducati I bought new there in 1995 when it was Colliers. The only help I need with it is adjusting the valves. I don't really feel comfortable leaving it there anymore. The Guzzi's are still under warantee but they really haven't needed anything. I guess if they do, they will have to go to Speaker's in Ohio. Boy this is way off topic!

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.

Docc, is Ducati of Nashville still open? I think they are the "non-stocking anything dealer" Last time I stopped to get oil/filter for my Le Mans, V11 California and my 900SS, oil and filters were about it. Not many bikes, no Guzzi's at all. Was wondering if they were still there?