Quercus

Wow. Thanks for the responses. There are so many opinions out there. For the record I have the black frame crinkle motor paint model year. Registered 03 but from what I have learnt an 02 model. I realise preload isn't all the answer or even some of it. At the time I simply increased it to try & get some more weight over the front. I guess what I meant about a reluctance to change direction was the slightly remote feel at the front. Entering a turn it felt almost what car drivers would call under steer? I have never found it overly twitchy. When I say tying itself in knots I mean that say quick left right/right left changes had it shaking it's head a bit. At present I'm on Dunlop road smarts which on the bmw I found turned in rapidly especially compared to similar purpose bridge stones & michelin said. Previously I had an R1100s Beemer & the handling for a bike of similar weight instilled great confidence & responsiveness. At present I'm on Dunlop road smarts which on the bmw I found turned in rapidly especially compared to similar purpose bridge stones 023s & michelin pr3s. I think I should get some professional help...haha with the suspension. I would imagine that given my weight & occasionally enthusiastic riding upgrading the suspension is going to be a must. It's just too light at the front at the moment.

Guzzisti That's interesting. I've just had the rear wheel bearing replaced over winter. It was a cheap part & had fallen to bits. This couldn't have helped? I would strongly suspect that a review of rebound would not go amiss Cheers

Thanks to all. I will increase preload further & try a 170 on the back. I have already backed the damper right off. I found that with anymore than a few clicks the vibes would get unbearable! Sounds like it might be worthwhile dropping the forks just a little. Btw does anyone know the paint code for the grey on a red/grey 2003 (2002 crinkle engine paint) sport? My tail piece has been sprayed & soft lacquer applied. I bought a non slip blanket to protect the paintwork from my soft luggage & it stuck to the paint! Cheers

Hey good luck with that. I had a little leak. Well quite a big one. Turned out the cover had cracked around the hex bolt where it bolts to the frame.

Hello all last year I became the lucky owner of an 02 sport. Always wanted one & it has not disappointed! I became more intimately acquainted during A 1600 mile trip around France. However whilst on one of my favourite roads (n85/ route napoleon) it became glaringly obvious that this bike does not like to rapidly change direction in the twisties. In fact anything other than leisurely direction changes were getting her tied in knots. I realise this is no sports bike. That's why I got her. Nevertheless it became really tiring trying to hustle the bike through the turns. The original shock has been rebuilt. Everything's set up pretty firm (I'm no light weight!) Has anyone dropped the forks through the yokes? If so by how much. What about re springing the front end. I'm off again this summer & really want to make best use of that brilliant motor. Any thoughts Cheers

Thanks for your thoughts Docc.

Hi Docc Upon closer inspection the problem appears worse than I thought. It would appear that there is a crack running the length of the timing chest cover bit that bolts to the frame down to the bolt. Is this JB weld able? I have spoken to one of the leading MG parts suppliers & he reckons they don't even have any in Italy. Although he did quote me the price of a replacement! Alternatively I guess it would make more sense to remove the offending item & get it pro welded? Gotta say I'm more than a little disappointed. It could at least have done the decent thing & waited to the end of the riding season tsk.

Thanks Docc I fear that this may well be the case but will check for leaks above. I'm sure when it was thoroughly warm I saw tiny bubbles being blown around the head of the bolt.

Apologies for the question mark. I am merely a bad typist. Not as it may appear, overtly sarcastic!

Hi there Docc Thanks for your rapid response? As you can see no talc required! Quite a flow.

Hello there, I'm new to this forum & new to Guzzis in general. I acquired a beautiful V11 of 02 vintage earlier this year & absolutely love it. Unfortunately after a 550 mile day in the saddle returning from a trip to the South of France the bike sprang a leak. Not just a mild weep but a proper leak. Such was the amount being leaked that the machine is now un rideable as oil has entirely covered the rear tyre. The thing is all the gaskets are fine. A steady flow appears to emanate from around one of the 6mm hex bolts holding the timing chest cover to the rest of the motor. Advice thus far has suggested fitting a washer behind the bolt as per workshop manual. Well it has been fine without a washer in our short 2000 mile time together so why would that make a difference? I have tried this & it has had zero influence on the leak. Is it possible that there is a casting issue? Is this a known issue & is it costly? Alternatively is there another answer? Any ideas would be appreciated.