Scud

and a little more meddling with your motorcycle... loosely inspired by your earlier idea about a green stripe, plus the way the orange accent is on the flyscreen of the first LeMans. IMO, the classic logo would look nice if it could fit completely within the classic color accent (no break in the stripe).

Just for the record... here is how silver looks with a subtle green frame and a little green paint: https://www.google.com/search?q=ducati+green+frame&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiEir7AtKPQAhUFS2MKHQD9BU4QsAQIHA&biw=1510&bih=890#imgrc=OibhAI1diTfeTM%3A

Sorry... long day. Up at 5AM in Detroit (2AM my time)... flew to San Diego via Chicago... haven't been on a motorcycle for a whole week (unless you count splitting lanes all the way home from the airport on a K75). Is this the bored face? Of course, you actually refer to your V11 as a red-frame model. So that's part of the identity of your bike. You're not looking to change it's identity, just add a touch of color out of respect. Who is this "someone" to whom you refer? Back to the green alternator cover. I like that idea - and it's easily reversible if you're not happy with it.

For your consideration... how about doing the frame and porkchops in green. For example, have you seen a 1000S with the green frame? A silver sport with a more subtle green than the 1000S might look good; it would certainly be unique. If that intrigues, it's probably worth finding somebody good with photoshop to play around with it first.

Or mail it in. I'm on permanent absentee ballot - and watching the coverage from Chicago tonight.

Very funny Docc. Just don't count the Ohlins forks before and after the session.

Air tools are generally less expensive and smaller than the same electric tool. That's because there is no motor. I have more compressor than I need. I bought it a long time ago when I thought I was going to use an impact wrench frequently. Here's what I end up actually using the compressor for, in order of frequency: Putting air in my tires (including that lovely POP when the bead of a new tire seats on the rim) Blowing water out of recesses after washing my motorcycles to prevent corrosion. You'd be surprised how much water comes out of places like footpeg brackets, sidestand, areas around spark plugs, screw heads, etc. Putting air in my neighbors' tires Blowing dust off stuff, such as post-sanding, pre-painting Blowing up balls, toys, and bicycle tires Die-grinder - I really like this on the rare occasions that I use it Brad nailer - I used to use this a lot, but I'm done with home-improvement projects for a while. Impact wrench - even though I have it I still mostly use hand tools for lug nuts. I have an air ratchet, but I don't use it on the motorcycles. I just prefer to take my time and use hand tools. If you want to take something apart in a hurry, air tools are great. I learned this when I worked as an auto dismantler in high school. I would suggest starting small and used. Then if you want a bigger compressor, you can probably sell the used one for close to the same price and upgrade. I think an air compressor would look good next to baby Jesus in the nativity. (sorry, couldn't resist)

First identify the tools you do want to use, check their airflow requirements, and then you can decide. I have an air-powered die-grinder that I like - it's a small tool, but requires a fair amount of airflow (CFM - Cubic Feet per Minute) for continuous operation.

I was wondering if anyone would pick up on the reference to the old "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" TV show. And now I have a geotagging mission?

Pure-Gas.org lists only 19 stations in the entire Republic of California with ethanol-free gas. For all practical purposes, ethanol free is not an option here. I had forgotten about the problem of getting water in carburetor float bowls. Ethanol in the gas has at least made that worry go away. I've still got one carburetor... on the dirt bike.

Yeah - according to the description, you could run a small winch or a refrigeration circuit. You need it to keep the brews in the bags cold for the next South'n Spine Raid after-party. I discovered it yesterday when I took the seat off. I said "What the hell is that?"

Docc - the champagne LeMans I just got has a marine MAXI fuse holder in it. I'm away from home on business so can't take a picture, but it's installed where the little tool-tray would otherwise go. Very clean installation - although it does prevent use of the tool tray. I'm sure other locations could be made to work too. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/blue-sea-systems--maxi-fuse-block-for-30a-to-80a-loads--594343?cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-Shopping_PLAs-_-594343&adpos=1o6&creative=108421552324&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQjwqfvABRC6gJ3T_4mwspoBEiQAyoQPkQ8vve0bJlTcw7lH18MglAfMVxUVJMi85AYOuF0Q5U0aAsaz8P8HAQ

Isn't that what V7s (and V9s) are for? Well, it seems that way to me, but it does not seem that way to her. I cannot even interest her in the littlest Indian. The heart wants what it wants - and so long as it still wants me, who am I to argue with her heart's desires?

Haha - no museum. She's only here for rehab - then she will need a new owner. Of course, I'll have to show her a few mountains and scrub the new newness off those tires first... Ironically (and to further support the accuracy of the claim made in the video above) I found another K75s on Craigslist for $500 a couple weeks ago (you can see her black front fender in one of my pics above). It had a leaky Ohlins shock and the PO couldn't get it started. After a nice ride in my "mini Haul-Bikes truck" and about an hour labor, she's running nicely and the shock is out for rebuild and subsequent migration to my blue "keeper" brick. Yellow springs for everybody I will be selling 2 bikes soon. Then my Play-Pal account will be full again. My wife says she might be willing to learn to ride if we had a Triumph... a "cute" one... like a Bonneville. Jerry, I know your question was in jest - but FWIW, I think California requires a dealer license if a person has more than 6 vehicles for sale at the same time. And yes, the PO seems like a great guy and he did care for the bike. He was very helpful by loosely re-assembling it back into a "roller" so Haul-Bikes could pick it up. He even sent me his garage sign (Moto Guzzi Parking Only - all others will be crushed into vino" I hung it up immediately. The BMWs seem nervous...

Bridge of Sighs is one of my all-time favorites. I got to see Robin Trower once in a small club - fabulous.

and staying with the theme...

Sweet Janes: (Just copy the link from YouTube and paste it into your post.)

Other than being totally dismantled? As I understand it, the PO experienced an engine failure (I forget the exact details - but I think it was a milder version of what Craig recently experienced - a bearing failure, metal in the oil, etc.). He was getting ready for reassembly and already had the crankshaft checked/approved. Getting this engine back together would be a bit of puzzle as I now have several bags of bolts. I think mostly what was wrong with this motorcycle is that life (a work opportunity) got in the way of the finishing the project. Everything else on the bike appears well maintained, all the extra bits were expertly installed, In fact, some of the extras are brand new (including the tires) - as though the bike was in the midst of a "mid-life refresh." But many parts shows that it's been used for 50,000 miles - and it was down on the left. As the "second project owner" I have different stuff in my garage, therefore, it's not so much "What's wrong with this engine?" - but "Why not use the complete extra engine that I already have?"

The latest addition to Scud's Home for Wayward Motorcycles arrived Friday. I am 100% pleased with Haul Bikes. The color coordination between their truck and my little (F250) bike hauler was uncanny. As others have noted, the driving team are also riders and had their own motorcycle on the truck. Imagine driving around the country, and being able to ask every motorcyclist you meet where the best roads are - and always having your bike on-board. They seem to be enjoying their work. And here's what showed up: a 2002 Champagne LeMans - loaded to the gills with spare parts and engine internals (for example, the crankshaft was in the RH Tekno pannier). Another member needed to move out of the country for work - and the timing caught him mid-project. Why would I do such a thing? Well, that question has already been asked here at home... It seems that everything except the engine is in good order on the motorcycle (which has 50,000 miles) and it so happens that I have a complete, working engine on a shelf (with 12,000 miles from my "parts-bike"). It just seemed like a match made in heaven... ...and here she is, ready for the new motor. Back to "why would I do such a thing?" That Ohlins shock is going to find a new home on my Red LeMans. And I gain some nice luggage options... and a Moto Guzzi shop stand... and doesn't it just look like fun? My intent is to return this bike to stock, keep a bunch of special bits (like the Joe Kenny Headguards), sell some aftermarket parts, and then sell the whole motorcycle. Although one of my daughters said: "Why would you sell that one? it's so pretty."

Mine was previously owned - but a search for "mra windshield moto guzzi v11 lemans" reveals: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/mra-touringscreen-windshield-for-moto-guzzi-v11-lemans

Last night I just went out for fish tacos - including a few miles on the slab to see how it performed at speed. I need to give it a proper, long-distance test, but my first impression aligns with Chuck's statement - that there was less wind at the shoulders while sitting upright and probably a bit more at the helmet. I like to get into a mild tuck on open roads at higher speeds - which means I can now get under the wind without laying all the way down on the tank. Under the wind bubble, there is a beautiful mechanical symphony. I think MRA offers only one style/size (but there are color options), the MRA is a few inches taller than stock. As for an even taller option, there's the Laminar Lip, but I have not tried one. It's a windshield extender. Chuck also knows about extending things...

Installed this MRA taller windscreen. Much easier to tuck into the clean air now and excellent visibility through the shield. And I think it might even look a better than the stock one. I like the tint along the edges next to the fairing.

Here's the link to the Red Sport: http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/mcy/5849851314.html

Ballabio for $3,500 in San Francisco. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/5859393690.html And just to spice things up a bit - a carbed '95 Sport for $3,900 in Oregon.

Yeah - and you have to see that particular red in person to really appreciate it. The ask price seems reasonable. I saw a two LeMans sell on eBay recently for just over $3,000. They probably were not as nice at that Red/Grey. But keep in mind that a 2002 model with 8,000 miles is probably about ready to shed it's crinkle paint... starting with the engine. BTW - The ad says it's in Laughlin (border of CA, AZ, and NV) - although it was on Los Angeles Craigslist. So that cuts several hours off the ride back to TX.