Scud

I just got the Pirelli Angel GTs delivered today. But mounting will have to wait at least till next week - when I should be able to get a suitable bike stand. Based on some comments, it seems that those who tried the narrow tires are pleased with the result, though some people talked about ride height differences and changing the front end to compensate. The stock tire is 180/55R17 and I ordered the narrower 170, which is 170/60R17. If I understand it correctly, the height of the 180 is 99 (180 x .55) and the height of the 170 is 102 (170 x .60). Given that the 170 will spread out a bit more compared to the 180, which would have more of a peak on the same rim, it seems that would make their final heights about equal. Am I missing something here?

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Agreed. I suggested that he join the forum (which he said he would do) and post some items in the classifieds. He also mentioned that he's going to launch a new website soon, which will show all the parts he has available. Rearsets, Ohlins bits, fairing, exhaust........... beautiful work. Seems like a great guy. I hope he sells a bunch of chin-spoilers/belly-pans to all the interested parties on this conversation. I bet the price will be even lower for European delivery. He emailed me the bank transfer instructions and my money is in - parts shipping soon. CF belly pan and rear fender for the Scura.

Here is the response from Bruno (aka Brian). I suggested that he offer us a group discount on individual orders for a short time. Order up and get your wrenches (aka spanners) ready... Hi Tim, I agree with you that collecting orders and money can be a little bit complicated; your proposal is acceptable and here is my offer: -bellypan (including mounting hardware and shipping cost): EURO 195,00 -rear fender (including mounting hardware and shipping cost): EURO 175,00 if somebody buys the two items in one shipment, the price is reduced to EURO 340,00 Enclosed pls find some bellypan pictures made today in my workshop, where it is possible to have a look of the finishing, I'm sorry for the bad quality picture sent yesterday NOTES -prices valid for USA and Canada only -no modify to the bike, mounting very easy -orders to be received within December 31th, mentioning the code BF1 -sorry, no VISA accepted, the payment has to be made by bank swift -bank transfer cost on customer charge -the customers can contact me (b.saturno@promo.it) for order and instruction I thank you, Tim, for contacting me and showing no people in the blog has knowledge of the tuning parts offered by Ghezzi-Brian; you have seen we have many high quality parts for V11; can you suggest me how I can increase the G-B parts visibility on the blog? stay safe Bruno

I recently got my first Guzzi too. Mine had also been sitting for a while (12 years, basically it's whole life) - but it was not modified at all. I totally understand the passion and enthusiasm - I am obsessed with mine. I had a problem with the bike not returning to idle - up to redline on one occasion. The cause was sticky throttle linkage - especially the pin on the connecting rod on the left side (can be disassembled after removing a tiny c-clip). After cleaning and lubing all the linkage connections it was fine. As for your bike: If you have not done so already, it would be a good idea to change all the fluids and filters. Especially the fuel filter - a clogged one can cause all kinds of problems. Also inspect and clean or replace the spark plugs. Personally, I struggle with electrical problems, so I like to eliminate any potential mechanical problem before I get into the electric stuff. That's good advice by luhbo re the software. I'm going to get that too. I found this cable on Amazon.com for US$10.00: Golition OBD OBD2 16 Pin Connector Diagnostic Adapter for FIAT 3 Pin. Several reviewers said they used it with their Moto Guzzis. There are other threads about the software (which I will have to figure out too.) Be safe. Get it running right standing still before you ride it again.

I inquired at Ghezzi&Brian. They sell kits that include the chin-spoiler (which they call “belly pan”) and I thought they might be willing to sell individual parts. Here is an excerpt from Brian’s reply: Just a couple of examples about prices, included the shipping cost to USA: carbon fibre belly pan: -1 piece euro 247,00 -5 pieces euro 990,00 -10 pieces euro 1.730,00 At US$1.25 per Euro, the delivered prices are about: US$310 for 1, US$250 each for 5, US$220 each for 10. I can see a CF belly pan under my Christmas tree… Group ordering and re-shipping sounds like a hassle. But if several of us are serious, I could ask if they would offer a discount till year-end for forum members. Then we could all just place our own orders. They have lots of other interesting bits, including a CF rear fender. Mounting hardware included. Pic of CF spoiler is not too good, but he said it would be same level of finish as the rear fender. http:// http://

I ordered some Pirelli Angel GT tires (decided to try the 170 rear as you recommended and as referenced in some other threads). Also checked date codes on my tires - 2001 . I've got almost 1,000 cautious (mostly) miles on them now - can't wait to hit some favorite roads with tires I can trust. Re spacer: I did not see a Corn Flakes logo on mine. How did you determine that the spacer was too short? What is the correct length?

Assuming another $300 in shipping and other costs on top of the mold fee the fixed costs are $400. Then $90 "variable cost" for each spoiler. Assuming we could get at least 5 commitments and we share the total cost, it's only $170 per person. It's an easy "yes" for me if it's $200 or less. Could even be an ongoing hobby/business for somebody. Maybe somebody who has a painted one, but would prefer carbon-fiber, could provide the stock piece for the mold. Alternatively - I found this thread re alternator covers that references a DIY approach to making molds and casting one's own CF parts.

The Rizoma front brake fluid canister and bracket went on easily. It looks better (and Scura-er) than the big piss-cup. I got an identical set for the clutch. As you probably all know (and I just learned minutes ago) it's nearly impossible to reach the clutch bleeder. I think I will wait till I remove the rear wheel for new tires (should be in the next few weeks). BTW - I'm also seeking advice about mounting mirrors in the thread "Bar End Mirrors"

Here's another gratuitous photo that I took before getting the tools out.

I had the Napoleon style on my Ducati Sport 1000 (came stock) and on my BMW R100CS (added) - liked them a lot for visibility, looks, and adjustability. I was just trying to fit a pair on the Scura. However, when I removed the bar-end weights, I found that the inside of the bars are threaded and that the rubber bushing of the Napoleons would not fit. Even if it did fit, compressing a rubber bushing into threads would seem to make it very difficult to remove later. Has someone else solved this puzzle? Maybe the threads are some kind of insert that can be removed - if so, I'd appreciate a tip.

I like that idea a lot. I was thinking about smaller, aftermarket indicators. However, I like the shape of the stock ones pretty well too. Do you happen to have a convenient link to a site where I could order said smoked signal lenses? I've also seen people spray lenses with a light coat of plasti-dip to get the same effect.

No sign of bubbling paint so far. It's perfect really - like a time-machine dropped it off. I would guess that the bubbling shows up after several heating and cooling cycles - which my bike has not had many of (yet). Let's assume that MG used a very slow-acting hardening agent in the paint... therefore it has finally set after 12 years of non-use and I won't have any engine-paint problems.

Here's the only other good picture I have with me. I will also figure out how to post full-size pics.

Here it is on the floor at the dealer... where we first met I'll take some pictures with a good camera when I get home.

If somebody were to make them I bet they would sell at least two. One to Twin AH and one to me.

I picked it up from break-in service today and rode home on Pacific Coast Highway. The exhaust valves were too tight and it needed valve cover gaskets. No other issues. Since I need to flush the clutch and brake fluids, it seemed the ideal time to start the dark ening. I got black Rizoma fluid tanks to replace the clear plastic tanks on the bars. Sadly, wrenching will have to wait, because I have to leave again tomorrow for work. However, it was urgent to remove the orange reflectors from the front wheel. They were blocking my view of those lovely 4-piston calipers.

Scura 375 is in Carlsbad, CA, USA as of November 1. It had been in a collection and only had 185 miles on it. That's changing...

Wow - thanks everyone for all the great ideas, advice, and experience so far. I'm definitely going to do all the fluids and lubes ASAP. I'll also start accumulating the parts for the expected failures (clutch, spring, etc.). I think most of my cosmetic mods will be bolt-ons - so the bike could be put back close to stock if I want to. But I also have plans to paint a few stock parts. I didn't care for the red pork chops at first glance - but the've started grow on me. I'll check other threads re what everyone likes for tires.

Yes, I posted there re. clutch. Thanks. Then I found this forum.

Tires are Bridgestone Battlax. I’m told those were original equipment. They look in great shape. I don’t know how long it was listed, but not long. The Scura siren-song was luring me to her - so I can’t remember everything and I cannot be held accountable for my actions. What a cool experience – to put the break-in miles on a 12-year-old bike. I even took off the license plate – partly to play “new bike” but mostly because the tags expired in 2007 and I didn’t feel like getting pulled over. Totally love the bike, but alert to what could go wrong post-hibernation (not a good idea to flog a hungry black bear...). As it turned out, the caution was well placed. Approaching a stop I downshifted but there was no engine braking – pulled in the clutch and it was idling over 4,000 RPM. The problem was the old white grease on the throttle linkage had gotten so sticky that the return spring couldn’t do its job. Fortunately, this happened across the street from an auto parts store. After a little cleaner and lube all is good – potentially dangerous situation though. Searched for more problems, but couldn’t find any. Feeling a little bolder. Put another 400 miles on it and dropped it off for break-in service. Requested an extra-thorough inspection. I'm currently away on business and hoping to retrieve it on Saturday. Eager to do some joy-riding – but have to leave again Sunday on business.

I think I'm in for alternating joy and heartbreak. On this forum and wildguzzi I've seen evidence of the love-hate relationship people have with this bike. I started a new thread that seeks, in part, advice from Scura owners based on experience.

After many years of admiring Guzzi’s I finally got one last week. I dropped by the local dealer to take another peek at the options, where a like new (185 mile) V11 Sport Scura made it impossible to look at anything else (seriously, it was like there was only one bike on the showroom floor). After a hasty and unceremonious divorce from my KTM 950 Adventure, I brought the Scura home. Up to that point, I think it essentially served as art for a collector. I’m going to ride it. I’ve enjoyed threads on other forums where people document what they do to a bike from the start. So I thought I’d borrow that idea. While I love the look of the stock Scura, the forecast calls for more darkness. The purposes of this thread are to: Document my personalization of the bike, including making it Scura-er. (if Scura = dark in Italian then Scura-er = darker) Seek advice from the members of this forum as needed. Share issues that come from putting a brand new bike on the road after 12 years of sitting. Seek the benefit of others’ hindsight and experience, especially anyone who’s had a Scura for a while. If you had a brand new Scura, what would you do (or not do) to it?