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Scud

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Everything posted by Scud

  1. The V7 Corsa and the Mandello S are both feeling a little sporty... And we're all wordering if a new LeMans is in the future. I dropped in to GP Motorcycles yesterday. They have a V100 in all red. It's striking...
  2. So here we have a low-mile, mostly original "silvery". Some corrosion, but probably paintable. I have to wonder though, what happened to the porkchops? It looks like holes have been cut in to make them like older Sports. So if somebody is going to cut holes in those, what other surprises await? And standard question - does the odometer still work, and has it always? Vague-lia... Buyer be aware. Could be a nice bike, but worth a close inspection.
  3. Philosophically, Docc should be allowed to express judgement when and where he sees fits. And isn't debate an essential element of philosophy? That is a rhetorical question, because rhetoric is also part of philosophy. So is belabored explanations of things... Epistemologically, how do we know what belongs on the V11LeMans site, and various subsections thereof? This conversation is in the commercial ads area, correct? And we see other non-V11 (even non Moto Guzzi) things in the ads from time to time. Elsewhere, we have a thread on adventure bikes where I often extoll the virtues of a certain Husqvarna 701 Enduro. Where is the line? What belongs here? There are a lot of spine frame V11 that do not bear the LeMans name, greenies, scuras, ballabios, et. al. (et. al. because they are persons, not things). There are other Spine Frames that don't get discussed here much. For the purist, it seems to me the most singularly defining characteristic would be the 6-speed gearbox fitted to this series of V11 Sports (some of which are also LeMans). I don't think that gearbox was used for any other model. I hope the "Show us your Tonti's" thread still belongs. And forgive me, but aren't the EVs sporting Tonti Frames?
  4. That's a good looking bike, will be interesting to see how it develops and if It becomes available here. I've had two Yamahas, a 600 Radian and an FJ1100. Both were my primary mode of transportation at the time (college days). Both wonderful bikes, but I only ever think about buying an FJ1100 again. This XSR900 GP would do the job. I like triples (and twins, and singles, and fours, heck I even like sixes). And you just know there is going to be a factory or aftermarket option for a full fairing, or at least a belly pan.
  5. I think I would have bought that - and might still. I had the Harbor Freight unit with the Mojo Blocks and Mojo lever. Mounted it on a pallet so could use body weight for leverage and still move it around - but it took a lot of valuable floor space in the garage. Now I have the NoMar, like GuzziArt's above, but with the hitch mount for my truck. Same complaint about the powdercoating, and I prefer the Mojo Lever over the NoMar lever. But this tire changer looks to be the best of breed. And seems portable enough to pop in a trailer with some spare tires. As for wheel weights, I've been using Ride-On tire balancer and sealant on some tires - so no weights needed, just pump some goo into the tire. And on other tires I use the Marc Parnes balancer, which is very nice.
  6. Insightful and entertaining as usual Mr. Roper. Just a fine point, I don't know when Moto Guzzi stopped manufacturing, but my 2017 Stelvio is a CARC bike, and it was the end of the line for that iteration of Stelvio.
  7. I agree about lack of sympathy for people doing stupid shit... as well as my own luck in surviving doing stupid shit and 50-mile lane-splitting commutes through Los Angeles. For the record I do not count lane-splitting as stupid shit. I think it should be legal nation-wide. But it's cool how this topic has turned to parenting. My dad once said (in a threatening/controlling way) that I could have a motorcycle the day I moved out of his house. So I left. I had some small Hondas for my daughters. XR70 and 100 when they were younger. I've taken them all on street rides on various bikes, and now we have a TW200 that they ride with me on dirt roads. It's always been safety first and full gear even for short trips or hot days when gear is inconvenient. They no longer ask "Do I really have to wear the boots." My two youngest daughters still enjoy riding in the dirt with me and I have encouraged both of them to get their permits and licenses. Mostly so we can legally ride on dirt roads or into town for gas and lunch. But so far they have not done that and I don't push it. However, when we are in a car together, I enjoy their banter about other motorcyclists' attire or behavior. They always start with "My dad would never..." and then go on with things like: ...let me wear sandals. ...go that fast between lanes. ...ride in shorts and t-shirt. ...let that ho-bag on his motorcycle. They get brutal. They're so funny.
  8. Oh wow, that would be bothersome. Does it feel somewhat like using car brakes without the engine running? I do that sometimes in my truck in my sloped driveway, and it is slow to stop.
  9. I think the X has often signified "cross" as in cross country, or motocross. So the early Yamaha XTs and Honda XRs sort of paved the way with their off-pavement capable bikes. BMW even briefly had a 650 XMoto, XChallenge and XCountry. But it was sad day for cars when the Datsun 240Z turned into the 280ZX. That X was just extra stuff that made the car uglier.
  10. Wow, I totally missed the fact that BMW was putting power (servo-assist units) brakes on motorcycles. That must be weird, but BMW has been a true leader in the industry on many occasions, including the enormous ABS units on the early K-bikes.
  11. The big GS is super competent motorcycle. And almost as fun as a Stelvio. I hope you enjoy it. Looks like a good trip (it's almost always a good trip if you avoid the main highways).
  12. ...and therefore, all the 2003 models had the most common, dual-plate clutches.
  13. Dual-Sport and Adventure bikes are not in the same class. The old XT, along with similar vintage bikes from other manufacturers at the time, was really just a big dirt bike with a license plate that lets dirt-oriented riders ride into town for gas and lunch, or ride on the road to connect sections of trail, or avoid truck/trailer and just ride out from home. But Adventure bikes, like the new Stelvio, give you the capacity, like the family SUV, to take another person and a lot of stuff. Having both a big dual-sport and an ADV bike, they clearly serve different purposes. IMO, this is proper use of an Adventure Bike (my Stelvio NTX): Load with camping gear and stuff for work in another city. Take a few dirt roads on the way to distant points. And here's how I view the proper use of a Dual Sport (my Husqvarna 701 Enduro): ride the street to the trail, then find out where this creek goes. The 701 would have been torture on the above long-haul trip, and I would have torched the tires. The Stelvio will never see anything like that snow-covered creek bed, at least not with me riding it. I'm glad Moto Guzzi brought the Stelvio name back. Now that they did, every motorcycle reviewer will have to form an opinion about how it compares to the like of various displacement GS models, Africa Twin, Desert X, or Norden. Form what I can see so far, it seems closest to the Africa Twin. And I hope Moto Guzzi sell enough of them that they can afford to make a new LeMans based on the V100 platform.
  14. The big GS is a remarkable motorcycle. I've ridden a few and I do like them, but not as much as my 2017 Stelvio NTX. I routinely go grocery shopping with the Stelvio... which means 40 minutes of twisty roads to the orchards in Pauma Valley. And return with a 25 pound bag of oranges (love my fresh-squeezed OJ) and whatever else is in season. I suspect this new Stelvio is the base model, and that there will some variants, such as another NTX with more aggressive tires, skid plate (look at that vulnerable exhaust) and all the crash bars. A big ADV bike is nice for dirt roads that you'd rather not ride a sport bike on - where there is a bit more risk of losing traction and kissing the ground. They are great for exploring past the "pavement ends" signs, but not great for technical terrain.
  15. So far, this site is the extent of my "marketing." I never used BaT before, but have definitely lurked a bit. I'd probably need to give a couple days labor to freshen it up and hopefully fix that startus interruptus first. I do like the bike... but if I do that, I'd probably want to enjoy it for another season or two.
  16. Chuck - you've ridden with this bike out of Lake Henshaw. Pete - I bet you could hate it more if it had been chopped into a cafe racer. And just thinking... also in with the spare parts, there is: a very nice condition instrument cover (a big rubber pod), the original belly pan (but no bracket, else I would have it on the bike already) an original seat cover (worn, but could be used to get a copy made). It has the with funky 80's LeMans script like in the magazine ad. But seriously, what is that font called? Marshmallow Italic? And to anyone who feel like this bike would be a restoration candidate: there is a fair bit of wear on the paint from 50K miles, including some rub-throughs. But I know where a set of NOS bodywork is - in that same paint scheme. I had briefly contemplated a full restoration of this bike.
  17. ^ that is all correct. It's a very nice handling bike. Although it might want a new rear tire in a couple thousand miles.
  18. 50,000 miles, mostly original with "patina" aka normal wear for a properly used survivor. I bought this a few years ago from a Wild Guzzi member. Totally enjoy the bike, but just making difficult decisions as another dirt bike is on the way. Here are the most interesting modifications: Electronic ignition Full Zard exhaust Caruso timing gears Upgraded forks and shocks (but older upgrades) A partial list of spare parts: Full exhaust (I think staintune) with a two dents Original black silencers (which I think are highly collectible and virtually unobtainable) Lots of original bits and spares What it needs: It's due for a full service (all fluids and valve check, etc.) Some attention to the starting circuit (it has never failed to start, but sometimes takes a few dead-clicks before it cranks. FYI, I have a remote start button that was previously on the this bike and I assume can be easily refitted). There are some rattly bits such as turn signals and unorthodox fairing mounts that could use some love. Pricing: This is a hard bike to value. Somebody (I forgot who) claimed there were only about 75 made in this color scheme - but all Guzzis are rare, right? As of now, I am thinking in the 5,000-6,000 (USD) range with the high-end including all the extra parts. Happy to discuss the bike at length, and with full disclosure to anyone who is serious about it.
  19. +1 - and the Stelvio NTX is a great bike. It's getting the most use from my stable, and I have a new suspension all staged to install (hopefully will make some progress on that this weekend).
  20. Had an R100CS and an R1100RT and a K75S (owned in that order). Personally, I've always admired the R100RS models, but never ridden one. The 1000 cc airheads are nice competent bikes, and there are some lovely, well-preserved RS models that pop up from time to time. But in general, I'm with Chuck on this. IMO the best windscreen are either tiny things that look cool and keep the airflow under your helmet - or enormous sails that give you a full-body wind pocket that goes over the helmet. FWIW - I'm a big fan of the Stelvio windshield with an extra lip and thinking I should just buy the bigger windscreen for it and admit that it is a touring bike, not a 600 pound dirt bike.
  21. I've rented bikes several times in Hawaii. Most recently an Africa Twin on Maui - up Haleakala and circumnavigated the island. The Road to Hana is a treat if you can catch it without traffic. And as for fog (aka dew)... that can be scary. I recall descending the East Grade of Mount Palomar into near zero visibility fog. My visor and prescription glasses fogged up - that's four surfaces. Had to ride slowly with nearsightedness and no eye protection till it cleared. That was the day I decided to get laser eye surgery. Haven't looked back since (pun intended).
  22. It's been a while since I did that work, but I do recall getting the input hub with the RAM kit, comparing it to the input hub already on the Scura, determining that they were identical, leaving the hub on the Scura, and then tucking the spare hub away as a spare in case the original ever wears out.
  23. Agreed that is an impressive and interesting project. At first glance, I liked the styling, but on closer look I don't care for the pairing of the angular, faceted tail section with flowing, organic fairing. Personally, for the expense and effort of this project, I'd prefer to have retained the original Sport and the original Griso (but with aftermarket exhaust).
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