Scud

Been there. Done that. But did not get the T-shirt. Powdercoater you say? Are you having all the cases powdercoated? That shitty paint is on the final drive case and the driveshaft collars too. FWIW, I had the collars powdercoated flat black (along with a lot of other stuff), and I used VHTs satin black engine paint for engine, trans, and final drive. The sheen of the flat black powder and satin rattle can are very close.

Just found this most excellent project and read through it. LOVE IT. The Greenie really pops in that rustic environment with red accents. Somebody mentioned epoxy floor paint in an earlier post. I second that. I have spilled everything on mine and the only thing that did any damage was aircraft paint stripper. I recently saw at a Sherwin Williams store that you can have epoxy paint mixed to any color you want.

Based on what we see so far, my choice would be the 05 LeMans. It appears all original - I don't see any modifications. With 55,000 kilometers, it's probably not been sitting for long periods, and it should go a lot more Ks. As for collector value, who knows. But that black beauty could be the last Moto Guzzi LeMans ever made. On either the LeMans or the silver sport, factor in a new shock. The originals tend to crack the lower mount eye. And a new shock just makes it so much better. If you got the Scura, you'd probably want to service the Ohlins if the previous owner has not.

That looks like a good DOT 4. The boiling points are just a little lower than the Motul 5.1 that I used. Dry boiling point 509F vs 522F. Wet boiling 329 vs 365. I don't think the clutch slave will ever get that hot, but I like to use the same fluid in everything. I think any DOT 4 or 5.1 is probably fine. The key is to keep it fresh - not let it sit in there forever.

I wouldn't be happy with just bleeding the system after a failure. Consider flushing it completely. If you have a little syringe, you can draw all the old fluid out of the reservoir and fill it with new - that will reduce the amount of flushing you need to do. FWIW, I just did this yesterday as I am getting mine back on the road. I used Motul DOT 5.1 fluid in place of DOT 4. (not DOT 5, which is not compatible). It's best to have a helper to squeeze the lever while you work the wrench and monitor the fluid. To keep the hose on the bleeder and avoid making a mess, use a zip tie.

Today (and yesterday): Proper cleaning Installed a pair of Angel GTs (with my new hitch-mount NoMar tire changer) Flushed clutch fluid and both brakes (I thanked myself for installing speed bleeders a while ago) Cleaned the brake calipers and pistons Changed transmission oil and rear drive Dropped the pan during oil change since it had been sitting idle so long. For entertainment, here is an easy way to bleed the rear caliper (while you have the wheel off).

I used the Shindy on a past V11 and was happy with it. I would not hesitate to use a Hyperpro. Ohlins dampers were stock on the "special" models that came with Ohlins forks and shocks - so you know the Ohlins will fit easily. The Shindy I installed took a little fussin and cussin - but only a little.

I've been using the Harbor Freight tire changer, with the Mojo Blocks and Mojo Lever. It's mounted on a pallet. It's been pretty good, but there was a learning curve. Having recently bought 6 motorcycle tires (a pair each for the Scura, Stelvio, and 701 Enduro) I decided to get the No Mar tire changer with the hitch mount. I did the Scura tires yesterday and I really like the convenience of the hitch-mount, and I'll probably figure a way to mount it on the wall or hang it from the ceiling when not in use. The wheel mounts much more securely to the NoMar than it did to the Harbor Freight. The wheel did not spin at all while removing or installing either tire. On the Harbor Freight unit, I had to use strap to tie a spoke to one of the arms. The bead breaker was a puzzle at first, because it is not compatible with the hitch mount and I didn't mount it to the floor (can't drill into a post-tension slab). I managed to get the front bead broken with some effort. For the rear, I figured out how to position the bead-breaker under my hitch, then used an adjustable height hitch and some wood to sort of jack the truck up on the bead breaker to keep it in place. That worked great. As for the levers and lubes, I had plenty of RuGlide tire mount lube so I used that and didn't try the NoMar stuff yet. I did try their mount and demount bar, but I like the Mojo Level better. Maybe it's because I have so much experience with the MojoLever, but I really struggled with the NoMar lever. I can probably figure it out, but I think I'll just stick with the one I know. FYI - my Harbor Freight unit is for sale on Craigslist for $75. But if anybody here wants to come get it, I'll gladly take $40.

If the frame is not bent or rusted out, and if the engine block is solid, you can replace everything else and still have an original, but restored bike. It just comes down to the old "time and money" adage. With enough of both, you can get it back to factory fresh. You just have to decide how deep you are willing to get into it. Alternatively, you could go for a solid performing bike with character and patina. But you're still probably going to replace a lot bearings, seals, and other parts that normally wear out.

@Rox - all good here now, but it's been a challenging year. @GMC - I think the earlier Stelvios had smaller tanks. Mine is the NTX. It's a Camel. I rode it through central Nevada on a single tank, I only saw a few other motorcycles out there, most of which were carrying extra gas in rotopacks or other strap-on tanks. How do you like your Multistrada vs the KTM 990?

Well, I was talking to myself on my ride today, trying to ride the Stelvio like a sport bike on my 200 miles loop to Borrego Springs. On the way home, I balanced out the 3 cases with a 10 pound bag of oranges in each, along with avocados, tangerines, onions, ginger, and cinnamon. I love the fruit and veggie stands out in Pauma Valley. Perfect spring day in San Diego County - hot in the desert, there was still some snow on top of Mount Palomar, and ocean breezes at home. Another thing I like about the Stelvio - 8 gallon tank. If I had left with it full, I could have done that loop easily without stopping for fuel.

I decided I've been pushing the electrical-dead Scura around in the garage for too long, and that I also hate doing electrical work. So I made an appointment to have a professional repair it (had to book it out 4 weeks). That gives me time to freshen it up so it will be ready to ride when I get it back. Ordered fluids on Amazon, and a set of Angel GTs on Revzilla. Also ordered new tires for the Stelvio, which I think I will go ride now.

It's been a weird year. A veritable roller-coaster ride for my work - but managed to stabilize and do better than the worst-case scenario we planned for. My quarantine project was planting a bunch of fruit trees on the slope behind my house, and putting in some raised garden beds in the side-yard. I know several people who have had a hard time with COVID, and several more for whom it felt like a bad cold. My family and I have managed to avoid the virus so far. I've had a few good small rides on the Stelvio - mostly out to the local fruit stands around Palomar mountain (strapping 25 bags of oranges on the Stelvio for fresh-squeezed OJ at home). I managed to get the Husky 701 into some snowy single-track, which was my favorite ride of 2020. But the Scura is sadly collecting dust. My garage is stuffed with things I moved out of my office. Starting to chip away at it so I will have room to work.

I thoroughly enjoyed his book Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind. Although it was a weighty tome and not at all brief.

That is my old greenie. I actually liked that paint a little better than the stock color. It has just a touch more sass. And greenies like a touch of sass.

That is a true, but misleading topic title. Good on you for the "made you look" effect. I got all worked up thinking Valentino would be on a new 4V LeMans. Still a great article. Thanks for sharing that blast from the past. I am enjoying my 4V 1200cc Stelvio, which undoubtedly owes something of its existence to this early "butterfly" race effort. So yes, I have experienced the butterfly effect. Although the butterflies in the carbs have been replaced by fuel injection.

Yup. Love it here. Come visit next time you get to California.

Sign me up for one Chuck. I'll keep it on hand in case another V11 shows up at my house someday.

Great garage photo. I miss the greenie sometimes, but I'm glad you are enjoying it. BTW - you sent me a PM about the pipes. I honestly can't remember what was on there. Post up some pics and we can help you identify the pipes.

I had an "essential" reason to leave my home and go to the post office for work today, so I mailed out several springs. If you've sent me money in the last month, during California's Corona-virus Clampdown, your springs are on the way.

That is cool. But not for me as I haven't worn a watch for probably 20 years. I think I've received 3 tide watches as gifts, never wore one of them. When I'm surfing I don't want to know what time it is. Same for when I'm riding (I mean real riding, not commuting).

I've had a few inquiries and am accumulating boxes for a future batch of shipping. Above is the post with the payment detail. Remember, I will need your mailing address. Send me a PM if you prefer to use Venmo or mail a paper check.

Hey guys... my local dealer just announced a deep discount on all parts in stock. I feed bad for them, and will probably buy some tires to show support, but also because supply chains are being disrupted around the world and methinks not too many motorcycle tires are made in America.