Scud

I'm going to put Metzeler Roadtec 01s on my Ducati. Starting with the front soon while I burn off a soft rear tire.

The F4 is just so cool, but it's not a great street bike. I have mixed feelings about my nephew's choice of bike. On one hand, it's stunning and he lets me ride it, so that's cool. On the other, it's way more bike than he needs at age 25. But then, he saved his money and spent it how he wanted to. And at least he bought something special, not a GSXR with pink frame lighting. As I said, mixed feelings. Back to the MV, massive power. Even the 675cc MV F3 is far more powerful (not to mention far lighter) than my Ducati ST3. I'm sure I could ride the F3 faster than the F4 in the mountains - and it's 25% less cost. The F3 looks to be much more value-for-money than the F4, and used F3s are relatively affordable. And then, after he rode my Ducati: "Wow, it's really comfortable." Perhaps I still have something to teach. I'll let him ride the Scura next time. Sooo... was this a tire thread? Don't tire threads normally drift off into bonus topics? Mission accomplished.

I got to ride it too. It just begs to do illegal things, such precise handling and so much power... and the harder you work it, the better it sounds.

Yeah... but I got to the point where I had three very nice V11s (plus a fourth project). I wanted a little more diversity in the stable and Mike's ST3 fit the bill.

I just updated this one re Angel ST Front and GT Rear: https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19602 There may be one or two other tire threads available with diligent searching.

It's about time for a new set of tires... and to report back on how the Angel ST front and Angel GT combo worked out. I was happy with the on-road performance. Most of the miles were solo sporting rides in the local mountains - not much commuting or freeway time. According to my notes, I installed them at 9,410 and the odometer currently shows 13,309 - so let's call it 4,000 miles. And a year and half to do it. That's shameful, but in my defense, I rode a lot of miles of other bikes during that time. My theory was that the ST front and GT Rear would wear out at about the same time, given that my past GT rear wore down faster than the front. However the ST front has hit the wear bar first this time - and some trail braking down steep and curvy mountain roads may be to blame. The front still has tread in the center, while the rear is getting close to the wear bar in the center. Front: Rear: I think I'll do a little commuting to finish up these tires, then go back to GT tire front and rear. And FWIW, yesterday I took my nephew out on his F4. He got it new and it still had the original sticky Pirelli Corsas, which were right on the wear bars when we started. We did about 250 miles before I noticed he had exposed the cords on the rear. Fortunately, we were able to get him a new tire for his ride back to Orange County. Lesson: pay attention to those wear bars... Gratuitous Ducati and MV shot:

I'm pretty sure that bike belonged to Mike and was the subject of a recent purchase. Mike rode it to the San Diego rally from Arizona last year. There are pictures of the bike (including of me working on it) at this thread: https://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20028&hl=%2Blake+%2Bhenshaw It was running poorly and had burped a throttle body boot - that's why a bunch of rubber got replaced. Otherwise, I recall it to be a very nice bike and Mike took good care of it.

That one looks familiar, and seems to have the major Scura issues already addressed. It looks to have the textured case paint common to all the 2002 models. I would guess it would be a bit harder to steer than most Scuras, since the fork tubes had to be pushed way down to accommodate those handlebars - but that's reversible if you prefer the standard clip-ons.

I like Charles-Loius' strategy. WAY cheaper than renting a bike for a couple months. And that's good proof of reliability right there. Good luck with the sale.

And for the record... That was a fun trade - meeting in Yuma and swapping bikes.

Good new on the tires. I remember they had some seriously stiff sidewalls and were difficult to install. I just ordered one of those windshield deflectors. I've put the taller screen on ST3, which makes it easier to tuck under the wind, but I'd still like the main airflow to be bit higher when I need to run 100+ miles of freeway. Still enjoying the ST3 a lot. It's my commuter now, but I also enjoy it in "sport" mode. Did I tell you I added some green to the gills as a tribute the silver and green Benellis?

Hey, that looks great. I'm glad she's working out well for you. I like the mods on the bars and how you blacked out most everything except the fork tops. How are the Dunlop Roadsmart III tires performing for you? I was thinking about putting a set of those on the ST3.

I'm pretty sure the Scura, LeMans, and Ballabio all use the small plastic headlight, not the large metal bucket that is the sport naked bikes. Harpers has complete units for a bit over $200: https://www.harpermoto.com/headlight-o2-lemans-01740565.html

Wait... hold my beer.

I have no idea and I'm not gonna try it.

That sounds like a great trip (except for those lowlights). Looking forward to the photos.

...10 with the steering damper... The ad is gone now, but didn't it say something like "Fluids changed religiously every year."? FWIW, a few years ago, my Scura had only 200 miles on it. Fresh battery, fresh fluids, no problems except the expected Scura stuff, which this lovely new red Sport is immune to. Mine even had the original tires, which is not a benefit. The age of the tires should at least be considered before undertaking a fly-and ride. But tires can be installed easily.

This thread proves how obsessive some people are about looking at used motorcycle ads on the Internet. And how useful that can be...

HaulBikes worked well for me once. But a cheap one-way flight and a meandering path back home make more memories - and could be faster. From New Jersey to Illinois you could even ride over a few small, but beautiful, mountains. Can you think of a better way to spend the upcoming Independence Day? Break out the maps and start planning your ride.

That sure looks like a viable option. You just have to think about how much you value the cosmetic mods vs how much you value originality. I put a red tail on my red LeMans when I had it - I like it a lot better than the original black tail. Low miles and well-cared for deserves a premium price in my opinion - saves money in the long run. Personally, I prefer the flyscreen, but not by a big margin. The LeMans fairing is attractive and it works well. Here's a 2003 naked (with a lot of 2002 features) in Los Angeles. https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/d/2003-moto-guzzi-v11-sport/6614233541.html

Ha - that looks like fun. But it probably burns 5 rear tires for every front.

Thanks for bringing the bike by yesterday - she's in fabulous condition. However, she does seem sluggish at the lower revs, and she idles well and does not hiccup or pop on deceleration. She just doesn't seem very happy to putt along leisurely at 3,000rpms. She comes alive at 5-6,000. As we discussed, it sure seems worth a try to put the stock airbox back on to regain those velocity stacks and see if that improves things. I'd try the 100% stock system first - with the rubber "snorkels" as you can see in the "red-head" picture of my Champagne LeMans bike that Doc posted earlier in this thread. BTW, my Scura still has the snorkels on. It's also curious that you got two spare ECUs with the bike. So we really do not know what map you're currently running. It might be worth investigating and trying it with a stock, unmodiified map. My Scura runs fine on the stock map, and I have not felt any need to mess with it (although I am curious to try Meinolf's map based on the excellent feedback it has received). Later, if you feel like playing around, you could remove the snorkels and "bell" the intakes as Doc has "doc"umented elsewhere. Pods do look cool, and I like seeing more of the red frame and shock. But with the stock airbox, you also get to reinstall those candy-apple green side panels.

MartyNZ wired in some supplemental LEDs for tail light and brake light. I have his handiwork on my Scura. It makes both lights brighter, plus the LEDs work even if the single incandescent bulb fails.

Ok, if it's soon, I might have to ride the ST3 up there. I've long been curious about the road through Bodfish, but haven't ridden it yet. 155 gives me a "Woody" that lasts all the way to Wofford Heights. See map link for explanation. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Woody,+CA/Wofford+Heights,+CA+93285/@35.7148027,-118.7310954,11.51z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x80ea864a5ab9881f:0x7f124b9fa2ced6fe!2m2!1d-118.834259!2d35.7041199!1m5!1m1!1s0x80c1cd9d10e47bb7:0xe6cd50048d45b3fe!2m2!1d-118.4561967!2d35.7068961!3e0 I've been scheming on riding 190 to the North a bit, with a stop at the Trail of 100 Giants. But to go that far, it will need to be an overnighter.

I'm so nice that I will ride it over Sherman Pass for you. Seriously, I'd be happy to take a look if you are nearby - or if I am passing through. I think we are at least 200 miles apart. Ideally, I can get my Scura's electrics "trustworthy" and you feel the differences in suspension, frame length and clutch-type.