Scud

For moment, I forgot I was looking at scale models, instead of full-size motorcycles. Then, as I was scrolling through the pictures, I saw the hand of god, the creator.

I run 34 / 38 PSI, which is 2.35 / 2.62 Bar. Tires are 120/70 and 180/55. This is solo riding, no luggage, flogged mercilessly on mountain ascents and empty back-roads, but ridden with a modicum of respect for traffic laws elsewhere.

hahaha... video quote "you paid for the whole tachometer, so use the whole tachometer."

There is a sobering photo here - go to April 1, 2018 to see how Paul's flywheel shattered and took out the engine and transmission cases.

I have been enjoying my 1989 Moto Guzzi Lemans 1000. It was the last of the Tonti-framed LeMans. It is raw, elemental, and low-tech. This version of the LeMans is also affordable - not having achieved the collector status of the original LeMans. To get 40 years old, you'd need to back a few revisions in the LeMans series.

That is very close to the way Singapore laws have been in force for at least the last 20 years. And on the subject of tuning and cans... I agree with the idea of just putting whatever exhaust you prefer (due to weight, looks, and sound) and then do the basic tune-up with the stock map. After that, you can play with other maps if you are so inclined.

The metal "intake pipe" is not totally smooth, there are some ridges. And the Rubber boot has matching features inside, so it does seat. In addition to what Docc said about tuning, it's worth inspecting the system for other air leaks - both the boots and the vacuum hoses that attach to the intake port. And since one boot is already off, why not do a quick clean on the throttle bodies?

I like my wines like my motorcycles... bold, full-bodied, dark, intense, Italian. Suggested pairing: Moto Guzzi Nero Corsa, followed by a fine (aka artisan) Montepulciano. In case you've never heard of it... "Montepulciano is the 2nd most planted red grape in Italy (after Sangiovese) and has had a reputation for low-priced juicy “pizza-friendly” red wines. Fortunately, there are several producers in Abruzzo that have shown the amazing potential of this grape by producing inky, black-fruit driven, chocolatey wines best enjoyed after 4 or more years of aging. Medium-bodied red wines like Montepulciano generally pair with a wide variety of foods due to natural elevated acidity. However, with Montepulciano, the robust herbal and tobacco-like flavors with grippy tannin often call for richer and more savory foods. Montepulciano will cut through some of the meatiest meats (like beef brisket) and pair nicely alongside rich, roasted winter vegetables. If you learn only one tip about pairing with Montepulciano, it is to match it with something with substance (fat)." source: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/montepulciano-wine-guide/

Hey - that's a new feature from Speedhut. The ones I ordered needed to have the mileage set by them.

Here's a link to a picture of what I described above, when I replace gauges on Nero Corsa:

Just remove the whole gauge assembly from the bike. There are only three screws and a couple plugs. Then you can lay the whole assembly on a towel on the workbench and drop the plastic cup over the gauges. It is damn near impossible to get everything lined up when it's on the bike... but I think you already learned that. Further tip. Once you get everything lined up, with the gauge cup on - then take the cup off and make sure those lamp parts are screwed together tight. Extra nuts to lock them in place will help. Then final assembly on bench and mount the complete unit back on the bike. Then, on the rare occasion that you need a new lamp, the gauge cup will drop off without losing the alignment of the fasteners.

The Arts. A pretty big category. One can earn a Bachelor of Arts degree or Master of Arts Degree. These are distinguished from Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees by the focus of study. An MA in Psychology (the art of understanding people) might be used in clinical practice, while an MS in Psychology (the science of understanding people) might be used in clinical research. Perhaps for the visual arts, a functional object is considered art when the design of the object makes it desirable or interesting even when not used for its intended purpose. For example, When my Yamaha TW200 is parked next to my Moto Guzzi Nero Corsa, nobody wants to know more about the TW. And nobody says "you should park that TW in your living room." Similar reactions can be expected if the above vase were to be displayed on a shelf next to an empty plastic milk jug. FWIW - When I bought my Scura, it was already over 10 years old and had less than 200 miles on it. The previous owner bought it, maybe rode it once or twice, then parked it in his living room, where it functioned as art for a decade or so. It is now a motorcycle in my garage. So whether something is art or not may also be determined by the way people choose to interact with the object.

3 screws hold it on, and three are essentially decorative. I assume the 6-hole pattern is an industry standard and Moto Guzzi only needed 4 screws to attach to the tank. I say 4, not 3, because there is a fastener under the lid. ...and as for blackening bits on a Scura... that is important work.

The lamp parts method worked well for me and has held up. I liked the ability to re-use the gauge cup without modification (except for a hole I drilled for the odometer reset button). I've done that twice now (on my ex Red LeMans and my current Nero Corsa). Someone else then improved on what I did, by gluing a larger base to the back of the gauge. I would borrow that idea if I were to do another set (if the Scura gauges break).

Stuff like this is why I love this forum.

From the description that was linked to in the original post: PAUL FÜHRMANN’S MISSION in life is to build custom motorcycles that “seamlessly blend artistry and engineering.” That’s not only a noble goal, but it’s also a great way to describe the machines that he chooses to work on. Paul specializes in classic Moto Guzzis—especially the mythical Tonti frame Moto Guzzis of the 1970s. This Moto Guzzi café racer is one of his best builds yet. It cuts an elegant silhouette, while still giving off a raw, mechanical vibe. And it’s a bit of a sleeper, combining the engine of a Moto Guzzi V11 with the Tonti frame of a 1970s Le Mans Mk II. Emphasis mine. For me, this bike is an artistic expression. It also seems to be well-built (engineered and fabricated). I like it. But put it next to an original LeMans Mk II and ask me to choose one to take one home to ride. I'll take the original LeMans. Then ask me to choose one to park one in my living room as art. I'll still take the original LeMans. (For art, I'd prefer the first 850 LeMans, but the Mk II is still a thing of beauty.) Other people might make different choices, obviously Paul Fuhrmann did. Art and utility are both subjective - based (respectively) on personal taste and intended use.

Thanks for showing the new version of the gauges. Looks like the clip-in cables might make installation easier. Hard to tell from your photos, but it looks like the gauge cases might be a little thicker (deeper) than the earlier versions.

Like someone else posted, I would go for the MV Augusta Superveloce over something like this. I'd also consider the Triumph Thruxton. As for nearly new models (which you can buy used from a showroom today), I really like the Husqvarna 701 Vitpilen - if you want a lightweight hooligan cafe bike, I think Husqvarna nailed it (about 75HP and 350 pounds). But now they only offer the 401 versions (about 45HP and 330 pounds). I did see a custom bike I really liked recently, it was an early Honda CB750 street legal recreation of a competition racer from the era. It was for sale on Craigslist, but now I can't find it (maybe sold). As for customs... I do like looking at them, and appreciate the effort. And sometimes think I'd like to try building one. I have stashed away the majority of parts needed (including a titled V11 LeMans frame). But I keep thinking of the cost/effort and wonder if I'd really be happy with the outcome. The only design that almost got me motivated was to try to make the V11 look like the original Ice-Blue Lemans (but then I thought, why not save up and buy a classic?). For me, the idea of a custom build seems to be moving from a dream to a hoard of stuff I will likely not use.

Update - I've decided to leave my V11s as they are for the moment. I already have a set of Titanium Racing cans, which I will probably use on the Nero Corsa. So Mikko's Quat D is still available.

Interested. Message sent.

386 grams (.85 pounds) savings - for a fresh and stronger axle. If you're thinking of making a few more, put me on the "interested" list.

That wasn't me though. That's an actual Moto Guzzi print advertisement. Found it on "This Old Tractor" site - where there are lots of cool ads and manuals about the Ambassador and other models.

You tease... And if you're going to build a bike around a gas tank, that is a damn fine start.

If it was closer to me and going for a lower price, I'd have been tempted to get it just for the black Quat D exhaust to stick on my Scura. Otherwise, it does seem a fine machine.