Andreani upgrades for V11 OEM Marzocchi forks

[LaGrasta]

I spoke to the Andreani rep today; nice guy, knowledgable. He is familiar with our forum and suspension threads. Even the @Lucky Phil debacle. He mentioned the difficulty with our bikes; not too many globally, and age. They only receive about two request a year.

He said if I'd send him my forks, he'd fit them, document everything and list their availability for future sales. I'm seriously considering it. I'll be calling him back later this week.

[Lucky Phil]

4 hours ago, LaGrasta said:

I spoke to the Andreani rep today; nice guy, knowledgable. He is familiar with our forum and suspension threads. Even the @Lucky Phil debacle. He mentioned the difficulty with our bikes; not too many globally, and age. They only receive about two request a year.

He said if I'd send him my forks, he'd fit them, document everything and list their availability for future sales. I'm seriously considering it. I'll be calling him back later this week.

Yea I spoke to the fairly newly appointed at the time US Andreani Rep not long after my debacle. Seemed nice enough and indicted he would look at the identification issue. Actions speak louder than words though so hopefully he can get your forks sorted. Americans might have some leverage due to the market and most companies wanting traction there but here in Australias small market you just get fobbed off I'm afraid.

 

Phil

[motortouring]

I was wondering if one of you had used an Aprilia RSV Mile or Tuono front fork and wheel, etc. The older ones are rather cheap over here, and the wheels are lighter. I can imagine the standard front forks of Aprilia are a bit better than the V11s. The offset is not that much different.

[GuzziMoto]

58 minutes ago, motortouring said:

I was wondering if one of you had used an Aprilia RSV Mile or Tuono front fork and wheel, etc. The older ones are rather cheap over here, and the wheels are lighter. I can imagine the standard front forks of Aprilia are a bit better than the V11s. The offset is not that much different.

Not the same thing, but my '93 Daytona has a GSXR front end, the forks, wheel, and brakes. They are fairly easy to find used, and can be made to work really well. It lacks the panache of the Aprilia parts, but it works better then the original set up.

[LaGrasta]

I spoke once again to Andreani (Luciano, David). They spent a great amount of time sharing the kit development process, etc. It's obvious they are really familiar with our bikes.

Once they receive my forks, and confirm a kit can be developed, it will be listed in their catalog. They cannot start for a few weeks however. I'll keep us updated on the progress.

Considering there are only about 2 other cartridge options, Traxxion, Matris, and they cost at least twice what these do, I'm excited to develop these!

[Lucky Phil]

6 hours ago, LaGrasta said:

I spoke once again to Andreani (Luciano, David). They spent a great amount of time sharing the kit development process, etc. It's obvious they are really familiar with our bikes.

Once they receive my forks, and confirm a kit can be developed, it will be listed in their catalog. They cannot start for a few weeks however. I'll keep us updated on the progress.

Considering there are only about 2 other cartridge options, Traxxion, Matris, and they cost at least twice what these do, I'm excited to develop these!

You forgot Maxton in Britain who will build you one of their 25mm Cartridges to suit. I rate their IOM TT experience and knowledge.

Phil

[audiomick]

On 2/19/2024 at 2:31 PM, GuzziMoto said:

I find the year of a motorcycle is more fluid in Europe then it is here in the US....it seems in much of Europe a 2002 bike can be titled as a 2003 if that is when it is sold....

It is not "fluid" in the literal sense of the word, but rather strictly regulated.

I'm guessing a bit, but only a very little bit. Fact is, according to European law, a vehicle has to meet the emmisions laws (and whatever else, like how wide the blinkers have to be etc.) that apply at the time of its first registration. That is regardless of when it was actually built, and which requirements it met at the time of production.

Apparently there is a government instance which can decide to allow a special exemption for things like the brand new still-in-the-crate Daytona that was mentioned here a while back. Without such a special exemption, however, such a "brand new but 20 years old" bike would not be able to be registered here in Europe, or at least here in Germany. I have also heard of manufacturers, including Moto Guzzi, I believe, being granted exemptions to clear "old stock" over the phasing in of a new set of compliance laws.

Anyway, and here I am guessing just a bit, in the face of that it makes sense that the date of first registration is recorded in the registration documents, as opposed to the date of manufacturer. That way the inspection engineer who does the bi-annual roadworthy inspection knows immediately which emissions laws apply, for instance. So I reckon that is why the date of first registration is recorded rather than the year of manufacture.

That seems "fluid" at first glance, but when one thinks about the regulations involved, it makes sense. I think.

Incidently, when I was still in Australia, it was the year of manufacture that was recorded on the registration sticker that has to be displayed on the vehicle. It is a sticker, readable from the outside, on the inside of the windscreen for a car/truck etc., and in a dedicated holder on a bike. As far as I know, that is still the case. Perhaps someone who still lives in Australia can confirm that?

[GuzziMoto]

2 hours ago, audiomick said:

It is not "fluid" in the literal sense of the word, but rather strictly regulated.

I'm guessing a bit, but only a very little bit. Fact is, according to European law, a vehicle has to meet the emmisions laws (and whatever else, like how wide the blinkers have to be etc.) that apply at the time of its first registration. That is regardless of when it was actually built, and which requirements it met at the time of production.

Apparently there is a government instance which can decide to allow a special exemption for things like the brand new still-in-the-crate Daytona that was mentioned here a while back. Without such a special exemption, however, such a "brand new but 20 years old" bike would not be able to be registered here in Europe, or at least here in Germany. I have also heard of manufacturers, including Moto Guzzi, I believe, being granted exemptions to clear "old stock" over the phasing in of a new set of compliance laws.

Anyway, and here I am guessing just a bit, in the face of that it makes sense that the date of first registration is recorded in the registration documents, as opposed to the date of manufacturer. That way the inspection engineer who does the bi-annual roadworthy inspection knows immediately which emissions laws apply, for instance. So I reckon that is why the date of first registration is recorded rather than the year of manufacture.

That seems "fluid" at first glance, but when one thinks about the regulations involved, it makes sense. I think.

Incidently, when I was still in Australia, it was the year of manufacture that was recorded on the registration sticker that has to be displayed on the vehicle. It is a sticker, readable from the outside, on the inside of the windscreen for a car/truck etc., and in a dedicated holder on a bike. As far as I know, that is still the case. Perhaps someone who still lives in Australia can confirm that?

That literally is what makes the year of a motorcycle in Europe "Fluid". What "Fluid" means in this context is the year a vehicle is titled / registered as can vary depending on when it is actually titled / registered. A 2002 Moto Guzzi could be titled / registered as a 2003, even a 2004, or later, Moto Guzzi because of when it was sold / titled / registered. So, a motorcycle made for the 2002 model year is not always titled / registered as a 2002 motorcycle in Europe.  That they have specific rules governing the process doesn't make it not fluid. In fact, the rules that apply across Europe on this are what makes the year of a motorcycle in Europe "Fluid". A 2002 motorcycle in the US is pretty much always titled / registered as a 2002 motorcycle in the US, regardless of when it is sold.

Here in the US, vehicles are made for a specific year,  and have to meet the requirements for that year. When they are actually sold doesn't generally factor into it. If the standards change, only vehicles built for the newer standards have to meet the newer standards.

It isn't a matter of which way is better, it isn't a competition. But I can say I am glad we do it the way we do it. It makes it easier when you are buying parts. If your Moto Guzzi is a 2002 V11 Sport you just need to buy parts that fit a 2002 V11 Sport. This whole debacle with figuring out which forks a V11 Sport has highlights how having a fixed model year makes it easier to figure out what will fit and what won't. With Moto Guzzi there is still some room for error, they aren't always 100% about building their bikes with the correct parts. With another brand like a Honda, though, it would be 100% dead on. A 2002 Honda Thingamajig would always use the exact same parts as any other 2002 Honda Thingamajig. Where as a 2003 Honda Thingamajig would use 2003 Honda Thingamajig parts. But if you bought your 2002 Honda Thingamajig in 2003 in Europe and was titled / registered as a 2003 Honda Thingamajig you would have to know that and buy parts for a 2002 Honda Thingamajig even though yours is titled / registered as a 2003.

[guzzler]

G'day Mick.

Not anymore mate.

We don't have rego stickers now and bloody glad to get rid of that holder too.

Big brother has much better tech to determine whether your vehicle is registered or not these days!

Cheers 

[Lucky Phil]

9 hours ago, audiomick said:

It is not "fluid" in the literal sense of the word, but rather strictly regulated.

I'm guessing a bit, but only a very little bit. Fact is, according to European law, a vehicle has to meet the emmisions laws (and whatever else, like how wide the blinkers have to be etc.) that apply at the time of its first registration. That is regardless of when it was actually built, and which requirements it met at the time of production.

Apparently there is a government instance which can decide to allow a special exemption for things like the brand new still-in-the-crate Daytona that was mentioned here a while back. Without such a special exemption, however, such a "brand new but 20 years old" bike would not be able to be registered here in Europe, or at least here in Germany. I have also heard of manufacturers, including Moto Guzzi, I believe, being granted exemptions to clear "old stock" over the phasing in of a new set of compliance laws.

Anyway, and here I am guessing just a bit, in the face of that it makes sense that the date of first registration is recorded in the registration documents, as opposed to the date of manufacturer. That way the inspection engineer who does the bi-annual roadworthy inspection knows immediately which emissions laws apply, for instance. So I reckon that is why the date of first registration is recorded rather than the year of manufacture.

That seems "fluid" at first glance, but when one thinks about the regulations involved, it makes sense. I think.

Incidently, when I was still in Australia, it was the year of manufacture that was recorded on the registration sticker that has to be displayed on the vehicle. It is a sticker, readable from the outside, on the inside of the windscreen for a car/truck etc., and in a dedicated holder on a bike. As far as I know, that is still the case. Perhaps someone who still lives in Australia can confirm that?

Yea Mick as Guzzler said rego labels no longer exist. Probably about 10 years ago they were phased out. Good thing too. EU laws, what a nightmare. My Supra has a "locked" ecu since mid 2020. Anyone that wants to tune one needs to send the ecu to a specialist and get it "unlocked" or cloned and then you can flash tune it. The other way is to use an add on tuner box a bit like a Dynojet box. Doesn't affect me either way as i'll leave it alone but people will find ways around things which I am liking more and more as the "nanny state" thing gets more draconian.

 

Phil

[LaGrasta]

UPDATE: My forks are currently being worked on by Andreani. They have called a few times, just to update me on their findings. 

My forks are true, easily within spec limits. Bearings are slightly marred, but of no concern. He would possibly swap the bushings, but cannot find a parts source, even internationally. He wants to have this option for future orders, so he will continue to source these until successful.

Their current cartridge kit has now been confirmed to fit for these forks/model years. Thus Andreani will be increasing their application fitment part numbers. They are appreciative of having this confirmation. At this point, anyone anxious, can call and order your kit now, or wait until they update their website, and order directly online.

My forks will be completed today, so combined with shipping from NC to CA, I suspect I'll have these installed in the next 2-3 weeks. After my test ride, I'll report back!

[LaGrasta]

Just spoke to Andreani again. They have yet to fit the uncommon 43mm size forks (@luckyphil). It was their impression, this is what I had given them. Although mine have confirmed their 40mm fittings, it did not gain them additional fitment as they had hoped. Anyone with 43mm interested?

Those with 40mm forks, order with confidence!

[Lucky Phil]

2 hours ago, LaGrasta said:

Just spoke to Andreani again. They have yet to fit the uncommon 43mm size forks (@luckyphil). It was their impression, this is what I had given them. Although mine have confirmed their 40mm fittings, it did not gain them additional fitment as they had hoped. Anyone with 43mm interested?

Those with 40mm forks, order with confidence!

Well not quite. I dont believe their carts will fit the early silver 40mm forks. 99-2000.

 

Phil 

[GuzziMoto]

Yeah, their stuff seems good, but they don't seem to understand how many different versions of front fork were fitted to the V11. That seems to be where their bad reputation comes from with the V11.

I thought we had made it clear in this thread that your forks should be the one fork model that their kit actually fits.