Rode PCH (HWY1) south, Laguna Beach to Torrey Pines and back!

[LaGrasta]

Met a friend on his KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE in the Laguna area, dropped onto PCH and just rode south, stopping when and where it seemed good (views, beach, coffee, etc). It was cool and overcast, perfect riding weather on what could have easily been far too hot. This stretch is one of my California favorites, one sleepy beach town after another. Torrey Pines is incredible as the palm trees give way to pine trees, so beautiful. In between all of these is the Marine base, Pendalton, that forces us onto Highway 5 for a short time. Even this isn't bad, as it allows us to stretch the bike's legs a bit. …and you know I did. "C'mon, pick it up Super Duke!"

The V11 didn't let me down, and a few strangers along the way even asked about the Guzzi. It ran perfect. 120 miles later, parked it in the garage with a smile on my face.

I've started a Motorcycle Group at my church, https://welcome.saddleback.com/ministry/motorcycle. I think I'm going to repeat this ride for this coming Saturday's ride, stopping for lunch at Hamburger Hut. Though if the wife joins me, I'll be forced to take the Kawasaki Concours, grrr!

Edited August 8 by LaGrasta

[docc]

[Scud]

That is a lovely ride. So many great beach towns in South Orange County and North San Diego County.

[Pressureangle]

12 hours ago, docc said:

Methinks we need a 'coffee stop' thread. 

[LaGrasta]

[Scud]

On 8/8/2025 at 6:35 AM, Pressureangle said:

Methinks we need a 'coffee stop' thread. 

ha... like how far did you ride for coffee, a taco, a slice of pie, a milkshake, etc? And which entertaining roads made the journey worth it?

Edited August 9 by Scud

[LaGrasta]

I just returned from my Saturday Saddleback Church group ride. We didn't make it to Hamburger Hut, as I hoped. One person had to be somewhere by 2, and a newbie had a 250 Rebal and didn't want any freeways. We still had a great ride, nearly 50 miles round trip to Dana Point for lunch.

This time I took the V7, unlike the V11, a cable clutch. Wow, the beach stop and go traffic really taxed my hand. The clutch is so heavy, regardless of any adjustments I've ever tried. However, just like the V11, it ran flawlessly. Always fun!

…and no pictures. 

[audiomick]

On 8/9/2025 at 10:34 PM, LaGrasta said:

... the V7...the clutch is so heavy, regardless of any adjustments I've ever tried. 

Without wanting to de-rail the coffe stop aspect, is that a new, small-block V7? If so, you can almost certainly put a V85 / V9 clutch in it. Easy to do, although it takes a bit of time, and worlds of difference. I've done the mod to my V35 Imola, and am seriously thinking about doing it to my Breva 750.

There is a thread on the topic here somewhere, but given that I got back to Germany from Australia this afternoon (30 hours travel with about 5 hours sleep on the way...) I'm not motivated to go looking for the link. If you're interested, mention it here and I'll try and dig it up. 

[LaGrasta]

2010 V7 Cafe Classic

 

[audiomick]

3 hours ago, LaGrasta said:

2010 V7 Cafe Classic

So I'm almost completely sure that the V85/V9 clutch mechanism would fit in there.

 

PS: very pretty.