Moto Guzzi 2007 models

[dangerous]

Hey, what do you Guzziphiles think about this?

Its one of the 1st V11's but nothing wrong with that, I dont think pod filters on a Guz inj is a good thing, but if it has been tuned right (replacement chip) and it pulls nice then it shouldnt be a problem.

If ya want Ill check it out for ya, havnt been to that place for a lok as yet.

[nudemetalz]

That would be cool, thanks

I'm going to ring them and see if I can get some more pics emailed through as well.

The Missus has given approval for me to purchase a Guzzi.

[Paul in NZ]

Do yourself a favour...

Do a bit of research and take one for a test ride first...

Ask questions here - http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?act=home

They are a friendly bunch. I would think long and hard about that bike - Pod filters on a V11? Nah... K&N in the stock airbox maybe...

Cheers

[nudemetalz]

I spoke to the "owner" about the V11.
He was honest about the pod-filters but said it carburets perfectly.

I should find one up here to take for a test-ride like you say.
I know I would like it though. The style really appeals to me.

Cheers
NDMz

[laRIKin]

I have ridden that V11 and it goes real well.

It has some stone chip's and has had all the recalls because of bad bolts used as they were over hard and broke in some of the earlier bikes.

2000 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Recall
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 03V487000
Recall Date: Nov 24, 2003
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 64
Summary: On certain motorcycles, under extended running speeds near the engines revolution limit, the engines connecting rod bolts can fail. Consequence: should such a failure occur, the motorcycles engine can suddenly stop turning or lock, requiring the operator to disengage the clutch in order to maintain control of the motorcycle. If the clutch is not disengaged, the operator can lose of control of the motorcycle, which could result in a crash, personal injury, or death.

Remedy: Dealers will install new, redesigned connecting rods and bolts. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 2003. Owners should contact Moto Guzzi at 1-877-aprilia (1-877-277-4542).

Notes: Moto Guzzi Recall No. 101EAS. Customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2000 - 2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport Recall
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 03V486000
Recall Date: November 24, 2003
Component: Transmission
Potential Number Of Units Affected: 680
Summary: On certain motorcycles, the gearbox shift sleeves for engagement of 3rd to 6th gears can fracture unexpectedly while the motorcycle is in use.

Consequence: should such a fracture occur, the motorcycle's rear wheel can suddenly stop turning or lock, resulting in a loss of control of the motorcycle, which could result in a crash, personal injury, or death.

Remedy: Dealers will install new, improved shift rings and a redesigned cush-drive assembly. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 2003. Owners should contact Moto Guzzi at 1-877-aprilia (1-877-277-4542).

Notes: Moto Guzzi recall No. 101EBS. Customers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

The first few years of the V11's had a shorter wheel base which some people did not like.
So they lenghted them after about 02 to keep people happy.
This sounds a bit like the 16" wheel all over again doesn't it.
I found apart from corning quicker than any other Guzzi I had ridden it was fine.
I found that it rode real well and like all bikes that I have ridden with fuel injection does come on a bit hash off the idle when going a round a corner.
But you learn to ride around that hiccup.

[laRIKin]

I found this interesting reading and it should help get you up to speed on the V11's.

Here is a rather lengthy response plageurised from the V11LeMans Board.


Interested in buying a V11?
Frequently asked questions from potential buyers

Are you interested in buying a V11 sport, Le Mans, Ballabio, Rosso, Coppa, etc.?
BigJ sums up the gist of this faq pretty easily:
"Just see if you like it. It may have flat spots, a clunky box, vibrate, need the suspension set up. Dont worry about it, they're fairly easy to sort/fix. Just enjoy yourself, if you find you're grinning to yourself as you go, its for you. If you dont gell, try another one."


Breakdown of changes in year models from 1999-2005.
The V11 sport variants (referred to here as just 'V11') have been produced from about '99 to 2005. I understand that this model is now discontinued, and will no longer be built. That makes it a legacy bike, I guess.
Major similarities: All the V11 models are 'spine frame' bikes. The name derives from the large square 'spine' that runs the center of the bike between the cylinders and serves as the main frame component. All the V11 variants have the normal Guzzi two cylinder, two valve/cylinder motor that is in a higher state of tune than the 'cruiser' model Guzzi's. The valves must be adjusted- they are not hydraulic.
All the V11 variants have the six-speed transmission and a hydraulic clutch. Older spine frame Guzzi's like the 1100 sport, 1100sporti, etc. have a 5 speed box.
Real changes in the bikes from inception to end are small and incremental.
1999-2001 models have a (shorter) red frame and have steeper steering geometry than later models (except RM). They handle 'quicker' or some say 'more twitchy'. Some say they are unstable at high speed- I've never had a problem. The 99-01 models have clip-ons mounted below the upper triple clamp and have Veglia (brand) instruments. They have a thinner rear tire (4.5") and the brake rotors have circular holes in them; apparently the 'circular hole rotors' are more prone to warping than later rotors. My mid-year '01 has later model rotors fitted, so your guess is as good as mine here.
Guzzi went to a longer wheelbase in late '01 or '02 to increase high speed stability. The '01 RM has this longer wheelbase already. '02 and later models have additional bracing in the frame and a wider 5.5" rear wheel. New front forks with the clip-ons mounted above the triple clamp are standard. '02 and later models have black engine paint. The '02 model paint is 'fuzzy' and is prone to flaking and blistering off- so it looked horrible- and Guzzi offered new cases to those afflicted with it. New brake rotors (triangular holes) are stock.
Late '02 models were commonly rebadged as '03 models. True '03 models should have a '3' in the VIN.
In '02 or '03, Guzzi changed the electric gas petcock out for a manual version.
'03 was a 'big' year for changes in the V11; many improvements were made. Fork diameter is larger, front axle diameter is larger and the axle is hollow. A front crossover or balance pipe is added above the alternator (improves midrange performance). The engine has a *claimed* higher compression set of pistons, which are now cooled by an oil jet (more on this below). The fuel pump was relocated to the interior of the gas tank, so '03+ models do not suffer from vapor lock like earlier models (see below). Several cosmetic modifications are present as well- the 'chin pad' is gone in favor of a smooth tank. The engine paint is satin black, the fairing (if present) mounts further ahead on a different 'gooseneck' mount. Gauges are now ITT brand. This interesting trivia from the V11 board:
"I would like to add a note about the speedo on the 02 - 03 V11 Naked. This may or may not be common knowledge. The original and replacement speedos on my bike did exactly the same. The bottom line is that the speedo indicates in MPH, the trip-odometer registers in miles but the odometer registers in 2KM increments. If you don't believe me and have one of these bikes, pull off and stop when the odometer just finishes turning to a new number and set the trip to zero. Drive the bike until the odometer just turns an additional "10 miles". You will find that the trip reads just over 12.4 miles or exactly 20KM. "

All that said- Guzzi has been known to make 'parts bin' bikes out of whatever is left over. In that case, the bike may have parts from several year models. This can be frustrating, but it attests to the fact that most parts from one year will fit on other year models.

Decoding the VIN number (thanks to Todd Haven of MPH Cycles)
Z is for Italy
GU is for Guzzi
KRAKR designates 1100 spine frame 2000-2002(sport and Lemans)
9th digit is undefined
10th digit is model year(nor production)
W-98, X=99,Y=2000,1=2001,2=2002
11-16th digits are identifying serial number for your specific bike.

Where should I buy my new (to me) Guzzi?
Won't hardly touch this except to say Guzzi's are seriously undervalued (IMHO). You can buy used Guzzi's for very little (in the US) right now. New Guzzi's are also pretty cheap. Just give some consideration as to where it will be serviced.

Common Modifications (all are well documented in the faq forum)
Vibration control
Seat
Bars
Exhaust
Intake
PCIII
a sigma (BC600) bicycle speedometer

Uncommon Modifications
Cliff J's, My16M new CPU
http://guzzi.daytona-it.com/
http://daytonasite.free.fr/


Common Problems (most of these are addressed in this faq section in great detail- this is just an overview)
Also, not all of these problems necessarily show up. Very few of them have shown up on my bike, and others have their own specific mix of issues. These are the ones that are most commonly reported.
Relays- just not an issue anymore- some of the early (99-02) models had relays that were overtaxed.
Grounding- Guzzi electrics are not the strongest so one needs to maximize all available power. Check grounds and use dielectric grease on every connector you can get to.
Tach fogs over- cured by drilling a small hole in the tach housing
Tach 'bounces'- caused by a bad ground. The tach is grounded through the mounting lugs, not by a dedicated ground. Add a ground wire to the tach (requires disassembly) to cure.
Speedometer bounces- common to every Guzzi I've ever ridden back to 1971 models. Sigh. The routing of the speedo cable puts a 'kink' in it. The best approach is to route the speedo cable so it has as smooth a run as possible. Additionally, on the early V11 there is an angle bracket that can work itself unthreaded and disgorge it's worm gear drive...usually at speed. As if that weren't enough- early Veglia speedo's and later ITT speedo's use DIFFERENT cables and these cables are NOT interchangeable. See 'bicycle speedometer' above. Both gauges are commonly optimistic (~10%) in their reading. The tach is also optimistic.
Clutch/sidestand switch- sometimes fail.
Transmission spring boss oversized (year specific) mostly only found on '02 model years. The oversize boss stresses and breaks a spring in the transmission, causing it to get stuck in first gear. A fix has been posted.
Flaking engine paint (year specific) 2002
Tank suck- not an issue for bikes built after '02, but on some early bikes, the evaporative emissions system didn't function properly and a vacuum would develop in the tank- sucking it in. The two possible fixes are easy- 1) make sure the breather valve is perfectly level, or 2) remove the rubber seal under the lid. If you do the latter, you may spill gas in the event of a tipover.
Vapor lock- there are some reports of developing vapor lock in bikes that have an external fuel pump ('99-02 models). Heroic measures of insulating the pump have been performed. The best thing is not to drive your bike while hot for 1 mile, stop, drive a mile, stop, etc. which allows the fuel system to get hot (it sets right above the engine)
Or, relax and wait 20-30 minutes for it to correct itself.
Rear brake 'groans'- it's dirty and needs to be cleaned. There's nothing wrong with it in all probability.
Vibration- especially problematic on new Guzzi's. Some bikes have a buzzy vibration that is unpleasant- it's mostly at specific rpm ranges (right around 3800 rpm on my bike). This fades with time and miles.
Oil return tube- the ~1/2" (1.25 cm) rubber tube that runs from the motor (just fore of the bell housing) to the frame is low grade rubber- eventually it degrades and starts leaking. It is a pain to replace, but Rich Maund has written an excellent tutorial on how to replace it with quality tubing.
Trouble shifting- clean, clean, clean and grease the shift lever, including the heim joints. Your ankle will thank you.
Body panel cracks- check to see if the tank rests on the sidepanels. If it does, shim up the tank with a washer at the rear mounting point.
Electric fuel petcock- wires are epoxied into the base of the electric valve and can break from vibration. The fix is to replace with a manual petcock.

Not so common Problems
These have been reported, but only by very few people.
Clutch grenading- only reported on single plate clutches (Rosso Mandello, Scura). Not sure how much of a problem this really is. It is the topic of a long thread.
Soft valve guides- The rumor is that all big-block Guzzi's have soft guides which wear out quickly. If you're worried, keep an eye on oil consumption and engine compression.
Cracked transmission- Only heard of this twice so it's pretty rare
Cracked oil cooling mounts- early ('00) mounts were soft aluminum and prone to cracking with vibration. Should be replaced with later steel versions
Ignition mounting bolts- are 'security bolts' although not very secure. Some fall out. The suggested fix is replace them with allen head bolts and bit of locktite.

[nudemetalz]

WOW !!!!!!

That info is brilliant, thanks so much !!

[dangerous]

If ya want Ill check it out for ya, havnt been to that place for a lok as yet.

OK, couldnt help my self and went anyway... now, well ok Lemans has already been there done that but heres my thoughts.

very tidy for the age etc, started 'very' well and even idled
The bike has stock cans but do have a nice rumble however a set of neptunes would be mint.
The pod filters are loud, having said that even with a std air box you will always here a guzzi sucking... but this beast 'really' sucked man what a SWEET sound.

The bike is missing a badge off the rear set frame but the guy said he has one there.

I am unsure if a test ride on a V11 up your way would be the right thing to do, unless you can get the bike for a hole day, honestly at 1st you may think WTF... but mate once you come to grips with it, its in ya blood.

I dont have the time to read that esay LeM's posted maybe later.

[R1madness]

Do yourself a favour...

Do a bit of research and take one for a test ride first...

Ask questions here - http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?act=home

They are a friendly bunch. I would think long and hard about that bike - Pod filters on a V11? Nah... K&N in the stock airbox maybe...

Cheers

Hi Paul. Have you been in to see the bike?????? or ridden it???? NO????? Then perhaps you should come in for a look before condemming it. Yes it does have pod filters on it. It sounds great and runs perfectly.

[laRIKin]

As said "Guzzi's are acquired taste".
But once the bug has bitten you are a Guzzi nut for ever more.

I really liked the bike (V11) as I was thinking about it for myself.
It is a nice bike to ride and turns brakes and sounds nice and has some poke as well.
The bike is sound it just needs a bit of TLC to bring it up to what it should be or what it once was.
Just minor stuff.

Before you ask.
I am looking for a new bike for me, but shouldn't as we have four already. (2 each on and off road)
I should also be spending some money on the house etc.
But after having up to three M/G's at the same time and after 14 years with my main Guzzi.
I want a change of bike and brand. (maybe)
I will keep the two I have (at least 1) for life (I think) I just want a newer different type of bike for a change.
I use to change my bikes every year or two, so to keep a bike for 14 years is saying something.

I could buy this bike and be very happy with it.

[R1madness]

Here are some pics for you to look at. This is the bike in question

[Paul in NZ]

Hi Paul. Have you been in to see the bike?????? or ridden it???? NO????? Then perhaps you should come in for a look before condemming it. Yes it does have pod filters on it. It sounds great and runs perfectly.

Condemming it? When did I condem it FFS??? Lighten up and pull ya head in.... The guy is asking for advice from people that own the things and personally I would be checking any mod like that has been done properly.

It's not standard and it will affect its future resale value and frankly it's hard enough to sell a stock V11 at the moment. In MY opinion this is not a great mod for spine frame Guzzis and in particular FI Guzzis. Your opinion may differ but then I don't stand to gain from any sale do I? I guess as the party selling it your opinion will differ to a potential buyers but I'm hardly condeming it???

Buyer beware but really I couldn't give a fat rats arse what you think of me - I would not modify a V11 like that.... If you want to get into a TECHNICAL discussion as to why not - tell me why you think it's a good idea? Of course red repping me and calling me a loser for dissing your bike is so mature...... Hope you did the same for dangerous when he expressed exactly the same sentiments?

[nudemetalz]

Hi Ian (R1M),

Thanks for the chat today and your candidness about the V11 (as well as supplying the pics).

Doing some serious talking to the Mrs at present about how we would go about it.
I also have a person who is very keen on purchasing the '10 which makes life a lot easier.

I joined the V11 forum and found a wealth of info there, and Lemans's info was particularily helpful.

Be in touch again.

OK, couldnt help my self and went anyway... now, well ok Lemans has already been there done that but heres my thoughts.

very tidy for the age etc, started 'very' well and even idled
The bike has stock cans but do have a nice rumble however a set of neptunes would be mint.
The pod filters are loud, having said that even with a std air box you will always here a guzzi sucking... but this beast 'really' sucked man what a SWEET sound.

The bike is missing a badge off the rear set frame but the guy said he has one there.

I am unsure if a test ride on a V11 up your way would be the right thing to do, unless you can get the bike for a hole day, honestly at 1st you may think WTF... but mate once you come to grips with it, its in ya blood.

I dont have the time to read that esay LeM's posted maybe later.

Thanks too, Dangerous.




Cheers
NDMz

[nudemetalz]

Forgot to ask,...do I get this "optional extra" with it ?

[dangerous]

Hi Paul. Have you been in to see the bike?????? or ridden it???? NO????? Then perhaps you should come in for a look before condemming it. Yes it does have pod filters on it. It sounds great and runs perfectly.

OK... Im going to put 2 n 2 togeather here... are you Ian, the shop owner?

If so I came in and saw you today at lunch time... now what Paul says is VERY correct, sorry R1M but have you been involved with MG like myself and more so Paul???

I agree with Paul, injected MG with pod filters isn't a very good idea, why cos they run like a bag of shit and have been known to shit them selves through leanness.

I would not do this to any of my injected Guzzis... as even from the factory they do not run 100%, but with a little knowledge and after market chips etc and I might add with this V11 the whole ECU would need replacing to compensate.

Having said that... I was happy with the way the bike started and idled, I do not think that there would be any problems with this bike the wee nipper you swiped it from in Japan... must of known his shit.