Recent Posts

1

General Discussion / Hydros again

« Last post by wirespokes on Today at 12:00:01 PM »

I just got this 2003 Stone for $500. It's got Mistral exhaust, Ikons, dual discs, Cartridge emulators and an LED headlight. And... a ticking left side top end.

I'm not worried since the parts are worth so much more than I paid. No idea of mileage since the speedo has been replaced with a nice aftermarket. It looks well kept and low mileage. No history  because the previous owner bought it at auction, not running. Soon as he started it up, discovered the noise, did some research and put it up for sale. He got one offer of $500 but didn't accept it because the guy intended to part it out. He wanted to see it repaired. I told him I intended to fix it, so he sold it to me.

I pulled the valve covers and it's got the original, from the factory, smooth lifter adjusters. Should have taken a photo, but think the spring retainers are dark. I'll drain the oil and see what comes out. If all clean, pull the pan, and if nothing, pull the front cover for a look at the pump.

At first I was thinking that a lifter just hadn't pumped up yet from sitting a long time, but now I'm betting this is the reason it went to auction.

Since the hydro kits are crazy expensive, what are my options? If the cam looks good - can I replace the lifters and pushrods and be done with it? I have another engine and could do a swap. I haven't looked at the clutch yet, but if the engine recall hasn't been done, I wouldn't expect the clutch to have been touched either. Haven't checked out the triples either.

It's a pretty nice bike with no rust, and I've got enough parts to make it right. So I won't be parting it out. I'm just trying to figure out which direction to go with it. Since I prefer carbs over FI, I might make that part of the project. If anyone knows the ins and outs of that conversion I'd like to hear what's needed. Will PHMs mount right up?

From what I've read, the hydro is a great engine, with the normal solid lifter valve springs being the root cause of all the trouble. If everything looks good with little to no wear, can the valve springs be replaced with lighter ones and all will be good?

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General Discussion / V85 crash bar install issues

« Last post by CanonVanagon on Today at 11:38:11 AM »

Picked up a 2025 V 85 a couple weeks ago. I ordered the OEM crash bars and went to install them yesterday. It started out pretty easy but then when I got to the final Bolt in front of the bike by the horn. I was unable to thread the bolt by hand.  So I looked in the hole and the first few threads look nonexistent.  I’m gonna maybe try a thread chaser and if that doesn’t work, I guess a tap unless someone has some better ideas.

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General Discussion / Re: Want to find

« Last post by wirespokes on Today at 11:36:23 AM »

I'll second what Charlie said - best handling is with 100 front, 110 rear.

I also like the Shinkos. They last me 10-13K miles.

I'm not picturing what you need for the clip ons. Could you post a photo?

Give us a little more of the story. When did you first own the bike and for how long? Was it stock at that time? Did you know the person you sold it to? How was it modified - what's it like now?

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General Discussion / Re: Want to find

« Last post by Antietam Classic Cycle on Today at 11:18:51 AM »

Just to clarify: do you want to reinstall regular handlebars and your T3 is missing the handlebar clamps?

On a "sporty" early Tonti, a 100 front and 110 rear is my preference.

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General Discussion / Re: Want to find

« Last post by JJ on Today at 11:02:08 AM »

You should be able to find Tomaselli's and parts on fleaBay and/or on the Swap Meet section in this forum.

Can't go wrong with Continentals, Bridgestones, Michellins, and/or Pirelli's (Those are sticky, but not really known for longevity). 

I have also had good luck recently with SHINKO's.....(Just my two cents).

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General Discussion / Want to find

« Last post by Fpicabia on Today at 10:38:09 AM »

Hello all,
Glad to be here and hoping that someone here might have some solutions for my questions. I have a heavily customized T3 that had been in the hands of someone else for a very long time that finally ended up back in my hands. It has Tommaselli clip ons and the riser knuckles went missing. Is there anyone out there that may have a spare set? They don’t appear to be available to purchase separately.

I’m also looking for best/long distance recommendations for new tires. Avon roadrider mkii’s don’t seem to be available until spring. Ran metzler lazertec’s but want to see if anyone has suggestions for a longer lasting tire. Hoping for 90 90 18 for the front and 120 90 18’s for the rear.

Any and all thoughts on these things would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

7

General Discussion / Re: V11 sport drive shaft

« Last post by Chuck in Indiana on Today at 10:27:28 AM »

Nope. You can't grease the front without pulling the driveshaft on the 2000 V11S.
The Kid said he couldn't do it on his Greenie at the time, so I tacked it with a grin. After all, I had done it on the 02 Scura many times.
I couldn't do it either. 

8

General Discussion / Sunday, October 18 = Connecticut-Rhode Island Breakfast

« Last post by SLDMRossi on Today at 09:56:04 AM »

Third-Sunday-of-the-Month CT-RI Moto Guzzi "and More" Breakfast
October 18, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM

Deb's Restaurant
40 Saybrook Road
Rte. 154
Higganum, CT 06441

As usual, no need to get there exactly at 8:00. Come as your schedule permits.

Note: it's supposed to be pretty cold Sunday morning. So be aware. Looks like I'll be on four wheels because I'll be making a delivery of "stuff" to another attendee. We'll also have to be sensitive to freeing up tables for Deb after we eat, so I don't know how much hangin' out we'll get to do.

Steven Rossi

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General Discussion / Re: NGC - small engine ignition troubles

« Last post by RinkRat II on Today at 09:42:48 AM »

Since I replaced everything except the points & plug lead, I don't know WHAT the original problem was.

     Carburetor 

    Paul B

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General Discussion / Re: Two stroke power valves

« Last post by n3303j on Today at 07:17:44 AM »

there are several types of power valves for two strokes these days, Some even use side chambers (Kawasaki KPIS i think) for additional resonance.  but the cool one was actually way back in the day when Sears was sell PUCH two strokes that used the "Twingle" concept.  It used two cylinders with both pistons rising and falling near the same time, and both cylinders used a single combustion chamber. this allowed the intake charge sufficient room to replace burnt fuel without loosing the new charge down the exhaust port.  Those engine made consistent power over a wide rev range without the need for an expansion chamber,  they also ran much cleaner.

Sort of like this: