Help decide on which V11 Sport *added video*

[swooshdave]

I finally sold my Triumph and I don't think I'll go after the 850 LeMans. Maybe I'll get it later.

In the meantime I've been drooling on V11 Sports. Originally I thought I couldn't live without an early green one but I have been thinking that maybe I should get as new of one as I can (2004-ish)?

Any insights from this crowd? It would be my sport touring bike as I like the 850T for farting around town.

[Travlr]

Get one of the Ohlins suspended bikes.  I like the Scura as it's the only one with the hot rod motor.  But the cafe sport and Copa Italia are also nice.

M

[siabeid]

There is a nice looking one on Spokane Craigslist for $4500. 03 with 9000 miles. Not Ohlins.

[Scud]

The Ohlins are sure nice - but I think the Marzocchis on 2003 and 2004 are improved over the early sports. There are lots of options for upgrading the shock, including Penske and Wilburs. Just upgrading the shock from the original Sachs will make a big difference.

If I had to pick between my 2003 LeMans and my Scura, it'd be the Scura. But I've put a lot of work into it to address the known issues.

I like the greenie...

[swooshdave]

There is a nice looking one on Spokane Craigslist for $4500. 03 with 9000 miles. Not Ohlins.

I've been staring at that one. Pretty color. Low miles. But the "base" model.

[nobleswood]

I have a 2004 V11 Sport naked.

If I were to start again I'd look for a Cafe Sport; they have many of the faults resolved as they are a later model.

You get the Ohlins suspension without paying a hefty premium to upgrade. You aren't paying for a special paint job & limited numbers as for the Coppa.

As I'm sure you're aware, it'll take some fettling & 'getting to know you' time to make it as sweet as you expect

[leafman60]

I really miss my Scura.

It was the best-shifting motorcycle I've ever ridden.  The engine was quick revving with the aluminum flywheel and that single-plate clutch was such a light pull and with good take-up.

Yes, there were some terrible pictures on the internet showing an aluminum flywheel that had split apart but mine never caused a problem.

That bike would haul ass too. I remember burying the speedo once coming back from DeFuniak Springs FL on I-10, 145+ shown.

I had a Gallaseti high pipe exhaust and Stucchi crossover with a PCIII fuel module. 

Yes, the wrinkle paint peeled on the motor but I blew it off with sand and repainted with H-D textured engine paint.

The Ohlins suspension is set up for a 170-180 pound rider so you may need to have it reconfigured.

Guzzi=Issues

Still, I wish I had it back.

[fotoguzzi]

I really miss my Scura.
 

Yes, there were some terrible pictures on the internet showing an aluminum flywheel that had split apart but mine never caused a problem.

 

[Phang]

You might not need another Guzzi

but I can see you want a Greenie

buy with your heart 

[leafman60]

You might not need another Guzzi

but I can see you want a Greenie

buy with your heart 

Yeah, those had a skinnier rear tire and a little quicker steering geometry/wheelbase.

It was the first V11 I ever saw during a BRP trip.

I miss those days.

Now, we do not even have such a bike from Guzzi.

[Phang]

The V11 Sport Telaio Rosso is the most beautiful amongst the three green Guzzi I have.

A quintessential sporty Guzzi.

[fotoguzzi]

I'd look for any year but not the single clutch.. LOW MILES, and a service history including the driveshaft lubrication. if you can find that with the HB bags and mounts, Score!

[swooshdave]

I'd look for any year but not the single clutch.. LOW MILES, and a service history including the driveshaft lubrication. if you can find that with the HB bags and mounts, Score!

Is low 10k? What is high? 50k?

[rocker59]

Get one of the Ohlins suspended bikes.  I like the Scura as it's the only one with the hot rod motor.  But the cafe sport and Copa Italia are also nice.

M

Scura's engine internals are the same as all V11 Sports and LeManses.

The only thing that makes it feel different are the explosion prone single plate clutch and aluminum flywheel.

If those haven't been changed out by a previous owner, I would not buy a Scura.

[fotoguzzi]

Is low 10k? What is high? 50k?

under 20,000 MILES low, over 70,000 miles high

[dl.allen]

I have a low mile 04 LeMans I'm thinking of selling if that interest you

[Lannis]

I finally sold my Triumph and I don't think I'll go after the 850 LeMans. Maybe I'll get it later.

In the meantime I've been drooling on V11 Sports. Originally I thought I couldn't live without an early green one but I have been thinking that maybe I should get as new of one as I can (2004-ish)?

Any insights from this crowd? It would be my sport touring bike as I like the 850T for farting around town.

I would think (based on the photos and testimonies over the years from others of this group) that a V11 Sport would make a wonderful sport tourer.   Helibars, custom-to-you seat, and nice luggage and you couldn't beat that.

I can't help but think, though, that getting the "right", properly maintained, in-shape, properly upgraded bike will be more of a factor in your enjoyment of it than getting a particular "model" ... ?

Lannis

[daytonars97]

  https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/6063812500.html

A greenie at a decent price.

[swooshdave]

  https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/mcy/6063812500.html

A greenie at a decent price.

Yes, I've been talking with that owner. It has a few scrapes and bruises. But it's a Greenie. I could easily fly and ride that one home.

[swooshdave]

I have a low mile 04 LeMans I'm thinking of selling if that interest you

PM sent, probably out of my price range. And might be too far away. Or maybe not...

[Lannis]

PM sent, probably out of my price range. And might be too far away. Or maybe not...

The negotiations have begun!!   Good luck and fair trading to both of you .... that's a beautiful bike!

Lannis

[swooshdave]

The negotiations have begun!!   Good luck and fair trading to both of you .... that's a beautiful bike!

Lannis

Yes, but since he's into vintage Triumphs I think I have something to sweeten the pot. 

[jrt]

The earlier models have a steeper head angle, so they handle a bit quicker.  I rather liked that with my '01 Sport. 

[Matteo]

The earlier models have a steeper head angle, so they handle a bit quicker.  I rather liked that with my '01 Sport.

Plus slightly shorter wheelbase and 170 rear tire.
I loved mine but sold it to a friend that wanted it more than me.

[swooshdave]

Plus slightly shorter wheelbase and 170 rear tire.
I loved mine but sold it to a friend that wanted it more than me.

I should have asked you if there were any V11s locally that could be on the market.

[Tennmoto]

Hers a red one in NC
https://asheville.craigslist.org/mcy/6013322723.html

[swooshdave]

Hers a red one in NC
https://asheville.craigslist.org/mcy/6013322723.html

You know that's not a V11, right? 

[JJ]

Get one of the Ohlins suspended bikes.  I like the Scura as it's the only one with the hot rod motor.  But the cafe sport and Copa Italia are also nice.

M

Would agree with Mike's assessment above.  Also, the Balabio and V11 Le Mans from 2002-2004 are good bikes as !  :1:

[swooshdave]

The LeMans turned out to be a wee bit more than my current toy fund.

So I'm flying to the Bay Area to ride the Greenie back next Thursday. I had a ticket booked for this Friday but the weather all the way up looked horrendous. Might as well make it a fun trip.

I promise to post every time it breaks down!

Thanks for all the input!

[twowings]

Congratulations! Pics of the trip, please...