Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Muzz on July 19, 2020, 04:25:18 PM
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Last night I got a message from Steamdriven (Kev) who told me that a guy on the Guzzi Riders NZ Facebook page had picked up this Cali. Von Crump linked it all in and of course Kev was part of the Reprobate Gang that originally fitted it.
For those that don't know, John had purchased a hydro after selling his beloved Rocketship (BSA Rocket lll) Recalled twice and botched badly so it blew. A group here on WG got a V11 motor organised and sent over, a truly amazing effort. Pete Roper paid his own way over from OZ, Kev and myself drove down to Invercargill and over the next week shoehorned it in. No, it definitely wasn't a straight swap.
When the Tattley Rappet Rally was held in Invercargill I rode down and went with John to get the necessary Warrant of Fitness to be road legal. Something went wrong and while I was following him the whole street disappeared in a dense cloud of white smoke and the CaliSport ground to a halt. We ended up doing the rally on the Breva; John was over 16stone and over 6 foot. I am a svelte 11 stone but the little Breva did us proud. :thumb:
John did not keep the best of health after two heart attacks, and as a result was on the bones of his arse financially. He did research which tended to show the problem could be in the mis-matched breather systems but he never got around to stripping it down to see what damage there was.
The guy Ricky Stewart that bought it is known to me, the IMOC rep down South and a Guzzi fanatic with a most immaculate green loop. He bought it home on Saturday and already has the heads off. So far all looks good. If the rods aren't bent I don't think there will be anything wrong with it.
Motor is from a V11, courtesy (I think) Eldojohn. KevM played a large part, Nick in PRC, also known as "Commie Nick" (deceased) packed it up and shipped it over. Many others donated parts for sale and donated the proceeds. It truly was a magnificent effort from an "eclectic :laugh:" group of guys joined by a love (or hate :evil:) of a marque that seems to bring out a passion that other marques fail to do. The saga will be in either the 2011 or 2012 archives.
Will try to keep all informed as I find out how Ricky is doing on it.
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:thumb:
That would a great tribute to John .
Dusty
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Motor is from a V11, courtesy (I think) Eldojohn. KevM played a large part, Nick in PRC, also known as "Commie Nick" (deceased) packed it up and shipped it over. Many others donated parts for sale and donated the proceeds. It truly was a magnificent effort from an "eclectic :laugh:" group of guys joined by a love (or hate :evil:) of a marque that seems to bring out a passion that other marques fail to do. The saga will be in either the 2011 or 2012 archives.
Right.. Eldo Jon. Nick was working for Mark at MG Classics at the time. I saw the engine as it was being boxed up at Mark's place. Yes. It was a labor of love and no small expense to get it over there.
I *love* Moto Guzzi people.. :thumb:
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I really hope he gets it going. That would be a nice finish to the tale.
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Right.. Eldo Jon. Nick was working for Mark at MG Classics at the time. I saw the engine as it was being boxed up at Mark's place. Yes. It was a labor of love and no small expense to get it over there.
I *love* Moto Guzzi people.. :thumb:
Me too Chuck, me too. :thumb:
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I really hope he gets it going. That would be a nice finish to the tale.
I'm sure he will Kev. He is an absolute Guzzi nut and his loop his absolutely beautiful.. It was my pick for the "best bike" award on the last Tattley Rappet rally.
I have asked him to give me updates so that I can pass them on.
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Even better!. Just had a phone call from Ricky and he will be joining WG and be able to give updates first hand.
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Even better!. Just had a phone call from Ricky and he will be joining WG and be able to give updates first hand.
:thumb: Keeps me from making the suggestion , good job mate .
Dusty
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Hi,All
My Names Ricky and i have John's bike.Thank you have letting me join the group.
As Muzz has said i already have it home and the heads and barrels off and everything looks really good in there.
So i'll put it all back together ( parts already on there way.) and start looking at the breather system and work my way through what i find from there.
I purchased the bike from John's sister who had been reluctant to sell but as she lives 1000kms away in Wellington and it was stored in Invercargill(In a shipping container)Not the best place for a motorcycle in southland in winter.The offers she had had before i contacted her planned to strip it.So i agreed to pay the same as highest offer and would try my best to get it back on the road.
I had the pleasure of meeting John at the Tattley rappet rally in Invercargill and hope i can finish his dream.
She joins a '71 Ambassador and a '89 Lemans 1000.Plus a couple of other italians.
Thanks again and i'll keep you all posted along the way and maybe sing out for advice if i get stuck
Ricky
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^^^Welcome Ricky , keep us apprised please .
Are you an OKC Thunder fan like Muzz ? :grin:
Dusty
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^^^Welcome Ricky , keep us apprised please .
Are you an OKC Thunder fan like Muzz ? :grin:
Dusty
Read the Steven Adams link there Ricky. :grin: :thumb:
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Hiya, Ricky! :smiley: I'm glad to see it is in good hands. There was a fair amount of collaborative effort to make it all happen, and it sounds like you are the guy to get it going. I'm facing the West and wishing John a good trip as we speak.
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Hi,All
My Names Ricky and i have John's bike.Thank you have letting me join the group.
As Muzz has said i already have it home and the heads and barrels off and everything looks really good in there.
So i'll put it all back together ( parts already on there way.) and start looking at the breather system and work my way through what i find from there.
I purchased the bike from John's sister who had been reluctant to sell but as she lives 1000kms away in Wellington and it was stored in Invercargill(In a shipping container)Not the best place for a motorcycle in southland in winter.The offers she had had before i contacted her planned to strip it.So i agreed to pay the same as highest offer and would try my best to get it back on the road.
I had the pleasure of meeting John at the Tattley rappet rally in Invercargill and hope i can finish his dream.
She joins a '71 Ambassador and a '89 Lemans 1000.Plus a couple of other italians.
Thanks again and i'll keep you all posted along the way and maybe sing out for advice if i get stuck
Ricky
:thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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Time for a bump. Information has been leaked...... :popcorn: :grin:
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Hi, All.
Thank you for the welcome,
Quick update. We had snow here on Thursday. So I spent the day in the frickn cold shed but it was worth it.
Firstly I cleaned up the top end ready for reassembly (Hopefully next :grin: weekend if the parts all arrive this week)
Then I pulled the breather system apart and found the big breather full of nice new oil. After trying to get the hose out with out getting it everywhere.Which was a fail. I pulled the breather tube out and the ball was corroded to the bottom of the tube.It took a good push to get it free. I've soaked it and cleaned it up and its still soaking in Inox but will try and source a new one this week otherwise it will do till a can get another from overseas. I wish I had known John was having these problems all those years ago. I would of rather been in there doing this for him instead of now. Makes me fell sad just thinking about it.I only live 35 kms from where he did.
Yesterday I set about replacing the wires from the little fire. I've only got one cable left and that's done. I've got new fuel and breather hose there to replace all them all as well as the plug leads.
So come start up day we will be all fresh and ready to ride.(Just a bit more polishing also).
Thanks Ricky.
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I saw on Guzzi Rider you were after a seat for a Cali/EV Ricky.
Has that one deteriorated in storage or is it for another bike?
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Yes its started to go along the bottom edge on both sides where it stretches around the corners and along the back below the guzzi emblem.I'll have it recovered if i cant find a nice one the same.I've finished the wiring,New plug leads and replaced the fuel lines this afternoon.She's getting close.
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Amazing! I thought about johnr and this bike for the first time in years, just about 10 days ago. Naturally, I was wondering what happened to both, and was planning to post, at some point, to ask. Then, this evening, I see this thread! Strange the way things happen sometimes!
Looking forward to hearing about this bike getting on the road, where it belongs.
RIP, John. It was a pleasure to know you, if only online.
Cheers,
Shaun
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Hi, All
Quick update
I reassembled the top end yesterday and after sorting a stuck valve in the fuel shut off and a quick googe to bypass the sidestand switch. She fired into life and smoked like a bugga till she burnt off all the oil in the mufflers. Then I took her up and down the road and she pulled like a train. So fingers x she's alive and well again. I'll finish cleaning her up put a new tire on the back and she will be ready to Revin back onto the road. Really for lots of kms.
I'll add photos when I work out how
Thanks Ricky
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Somewhere our old Mate John Rice is smiling .
Dusty
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And not the only one Dusty. :grin: :thumb:
Ricky did say it was on a par with his hot Mk V. Considering it still has the smaller Cali throttle bodies on it (I don't think John got around to changing them) I suspect that that ain't too bad!
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Hi ,All
Well today I got the Cali-sport revined and back on the road.
Now as soon as we get some decent weather i'll get out and put some kms on her.
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Invercargill is a bit damp in the Winter :grin:
We will need some pictures and a ride report please . Thanks
Dusty
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Hi,Dusty
Ive taken a few photos along the way so far.
I'll post some as soon as i load them onto my laptop and work out how to post them.
Thanks Ricky
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Ive changed my profile pic to one from yesterday.
:thumb:
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(https://i.ibb.co/Pzk3vpB/Cali-day-I-picked-it-up.png) (https://ibb.co/Pzk3vpB)
(https://i.ibb.co/ThyRzb1/Cali-After-test-ride-after-top-end.png) (https://ibb.co/ThyRzb1)
(https://i.ibb.co/rch5qn3/cali-sport-vtnz-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rch5qn3)
(https://i.ibb.co/BTB9Y5B/Cali-Top-end-stripped.png) (https://ibb.co/BTB9Y5B)
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(https://i.ibb.co/w0h6ssX/Bloody-stuck-valve.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w0h6ssX) (https://i.ibb.co/JdT84R6/Burnt-wiring-on-bench.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JdT84R6) (https://i.ibb.co/j9YZqXt/Cali-Headlight-before.png) (https://ibb.co/j9YZqXt) (https://i.ibb.co/RQSBP7M/Cali-Headlight-alt-Cover-After.png) (https://ibb.co/RQSBP7M) (https://i.ibb.co/PzHhJR8/Rear-wheel-new-bearings-clean.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PzHhJR8) (https://i.ibb.co/C6BjBvT/Wiring-fault-headstock.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C6BjBvT) (https://i.ibb.co/prBvrwm/Shiney-tappet-and-guard.png) (https://ibb.co/prBvrwm)
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:thumb:
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Nice work.. :thumb:
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Stories never end, they just evolve and carry on.
Thanks for carrying this one on!!
Lannis
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This is a great thread!
As one of the many that felt connected to Johnr when he was here I am very happy to see this happening, but at the same time I must admit it leaves me with a twinge of melancholy.
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Took the Cali-sport for a shake down run on tuesday.
(https://i.ibb.co/GMT50sh/Cali-first-ride-out-front.png) (https://ibb.co/GMT50sh)
(https://i.ibb.co/C1ttZKN/Cali-first-ride.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C1ttZKN)
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Took the Cali-sport for a shake down run on tuesday.
(https://i.ibb.co/GMT50sh/Cali-first-ride-out-front.png) (https://ibb.co/GMT50sh)
(https://i.ibb.co/C1ttZKN/Cali-first-ride.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C1ttZKN)
So... did anything shake out of it? :afro:
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So Ricky, which bike do you intend to ride on the Tattley Rappet (if it's on!).
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Lannis. The front right brake calipher needs another going over.Disc was getting a little warm.
and the high beam and dash light had stopped working.(a broken brown wire on the right side of the headstock).
Not sure at this stage Muzza.
I think i may have found some panniers.So that would make it easier to take the Cali but she still has come kms to do before i'm happy to take her.Bring on some better weather.Mate
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Lannis. The front right brake calipher needs another going over.Disc was getting a little warm.
and the high beam and dash light had stopped working.(a broken brown wire on the right side of the headstock).
That's not bad! You're getting close ....
Lannis
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(https://i.ibb.co/D7SVwCj/Cali-Calipher.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D7SVwCj)
Who else has had problems with the plastic?? Pistons in the brembo caliphers swelling and not sliding properly?
Apparently its a common thing with them.I couldnt work out what was going on with it.
Cheers Ricky
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(https://i.ibb.co/D7SVwCj/Cali-Calipher.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D7SVwCj)
Who else has had problems with the plastic?? Pistons in the brembo caliphers swelling and not sliding properly?
Apparently its a common thing with them.I couldnt work out what was going on with it.
Cheers Ricky
They are hard anodised alloy and its the seal that will give you trouble when they get old.
I did one off a 2000 Moto Guzzi a month or so back when I posted about pressure and dust seal kits from the UK.
If it is not dissembled yet it is a matter of juggling the pistons as far as pumping them out if air will not move them, I had one sticky one where I had to machine a plastic puck to go between tow good ones and another where i had to clamp the opposing piston, I could then pump (with a master cylinder) the sticky one out.
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In some cases I've had to use a grease gun to remove pistons. Last resort, but it's always worked.
I've found the square section orings to normally be good. For some reason grunge collects in the groove behind the oring and causes binding. And it's not where you can see it. Clean it all out with a dental pick. That's usually all it's taken for me - no rebuild kit or anything. If the dust seal is ripped and the piston badly rusted in the sealing area, then there's no choice, but a lot of times just a good cleaning got it working like new.
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(https://i.ibb.co/fnhYsCH/Cali-Ros-First-meeting.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fnhYsCH)
I had John's sister Ros come to meet me last week from Wellington (1000kms away).I brought the bike from her from the estate over the phone.
She was stoked to see what I've done so far and hear it running again.
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:thumb: :bow:
Dusty
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That's perfect! Thanks for sharing that picture!
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(https://i.ibb.co/sPRh7Z1/Cali-and-Ros-closer-up.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sPRh7Z1)
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You certainly have it looking nice Ricky. :thumb:
Any further word on the TB's or the old donk?
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Thanks Muzz. :bike-037:
I do have a new lead / info on the original engine. Ros said when they were cleaning out his storage lock up. The motor was sitting outside the locker while they were clearing the rest of the stuff. A guy that owned another locker there came over and asked what they were going to do with it. They didn't know what to do with it. He said he would like to make a coffee table out of it so they gave it to him.(but have no details etc) So its possibly still out here somewhere. But id like to think that if someone living close to me has a Guzzi table. I would know about it Because if anyone I know ever seen it. They would of definitely let me know. So the search goes on.
I got the Cali out for a couple a hundred km run yesterday.(first decent ride) The tubulance/ buffering off the screen is crazy. Anyone got any ideas how I can fix it? (My first bike with a big screen)
Thanks Ricky
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Ricky, some years ago now a guy on the site drilled some holes in the bottom of the screen, looked to be about 3/4 inch diameter. It worked. Another added another laminar lip to the top, which also made a difference.
Anyone remember who it was? Ratguzzi perhaps?
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Ricky, some years ago now a guy on the site drilled some holes in the bottom of the screen, looked to be about 3/4 inch diameter. It worked. Another added another laminar lip to the top, which also made a difference.
Anyone remember who it was? Ratguzzi perhaps?
Ratguzzi rings a bell. His name was John Botcher(I think).
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Yes , vent the shield to balance pressure .
Dusty
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Ratguzzi rings a bell. His name was John Botcher(I think).
John Boettcher
Wonder Lake, IL
He still posts. Near legendary member for many years.
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John Boettcher
Wonder Lake, IL
He still posts. Near legendary member for many years.
Apologies for spelling his name wrongly.
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Hi, All
Last weekend with over 600 kms on the clock I retouqued the heads ,balanced the throttle bodies and finally got around to flushing the linked brakes. My Partner and I took it for a run to the local farmers market afterwards and its running great. It started raining while we were there and as this is my first bike with a big screen it really showed its worth. It was sunny when we left home so only in summer gear.
Also as this new engine has no numbers stumped on it.( area was never stamped in the factory) I talked to Teo Lamers about it and it did sometimes happen. Even frames without numbers stamped on them. So can anyone please help me with the info of the bike it has came out of. Year , Model etc I measured the valves while I had it apart and I know its got the big valve heads.
Thanks Ricky
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Great work with posting the thread Muzz.
Great work with the bike Ricky.
A lot of the Wildguzzi folks have a part in this great Guzzi saga.
Cheers, voncrump.
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Hi, All
Last weekend with over 600 kms on the clock I retouqued the heads ,balanced the throttle bodies and finally got around to flushing the linked brakes. My Partner and I took it for a run to the local farmers market afterwards and its running great. It started raining while we were there and as this is my first bike with a big screen it really showed its worth. It was sunny when we left home so only in summer gear.
Also as this new engine has no numbers stumped on it.( area was never stamped in the factory) I talked to Teo Lamers about it and it did sometimes happen. Even frames without numbers stamped on them. So can anyone please help me with the info of the bike it has came out of. Year , Model etc I measured the valves while I had it apart and I know its got the big valve heads.
Thanks Ricky
It came from Jon Margrave's crashed LeMans. Mark at Moto Guzzi Classics and Commie Nick RIP boxed it up and sent it. It was a silver LeMans.. I think that is an 03?
From our favorite Austrian: :smiley:
I can't remember if the bike is running the V11 ECU or the Cali one. We swapped the sump to the EV type but other than that it's stock V11.
If he still has the Hydro motor and wants to do it up I have a 'Last Edition' hydro kit and I'd be happy to lend him the tools as well as long as they can be guaranteed to come back.
Give him my email if he wants to chat.
Thanks.
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(https://i.ibb.co/jr9V5c9/image0-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jr9V5c9)
Hi All
My Partner of 25 yrs and I got Married last Friday 10th and John's Cali was one of our wedding vehicles.
With a couple of the wildgoose members present. Muzz may have some better pictures.
Ps she runs like a dream and sounds great with the new staintune mufflers my wife got me for my birthday last year.
Cheers Ricky
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Awesome.. :thumb:
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Awesome.. :thumb:
+1 Brazilian!!!
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This saga is making me misty. - - reminding me of our rebuild, several years gone by, of rehabbing an R65 Lario for Melissa Pierson. That bike, subsequently., found it's way to The Guzzi Doctor, (N. Chicago), for a professional 'do over'. Good fortune, R3~
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Cool story! :cool:
I hope the bike lives on....
-Stretch
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The photo I messaged you about is exactly like that one Ricky. Will complete the downloads and see what else is there.
It was a fabulous week at Ricky's wedding guys. The Burt Munro was happening, Ricky's house was invaded by 17 (or was it 19) guests, all Guzziholics except for two Harley owners. There may have been a bit of good natured ribbng going on. Four caravans, campervans, tent, house, it was all on. Packed to the rafters. Big John there in spirit.
I can't say that the CaliSport held pride of place, as Ricky's looper is to die for, but it certainly looked fantastic. The decorations were even put on by a Harley owner, which made it even better!
Big John there in spirit. :thumb: :grin:
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He sure was Mate.(Muzz)
Even down to us taking the recifier off the cali to help get a fellow Guzziholic home 600kms when his shit it self on his V11 sport. before leaving. :thumb:
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+1 Brazilian!!!
OK if I add a DITTO!!!!!
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(https://i.ibb.co/mD1Vz83/20230210-113508.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mD1Vz83)
Dean putting the finishing touches on the Cali. Fitting that a Harley owner is lavishing such care on a beautiful bike! :laugh:
Edit: The Colossus of Roads (the red Breva) is mine, the V11 Sport is the one that decided to lunch it's regulator. Fortunately, the Cali one is a direct swap and they were able to make it back to Christchurch with no worries.
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While I am in my photos I think it is worth having a shot of Ricky's Ambo. You can see why John's bike went to a good home.
(https://i.ibb.co/1K7Brtg/20230210-120919-001.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1K7Brtg)
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^ Now that's CLEAN!!
As it should be, for such an occation 😄
A real beauty, too.
Hopefully not outshining the bride......
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(https://i.ibb.co/g7hBFmC/20230210-114208.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g7hBFmC)
The brides own vehicle. :thumb: 351 GT. She can huss it along sometimes.... :grin:
They just may be described as petrol heads. Ricky's bikes tend to look like that all the time. Puts me to shame.