New V11 Lemans - Fly and Ride

[alanp]

Well, the fly and ride is over and was a grand success! I flew to Mineapolis Friday morning and our own Fotoguzzi picked me up and drove me to the sellers house 2 hours away. Thanks! The bike came with 4500 miles and as advertised, looks brand new. My goal was to get back to Colorado by Sunday, so I headed out about 3:30 on a warm but mostly clear afternoon. Took MN 23 SW and maintained about 60 mph as I got used to the bike. Crossed over into SD near Souix Falls, then west on I90 all the way to the Missouri River, 300 miles for the afternoon at a steady 90 mph indicated. First gas stop:


Next morning I headed south to get off the slab, and took mostly US18 across souther SD to Hot Springs, where I had lunch. Covered another 300 that morning and wicked her up to 120 for awhile which seemed to be no problem. In the afternoon, although I had planned to spend a little riding time in the Black Hills I just decided to go for it and headed home, another 300+ miles. A brief leg stretch near Edgemont SD:


Sturgis was this week, and there was tons of traffic heading my way (had seen the same heading the opposite way earlier). Harley's, Harley's on trailers, Harley's pulling trailers, campers with Harley's in tow, etc. Actually made for a fun ride, because I got to pass all of them! Kept me from focussing too much on my cramped and aching knees. Anyway, I made it home safely, 900 miles overall in 1-1/2 days on what is probably the most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden, but obviously not all THAT bad. I don't think I will be planning any more 600 mile days though.
I found no major issues with the bike.  Brakes are good, Shifts are smooth with the occasional false neutral to prove its a Guzzi, gauges work fine.  Running hard, the bike iis a dream and handles great even though it isn't Ohlins. But I did notice that while cruising through towns at say 35 mph in 3rd gear (below 4000 rpm) it surges pretty badly. Also, the right exhaust is blacker than the left. So wondering: throttle body balancing, fuel mapping, something else, all of the above???
Wondering if this is typical of these and if so what the typical prescription would be. 

[rocker59]

 

[dxhall]

If you want to try some ergo adjustments, you should come down to my shop in Wheat Ridge.  I can show you what I've tried and scrapped and what has worked for me.  The current setup is Apex clipons mounted in reverse.   

[nunzio]

Great looking Guzzi!! 



Way to go Fotoguzzi .....Class act!!!

[Chuck in Indiana]

That's the thing about V11s.. they are just comfortable enough to get you to where the fun is.  Once there, they are pretty darn capable..
I'd do a full tuneup before deciding anything needs fixed. Dunno about the false neutrals.. I can't remember ever having one on the new 6 speed.
Congrats! You'll love it.

[fotoguzzi]

Once I heard those mufflers I was pretty sad I didn't buy it myself! glad your home safe.

I'm sending you some Buell 1" lower pegs to try..

[lemans andy]

Congrats,
  I have 115,000 on mine and I think its just broken in. Had mine out along your route a few years back. Some of the best riding I've ever done. Its not a race bike, but I enjoyed every road I was on. And I also spent hours at 90 to 100 through Montana and N Dakota on my way back to the south.
Enjoy
 

andy

[alanp]

Thanks everyone.  It is a great bike.  I am working on the tune up and adjusted the valves last night.    Going to try Fotoguzzis Buell footpegs as a first step in the ergonisation.