If you had $6000

[canuguzzi]

If you had $6000 to just spend just 'cause and wanted to lighten up a Stelvio, Griso or Norge, what would you do?

The money has to be spent, no putting it into another MG or anything else, its tied to making one of those bikes lighter. No engine performance mods, no diets for yourself, plain and simple, it goes into the bike.

What would you do and how much weight would you save? A simple academic endeavor, no strings that it isn't worth it, you have the 6K and you either use it to lighten up the bike or you don't get the money.

Bikes have to remain true to their calling, removing the fairing on the Norge for example no go, replacing it with similar function but lighter is OK. Stuff line that.

[Guzzistajohn]

Call me crazy, I'd just get a 2nd lighterbike <shrug>

[oldbike54]

Call me crazy, I'd just get a 2nd lighterbike <shrug>

 Lighter exhaust , maybe a lighter fairing .OR , you could just send me the $6K , I will drill it full of holes , nothing lighter than a hole 

 Dusty

[Guzzistajohn]

 Lighter exhaust , maybe a lighter fairing .OR , you could just send me the $6K , I will drill it full of holes , nothing lighter than a hole 

 Dusty

Maybe just cut down on the possum innards and gravy

[canuguzzi]

Call me crazy, I'd just get a 2nd lighterbike <shrug>

"The money has to be spent, no putting it into another MG or anything else, its tied to making one of those bikes lighter. No engine performance mods, no diets for yourself, plain and simple, it goes into the bike."

[v65tt]

I'd buy another v7 stone engine n box for my spare TT and send an aeroplane ticket to the md of Moto guzzi and show him how to build a proper v7 scrambler

[Perazzimx14]

I'd transplant a carbed 2 valve 1100 motor into the bike. 2 less valves has to have a least a few ounces of weight savings. I also scrap the ABS + all the wiring and components related to FI and ABS. If there was money left over a lighter weight exhaust. 

[flip]

Shorai battery
Exhaust with carbon fiber muffler
Carbon fiber wheels

[Cam3512]

I'd use the money to fly out to your house, physically remove you from atop your Norge, then I'd take it for a nice long ride (I weigh less).  When there's nothing but fumes left in the tank I'd return it, drain all the fluids out of the bike and let the air out of the tires, then fly home (first class of course).

Where's the "drop the microphone" emogie?

[blackcat]

Remove the bags, add a lighter exhaust as mentioned and bank the rest of the money.

[charlie b]

Why?  They are what they are.

You list three different bikes with widely different 'looks'.  If I wanted to lighten one I'd get the Griso and strip it down like a cafe/bobber.  The other two?  Maybe a lighter exhaust.  Dropping the luggage would help, but, if I didn't want the luggage I wouldn't own either of them.

[Kev m]

I'd use the money to fly out to your house, physically remove you from atop your Norge, then I'd take it for a nice long ride (I weigh less).  When there's nothing but fumes left in the tank I'd return it, drain all the fluids out of the bike and let the air out of the tires, then fly home (first class of course).

Where's the "drop the microphone" emogie?

 

[Travlr]

I'd make a Stelvio GT along the lines of a Multistrada:  17" light alloy (or carbon) wheels, Ohlins suspension, aftermarket exhaust, solo seat and a Tenni paint scheme.

M 

[rocker59]

Wheels and Brakes.

Lighter wheels and lighter brake rotors can make a huge difference in suspension performance, handling, and feel.

Reducing both unsprung weight and rotational inertia are the next best things to increasing power and changing gearing.

[oldbike54]

Wheels and Brakes.

Lighter wheels and lighter brake rotors can make a huge difference in suspension performance, handling, and feel.

Reducing both unsprung weight and rotational inertia are the next best things to increasing power and changing gearing.

 Also , put helium in the tires  Hmm , does 5W oil weigh less than 60W ?

  Dusty

[Kev m]

Wheels and Brakes.

Lighter wheels and lighter brake rotors can make a huge difference in suspension performance, handling, and feel.

Reducing both unsprung weight and rotational inertia are the next best things to increasing power and changing gearing.

Maybe I'm just used to 40# Harley boat anchors for cast wheels, but man I remember the Marchesini wheels (with rotors) on the B11 seemed feather light already. Would you really save anything significant?

[Dean Rose]

Take the $6000, the Norge and your checkbook to the Ducati shop and trade for a Multistrada 1200 Enduro.


Dean

[Triple Jim]

Call me crazy, I'd just get a 2nd lighterbike <shrug>

I realize this isn't a permitted answer, but I sure agree, John.  In fact I'd probably be able to buy two lighter bikes, judging by past purchases.   

[jknight611]

I would turn it into gas for my Stelvio, the bike gets lighter as it consumes it. 

[rocker59]

Maybe I'm just used to 40# Harley boat anchors for cast wheels, but man I remember the Marchesini wheels (with rotors) on the B11 seemed feather light already. Would you really save anything significant?

Yeah, going with forged Marchessinis would save and extra few pounds per wheel over the cast variety.  And going to front rotors with lightweight aluminum carriers can save a little, too.

It may only add up to an overall savings of 10 or 12 pounds on a static scale, but the weight savings is where it matters, in parts that move.

I don't know what the cast wheels on the Breva/Norge weigh, but I would imagine they're on the heavy side for what they are.

The Ducatis I've ridden with light wheels were quite a revelation.

[Kev m]

Yeah, going with forged Marchessinis would save and extra few pounds per wheel over the cast variety.  And going to front rotors with lightweight aluminum carriers can save a little, too.

It may only add up to an overall savings of 10 or 12 pounds on a static scale, but the weight savings is where it matters, in parts that move.

I don't know what the cast wheels on the Breva/Norge weigh, but I would imagine they're on the heavy side for what they are.

The Ducatis I've ridden with light wheels were quite a revelation.

I forget if I thought to weigh the B11 wheels (complete with rotors and tires) but I'm not exaggerating If I said compared to the Harley wheels they only felt like they were 10 or 12 pounds in the first place.

I remember because I was replacing the front tire on the B11 and the rear tire on the XL1200 the same day and had them off side-by-side.

The Ducati Monster front wheel (Brembo I think) that I banged up was pretty light too, but didn't seem any lighter. I have that on a shelf if weighing it would be of any interest. Anyone have a stripped CARC wheel to weigh and compare?

[Groover]

Maybe have the plastic parts reproduced in carbon fiber, then have the metal parts (tank, etc) reproduced in aluminum. If it's a nice custom shop, then that 6k would be gone at that point. 

[Kev m]

Maybe have the plastic parts reproduced in carbon fiber, then have the metal parts (tank, etc) reproduced in aluminum. If it's a nice custom shop, then that 6k would be gone at that point. 

Ha ha, I can't imagine the plastic is going to save you more than a few pounds that way. A that point you might as well just unbolt it and throw it away.

But what's steel on these bikes and not aluminum already (that could be replaced with aluminum)?

[Rough Edge racing]

 What is the weight of other newer 100 HP sport bikes? About 450-500 pounds ? What does a Griso actually weigh?

[Kev m]

What is the weight of other newer 100 HP sport bikes? About 450-500 pounds ? What does a Griso actually weigh?

06 Griso 1100 - 74 rwhp / 543 # wet
09 Griso 1200 8V - 95 rwhp / 548# wet
16 Griso 1200 8V - 98 rwhp / 553# wet

It's another world: up to 50% more power and 20-30% less weight - some examples including from Piaggio:

10 Aprilia RSV4 - 153 rwhp / 459# wet
14 Aprilia Tuono - 148 rwhp / 476# wet

14 BMW S1000R - 153 rwhp / 463# wet
14 BMW R9T - 99.64 rwhp / 486# wet

14 Ducati Monster 1200S - 136 rwhp / 470# wet

08 Honda CBR1000RR - 151 rwhp / 440# wet
11 Honda CB1000R - 109 rwhp / 480# wet

13 Kawasaki ZX-6R - 114 rwhp / 421# wet
14 Kawasaki Z1000 ABS - 123 rwhp / 476# wet

[Rough Edge racing]

 Hmmm, dropping 100 pounds off a Griso would require extensive work , likely a new or different frame  and absolute minimum of equipment...A  very skilled hobbyist could probably do it...

[jcctx]

Buy your lady something reeeaaallly nice; the returns beat a (marginally) lighter, better handling motorcycle by a HUUUge degree!!!!!!!

[Triple Jim]

What is the weight of other newer 100 HP sport bikes? About 450-500 pounds ?

2014 Yamaha FZ09: 115 hp,  wet weight 414 lbs.,   price (new) $7990

You could probably buy a 2014 FZ09 for the $6,000 in the original post.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Jim, the FZ09 is very nice for that money. I believe it's like a friend's 1050 Speed Triple  I've ridden, much more intense than a Guzzi ?

[canuguzzi]

Buy your lady something reeeaaallly nice; the returns beat a (marginally) lighter, better handling motorcycle by a HUUUge degree!!!!!!!

That assumes you can't have both. Motorcycles and related things are additions, not replacements or surrogates. Buying people things to get benefits from them just puts a price tag on it and there will always be someone with more money than you.