nearby 2002 V11 Le Mans...Q and A time please

[KJ Knowles]

I've gone 200 miles on a tank a couple of times, but was a  bit nervous by that time.  My fill amounts pretty much mirror yours, Rocker.  Fuel light typically comes on between 145-160.  I'm ready for a break by that time.  (Not an Iron Butt candidate.)

KJK

[MGrego]

I went and laid eyes on this bike 2 years ago when the owner had it listed on E-bay.  Other than the cosmetic defects the owner has described, (the corners of the fairing are chewed up, flaking paint) I found it to be a very solid bike. All the modifications add quite a bit of value. I didn't test ride it, but he started it right up.  I was going to make a bid on it when the owner abruptly ended the auction early,  which is of course his right.......

[lucydad]

All,

May I ask this question about the V11 bike geometry please?  Background is my cafe-sporty V7R geometry gives me back pains after a hundred miles or so.  I really identified this issue after buying the more upright STRX 675 Triumph.  I can ride the Triumph with much more comfort.

Anyway, my biggest concern on pulling the trigger on Johnson's very fine machine: will the V11 sporty geometry give me the same issues as my V7R?  What say you V11 owners? 

Johnson adjusted the pegs to be more forward.  That may help.

On the fence here on the bike. Doing my due diligence like a typical engineer.  Pros and cons. Vulcan time.  I prefer not to make a mistake. 

thanks in advance!

[rocker59]

LD,

With the higher bars and forward peg mods that have been done to this V11 LM, I would think seating position closer to the Triumph than to the V7R.

I ran my V11 LM with stock clipons and stock pegs for over 40,000 miles with no back pain.  Many 500 to 1000 mile days.  I know I'm the exception, but just pointing out how personal seating geometry on motorcycles can be.

I did always want to try slightly higher bars.  This one looks like it would be really comfortable.

These bikes are pretty fast and handle well.  Lots of fun.  Plus, you can add Hepco & Becker racks and tour on the thing.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Again, only you can tell. It also has bar risers. If your back is hurting, you need to get to the gym and build up your core and thigh strength. <shrug>

Doing my due diligence like a typical engineer.

There comes a time in every project when you have to shoot the engineer and commence production. 

[lucydad]

Rocker, Chuck:

Very helpful!  Significant data point now logged and put into stochastic simulation.  Processing...proces sing...AI pondering.

Chuck, you sound like Dr. McCoy.  Made me laugh out loud.  Yes, this afternoon's plan is to gym with focus on core.  Been working that strength, but probably not enough.  Retirement has resulted in ten pounds weight loss, and much better physical conditioning.  Bicycle riding helps. 

Thanks again for all the guidance.  I knew little about V11s until this opportunity rose like a trout to appear in the clear water.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've mentioned this before, but when I was a young lad in my early 60s, I was upset because I just couldn't ride sport bikes any more. Bought a cruiser. Boy, was *that* a mistake. 
At any rate, Dorcia decided to try to kill me and hired a personal trainer. I thought I was in pretty good shape for an old fart, I was still exercising regularly, riding bicycles, etc.
He thought otherwise, and told me my core strength sucked. After he built up my core strength, I had no problems on sport bikes again. There's a reason for those thigh indents in the fuel tank.  If you are putting any significant weight on the bars, you are doing something wrong. <shrug>
Even after having some pretty serious surgery and cut abdominal muscles, I can still ride sport bikes, but I'm having to build up to it a day at a time.

[KJ Knowles]

I knew little about V11s until this opportunity rose like a trout to appear in the clear water.

Excellent site for specific info on the V11 Sport and Le Mans series Guzzis:

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/

If some of the info in there doesn't scare you away, nothing will.     (It's actually an invaluable source of information for owners of the breed.)

KJK

[Chuck in Indiana]

Excellent site for specific info on the V11 Sport and Le Mans series Guzzis:

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/

If some of the info in there doesn't scare you away, nothing will.     (It's actually an invaluable source of information for owners of the breed.)

KJK

  Absolutely. If something has *ever* gone wrong with a V11S, it'll be on there.
Along with how to fix it. 

[Thunderbutt]

LD- Don't know if you realize but there has not been a single negative comment posted about that bike.  I bought an '02 identical to the one your looking at just over a year ago with 3,300 actual miles on it.  I have two other bikes and the LM is my go to everyday ride. Mine came with the handlebar risers which is very comfortable for my 5'9" frame, 32" reach and can easily do 350-400 mile rides in one day.  I have added the H/B rack and hard bags in anticipation of an extended ride possibly to Nova Scotia this summer.  Here in Florida the posted speed limit is 70 which everyone must think is just a suggestion as most people are doing in excess of 80.  The LM has no trouble at that speed and will easily return 40+ MPG. 
Don't hesitate, BUY THE BIKE!!!  With all the accessories added that will make a wonderful all around use bike, put the racks and bags on for touring, or remove them for the Sunday "sport dash" thru the back roads.  It will put a big grin on your face every time you ride it.
An added benefit with this particular bike is you are dealing with another Forum member who has obviously maintained and cared for this bike as others have commented.  Good luck and enjoy. 

[oldbike54]

 One question .

 WTH is an "actual mile"? 

 Dusty

[Thunderbutt]

True mileage, still had original tach/speedo and tires.  Odometer had not been messed with to show mileage lower than what was actually on the bike.

[twhitaker]

'02 was the year for engine paint failure and motors would look like they have warts or leprosy. Hopefully, the problem is as minor as it is on my LeMans.

[LeRoy]

There comes a time in every project when you have to shoot the engineer and commence production. 

Many's been the time I've said that. My last piece of advice is to pull the trigger (but not while pointing at the engineer). Even if you don't find it to your liking you'll probably be able to move it along to another owner for little or no loss.

Your biggest risk is not that you'll buy a bike you end up not liking. It's that you'll dilly-dally and miss out on what appears to be a fine example of the breed.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Yeah, Bob.. I think he's waiting for somebody else to punch the buy it now button.  If I was in the market that would already have been done. 

[LeRoy]

Here's an interesting metric. This thread has been read 489 times. There are 49 people watching the auction. I wonder how many of the auction watchers are WildGuzzi members sitting back, popping a kettle of corn and waiting to see who blinks first.


 

[twowings]

That fine Guzzi will go to bed hungry tonight if someone doesn't help!   

[davedel44]

Two words.

Fly and ride.

Dave
Galveston

[Chuck in Indiana]

Here's an interesting metric. This thread has been read 489 times. There are 49 people watching the auction. I wonder how many of the auction watchers are WildGuzzi members sitting back, popping a kettle of corn and waiting to see who blinks first.


 

Buncha cheap barstids, that's for sure.  There were a couple of guys diddling around making minimum bids on the Monza when the Kid hit the buy it now button for me. I'm really glad he did.
As soon as somebody does that, there'll be 48 corncob pipe stems splintering..   

[davedel44]

Make that 49 watchers.


Dave
Galveston

[radlefty]

I've only had my Rosso Corsa for a month and have put  less then a 1,000 miles on it. But all I can tell you is that in over 30 yrs of riding, I've never ridden a bike that is as responsive and rewarding to ride at either a relaxed or spirited pace. 

Just a fantastic motor and riding experience. Plenty of useable power, but not stupid power like my previous K1300s which really wasn't very interesting unless ridden at arrest me speeds.   Seems like a pretty low risk decision , as others have already mentioned, if for some reason you don't mesh with the bike you should be able to sell it with minimal or no loss. 

[lucydad]

All,

Wow, what a peanut gallery!  LMFAO....

Mike at MPH said "do it".  There is one remaining switch:  HQ. 

A key to staying married nearly 30 years is to communicate, avoid as many surprises as possible and such.

Wish me luck.  She can be a tough negotiator.

[PJPR01]

Two words.

Fly and ride.

I think that's 3 words! 

Missed you at Cedar Vale Dave!  Hope you're doing Ok!

LD...you know I went down a couple weeks ago to Corpus and bought the blue Cali EV that showed up here one day, same situation...beautif ul bike, great comments and history here on how to fix anything that goes wrong, low mileage etc. etc.  Pull the trigger!!  I'll even offer you my trailer if you want to drive up and get it.  Don't let it slip out of your fingers...or someone else might Paypal the amount this afternoon...hint hint!!   

You could always buy it as a "present" to Mrs. LD...honey...I bought you something nice you can enjoy out in the garage!  :)

[oldbike54]

 Hmm , reading lots of "do it" , but no one else is actually "doing it"  Really good deals usually don't last long .

 Dusty

[lucydad]

All,

To the point:  Spock won over Bones.  Logic over emotion.

Fact:  I am a poor motorcycle mechanic.  My bifocals struggle to focus on small parts  Had big struggle that I gave up on just this morning trying to install a Dart windscreen on my Triumph-- original flyscreen replace not as easy as described in instructions..

Fact: simple is good, and a prime retirement goal is less stuff, and more experiences.

Fact:  we are still busy as hell assembling this new house, with lots of unpacking, etc yet to achieve

Fact:  I have two wonderful bikes, and if I get a light touring bike, ABS is a key goal.

Fact:  HQ reminded me of all the above, and she is much smarter than I am.

Thanks for all the help.  I truly appreciate the comments.  Johnson as owner has been fantastic:  incredible communication and transparency. All the discussion should reveal a BUYER for this fine V11, at full price. 

[twowings]

"Dammit, Jim!!!" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MULMbqQ9LJ8

[davedel44]

I think that's 3 words! 

Missed you at Cedar Vale Dave!  Hope you're

Yea,

3 words it's the pain meds.

You guys sound like you had a good time at CV. 

Root canal scheduled after a round of antibiotics.

Wish I knew you were looking at Cali I sold mine to my buddy Charlie a couple of weeks ago.  Still in the neighborhood. 

Take care.

Dave

[PJPR01]

Good to hear Dave - hope the healing goes well.

The Cali thing just happened...wasn't anything planned!  But turned out to be a good thing and too good a deal to pass up! 

Let's see if we can get some of the GRIT riders together again for a lunch sometime before it starts to cook around here!

Cheers!

[Scud]

All,

To the point:  Spock won over Bones.  Logic over emotion.

Fact:  I am a poor motorcycle mechanic.  My bifocals struggle to focus on small parts  Had big struggle that I gave up on just this morning trying to install a Dart windscreen on my Triumph-- original flyscreen replace not as easy as described in instructions..

Fact: simple is good, and a prime retirement goal is less stuff, and more experiences.

Fact:  we are still busy as hell assembling this new house, with lots of unpacking, etc yet to achieve

Fact:  I have two wonderful bikes, and if I get a light touring bike, ABS is a key goal.

Fact:  HQ reminded me of all the above, and she is much smarter than I am.

Worst post ever!!!!!!   

You are such a tease.   

We were looking forward to welcoming you over at V11LeMans.com

Try again soon.

[lucydad]

One of you V11 fans has to bid on Johnson's fantastic deal!!  Come on, let's see some action.