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Message started by MMRanch on 08/11/20 at 08:24:14

Title: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/11/20 at 08:24:14

I'm a little disillusioned with the Moto Guzzi's clutch-Transmission set up.

I got rid of the V-9 Roamer (Beautiful bike) because the Transmission was so "Clunky". Either one of my tractors shift's smother any day of the week. The rest of the bike was a NICE WORK OF ART .
If the Japanese can build such nice transmissions then why can't the Italians' ? :( :( :(

The V-7II is a lot better shifting but the clutch is way hard to pull compared to any Japanese bike. The V7III has a softer/smother clutch but the same CLUNKY TRANSMISSION as the V-9. They just can't seem to get the WHOLE PACKAGE right ! The only harder clutch I've felt was on an old Sportster (1990's). I'm going back the the Japanese for their clutch/transmissions skills.

Well I'm going to West Liberty, Kentucky, to pick-up a third bike to try out for a while. I just bought a W650 with 12,000 miles on it. My Guzzi has over 16,000 on it now. I was looking at the new W800 that is really only 97cc more than the W650 and the new one has less HP listed in the write-ups. The biggest difference is the fuel-injection.
In reading the reviews on the W650 most owners are getting 60-70 mpg out of the carburetor models , the reviewers only get 46-48 mpg. ???
I've read the HP is 48 in some places and 50 in other places.

When I was in my teens I wanted a 650 Triumph , well , the W650 is as close to it as I'll ever find in a newer machine . Some time this week I'll have more information ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/11/20 at 08:41:38

Congratulations,, no cam chain, shimmed valves, gas, oil, ride,,,

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/11/20 at 08:53:02

JOG

I see you've looked at them too ! 8 valves could be a nightmare but the shims take care of all that stuff ! :)

I'm a little concerned about the twin carbs instead of just one ... but if they ever aggravate me I'll be looking for a single carb. manifold .

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/11/20 at 09:25:36

I Have one, but the idiot loan officer at the bank screwed up my title..so, I can't register it.. looking to see if I can stuff the donk in a savage frame.
Watch the accelerator pump in the one carburetor. Alcohol seems to eat them,,

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/11/20 at 09:32:02

I Have one, but the idiot loan officer at the bank screwed up my title.

????? ::)?????

Can you sell it to somebody , then buy it back after the paperwork clears ?

I met Lancer because I had a Savage with a messed up title.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/11/20 at 10:08:02

IDK what options exist, don't wanna type a bunch of stuff to ponder,
I rode it maybe twenty minutes and it's just enough bigger than the Suzuki to make me want back on my savage..
But that MOTOR! What a great machine,,
If it'll go in a savage frame,, Ohhh, yeah..

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by springman on 08/11/20 at 10:53:23

Good going MM. Congratulations.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/11/20 at 10:58:22

Springman , I've been expecting you to get an interstate/We Bike. Do you have any your looking at ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by springman on 08/11/20 at 18:55:29

I like the Honda Shadow Spirit 1100. There was a nice one in San Antonio last week but it went quickly. This weekend another one was listed in Dallas but I got no response from the seller. I like this bike because it is just under 600 lbs, has hydraulic valve lifters, tubeless tires and shaft drive. It is supposed to be very comfortable and very reliable.

I like the Triumph Speedmaster but they are chain drive. But if I could find one for a decent price I think I could put up with the chain drive.

I like the Vstar 950 but it is quite heavy and has very limited lean angle.

The other 2 bikes I sort of like but really do not enough about at the Suzuki S83 and the S50/Intruder.

I'm keeping my eyes open and hopefully something nice will show up here in Houston where I can hopefully jump on it.

Oh yeah, I forgot. If I run across a Honda CTX700 with full fairing and bags at a good price, I might be willing to put up with the chain drive.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by ohiomoto on 08/12/20 at 05:11:31

The W650 is one of the few "newer" bikes I want. Actually, I think it's the ONLY newer bike I would actually want. It's a better looking version of the modern Triumph than the modern Triumphs. They ruined it with the W800.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by Dave on 08/12/20 at 14:34:33

MM:

I like the W650 and it would be a bike that I would certainly welcome into my garage.

I am a bit surprised that you are willing to buy a bike that is chain drive and has "toobs" in the tires - but unless you decide to take it on a very long trip I doubt either of those will give you much problem! Thankfully I have only ever gotten one screw in my tire.....and I was close enough to home to get back before the air ran too low.

The rear fender is prone to cracking......if your is not cracked yet it would be a good idea to JB weld a piece of metal where they are prone to cracking.
https://advrider.com/f/threads/new-to-me-2000-kawasaki-w650.514600/page-33

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/12/20 at 19:13:40

For the price I paid for it , I know the first place for it to go will be the shop for a going over. Its got 12,000 miles on it.

The seller said the carbs will need cleaning. I'll feel better if it has new oil and fresh gas at the least. Plus checking all the nuts and bolts , etc.

I'm going to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. :)

Now , check the fender thing too .

Jog had the idea to put the motor on a Savage ... That would be FUN ! A 50 HP Savage ??? ;) I'll measure it ? :-?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/12/20 at 20:09:10

I would appreciate that

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/12/20 at 20:30:27

Yea Dave I still prefer tubeless tire and belt drive. The W650 were only imported into the US and Canada for two years. But were made for over 10 years , and a short stroke version (399cc) for a few more and now the 800 is the same stroke as the 650 but w/bigger bore is being made again. I saw a lot of them 650 versions for sale now with asking prices that are more than they were new.
I'm not concerned about getting my $$ back out of it.

I've already wondered if the mag wheels off the Savage will fit it. ??? The factory wheels are 100/90-19 and 130/80-18. But with chain drive ... anything is possible !
OR
I had a thought of using the Dunlap K70 tires on it and doing a 1960's Triumph replica bike too. ???

I'll know more when I get it in the shop and go over it good.

I wonder if the Suzuki mag wheels in the style I got come in 18" ??? I've already got an extra 19" for the front. The W650 has a drum brake on the rear ... You know that means I can put anything on it that I want ! Its just axle size ... and that can change if need be. 8-)

We'll see ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/14/20 at 11:07:26

13 hours and 600 miles later -

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/14/20 at 12:10:38

Even with feeling a little overmatched by the W, if I hit the lottery, that is the bike I'd buy.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/14/20 at 21:58:00

Even with feeling a little overmatched by the W,

.......................

It looks like to me the W800 is the same bike with a Disk on the rear. I suspect the 400cc version is the same bike too. I think re-tooling a factory might be expensive , so they want the most return on the tooling they can get ??? ::)

.......................

What's with the Savage front forks ... are yours bent ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by Dave on 08/15/20 at 03:54:23

Nice looking bike MM. Can't wait to go riding with you and see how you like it. Do you have any thoughts that you might be bringing it to Arkansas if you get it running well? Good tires are going to be required on that trip as the roads are pretty rough.....I just got a new tire for the back of my bike as I am just about to the wear bars on that tire that Wheeler installed for me last year when we were riding in TN/NC.

4A584A58554649444F070 wrote:

Jog had the idea to put the motor on a Savage ... That would be FUN ! A 50 HP Savage ??? ;) I'll measure it ? :-?

I am not sure why you fellows want to put more HP in a Savage frame.....they really don' handle all that well and wallow around fast turns, the suspension is a bit "sucky", the back tire is too wide and only available in a few Cruiser tire sizes (front tire is readily available in lots of modern tire designs), the speedometer and indicator lights are between your knees, the fuel tank is smallish, and the stock brakes are woefully inadequate. The Savage can embarrass other riders when ridden well on tight mountain roads where the flexy chassis and marginal brakes don't slow MM or Oldfeller down.

I have a feeling that a well set up W650 with a good rider could outgun a good Savage and rider,

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/15/20 at 15:29:46

5C4E5C4E43505F5259110 wrote:

Not just bent..
Snapped off,, woman turned left across me while I was running 45..

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/15/20 at 15:33:40

0B303D2A3B372C2A3139342B580 wrote:

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/15/20 at 19:03:42

Yea Dave the "W" has a luggage rack but no luggage. It looks clean and light !

It has a factory "Center Stand" too. Just like a 1960's bike made 60 years later.

Kinda refreshing !
.............................................

I cut hay today and can look at the "W" tomorrow or Monday.

So , I'll drain the fuel tank and crank-case ,
I'll look for an oil filter and battery this week also.
.................................

I'm really itching to take it for a spin around the block ! It weighs about the same as the V-9 did and the power level is the same too , but it looks more relaxed . After thinking about it ... they both have 4 gal. tanks too.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by springman on 08/21/20 at 10:29:59

MM, how is it going with the new bike? Really curious to hear your comments on it.

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/21/20 at 13:08:12

Hi guys

I brought the "W" to the house today.

I had a heck of a time getting the spinner bearings to stay in one side of the Drum Hay cutter. The little "C-Ring" keeper wouldn't stay on after the first set of bearings quit spinning and buggered-up the end of the shaft . Well on the fourth round I put a few spots of weld on the shaft so the close fitting washer can't slip off any more. So , I finally got to spend some time with the "W".

So , I drained the tank and carbs , changed the oil , the chain was way to tight , the horn didn't work , the battery was really old and dead , and the rear turn signals were on the wrong wires.

It had a "Salvageable" title from Ky. Its now has a clear title again. there is still a few little spots that give it away , but ya have to look for them.

I put a gallon of fuel in it and started it , remember its been sitting for a few years. Before it can be expected to behave proper its going to need some SEA FOAM and a few tanks of fuel run through it.

But , its time to order some tires for it ... they are REALLY OLD TOO ! ::)

I'm thinking " The original tire on the 1960-70's were like the K-70 tires of today ". ??? :-?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/21/20 at 16:27:03

JOG slowly walks around
Studying
Hunting that
NOT sexy part...

Not there,,

I hope I can swap the front end onto the Savage,, Probably not, waaaay outside odds,,
But how cool would it be to do that, get the tank on, and somehow stuff the motor in and keep the belt,, Yeahh Santa is real too, right?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/21/20 at 20:59:56

JOG

I ran up and down the driveway (1/8 mile) a few times today and it seems like some of the dried ??? in the carbs broke loose.

It looks like I'm going to need to pull the carbs off for a cleaning ...
You ever done that job ?
Any short cuts ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/21/20 at 21:20:59

I did.. It was exactly no fun, The port side carb has the accelerator pump,I think. and Id bet its ate up.. Its a cloth/rubber thing about the size of a quarter. I could see thru mine like tight gauze,, in places,,
Those years ago, it cost me $25.00..Hopefully reformulated to survive corn juice,, Id ask,, If not, then shut fuel off and run it dry when its not goin anywhere for a while,,
When its time to shim valves, let me know,, I have a sheet drawn up that realy simplified it,,I also have a manual, on CD or DVD,, whatever.. I can send it to ya, you can copy and return it.
IIRC I hadda pull some ignition stuff to get the carbs off,, Been a few years,, so,,

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/24/20 at 09:11:57

What a night-mare ! So , the air-boxes have to come out first then the carbs are a piece of cake .

I don't think I'll put the air-boxes back in . I'd rather just make a plate to bolt the electronic stuff to and get a pair of after market air filters , they will look better anyway.

I ordered a pair of Carb kits today. The old rubber bowl ring has dried up to in a "non-functioning" state ! The nettle fuel valves little rubber tips are still soft but new ones come with the kit ... so why not have them too.
Who would have thought restoring a barn find 20 year old bike would be hard ? :-[

I did get to ride it around enough to get a feel for the power level a little. The power level is full size bike level and the gearing is too. 50 mph in second gear is less than 6K on the tac. One of the carbs started flooding at that point , but red-line is only 7.5K anyway . I did put it in 5th for a short bit , being chain drive the gearing is "flexible" but the factory has 5th and red-line meeting about 130+ so super-slab crusing should be good especially if I leave it Naked ! ;D

The carb kits should be here in a week or so ???

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/24/20 at 10:08:18

You better eyeball that accelerator pump diaphragm,,
For my money,, the pain of goin back, even if it Looks good,, Id slap a fresh one in it..

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/24/20 at 13:44:59

Without those air boxes in the way ... the carbs are easy to pull.

Life is HARD , we should make it EASY every chance we get ! 8-)

...........................

JOG

you want me to measure the fork dia. so you can be looking for a front off what-ever you can find ? Any complete front-end out of a bike junkyard would work if the Dia. is the same .
Or
Will the whole "Triple-Tree" fit. I would think most full size bikes from the same era and Kawasaki would have similar frame necks . ?

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/24/20 at 17:30:55

If I could get the whole front end on the savage,, that would be great.
If just tubes, then tubes it is..

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/24/20 at 17:59:30

The Savage is tore up .... not the W650 ::)

The W650 needs a title. You might sell it with a bill of sale to a friend in another state. ? Then buy it back ? I'll ask my friend at the tag office how that works ??? :-?

So how expensive are a set of forks for a Savage ?

https://www.ebay.com/i/383477201628?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=383477201628&targetid=935431405413&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9013282&poi=&campaignid=10460107122&mkgroupid=106723175947&rlsatarget=aud-412677883135:pla-935431405413&abcId=2146001&merchantid=6303454&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiKG5hpO16wIVV9yGCh23EgjTEAQYDiABEgK2cfD_BwE

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/24/20 at 18:05:31

If I could title the W, I'd be on the road..

Title: Re: Going to West Liberty, Kentucky,
Post by MMRanch on 08/24/20 at 18:16:29

So , what can I tell (ask) my friend at the tag office . send a PM