Most grateful for all the replies, thanks, I'm going to pass on this occassion, perhaps if that local dealer still has the V11 Scura in a few weeks I'll be tempted for a test ride and possible px deal.
Went into a dealers yesterday to have a look at something. They didn't have a V11 but they did have a V1200 Sport. Threw a leg over it and lifted it off the stand and the immediate impression was of vast weight and weight carried very high up. And I imagne it didn't have much petrol in it. Brim it with fuel and I reckon it would feel like carrying a bag of cement across the tank. They had a 1400 California custom in as a well. Sat on that and it actually felt lighter than the V12. It had a certain amount of brute charm from the sheer amount of raw metal on display but a test ride would be essential.
^ thanks, tought about the V1200 and your right the weight seems too high up, also I understand the 1200's suffer with cam / tappet problems too!
M&S in Newcastle still have this pair of Guzzis up for grabs. I've seen them both. Very clean bikes. For same money, if I was in the market I've no idea which I'd pick. My head says the Le Mans because it's an investment. My heart says the 1100, because, well, look at it. Probably writing cheques it can't cash but imagine seeing that every time you opened the garage door. Also an investment. Used Bikes for sale - Page 2 of 7 - M&S Motorcycles Newcastle
You're probably right. Depends how long you live I suppose... Unless you come across and original barn find Brough Superior for £500..
I suspect the riding experience of the two will be night and day. The 1100 will be the better bike I would of thought. Why not ask for a test ride on each back to back?
I've been asked this morning if I'd be interested in getting a 1100 sport serviced cleaned up etc with a view to selling it. The lady's dad has not long left and would like to see his bike sorted and sold before he goes. Picking it up on Wednesday, never had anything to do with Moto Guzzi, so should be interesting, but I did have a Le Mans toy when I was about 10, but that was 45 years ago so probably doesn't count.
I picked it up a few days ago, had a good look at it and decided there would be too much time involved in it to get it right, nothing major, just lots and lots of issues. I couldn't see them really getting their money back if they paid me to sort it, so was going to buy it from them and do it, so a shame. A chap I know who has just retired from a classic race car/bike engineering business is going to have it and restore it, he has plenty of time.
