2001 Moto Guzzi V11 Jackal

Been looking at a lot of other fun bikes to have lately. I came across this Moto Guzzi Jackal for a good price and thought why not.

Jackal by Tim Brown, on Flickr

I have always heard people talk about Moto Guzzi bikes before and have never rode one. I thought what the heck it was close and why not. If you have never rode one of these bikes I will warn you, the torque moves the bikes off the center line, something you have to get used to at a stop sign and on the road. Once you do, what a wonderful bike to day rode on.

For those of you that know my history, it seems I like to trade off bikes, and I do. The last one that went down the road was the Kaw Mean Streak 1600. The bike was okay but it was not very nimble, the Jackal love to go into the twisites, easy to keep a line and really loves a little counter steering.

Only thing I have noticed is a little noise from the read drive line. I just changed out the great oil last night so I will have to see if the noise will change. I may have to ride, flush and fill again, as it was very dirty. I wonder if had ever been changed in the 16K mile life.

Not too sure how many modes I will do on this bike. I know the turn signals will need some attention and I like see and be seen, so I might have to change and mod the lighting.

 

@Timbox oh, now you have done it. Moto Guzzis are addictive. Next you will be looking for an Ambassador or Eldorado to restore. The valves are supposed to be noisy, tappity valves are happy valves. I will get a pic of Gus, my 1984 California 2 get to the computer.

 

Doing all the fluid changes, main oil was good, rear gear oil never been changed along with the trans oil never changed. 16K miles on her so not too bad. I have to get a manual for her as looking for the right plugs to pull took some time. Now that I have done it once will be easy next time.

The engine vent was really nasty and letting oil mist out. I did a quick fix for now and will have to get a new one soon. I have the gas tank suspended over the bike with some rachet straps and waiting on a new air filter. Was was the air filter bad, chewed on and no longer doing its job. I will not ride the bike without the new filter, in the mail as I type.

@Fuller56, I had no idea what I was getting into, just good timing to fine the Jackal and wow is it a fun bike to ride. Yes it has more vibration then I am used to but not the buzz type from most bikes. This is more of a base buzz and us get used to it in no time.

Still trying to find the right rear to run in town with (25 mph) looking like second and stay close to 3k RPM. Hoping the shifting is a little better now that I have changed the oil in trans. I was doing a little bit of short shifting now and then, but not bad. Just have to get used to a different bike.

Love getting a different bike now and then, I feel that if makes you learn how to ride and sharpen your skills again. The brakes on the bike are really good even with the single rotor up front. On this bike someone changed out the brake line for a SS and they were a little short with it, so the MC holder is moved in on the bar a bit. I might have to buy a longer one and fix that, not liking the reach for the brake feeling.

The ticking on the valves are normal, good to know. I know the left side is silent and right side is making that noise. I will end up checking them soon.

 

Gus and myself. Gus is a 1984 California 2 that I put together and cleaned the cosmoline off when he came out of the crate. The dealer was a friend and neighbor. He and I are still together. He needs a cosmetic rehab but I finally learned to adjust the Italian carburetors and the individually timeable points and he runs well. Moto Guzzi did, does have some "interesting" engineering thoughts.

 

Very nice pic and yes to the engineering thoughts for sure. I am still waiting on the air cleaner. The one that K&N said would fit did not, looked for one in the measurments section and they don't have ton that is close enough. I had to order a UFI on line, so no riding the MG this week.

Manual is also in the mail, will be interesting to see what is does say about proper tuning of throttle bodies and sync. Not too sure if I will be upgrade the lights or anything else on the bike this yr. Just want to ride it and enjoy it now that all the yearly maint is done on it.

 

Finally got manual and parts in to get the Jackal on the road again. Will be a good day to get in the shed and take care of those things. Bike also need to be cleaned with some good Dawn to remove all the oil spray from that nasty cracked crank case vent tube. I guess it happen on almost all these types of bikes.

 

I have put about 600 miles on this bike now. Interesting bike and if you can find a nice one I would go for it.

Pros:
Shockingly effortless riding. This bike is light on its feet and goes into corners like few bikes I have owned.
Toque is wonderful once the bike is moving. Power at the twist of your wrist.
Good upright seating position, comfy and could ride all day.
Seems to get great gas mileage 40's
This bike has a personality that you have to get used to, but once you do, great bike.

Cons:
A little vibration in the bars, this bike has large foam grips and the do help. This is not a buzz vibration like the in line 4's so will not make your go numb.
Engine toque at a stop sign. This bike will surprise you and maybe in a bad way at a stop. The toque of the motor will make the bike move enough that you might have to use both feet.
Kick stand is weird and takes a little getting used to. I find I have to use my heel of my boot to pull it upright.
Road sound that I have not yet tracked down. I can't tell if it is the rear end of type of tires I am running. Changes with different road surface and type so guessing tires.
5 Gal fuel tank but the fuel light comes on with over 2 gals of fuel left in tank. It has a Res solenoid that is auto activated. I normally see the light at 155 miles.


Having too much fun riding to get into some of the engine stuff as of yet. I will take a look at the valve settings soon. That and a good oil change will be needed at sometime. Oil is goo now and sense I fixed the vent tube no more oil is leaking. Wondering if a good set of Michelin tires would stop the road noise? Tires are very good now so don't want to burn the money until I have to. Very surprised in the summer heat that the bike is comfy to ride. I am guessing the huge cooling vanes on the oil pan take care of the cool well. I have not felt any heat off the heads like I thought I might.