I just finished a 5 day trip on my '02 F4S, and have some responses to previously asked questions. Yes, the MV is reliable for a long trip. I did about 1100 miles in five days. This included Road America for the Superbike races, a day in the rain, down 1 gravel road, across 2 dry stream beds, through backroads of Iowa covered in cow dung, speeds in excess of 150mph, and parked outside the hotels in a couple of thunderstorms (I may have the dirtiest MV in existence right now). Engine temperatures averaged 160 to 180, and in towns they would climb to 212, then the fans kicked in and cooled it down. I had just had the 600 mile service done, and it leaked coolant when parked if it was hot. But after doing this several times, I noticed the coolant level was still just below the MAX line. Prior to the trip, I couldn't find any good luggage. I purchased an Alpinestars back pack for less than $100.00. This held four days of clothing, and was not that uncomfortable. We were at speeds between 100-150mph on several occasions, and the back pack held on without much wind resistance. Prior to the trip, I thought the seat was fine. Now I realize it sucks. It's like having two hot irons stuck to your butt. I checked Corbin's web site; no luck. Any other worthy aftermarket seats? Lastly, a couple of roll-ons with an Aprilia Mille geared up two teeth in the back. The Mille took me from 50-120mph, then I reeled it in and left it behind (sorry Sam). Once the rpm's get up to 9000, this thing really pulls.

-- john milotzky (jmilotzky@wi.rr.com), June 13, 2002

Answers

Fast By Ferracci sells TecnoSel seats for the F4.

-- mod (mvf4s@excite.com), June 14, 2002.

As far as the seat is concerned, check with Sargent in Florida, you might have to send them your seat and they will change the padding and get it recovered with nice leather. I had them work on my old 916 seat while back and they did an excellent job. They even added a little Italian flag on the side. I own a 2002 F4 1+1. Let me know if they can help. I will be interested in getting my seat redone.

-- George Matta (george_matta@aimfunds.com), June 13, 2002.

Count me in on the seat info too! F4S 1+1, just had 600 service as well. Question...for strictly road, do you suggest any adjusting of the front shock or steering damper (weigh 160)?

-- Larry Nipon (vze277jp@verizon.net), June 13, 2002.

Hello Larry, I'm about the same weight and find the stock settings on my 2000 F4S to be fine. P.S. I may be out in Westhampton this weekend if you want to rendezvous. Masis

-- Masis Yeterian (masisludiy@aol.com), June 13, 2002.

Unfortunately, I'm in Philadelphia this weekend, but coming back fairly early. My cellphone is 917-613-5224. I'm in Great Neck, so you go right by.

-- Larry Nipon (vze277jp@verizon.net), June 14, 2002.

What time you heading out? I'm not leaving for PA until early afternoon.

-- Larry Nipon (vze277jp@verizon.net), June 14, 2002.

Larry, on adjusting the suspension, just give it a shot. If the front end feels nervous, add a click or two of rebound damping. If it feels wallowy, add a turn or two of preload and some rebound to compensate. The faster you go, the more compression damping you may need... It's all in the feel. I'm not a huge fan of setting the bike to some static setting and calling it good (which a lot of people do), I like to make a change and see how it works.

As for the steering damper, I'd say set it to it's minimal setting and go harder from there. I've yet to get even the tiniest wobble out of the bike. I may even remove the steering damper altogether.

Andy

-- Andy Ruhl (quadreverb@yahoo.com), June 14, 2002.

dont remove it...... I've come over a rise, the front has gone light, and on touchdown you could feel the damper working....not a lot, but enough to know it's settling the front.....I also have it set on a very low rate....... The bike is so neutral, it never needs to be cranked up at all.

-- Pete Hughes (hueyhuey@ozemail.com.au), June 17, 2002.