As I patiently search for that red/silver MV F4 that will someday take the place of my Triumph, I find that even after four years of production of bipostos, most of the bikes for sale are still monoposto. How difficult and expensive is it to convert a mono bike to a 1+1? I'm not really concerned about the power upgrades for newer bikes, so I could buy a MY2000 bike (all mono as I understand it) and convert it over to 1+1, if it is even feasible. I assume I'll need the new tail piece, as well as the biposto subframe. If anyone has done this, please explain what is needed. TIA

-- Steve Burns (sjb509@umr.edu), April 20, 2004

Answers

Hi Steve, I dont know where you are but there is a 1+1 for sale on the MV owners club in the UK, emailkensmall@aol.com I dont know if this will help. the conversion by all acounts is not easy as it requires the rear subframe changing, I'm sure there is something about it in the archives scroll back to find out Regards Les

-- Les Spragg (zen22731@zen.co.uk), April 20, 2004.

Steve,

The first bikes delivered in the UK where the bipostos.

You have just summed up what you will need. The heavier duty subframe with the passenger footrest mounts, plus the seat unit and the footrests themselves.

New parts would be very expensive and you may find it hard to track down secondhand ones so you are probably better looking for an orriginal biposto to start with.

-- Mark M (m.magenis@btinternet.com), April 21, 2004.

Agreed w/ Mark. I was going to do the same as you before I bought my F4, but the cost/ sourcing of parts turned me off. Wait till you find a factory 1+1...much easier.

-- b (thaknife@yahoo.com), April 21, 2004.

Please be advised that while it is often not mentioned, it is essential to also change the rear shock. The "s" version shock is equipped with a spring for the weight of one rider only and is valved accordingly. You can confirm this for yourself by noting the difference in the part number between "s" and "1+1" models. You may also want to check the GVWR for each model in the owner's manual as well.

This information should only reinforce the benefit of buying the bike properly equipped from the factory for a specific use (solo or 1+1) rather that trying to cobble one together from spare parts.

Note: It is quite a bit easier (and much less expensive) to fit a solo seat on a "1+1". . .

-- brutale (ten_pints_of_guiness@yahoo.com), April 21, 2004.

Good point..I looked forever to find a 1+1..It's coming up to a year, and haven't had a passenger yet! I passed a GREAT deals on 1 seaters...although one dealer tried to work up trading all the F4 pieces "as new" for 1+1 trades, and deemed it unrealistic. Good Luck on the coversion.

Mike

-- Bullwieney (jim_dangle@comcast.net), April 21, 2004.