Not a bmw but jeez

[callaly]

My friend has just bought a moto guzzi 1200 sport brand spanker.Its now heading back to the dealer on the back of an aa truck.After only 120 miles big engine noise lack of power and consequently not running correctly.Any tech heads opinions would be grateful and yes it has oil in it and no its not funny!

[chewie]

I work with a guy that bought the griso, his was a test bike or some thing and he somehow bought it before it was to be sent back to guz

It had 17000kms on it when he got it and he has since had it apart to fix, I remember him saying that there were some bolts holding a plate that were not right, which he replaced

Anyway it's guzzis problem now eh? Not good though, not good at all

Where in oz are you?

[callaly]

Apparently a dropped valve not good.

[NakedRider]

Looks like their consistent build quality is still in question. Too bad 'cause the MG is one of the most fun bikes to ride out there. Nothing makes you feel right on a "razor stubble" Sunday ride more than a MG.

[John Lyon]

Originally Posted by NakedRider

Looks like their consistent build quality is still in question.

True - there are a number of things you need to do yourself with a new Guzzi to ensure all is well (mostly due to poor dealer setup, but sometimes manufacturing errors/sloppiness). Thank goodness for the internet, because most of the experts I consulted were from the other side of the world.

[signit98]

Yours seems to be pretty well sorted now, John - short of the occasional "rest stop" of the speedometer/odometer...

But, be that as it may, the bike is just simply stunning and, knowing you, it will likely be that way for the next decade!

[1%er]

--it happens. Had a bimmer with a M20 engine long ago. It broke a rocker arm on the way home (just delivered) from the dealer. I didn't make a blanket statement that all bimmers were a POS.

[ckcarr]

I'm with the 1%

Stuff happens.
But, it happens more to people that go out of their way to look for it. LOL!!
(no reflection on your friend... it's just... the law of the jungle)

[John Lyon]

Originally Posted by signit98

Yours seems to be pretty well sorted now, John - short of the occasional "rest stop" of the speedometer/odometer...

But, be that as it may, the bike is just simply stunning and, knowing you, it will likely be that way for the next decade!

Thanks, Ralf. However, as can be seen from my very undisciplined dog, I'm getting less meticulous as I get older (relatively speaking, mind you).

[John Lyon]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

I'm with the 1%

Stuff happens.
But, it happens more to people that go out of their way to look for it. LOL!!
(no reflection on your friend... it's just... the law of the jungle)

Yes, some stuff just happens and some stuff is designed in. For example, the ECU is very cleverly placed under the lower front of the tank behind a little piece of plastic - just perfect to get wet in a rain storm.

Also, the ECU does not let a Guzzi start if the battery voltage is a little low, which is compounded by the loss of voltage from (apparently) running the starter power through the ignition switch, rather than via a relay only. This arrangement is apparently unique to Guzzi and some folks snip off the original power source and reroute straight to the battery. If you don't do this, it is recommended to carry a wire with an alligator clip on the end so you can jump start it, if needed.

On the other hand, the stock components, materials and engine/drive train are of first rate quality. Most of the issues seem to be related to either electrical connections or poor prep/maintenance.

[signit98]

Originally Posted by John Lyon

Most of the issues seem to be related to either electrical connections or poor prep/maintenance.

A problem that seems to have plagued Italian manufacturers throughout history... both cars and motorcycles.

However, in most cases, the incredible beauty and artfulness of the bike you buy, paired with the performance, let's one forget about the shortcomings.

As I said, IN MOST CASES... catastrophic failures of being stranded in the middle of nowhere, are - of course - exceptions!

Neither has happened to me with ANY of the Italian bikes I have ever owned... but I never owned a Guzzi... just Laverdas and Ducatis.

[1%er]

John Lyon, it's a Guzzi not a freakin' GS. If I ride it in the rain WTF do you think is going to happen to my Pappagallo Track Boots! You guys must go out and roll in the mud after it rains. I thought this was a sport riding forum. Italian bikes are chick magnets not mud wrestlers.

[signit98]

John must have had a Guzzi then, when he met his wife....

[flatbutt]

and just why do you think I added the Monster to my stable? hmmm?

[signit98]

The way I see it, the Monster can not hold a candle to you, when it comes to being a chick magnet...

[RBMann]

Did I hear someone say sport riding and mud wrestlin'?

[John Lyon]

Originally Posted by RBMann

Did I hear someone say sport riding and mud wrestlin'?

Oh the humanity, that's going to keep me awake tonight.

[signit98]

LOL... I was trying to warn you, John... too late

[wiggledbits]

Originally Posted by RBMann

Did I hear someone say sport riding and mud wrestlin'?

Have you heard BMW make this adventure bike called a GS?
Was this before or after you changed out your wheel bearings?

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by signit98

The way I see it, the Monster can not hold a candle to you, when it comes to being a chick magnet...

I am not sure about that, when we were coming into Carbondale there were a couple of nice looking young ladies in a car following us, they pulled along side the trailer and were taking pictures of the bikes, they then pulled along side the car, gave a quick glance at the 2 of us, and just kept going.........sigh...........