Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => Other Bikes => Topic started by: Green1 on February 08, 2015, 09:11:01 PM
-
Any one out there with a Moto Guzzi how reliable are they I saw one in the shop the other day and can't stop thinking about it.I made the mistake of starting it :) 8)
It was an 07reg one owner with 3500miles on the clock with genuine guzzi panniers and extra fruity pipe the dealer wanted £5000 for it and offered me £1700 for my Triumph speed four
What would you do?
Not the bike but one like it
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTO-GUZZI-V1200-SPORT-/151545378885?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2348cef845
Mick
-
Unless they have changed a lot you have to take the sump off to change the oil filter and you daren't go over 70 or the Italian chrome blows off
-
Tasty looking bike mick, if you have the money then follow your gut instinct , you only live once, but dont do what i have done and spend all your money on bikes and taking time off work cause it all ends in tears LOL
-
Mick,
I've a 2011 MotoGuzzi Griso SE, 1200, 8v. (I paid £7800 @ 1 yo)
A totally impulsive buy... no logic, just smitten.
I'm not a seasoned biker, and can't qualitively comment upon its handling etc. Frankly tho', any modern bike's handling will be way beyond my capabilities....
It's not very practical... I reckon I get 33 mpg... on a weeny tank. By 110 miles it's flashing its thirsty light at me. The horn switch is oddly placed; I reckon I'd never find it in anger.
No ABS, no traction control, no self cancelling indicators... ie unrefined.
I don't do enough miles to need spares, but do get the feeling it won't be as easy as my 40yo CB750.
Certainly oil changes (on the 8v Griso) are easy with spin off filter. The shaft drive is easy to drain / replenish. Tappets are easy. Rest of it needs a computer geek...
(Bryan had a point tho' .... earlier models were rather involved oil change wise. Also, in the back of my mind there was an engine 'issue' on the earlier 8v models... 'soft valves' / cam issues I think)
I can't knock the build quality... seems beautifully put together / finished. Consequently I have no reason to doubt its reliability.
Wheels black powder.
Lots of beautiful brushed alloy... not much chrome to be honest. (down pipes only thing that comes to mind)
Superb brakes & clear instrumentation.
Mine has a leather seat... classy.
The drive train is a bit snatchy in 1st gear, it rolls with throttle....
I suspect a BMW rider might pull his nose at it.
But I just love it / bloody grin on every outing....
Simon
(Steve - why my pics upside down??? I'm posting from Oz... but surely this ain't the reason!!!)
-
(Steve - why my pics upside down??? I'm posting from Oz... but surely this ain't the reason!!!)
It's a special service reserved for anyone using a Southern Hemisphere IP address...
I assume that you took them on your mobile phone?
Mobiles take great pictures nowadays and look after you well - they even rotate them automatically to show you the right way up!
... unfortunately, the actual image file is still the wrong way up, so though it may look ok on your phone screen, when you upload it, it is upside down (or sideways)
Steve
-
right-click->open in new window and they are fine ???
Edit: using Chrome
-
I remain confused... ALL the pics taken on the same iPhone (4)!
Ho hum...
Ahhhh... just got it! Understand now! Must always try to use the phone in the same orientation is what you're saying. Ta!
-
Ahhhh... just got it! Understand now! Must always try to use the phone in the same orientation is what you're saying. Ta!
Yes, or save on your PC in correct orientation before uploading to forum.
-
I'v worked bloody hard and got nothing to show for it so I thought I would treat myself. :)
I told myself to never buy Italian again after owning a couple of Aprilia's and Fiats but there's just something about them.
You can't order any spares for Aprilia's because the lazy Ities slack off in the summer so I kind of expect the same with Moto Guzzi. I did here of the soft valve issue that does have me a little worried.
My pegaso has just over 30k on the clock and the garage told me they have never seen one with so many miles on it. Its had 2 sprag clutches,head gasket,2 rectifiers,water pump a broken weld on the frame and subframe,rear calliper seized the fuel light rarely works even though there is nothing wrong with it so it leaves me stranded far to often and it holed the plastic fuel tank for no reason and countless carb issues.Oh and best of all it backfires through the carbs if you let the throttle of quick setting fire to the air filter under the seat. :o right between your legs.
But saying all that it still does not put me off buying another.
Simon I think the griso is a quirky beast but I like it. 8) someone told me there a bit of a stretch to the bars how do you find yours
-
Your arms get longer after you've tweaked the throttle a few times so reach isn't a problem ;)
-
Hi again,
I've never 'thought' for one minute about the 'stretch' you talk of; I rode it 3 hrs through bloody London once in 27 degrees (M25 issues) and dismounted feeling relatively fresh. (I'm 5'8")
(though as Tom's alluded to... it pulls like a bloody train and maybe my arms have been stretched)
What I especially like about it is the low seat (800mm I think) - makes town so much easier. (esp as it is pretty heavy when not moving).
The major 'comfort' comment I would have would be hand grip vibration - but if you're gonna buy a big V-twin you deserve all you get in this department! With this & the 140 mile range it's prob not the perfect touring machine... (thankfully it seems to have a reliable fuel level warning!)
I had a quick re-visit to the 'soft tappet' issue... a few comments were critical of valves likely mis-set - by poor servicing - ie not a design fault.
My machine had only done 950 miles when I bought it; I was keen to preserve its 'dealership' service record... but Internet accusations of dubious servicing, and the fact that I couldn't easily find a dealer near me (Basingstoke) put me off. So I did the 1000 mile service myself.... easy.
Basically then, I've delved (to a point) with various panels off, rocker covers etc... and the build quality is seen every where; whether it be welds, brackets, loom supports, quality fixings, Japanese-like electrical boots / connectors and beautifully milled alloy components. I've never stripped a BMW, but honestly, I can't fault what I see on the 'Guzzi.
Your Pegaso sounds like a character (!)... and this perhaps explains your attachment to it. I'll say again, the Griso is not refined in terms of modern standards, but it too has character, and besides, what price beauty? (well, to me)
Simon.
(PS - if you do go ahead, and assuming its like the Griso, make sure you get the 'code' to reset the spanner icon which appears as you approach each service. This code (as I remember) is imperative if you loose a key.. without it you might be stuffed. )
-
Good to know I will be able to reach the floor as I'm 5'8'' I was surprised how light it felt compared to my dads 1200 trophy the centre of gravity is much lower.
The vibration doesn't worry me as the peg is pretty bone shaking not that I'v ridden it much lately carb issues again ::)
Dubious servicing doesn't surprise me as most garages tend to get the apprentices to do the basics.
I should think the one I'm looking at is way past its warranty being on an 07 so I will be digging in.
I do have a proper love hate relationship with the peg I'v had it since I was 17 and can't see me parting with it.
Key codes seem to be plague on all modern bikes and cars. You can pick up dirt cheap Ducati's when the master is lost but your screwed if you lose the remaining key
Mick
-
Well I got bored messing around with the cg and went out on my Triumph I don't know how it happened but I ended up stopping to look at the guzzi.
I'm picking it up in the next couple of days. :D I would have brought it home today but I didn't want to get it dirty.
The garage stuck to there work and gave me £1700 trade in witch I think is fair.Even though when he took it out for its test ride it didn't start. :-[
Mick
-
So you just happened to be passing and just happened to stop outside that shop, well I never !!!! How exciting :)
-
Aye carrumba! Great Mick... hope you enjoy it.
Yea Julie, these things happen! I first saw 'my' Griso in a bloody showroom in Melbourne / Oz, and inexplicably kept returning to it time after time...just drooling. Came home ... and saw one on ebay. Did something naughty (as I HAD to have it) and contacted the seller mentioning that I wouldn't be around til the end of the auction (truth)...and at what price would he take it off for? The stars aligned (whatever)... and 2 days later it was in my sticky mits. Love it when a plan comes together....
Interestingly, this Oz bike was A$27000 (new); back then abouts £17000 at the rate of ex. In the UK it was circa £11K.... the Ozzies do get stung.
Mick... maybe we'll have to get pooling spares!!!
And don't forget to post a pic...
Simon
-
Funny you say that about Oz the garage were servicing and crating a BMW k1200s that I nearly bought as it worked out a lot cheaper to ship one over than buy out there.
Pooling spares Sounds like a good idea knowing my luck something small will take it of the road. ::) It took me 4 months almost to get an oil pressure switch for the Peg someone shoved a car one in it so it spat its oil over a customers drive. :-[
Mick
-
Good news picked the guzzi up today what an awesome racket it makes too.Obviously the heavens opened as soon as I pulled out of the garage. ::) I love the way it rock violently to the right on start up if you blip the throttle it almost pushes its self of the side stand.
Pics to follow
Mick
-
Nice one mick enjoy...look forward to seeing the pics. James
-
well done mick, as james says pictures
pete
-
Sorry no pics yet just been in the garage looking at it and its dripping oil on the floor :o the Muppet in the garage didn't do the filter up pulled the plug out of a breather and its full of crappy oil.
Never believe what the dealer says service them yourself.
So now I'm going to change the oil in the engine,gearbox and diff.(that sounds so wrong yet so right)
Mick
-
Go up there mick and pour that dirty smelly oil all over his f--ing head, bloody cheap skate not even doing the oil before selling especially if he said it had been serviced
-
What a bloody pain Mick... kinda enforces my concerns & glad I didn't bother tracking down a dealer. Maybe indeed 'soft tappets' were never a design fault...but rather crappy servicings. On the good side you're getting intimate with it from day #1!
Agreed... love it when you blip the throttle at idle... sort of an "ohh-er!" moment after the silky 4s.
Simon
-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2952483/Mechanics-took-car-118mph-joyride-Motorist-sporty-Ford-Focus-service-horrified-dashcam-footage-got-back.html
Could have been worse Mick! Def best you do your own servicing!
-
Unfortunately not been near the bikes today but I did bump into the mechanic he did assure me it did have an oil change but since the bike has stood for so long I will be doing it again.
I never trust unknown garages with my cars or bikes my brother now works for a well known fast fit garage and I'v herd far to many horror story's
Mick
-
As soon as I opened the garage door the newspaper boy wouldn't leave until he got to sit on it and blip the throttle. 8)
I can't see me being able to commute to work on it at 5am its bloody loud.
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w419/pearmanandson/motoguzzi001_zps10c1e21b.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/pearmanandson/media/motoguzzi001_zps10c1e21b.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w419/pearmanandson/motoguzzi003_zpsbb3fe9ca.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/pearmanandson/media/motoguzzi003_zpsbb3fe9ca.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w419/pearmanandson/motoguzzi002_zps36cd4256.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/pearmanandson/media/motoguzzi002_zps36cd4256.jpg.html)
-
Aye carrumba,
No denying... beautiful. Very similar to the Griso, a little confused why they would offer 2 models so similar.
The Italians do seem to have a knack for 'wow' styling.
Nice one Mick,
Simon
-
If I had something that looked that good I would want it to be very,very loud so everyone noticed it. It looks lovely..................dream on Julie,you would never be able to touch the ground on that one ;D ;D ;D
-
I do tend to fall for Italian styling there's not one part of the bike I don't like.It is very similar to the griso but with a much larger tank you tend to sit in the bike rather than on it.
Julie that's why I wear supermoto boots with large heals ;)
Unfortunately the brake master cylinder has weeped and dripped onto the tank I don't know how I missed that but never mind.
-
Nice one mick, i see what you mean about sitting in it, that seating position look really comfy, no sliding back and forth, i love the sound of a v twin, that pulsing sound is to die for, remember loud and proud
pete
-
It's really comfy no more race reps for me.I don't know what the seat is covered in but its gripper than Velcro and I reckon its needed as you accelerate it tries to tear your arms off.
Yep can't beat that sound it makes HM300's sound quit.
Mick
-
I do tend to fall for Italian styling there's not one part of the bike I don't like.It is very similar to the griso but with a much larger tank you tend to sit in the bike rather than on it.
Julie that's why I wear supermoto boots with large heals ;)
Unfortunately the brake master cylinder has weeped and dripped onto the tank I don't know how I missed that but never mind.
I could always wear stilettos on a bike like that I suppose ;D ;D ;D. I have never been able to touch the ground fully on any of my bigger modern bikes, I'm always on tiptoe, old bikes are fine. When I ride the R1 I'm always worried I will pull up to a stop and end up with my foot in a pot hole, what a drama that would be, would never be able to hold that up ::)
-
I'm the same with my pegaso with only 30inch legs the handle bars almost come up to my shoulders. I have to slide of one side of the bike to reach the floor.If that starts to go I just let it the massive bars and panniers protect it.
The seat height is actually 10mm lower on the Guzzi than the Triumph.
-
I do tend to fall for Italian styling ...
Um, er yeah used to have an Italian g/f. Different context, same sentiment :-\
-
Tom... suspect more similarities between the Italian g/f and their motorbikes - running costs! You're prob 'well shot of'!
Being tight I sought out and married a Yorkshire lass - very cheap to run. Love her even after 28 yrs / wouldn't swap for all the world tbh... seems to be a common thread on here, ie how tolerant our better halves are!
S
-
Well my love affair is over :( after nearly a 1000 miles I thought I should service it as it was sounding a little tapity I knew it wouldn't take long for another Italian bike to bite me in the ass. :'( The rocker cover bolts are made from the softest material known to man and two sheered off in the head.
The more I look at this bike the more obvious it is that it's not been touched for a long time.
On the plus side it means I get to use the 750 if I can get the front brake to release.
Mick
-
Mick - so sorry to hear this; my cover came off fine, but as you suggested, might be more an issue of nil prior servicing.
I actually had mine out on Weds - did about 40 miles - dear god it was chilly.
But fun.
Simon
-
Update I went to see the dealer yesterday and told him about the stripped bolts. He instantly went on the defensive telling me that I was incompetent and that they would break if I used a large bar on seized bolts.My response was Well Duh I was told by you that the bike has been looked over and serviced by you.I'v known him for years and always taken are cars,vans and bikes there religiously not any more.
My brother used to work there and today he popped in to see about going back ??? the dealer instantly went on the defensive again telling my brother that I was incompetent and shouldn't be messing around with things I don't understand and what was I doing adjusting the valves.He also accused me of offloading a bike that was on its way out as the Triumph has developed an electrical issue.I actually thought I had solved its problem but now I'm glad its back. ;D
I'v now sent the bike somewhere else for the bolts to be drilled out and asked them to look over the hole bike I would give it a go myself but I don't want to be p****d with this bike from the start.
I'm fairly confident that the bike its self will be reliable and I love riding it so fingers crossed.
Mick
-
Mick
Don't tell me that's the first time you have experienced that shite.Guzzi is not a Honda and you only know how to undo bolts that's been done up for 40 years plus so ;D ;D you must be incompetent ;D ;D ;D
Cheers mate
Ralph
-
Hope you can get it all sorted out mick, and then enjoy the bike this spring and summer
pete
-
Mick, this is the first time i have read this tread. Not good news, you should of never attempted to sort out any of these problems yourself. You should of returned the bike straight away and told the shop that the bike is not fit for the purpose. If you videoed the return, the reaction would of been different and you would of had a case for a small claims court.
-
In hindsight I should have taken it back but I never considered servicing a bike much of an issue.
Mick
-
In hindsight I should have taken it back but I never considered servicing a bike much of an issue.
Mick
Legally you are not qualified to service a bike (which the government class as a dangerous vehicle). I feel that this is a unfair situation.
-
Legally you are not qualified to service a bike (which the government class as a dangerous vehicle). I feel that this is a unfair situation.
[/quote]
Trig... explain???
Mick.. what a bloody pain, hope you get it sorted soon and get to enjoy the bike again.
Simon
-
Still don't have the bike back the engineers I left it with managed to brake another 5 bolts so they must be incompetent too ;D
There all drilled and taped ready but being Italian it doesn't end there there's a two week wait for new rocker cover gaskets. ::) so I should get it back in a month or so.
Mick
-
I got her back 2 days ago.She do narf feel big after bombing around on a CG125.
8 seized bolts,adjusted the valves,2 rocker cover gaskets and £240 lighter.
So its obvious my ham fisted approach was to blame when the first one broke. ;D ;D
Still got to service it properly when I get a chance.
Mick
-
Reading all this has put me right of the motor guzzi brand
-
Nothing wrong with a Guzzi you've just got to remember its Italian.
Ride it and you will be hooked. :)
Mine just didn't have the best start in life badly stored so a little corroded I was won over by the low mileage.
Mick