Guzzi makes me walk a 2nd time; there won't be a third as it's for sale

[sagerat]

So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment.

[UFO]

But, but...it's got SOUUUULLLLLL!!

Sorry to hear it, and I don't blame you one bit.  I want a bike that starts every time I push the button and only needs oil changes.

[atypical1]

I feel your pain.

james

[atadaskew]

What happened?  More info if you don't mind, I was considering the new Griso 8V...

[TheGoose]

So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment.

What's the issue?

Oh, and I'll be happy to buy your bike for $1k.

[motoguy128]

Are you sure they didn't put BMW parts on it accidentally.  

Sucks when a bike breaks down.  It's one reason I sold my ZX9R.  There was an electrical gremlin in the ignition circuit somethere.  IT would blow fuses regualrly when trying to start the bike.  I once burned through at least 5 or 6 fuses on a 3 day trip.

Where's that Guzzi troll that always posts on the BMW board now?

[TheGoose]

Are you sure they didn't put BMW parts on it accidentally.  

Sucks when a bike breaks down.  It's one reason I sold my ZX9R.  There was an electrical gremlin in the ignition circuit somethere.  IT would blow fuses regualrly when trying to start the bike.  I once burned through at least 5 or 6 fuses on a 3 day trip.

Where's that Guzzi troll that always posts on the BMW board now?

[motoguy128]

There you are!


To the OP... so what went wrong on het bike?  We must know so we can over anylize the issue and... if possible blame you for it insteaf of the mfg in a twisted manner of brand loyalty.  

[atadaskew]

To the OP... so what went wrong on het bike?  We must know so we can over anylize the issue and... if possible blame you for it insteaf of the mfg in a twisted manner of brand loyalty.  

I got that crap from a few people when I had problems with my Duc 800ss' rusting gas tank! It just HAD to be my fault!
Sheesh...
(and yeah, Ducati eventually acquiesced and replaced it under emmissions warranty).

[Vladimir]

I feel your pain.

james

Shouldn't you be squawking about this thread being in the wrong forum?  

 

[UFO]

Shouldn't you be squawking about this thread being in the wrong forum?  

 

Jebus, why not just hand him the ammunition with the gun?

[chornbe]

I got that crap from a few people when I had problems with my Duc 800ss' rusting gas tank! It just HAD to be my fault!
Sheesh...
(and yeah, Ducati eventually acquiesced and replaced it under emmissions warranty).

I got that crap from Kawasaki when parts started falling off my Concours, too.

[Windblown]

Jebus, why not just hand him the ammunition with the gun?

And yet another keyboard bites the dust....    




I too sympathize with ya. 2 wheels or 4, doesn't matter, if it leaves me walking once I might forgive and forget, twice and it's history.

[Scratch33]

Shouldn't you be squawking about this thread being in the wrong forum?  

 

You are the wind beneath my wings.

[R.Markus]

I got that crap from Kawasaki when parts started falling off my Concours, too.

...and then you bought a Harley Davidson.

[keystonejenks]

Oh, and I'll be happy to buy your bike for $1k.

 

[Simplyhere]

But, but...it's got SOUUUULLLLLL!!

God dang that was funny.

[atypical1]

Shouldn't you be squawking about this thread being in the wrong forum?  

 

I did in the members only section  

james

[Global Rider]

But, but...it's got SOUUUULLLLLL!!

Yeah, yeah, Neal.

How is that water pump on the FJR holding out? I remember you almost selling the bike on account of it.  

[Global Rider]

Are you sure they didn't put BMW parts on it accidentally.  

Funny thing is, its my KLR 650 that I bought new and only has some 6620 miles on it after one major trip that has been parked since I got back in August 2003. And its been parked ever since that day due to some nasty sounding engine rattles. Good thing I have a BMW or I'd have to fix the KLR. 

[ruffcut]

...and then you bought a Harley Davidson.

                  I wanted to say that but didnt because that`s the kind of guy I am.

[sagerat]

Back from what was supposed to be a ride to the coast, my buddy Ray's and mine annual Chowdah Run.  Left Bend at 7 a.m. and pulled into Sisters to fill up.

Turn the key, hit the starter, nada, got a brief code along lines of ABS0015; had dash lights, but not fire.  Did get one clunk of the starter engaging.  Turned off key, made sure kill switch was in correct position, turn key and hit starter, again cockpit lights but not fire.  Go through drill a third time and no there's nothing.

This is exactly what happened in NY.  So I'm riled as for $600 North Country Cycle in Whitesboro, NY, did not fix the original problem, plus the bastidges have never sent me my promised free T-shirt.  

Buddy John, the recent ex-RT owner, trailered my bike to Bend Euro Moto, dropped me off at home where I switched to the KLR.  That all took three hours so we shortened the Chowdah Run to the "Let's Visit the Triumph Dealer in Eugene as My Buddy has A Severe Case of Trimphitis" instead.  

Gonna call North Country tomorrow to see if they'll give me any of my money back, if not, we'll see if it's not to late to dispute the charge.

 

[atadaskew]

But what did North County say the problem was after they 'fixed' it?

[sagerat]

They claimed it just needed a battery, so they put one in.  Bike has about 1,500 miles on the new YUSA battery.  I rode it to Portland and back about two weeks ago and it gets ridden to work periodically.

It sounds to me like there's a short that then drains the battery or maybe the charging system is not up to snuff.

[atadaskew]

$600 to put in a battery? dang!

[R.Markus]

                  I wanted to say that but didnt because that`s the kind of guy I am.

Actually, as an owner of a KTM, I'm pretty much calling the kettle black.  

[sagerat]

$600 to put in a battery? dang!

The battery was $134 and the remaining amount was for all the shop time spent trying to diagnose the problem.  The mechanic did spend his whole work day trying to figure out the problem.

[1moreroad]

See with carbs there wouldn't be a problem.  It's all the EFI and electronics crap that gets y'all into trouble.  I don't blame it on Guzzi, I blame it on FI.

Never mind the fact that I repeatedly had carb icing last December riding to see my grandmother in 26 degrees

Sorry to hear about the letdown.  It always sucks to have machines we depend upon fail.

[hobbes]

The battery was $134 and the remaining amount was for all the shop time spent trying to diagnose the problem.  The mechanic did spend his whole work day trying to figure out the problem.

Apparently you didn't pay them enough.

[Hardware]

Did you have them check the timing belt?










 

[UFO]

Yeah, yeah, Neal.

How is that water pump on the FJR holding out? I remember you almost selling the bike on account of it.  

That's interesting since I'd just purchased it.  And I was pissed at the shoddy dealership, not the bike.

PS.  Going to look at BMWs at lunch.  Don't alert the wife!!  

[Giaka]

To the OP... so what went wrong on het bike?  We must know so we can over anylize the issue and... if possible blame you for it insteaf of the mfg in a twisted manner of brand loyalty.  

Hey this is not the Concours Owners Group site!!!  

[JonS]

See with carbs there wouldn't be a problem.  It's all the EFI and electronics crap that gets y'all into trouble.  I don't blame it on Guzzi, I blame it on FI.

Never mind the fact that I repeatedly had carb icing last December riding to see my grandmother in 26 degrees

Sorry to hear about the letdown.  It always sucks to have machines we depend upon fail.

Boy, no kidding. With carbs, you don't have to think about them for years. They just stay in tune until they wear, which takes forever. I never had icing problems. That is rare.
Sometimes progress is a big pain in the butt.

[sprint EX]

Man I'm glad i didn't buy that Breva 1100 and bought the Buell Ulysses instead!

[TheGoose]

Man I'm glad i didn't buy that Breva 1100 and bought the Buell Ulysses instead!

[superskip]

They claimed it just needed a battery, so they put one in.  Bike has about 1,500 miles on the new YUSA battery.  I rode it to Portland and back about two weeks ago and it gets ridden to work periodically.

It sounds to me like there's a short that then drains the battery or maybe the charging system is not up to snuff.

And the only way for you to deal is to try and fob it off on some unsuspecting fellow rider ? hmmm ?

Bit lame.

[Baron Samedi]

My Guzzi doesn't like oil. Nasty, unmanly stuff.   Throws it out over my left boot. But it always goes from A to B.

[atadaskew]

My Guzzi doesn't like oil. Nasty, unmanly stuff.   Throws it out over my left boot. But it always goes from A to B.

Does it go anywhere else?

[sagerat]

And the only way for you to deal is to try and fob it off on some unsuspecting fellow rider ? hmmm ?

Bit lame.

Missed the part where I said "fix it, then put it on the consignment lot" did you?  Good luck on your next reading comprehension test.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Did you have them check the timing belt?

[Chronic]

Hey, these are hand made machines and, so, you damn well better not get one that was made during soccer season....the dude at that work station may have blazing Grappa hangover

BTW, guess I've been lucky,  60 K +/-  miles on three different Guzzi's.......nary a problem.

[OnlyVees]

Sorry about your recent issues. I still love Italian bikes. Watching the latest episode of "The Long Way Down" didn't help. (they toured the Guzzi factory)

I miss my Tuono. 

[thatguy]

Sorry about your recent issues. I still love Italian bikes. Watching the latest episode of "The Long Way Down" didn't help. (they toured the Guzzi factory)

I miss my Tuono.  

You sold a Tuono for a Versys?nothing I'd say from here on out would be nice.

[TheGoose]

And the only way for you to deal is to try and fob it off on some unsuspecting fellow rider ? hmmm ?

Bit lame.

Well, I've made a good faith offer of $1k. Having spent the last month wrestling with my own antique tractor I feel I have the requisite commitment that is required of a Guzzi owner and I feel I'm perfectly qualified to take the horrid machine off of his hands.



(to the OP: I feel the same way about BMWs, terrible machines and I will never own another unless an R90S happens into my hands)

[OnlyVees]

You sold a Tuono for a Versys?nothing I'd say from here on out would be nice.

Oh boy, don't make me get all defensive. The Tuono made me do bad, illegal things. It's a miracle I still have a license. I also shelled out $1K for a major service, it ate back tires, etc...

That said, I will own another Italian bike. Now, where's that redesigned 696-powered Multistrada....

[greench440]

Well, that's too bad since it looked like you were really enjoying the new bike.  I can relate to your distaste for unreliability.  Same reason I took a bath on a Toyota Tacoma truck with 26k on the clock.

Sagerat and the Breva in happier times:

[swingset]

They claimed it just needed a battery, so they put one in.

Translation:

We have no clue, we couldn't replicate the problem or likely didn't even try so we just started with really simple stuff until the bike ran. First thing that made a difference? Battery. $600 please, come again.

Been there, done that.

[Bodhi]

It's that pink-coloured gasoline.

Actually, I went through my own bike repeatedly dying/dealer repeatedly guessing thing a few years back. After having to be towed three times and after replacing the battery first ($80) and then the stator ($250) and then finally telling me there was a loose wire, I sold the damm Shadow and got the Duc.

[Zen Rider]

PS.  Going to look at BMWs at lunch.  Don't alert the wife!!  

A BMW, you say?

You, traitor ...  

[jsanford]

Buddy John, the recent ex-RT owner, trailered my bike to Bend Euro Moto, dropped me off at home where I switched to the KLR.  That all took three hours so we shortened the Chowdah Run

No chowdah?

Well, that's the last straw!  Don't blame you for selling one bit.  Hope you told the dealer to park the bike out in the rain so it could think about what it just did.

When the F650 didn't want to start, I'd threaten it with a cheap sale to the first UW student who'd park it outside in the rain year-round. Worked every time.

[sagerat]

Thanks for the grins; I hadn't considered the tough love veering into outright threats approach...

[XLR8]

Shit, this is a pretty major revelation.

Sometimes I don't know about this exotic Euro stuff. I made the same deal with myself about the KTM. I could forgive it once. If it happens more than once I'm kicking it out. So far no issues. The HuskaW is running well too.

Sorry to hear about your problems. It sucks to like a bike but realize it isn't going to work for you.

[Orson]

BTW, guess I've been lucky,  60 K +/-  miles on three different Guzzi's.......nary a problem.

40,000 miles with no electrical or engine glitches on mine  

sorry to hear about this. I understand how pissed off you were/are.

Now that you've cooled off, maybe you should pick up the phone and ask the dealer to hold off on the sale  

V11s had a list of glitches that needed to be sorted, but once sorted, all was well.

Sure Honda owners don't have lists of glitches...but they're souless zombies who eat brains.

 

[R.Markus]

Sure Honda owners don't have lists of glitches.

Really? Of the three Honda's in my garage, only one runs.

[Baron Samedi]

Really? Of the three Honda's in my garage, only one runs.

That'd be the lawn mower one. Honda make very nice lawn mowers.

[R.Markus]

That'd be the lawn mower one. Honda make very nice lawn mowers.

I forgot about the lawn mower...we have two running Hondas out of the four.

[miles]

$600 to put in a battery? dang!

Why is Moto Guzzi service so overpriced?  

(Orson asked me to post this)

[gtmg]

You have a battery drain. Should not be that hard to diagnose with a decent mechanic. It could be a Voltage Regulator as well. Once again not difficult. I would wait until I have the dealership selling the bike look at it. Make a couple of recommendations. Once it is repaired it will be a great bike. This could happen on any bike probably something grounded that shouldn't be or broken wire. Very disappointing at the last dealership they charged the troubleshooting time. That was just a poorly trained mechanic.

[Baron Samedi]

Why is Moto Guzzi service so overpriced?  

(Orson asked me to post this)

No idea. Why?

[superskip]

Missed the part where I said "fix it, then put it on the consignment lot" did you?  Good luck on your next reading comprehension test.  

Yeah, 'cuz it wasn't in your original post :

" So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment."

Lame.
Good luck on your next honesty test.

[gritsngravy]

I forgot about the lawn mower...we have two running Hondas out of the four.

Of the FOURHonda's in my garage they've all been running perfectly since day one.  

[R.Markus]

Of the FOURHonda's in my garage they've all been running perfectly since day one.  

We've had eight Hondas, luckily we're down to the four (still including the lawn mower). Luckily we have a KTM and a Buell, since I don't trust the Hondas to run when needed.

[napper]

I forgot about the lawn mower...we have two running Hondas out of the four.

You meet the nicest people pushing a Honda.  

[maddjack]

So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment.

I don't blame you one bit,I have done the same in the past,twiceon any motorcycle, and I don't trust it anymore so its gone

[XLR8]

Yeah, 'cuz it wasn't in your original post :

" So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment."

Lame.
Good luck on your next honesty test.

Another dillweed goes on the ignore list.  

[R.Markus]

Yeah, 'cuz it wasn't in your original post :

" So PO'd right now; second time bike has just died.  Did it on my cross-country trip and now this.  

Told Bend Euro Moto do the 6,200 mi service and put it on consignment."

Lame.
Good luck on your next honesty test.

Want to buy a slightly used Moto Guzzi? I know someone who has a nice one for sale.

[sagerat]

Want to buy a slightly used Moto Guzzi? I know someone who has a nice one for sale.

   You guys are priceless.  

Initial report from Bend Euro Moto: does not appear to be the battery.  Bike is starting again.  I talk to them on Tues. and if they don't find anything, I'll ride it over to my buddy the ex-Navy wrencher for a session on his left as we trace wires, poke things, test things, and play Guzzi detectives.    I put Concrete Blonde on the CD and warble along to "Talking Italian."

[gritsngravy]

We've had eight Hondas, luckily we're down to the four (still including the lawn mower). Luckily we have a KTM and a Buell, since I don't trust the Hondas to run when needed.

Hell we're looking to add a fifth, maybe a sixth..... in the form of an Acura and a scooter.   I'd get a honda mower but we've got people to deal with the garden.      

[Baron Samedi]

You meet the nicest people pushing a Honda.  

 

[naustin]

Sure Honda owners don't have lists of glitches...but they're souless zombies who eat brains miles.

FTFY

Sagerat, Same thing happend to me.  The Buell broke down on me 3 times in 2 weeks on my 3,500mi trip (Same part over and over) and I sold it and kicked it out of my garage less than a week after I got back.  5 days after that, I brought home my new ST1300!

[rajflyboy]

Buy Jap Bikes and Ride All Day and Night Long and Be Happy !!!

 

[Orson]

brain eaters

Everyday in the week I'm in a different city
If I stay too long people try to pull me down
They talk about me like a dawg
Talkin' bout the clothes I wear
But they don't realize they're the ones who's square

[thatguy]

Buy Jap Bikes and Ride All Day and Night Long and Be Happy !!!

 

Why not?

[sagerat]

Why not?

OK, that image is a little disturbing first thing in the morning.  

[XLR8]

That's what happens to Chinese athletes that don't medal.

[Krismark]

You know, R.Markus is just egging you guys on (as usual) anyway.

The two Honda's in our garage that don't run are a 1972 SL70 that ran until he disassembled it...and a 1981 CB125 that ran but the tank was rusted through, so it got taken apart and sat for a while. I'm guessing a carb cleaning would get it to start right up.

 

[Rude_Rydah]

My TL1000S was very inventive with ways to leve me stranded, but I was so happy riding the damn thing when it ran that I was conflicted about selling it.  Good thing I replaced it with a Hayabusa.  No stranding issues with this one.

The wife's CBR lived a hard life before coming to us and has had it's fair share of battery issues, a burned up rectifier, and a leaky gas tank (my fault).

This thread has convinced me to lust after Guzzi's from afar and leave them alone.

[thatguy]

OK, that image is a little disturbing first thing in the morning.  

It's just a human representation of the Lemming myth.Pussy.

[Orson]

This thread has convinced me to lust after Guzzi's from afar and leave them alone.

as it should be.

Guzzis select their owners and guide them to a higher calling.

to use their powers for good and not evil.

to fight for truth, justice, and the Italian way

[sagerat]

It's just a human representation of the Lemming myth.Pussy.

Yes, I knew what it was, which is why I went eek.  

Although this Breva gremlin is putting more in the mood for "The Scream."

[blakebird]

I too sympathize with ya. 2 wheels or 4, doesn't matter, if it leaves me walking once I might forgive and forget, twice and it's history.

Yep. My V11 Rosso Mandello vapor locked only four times, but it stranded me for a half hour each time. It was in my hands for 9 months, and it was gorgeous and hella fun to ride.

[ksann]

Though I no longer own a Guzzi, I will again, that darn Norge keeps calling my name......





ken

[tbolt]

So let me get it straight......

Guzzi's are unreliable, as are Buell, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, BMW, etc.

Actually, I feel that any bike can be reliable if you take care of it properly, and it's built on a Wednesday, and you're lucky.

32,000 miles on my Buell, no problems yet.

[gritsngravy]

Why not?

Another group of frustrated Guzzi owners bites the dust.  At least they went with 'character'.    

[Orson]

'nother brain eater  

[kurtw]

Dang that's disappointing!

FWIW, seems like any new bike can have a glitch. If they didn't successfully find it the first time, maybe Bend Euro Moto will get it and the bike will be solid in the future...

[Baz]

It's that old clich'e.

Italian bikes/Cars/Women are best rode in Italy.

[Spectre]

Though I no longer own a Guzzi, I will again, that darn Norge keeps calling my name......


I thought Norge was a  washing machine?





ken

[R.Markus]

Though I no longer own a Guzzi, I will again, that darn Norge keeps calling my name......

I saw one at the Peoria TT. They are nice looking machines.  

[sagerat]

The saga continues; when I talked to Bend Euro on Sat. the bike fired right up after it was charged.  They were going to load test the battery several times just to be sure it wasn't the battery.

I don't think it was the battery either time.  It sounds more to me like there's a short somewhere in the system.  Recharging system is another potential culprit, although it checked out fine last time.

Every riders' worst nightmare:  intermittent electrical problems.  Hell to diagnose; hell to know if it's fixed or not.

Fri. I hope to ride the Goose over to a buddy who's a fellow Ural rider, KLR rider, and 40-year wrencher for the Navy.  Hey, if he could fix an F14 Tomcat he should be able to diagnose a Guzzi.    

[greench440]

Would be better if he was a tractor mechanic.    Maybe you should take a ride out into farming country.

[Orson]

akshully, Dr John went to werk for the gubmint after his stint with the Guzzi factory to werk on drones using Guzzi engines.

So while yer Japanese engines were back home hangin' out at the In 'n Out Burger joint, Guzzi's were flying on the front lines in the war on terror.

but that's just the way Guzzis roll...er fly  

[sagerat]

Would be better if he was a tractor mechanic.    Maybe you should take a ride out into farming country.

ol 'rocket always teases me about the Guzzi's tractoresque nature; I'll have to see if I can find my pic of the Guzzi parked in front of a John Deere dealership near Ontario, OR.  Took the pic just for our refined wine-sipper from Prosser who rides a Strumpet while wearing corduroy jacket with leather elbow patches, what

[WitchCityBallabio]

I've got 30,000 + miles on my Ballabio and it's never failed me. Ever. My project bike has 71,000 on it, and doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil.

All the Hondas and Suzuki's I've owned probably would have lasted as long, but they all bored me to tears and I got rid of most of them before they hit 15k.  

[FizDog74]

Well, that's only going to leave 2 cute Guzzi people.  


Seriously sagerat, sorry to hear of your troubles and that repair bill.   Hope if you do sell it, you are able to recuop some decent funds out of it.

[ol Rocket]

as it should be.

Guzzis select their owners and guide them to a higher calling.

to use their powers for good and not evil.

to fight for truth, justice, and the Italian way

Yeppers.  But I'll stick with a bottle of Chiani and Gina Lollabrigadiggadigga.

[ol Rocket]

 who rides a Strumpet while wearing corduroy jacket with leather elbow patches,

It's waxed cotton with Connolly hides.

Just reading through here, Peter.  I'm so sorry about these troubles.  I remember the warm fuzzies you got from that shiney new Wop princess.  I hope things sort themselves out.  You belong in the same club as Orson and Dr. Gil.  To me you guys are the holy trinity of all things Eyetallion.


PS.  I won't tell Laura about the concrete blond you're seeing on the side.

[Orson]

I remember the warm fuzzies...

That's it in a nutshell.

warm fuzzies such as those that few machines can provide  

[ol Rocket]

I meant these...

[ZED]

...
My project bike has 71,000 on it, and doesn't burn or leak a drop of oil.
...

Can't be a European machine then.  European machine's always mark their spot.  

I can uderstand the frustration Sagerat.  I've lost track of the number of times my Ducati has been in for warranty work this year.  But, each time I get it back, it's "soul" sings down the road and all is forgiven.  

Just do like I do and tour with a companion on a KLR.  They'll always get you home.  

[VR6Dave]

Sagerat,

I hope things turn out for the best.  I enjoy my Ballabio, I haven't been on the Bonneville in quite some time.  Mine has had its share of the common issues.  Right now I have to turn the handlebars to the right before it will fire.  Gotta pull the tank and find the short in the ignition.  Otherwise its been bulletproof.  Thirty minute valve job I can do myself without pulling the gas tank, the shaft drive has grease zerks...... Just wish it got better gas mileage.

Dave

[sagerat]

One bit of good new:  I found out it's still under warranty.  

On the Breva you have to pull the tank to get at the valves it seems.  

[c_galardi]

One bit of good new:  I found out it's still under warranty.  

On the Breva you have to pull the tank to get at the valves it seems.  

No, you don't.  You have to remove a little plastic "grill" piece on the front of the tank near the forks (4 screws, 1 nut) and then remove the bolt holding the base of the tank (under the seat).

Then you just slide the tank back a bit and pivot it left or right, depending on which cylinder you are doing the valve adjust on.  The valve adjustment is very simple.  Probably 30-45 minutes total.

[ol Rocket]

No, you don't.  You have to remove a little plastic "grill" piece on the front of the tank near the forks (4 screws, 1 nut) and then remove the bolt holding the base of the tank (under the seat).

Then you just slide the tank back a bit and pivot it left or right, depending on which cylinder you are doing the valve adjust on.  The valve adjustment is very simple.  Probably 30-45 minutes total.

The Ballast Babe will appreciate this tip.  Peter most likely would have had her pull the motor and go in from underneath.  "Hurry up with the valves, hon, I'm almost out of beer."

[prshguy]

So, what's the verdict, keep or sell?  

[sagerat]

Well, now I'm waiting to get it running as it went dead in a buddy's garage with the same problem; technically that is the third time in 21 days of saddle time.

I'm selling it.  

[FizDog74]

Well, now I'm waiting to get it running as it went dead in a buddy's garage with the same problem; technically that is the third time in 21 days of saddle time.

I'm selling it.  

Does this mean you are going to troll around in the Guzzi forum once you sell it?  

[ol Rocket]

Well, now I'm waiting to get it running as it went dead in a buddy's garage with the same problem; technically that is the third time in 21 days of saddle time.

I'm selling it.  

Sorry, Peter.  This isn't fun.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Well, now I'm waiting to get it running as it went dead in a buddy's garage with the same problem; technically that is the third time in 21 days of saddle time.

I'm selling it.  

Maybe kurtw will let you take his KTM out  

(sorry to hear about the bike woes)

[atadaskew]

Sorry about your bike.  This pretty much has put the final nail in the coffin for me getting a Goot-sie unfortunately (and that's coming from a Duc owner!).  Ok bikes break down, but as long as the source is tracked and they get fixed no problem.  But your's seems a mystery.  Add to that the test of the new V7 by motorcyclist magazine where they mentioned that a bunch of bikes on the test fleet had an FI warning light appear randomly.  These are bikes specially prepped for the press.  I shudder to think how customers' bikes would be.  Add to that the lack of support in the SoCal area and how my one crappy dealer is so far away (and I live in LA area!) and they can't even prep a scooter (mine broke down on a test ride!).
Looking at the above list I could hack it if it wasn't for the pathetic dealer situation.  Too bad.

[ZED]

Good dealer support is essential for anything remotely exotic.

My Duc dealer is great!  They found the cause of my third fork seal in less than a year going.  New fork bits on order, meanwhile I pick it up tomorrow with yet another seal replaced so I can go to hell next week!  

Lack of trustworthy dealers here prevented me from looking seriously at the Guzzi.  Bummer, they see, like neat bikes.  

[sagerat]

Yeah, I was really hoping for a happier ending.

...well Wee Strom it is then!  Although after this fiasco Ural Ballast Babe may be a bit more jaundiced about buying bikes.

[DogBoy]

Sorry about your troubles with the Moto Guzzi, Peter. Time to move on.

There are many other interesting bikes out there.

[Orson]

This is all because you started the EWS thread causing bad juju to come down on you  

seriously though, sorry about the headache this bike has been. Seems to be a Friday afternoon bike.

I know how much you enjoyed it while it wuz runnin'

Like DogBoy sez, lottsa interesting bikes out there.

[naustin]

I feel your pain.  When I sold the Buell, an ocean of inky black syrup evaporated off the top of my brain and I was SO happy!    Remember when the house landed on the wicked witch of the east and all the little munchkins had a party.... yeah.  That was me.  

I bought a bike that will hopefully be the antithesis of the Buell in terms of reliability...  

[sagerat]

Thanks for the kind words.

We plan on trailering it over to Portland Guzzi dealer next Fri or Sat. and let the pros have at it.

And if you really wanna hack off a bunch of Guzzistas, just casually mention your Ural and KLR have been more reliable than this particular Italian steed.  

[kurtw]

Maybe kurtw will let you take his KTM out  

Yes, come on out to Mac Track while you're in PDX this weekend dumping the Guzzi. You can try my KTM

We plan on trailering it over to Portland Guzzi dealer next Fri or Sat. and let the pros have at it.

This thread is a serious bummer. Peter, I hope you can replace it quickly now that the decision is made and put this all behind you.

[prshguy]

I'm really sorry to hear this story unfold.  I've been in love with the Norge   since first seeing it and had finally been seriously looking for one but this may also be the nail in the coffin for buying a Goose.  I'm like you, I don't have much patience for unreliable bikes, I don't care how much "character" they have.  First and foremost it's a machine and I want to be able to put my trust in it.

[Baron Samedi]

I really, really, really want the new 8v Griso....

[WitchCityBallabio]

On the up side, someone will get a nice newer Guzzi that needs a minor problem sorted for probably short money.  

It's similar to the folks that dumped their Sports or LeMans because of a shifter springs or relays.

[sagerat]

On the up side, someone will get a nice newer Guzzi that needs a minor problem sorted for probably short money.  

It's similar to the folks that dumped their Sports or LeMans because of a shifter springs or relays.

Care to put your money where your mouth is?  

[c_galardi]

It's certainly a bummer that you are having this problem with the bike.  Hope you get it resolved in short order.

For what it's worth, my 06 Breva 1100 has been great.  In the year and a half or so I have had it, it's done over 27,000 miles trouble free and never left me stranded.  None of my Guzzis has left me stranded in the close to 100,000 miles I have put on them in the last 6 years.

The Breva and I just completed the "sea to shining sea" tour from Deland, FL to Malibu, CA in June.  6500 miles in two weeks with nary a whimper.  My buddy met me part way on his 2006 Breva 1100 and put about 3500 miles on his on this same trip.  No problems.  

Like any brand, things are gonna happen sometimes.  Sorry it happened to you and caused you to lose faith in the brand but understandable.  But there are lots and lots of us out here with trouble-free bikes that wouldn't give up our Guzzis for anything.

[Orson]

And if you really wanna hack off a bunch of Guzzistas, just casually mention your Ural and KLR have been more reliable than this particular Italian steed.  

That hasn't been my impression over on V11lemans.com  

more like, hard-headed, soft-hearted masochists  

[sagerat]

Oh, I understand that everbody makes a lemon once in a while.  I'm not bashing all Guzzis just this one Breva.

And when it ran it was magnificent as I found out on my cross-country trek.

[Tar Snake]

Does the Breva have any fancy anti-theft-magnetic-key-secret-decoder-ring stuff more and more vehicles are coming with these days?

Alarm systems are the work of the devil, mark my words. I've had one bike and one truck I've had to remove the alarm systems from. Aftermarket yes, but still I don't trust these things.

[TheGoose]

Care to put your money where your mouth is?  

I already made a good faith offer.

[strider]

I'd make an offer but the separate costs of transport and getting it through Australian compliance would be prohibitive !

[WitchCityBallabio]

Care to put your money where your mouth is?  

I'd like to, but:
A. I've just spent enough money to buy a new Norge and then some on the Tonti Cafe' project nearing completion.
B. Have a Ballabio that I ride daily and have thrown a lot of modification money at (and it's spectacular)
C. Am in the process of negotiating a deal on a sweet Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport that will probably become a vintage race bike and hence, also have stupid amounts of money thrown at it..
D.Have a V50III that is incredibly clean but would like to add the finishing touches to make it pristine.


Good luck though. I'm sure you won't have much trouble getting rid of it.

[WitchCityBallabio]

I'm really sorry to hear this story unfold.  I've been in love with the Norge   since first seeing it and had finally been seriously looking for one but this may also be the nail in the coffin for buying a Goose.  I'm like you, I don't have much patience for unreliable bikes, I don't care how much "character" they have.  First and foremost it's a machine and I want to be able to put my trust in it.

Hope your not too soured by this thread. If you're not, there is a spectacular Norge for sale by a member of our New England Guzzi group. He's selling it because it's not quite big enough to tour comfortably with he and his wife. He's a very tall big guy. The bike has everything and runs beautiful. You can check it out here.

Norge

[TheGoose]

C. Am in the process of negotiating a deal on a sweet Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport that will probably become a vintage race bike and hence, also have stupid amounts of money thrown at it..

Not the 3.5 in Bellingham Washington I hope. That thing is gorgeous as is.

[WitchCityBallabio]

Nope. Fortunately, this one is close to home for a change. I'm sick of making bike  haulers wealthy.  

[TheGoose]

Phew! Not that you wouldn't make a beautiful conversion, it's just that bike is jewel-like as is.

[Baron Samedi]

A Morini 3 1/2? Gorgeous but hope you're good with spanners

[prshguy]

"Hope your not too soured by this thread. If you're not, there is a spectacular Norge for sale by a member of our New England Guzzi group. He's selling it because it's not quite big enough to tour comfortably with he and his wife. He's a very tall big guy. The bike has everything and runs beautiful. You can check it out here."

Funny you should post, I just saw this bike in ebay and came over here, wondering if anyone knew anything about it.  I know no bike is perfect, so right now I think it's still worth giving the Norge a fair chance if I can find the right one.  I'll send you a pm for futher info.  Thanks!

[sagerat]

Portland Guzzi dealer called today and short answer:  problem with wire harness on the positive side going to battery, tipover switch was installed upside down, wrong bolts used on grounds underneath starter cover, and couple of relays were laying loose rather being clamped into their holders.  Not a great day at the Mandello assembly line, evidently.  

Bike is running great; they are waiting for parts and will do the 6,200-mile oil change and valve check.  They hope to have it done by next wknd.

[ZED]

So, now that you've found a competent dealer that can handle the normal production line issues that can happen, is it still on the chopping block?

[Orson]

Portland Guzzi dealer called today and short answer:  problem with wire harness on the positive side going to battery, tipover switch was installed upside down, wrong bolts used on grounds underneath starter cover, and couple of relays were laying loose rather being clamped into their holders.  Not a great day at the Mandello assembly line, evidently.  

I suspected it was a fixable glitch.

As I said about the V11 in another thread (or maybe it wuz this one), the V11s came with a number of known glitches, but once they were sorted, you had a solid machine  

[atadaskew]

Bike is running great

Keep the goose!  Especially after all the cheap bastard offers on this site   ....
Fer realz, it sounds like it's now gonna be good for a long long time.

[ol Rocket]

Keep it, put long-travel suspension and knobby tires on it, get rid of the front shield and drill holes in your exhaust.  Then you can get rid of the KLR.

[sagerat]

The warranty expires on 12/27/09 so it's got about 1.5 riding seasons left.

Ural Ballast Babe and I are going to go over the +/- of keeping it as when the bike runs, it is a magnificent beast.  Having the dealer be 2.5 to 3 hours away over a 4,800-foot pass if fun in summer, sucks in winter.  

Still, the Breva 1100 meets all my checklist boxes for a sport tourer: equally at home in twisties as well as long drones, comfy saddle for days on end, hard luggage, great headlight, shaft drive (a nicety, not a requirement), range of at least 200 miles before reserve.  If it weren't for the weird breakdowns, I would never have considered selling it.

Oh, and have you heard a Guzz?    Think small block V-8 with glass pack exhaust, just an authoritative rumble, not a small-dick annoying HD sound.

[Baron Samedi]

So glad it all worked out. Nice one.  

[atadaskew]

Oh, and have you heard a Guzz?    Think small block V-8 with glass pack exhaust, just an authoritative rumble, not a small-dick annoying HD sound.

Wuh wuh whaaat? sonofabeach! I wish a really nasty paper cut on you and a pox on your feral chickens!
Baahh!

 

[ol Rocket]

Hope it works out, Peter.  I'd hate for you to disappoint Dr. Gil.

[Dean Rose`]

$600 to put in a battery? dang!

Probably the most reliable bike in the world after you get the glitches ironed out the first year.
It's Italian, some assembly required.