1200 Sport - parts, etc.

[blakebird]

I had a local dealer do my first service at 1400 miles. That's the miles it took to get me home from the selling dealer, and set up an appointment.
Their service dept is top notch, they did a great job and the bike ran better than ever.

The downside was that it's a bit of a boutique shop, wrapped heavily in the lifestyle vibe.
They also charged me $30.99 for a $9 HiFlo Filtro oil filter.

I see some other fellow new owners and it seemed timely to throw out a thread regarding parts and prices.
The first thing I did after the service was do a search on equivalent parts.

For oil filters:

Purolator Pure One PL10241
Bosch 3330
Hi Flo Filtro HF-551

I got on Amazon and picked up two 2-packs of Purolator filters for $11.xx each.
Four excellent filters plus $6 shipping for $28.xx

The oil is going to be spendy if you stick with Motorex 4T 10w-60. I see it on the dealer's shelf for ~$16 liter, and I paid $18.75 liter at the first service...so not a horibble beating compared to a $31 oil filter....but still a slight gouging.
I understand dealer markup is necessary to a point - but the oil filter pushed me over the edge a little bit.

So....what other deals are you finding out there?

[Biking Sailor]

Great thread to start!

The question... How much did the first one run you?

I have been in contact with the dealer/service in Tulsa.  Go by the name "Kinetic Playground" and seem to be pretty customer focused.  Some of the prices for aftermarket parts and apparel seem reasonable.  Will report how my dealings go.

[blakebird]

The question... How much did the first one run you?

$443

Parts & fluids were a fair chunk of it too.

Most bikes I prefer to do my own first service - and there's usually less to do. An oil & filter change and a once-over is fine on many bikes, but an air-cooled 2V motor I'd like to synch the throttle bodies and check valve lash as well.

The $75 for four liters of oil (yes, I did ask for my 0.4 liter to take with - they charged for four, I'm taking four at those prices)
I've since found Motorex 4T Synt for $16/liter at a local shop I use a lot, so that's where I'll get oil.

I ordered a centerstand ($160) from the dealer I bought the bike from, looking forward to being able to easily R&R the wheels for tire changes. I have a set of Avon Storm 2 Ultras waiting for the M3's to expire.

[chornbe]

Seriously, who pays that much for oil and WHY?

[johnnyquest]

$443

Parts & fluids were a fair chunk of it too.

Most bikes I prefer to do my own first service - and there's usually less to do. An oil & filter change and a once-over is fine on many bikes, but an air-cooled 2V motor I'd like to synch the throttle bodies and check valve lash as well.

The $75 for four liters of oil (yes, I did ask for my 0.4 liter to take with - they charged for four, I'm taking four at those prices)
I've since found Motorex 4T Synt for $16/liter at a local shop I use a lot, so that's where I'll get oil.

I ordered a centerstand ($160) from the dealer I bought the bike from, looking forward to being able to easily R&R the wheels for tire changes. I have a set of Avon Storm 2 Ultras waiting for the M3's to expire.

Umm...am I missing something? I called Moto Italiano, a dealer in Santa Cruz, CA and asked them how much an initial service would be on my 1200 sport...wanted to get it done on the road back to Tucson since I'll probably have over 2000 miles on the bike when I get it back home...and they said the initial service was an oil change and torque check (torquing certain bolts on the chassis I assume) and it would run me about $150, said they could do it in about an hour while I wait. How did your dealer come up with $443?? Did you ask them to check your TB sync and valve lash as part of your first service?

Second question: I wasn't aware that the regular Breva center stand would work on the 1200 sport, or are you getting an aftermarket one? When I saw the bike I thought the exhaust plumbing was different under the bike, would be cool to know I could install one if I want it...I've been wondering how I'll manage to change the oil and get an accurate oil level reading with the bike on the side stand...

JQ

[blakebird]

they said the initial service was an oil change and torque check (torquing certain bolts on the chassis I assume) and it would run me about $150, said they could do it in about an hour while I wait. How did your dealer come up with $443?? Did you ask them to check your TB sync and valve lash as part of your first service?

My first phone call to them got an estimate of $147, which I thought quite reasonable for a first service. I made the appt. then to bring the bike in.
When I dropped the bike off, the service writer (same guy I spoke w/ on the phone) wrote the 'before the work starts estimate' at $196. I mention he quoted me $147 the day before on  the phone - and a more senior guy behind the counter came over, as he'd been hearing the conversation.

I told him $196 still sounded low - don't they have to check the valves and synch the TB's?

'why yes....they do. Let me ask the tech and I'll be right back.'

That's how we got to $443 -  I wanted the valve lash checked and the throttle bodies synched, and that's what they said service menu called for (which is what I wanted done regardless)

Second question: I wasn't aware that the regular Breva center stand would work on the 1200 sport, or are you getting an aftermarket one?

Think Norge.

[chornbe]

Second question: I wasn't aware that the regular Breva center stand would work on the 1200 sport,

The Breva, Norge and 1200 Sport are all the same bike. The Sport has different suspension bits and handle bars (and that uber-cool cowling), and the Norge, of course, is fully clad and luggaged up.

[Charlie7]

Purolator actually makes a "motorcycle specific" filter I use on my 1200 Sport.  I found it online (don't remember if it was Amazon or not)for about the same price you paid for the car filter.  The part number is Purolator ML16822.  I don't know if using a filter meant for a car would actually make any difference or not but as the price is the same, I felt I would have less of a problem should any type of warranty work be needed related to a lubrication problem.

I've been using AMSOIL 60 weight synthetic motorcycle oil.  They have a preferred member program and you can buy it in bulk (I get the 2.5 gallon jugs) part number AHRTP.  If you are lucky and they have a warehouse near you, you can pick it up and save shipping costs.  I pay about $8 a quart that way.  

I adjust my own valves, synch the throttle bodies and reset the throttle position sensor.  Very easy bike to work on.  If you haven't found it already, there is some good information particularly regarding do it yourself maintenance on the www.guzzitech.com site.

Shiny side up!
Charlie

[Blunder]

That's how we got to $443 -  

Yikes!   I'm glad I canceled my appointment and the bike can sit for a week or two. Good thing I've a couple of OT shifts coming up. I do my own maintenance but I like to have the break-in service done by the dealer in case there are any warranty issues.

[blakebird]

Purolator actually makes a "motorcycle specific" filter I use on my 1200 Sport.  I found it online (don't remember if it was Amazon or not)for about the same price you paid for the car filter.  The part number is Purolator ML16822.  I don't know if using a filter meant for a car would actually make any difference or not but as the price is the same, I felt I would have less of a problem should any type of warranty work be needed related to a lubrication problem.


I adjust my own valves, synch the throttle bodies and reset the throttle position sensor.  Very easy bike to work on.  

I did a search for equivalent oil filters, and along with the Bosch 3330, that Purolator PL10241 came up, and is attributed to 1200 Sports in each search result, as well as BMW oilheads.
No mention of it being a car filter vs. "motorcycle specific" - but if that gives you a warm fuzzy vs. the PL10241, buy the 16822 by all means. That didn't come up in any searches for me, I'm going with something that others have used with good results, especially where people mention the oil filter not sealing well - the Purolator excells.
Good to know there's another Purolator number though.

I also prefer to do my own valves, etc - but for the first one it was good to take it to the dealer this time. I haven't used a Twinmax in six years (and would have to find and borrow one), the trip home racked up enough miles that it was best to get this one done sooner rather than later.
Now I know which of my buddies has a Twinmax I can use - and am ready for the next service when I return from a Canadian Rockies trip in a few weeks.

[blakebird]

I was curious about the Purolator after the previous post about their motorcycle specific filters.
A visit to the Purolator site backs it up. (the pl10241 is a Pure One)
When you look at the motorcycle specific filter descriptions they say this:

What About PureONE
If you're thinking you want to install a PureONE oil filter on your bike, please think again. PureONE oil filters are designed for vehicles, not bikes. Because of PureONE's high efficiency, the motorcycle oil pump may not be able to handle the pressure. The Purolator motorcycle filter line is designed to meet the specific needs of a bike; therefore we highly recommend the use of a Purolator ML filter over a PureONE oil filter.

[chornbe]

I got the Guzzi OEM filters for $10 ea. I'd rather spend $10 (rather than $6 for an aftermarket filter) than spending $16/qt for oil.  

[bisbonian]

Motorex can be head cheaper if you buy it in a 4-liter jug rather than singly.

For this oil change I purchased a case of the AGIP here:  http://www.shop.rp-motorsports.com/Lubricants-and-Fluids_c23.htm

It came out a little bit cheaper than the Motorex and honestly I prefer the single serving container; be sure to choose shipping other than the default for a better price.

Keep in mind that TB sync on the MG is not the same as on most other bikes; first you sync at about 3k rpm using the one adjustment screw then you set the sync at idle using the air bleed screws.  Once you have the sync done you will need to reset the TPS; you can purchase the equipment for the TPS reset (and other things involving the computer) on Guzzitech for around $200.

Valve adjustment takes about 20 minutes once you figure out that you don't need to completely remove the tank; do yourself a favor and buy the silicone gaskets before you open it up, find them here:  http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm#motoguzzi

Center stand is nice but you might want to trim down the rubber bumper if you have issues with scraping; if you're installing it yourself be prepared to get up close and personal with your Guzzi.  

If you have issues with starting after the bike has been sitting out in the sun check your charcoal canister under the seat.  I just removed mine and along with the end of associated starting issues I now have space for a tire plug kit (with compressor) under the seat.

To change the inner spark plugs you will likely need to grind down a socket to fit in the hole.

[MisterSmooth]

Motorex can be head cheaper if you buy it in a 4-liter jug rather than singly.

For this oil change I purchased a case of the AGIP here:  http://www.shop.rp-motorsports.com/Lubricants-and-Fluids_c23.htm

It came out a little bit cheaper than the Motorex and honestly I prefer the single serving container; be sure to choose shipping other than the default for a better price.

Keep in mind that TB sync on the MG is not the same as on most other bikes; first you sync at about 3k rpm using the one adjustment screw then you set the sync at idle using the air bleed screws.  Once you have the sync done you will need to reset the TPS; you can purchase the equipment for the TPS reset (and other things involving the computer) on Guzzitech for around $200.

Valve adjustment takes about 20 minutes once you figure out that you don't need to completely remove the tank; do yourself a favor and buy the silicone gaskets before you open it up, find them here:  http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm#motoguzzi

Center stand is nice but you might want to trim down the rubber bumper if you have issues with scraping; if you're installing it yourself be prepared to get up close and personal with your Guzzi.  

If you have issues with starting after the bike has been sitting out in the sun check your charcoal canister under the seat.  I just removed mine and along with the end of associated starting issues I now have space for a tire plug kit (with compressor) under the seat.

To change the inner spark plugs you will likely need to grind down a socket to fit in the hole.

Dude, you are the source!  

You gotta have the only Guzzi in Bisbee.  

[johnnyquest]

Dude, you are the source!  

You gotta have the only Guzzi in Bisbee.  

With luck I will be taking in-frequent trips to the Bisbonian MG Speed shop!!  

JQ

[bisbonian]

Just trying to help out.

[blakebird]

Good deal....now I can R&R the wheels at tire change time. Bike sits with 3,800 miles on it, so it won't be long.

The Norge centerstand was $160.

[johnnyquest]

Good deal....now I can R&R the wheels at tire change time. Bike sits with 3,800 miles on it, so it won't be long.

The Norge centerstand was $160.

Looks good, did you do the install yourself? How was it? Can you install it while the bike is on the sidestand? My old Bimmer had a center stand and I'm sure I would like to have one again, but I read several reviews of the Norge years ago and most of them complained the center stand scraped the ground way to early and often. Can you tell us if you have any issues with that?

JQ

[bisbonian]

The centerstand can be installed with the bike on the side stand.

I found the installation to be a royal pain but doable if you take your time.  There are no instructions but if you look at the exploded diagram you can see how it's done; however the diagram has one piece in it that is mislabeled so that you think you're missing a threaded bushing when you're not.

I haven't experienced any scraping issues in the corners however topes in Mexico are now a problem as they rub the stand and hence flex the exhaust.  I mitigated this somewhat by cutting down the rubber bumper for the stand a bit and now it has more clearance.

Don't forget to use some blue loctite on your install.

[Rabidsnipe]

I'm really jealous how good these bikes look with the bags off the bike.  My FZ1 looks like an alien spacecraft compared to the well hidden hardware of the Guzzi.

[bisbonian]

I'm really jealous how good these bikes look with the bags off the bike.  My FZ1 looks like an alien spacecraft compared to the well hidden hardware of the Guzzi.

This is why I went with the Guzzi bags instead of Hepco-Becker.  While the crash bar look with the bags off was okay on my V-Strom I felt the H-B brackets had no place on this bike.

[blakebird]

The centerstand can be installed with the bike on the side stand.

I found the installation to be a royal pain but doable if you take your time.  There are no instructions but if you look at the exploded diagram you can see how it's done;

There are some unofficial "instructions" on a thread with the exploded parts view - I had it all printed, parts laid out and ready to do it yesterday....but I had to work. I've got a trip to the Canadian Rockies coming up next weekend, and have been buried at work. I'm going to leave for a week feeling guilty for not staying   not really....but there is precious little free time to do this, so I called the dealer and got a quote for a half hour labor.

Trying to wrap up some project work had me at the office Saturday and Sunday. I almost didn't get down there in time on Saturday afternoon - but I did and was glad to get it done quickly. Another task off my list of things to do before I head out.

It is not a difficult task, but time was not on my side for this one.  

[blakebird]

wow.... you don't even begin to get the bike leaned over before that centerstand drags.  
I'm all for the convenience of it, but that's ridiculous how early that happens.

I'll look at shaving the rubber bumper, but it's hard to believe that could make much of a difference.

Now that all the main bracketry is mounted, maybe taking the stand itself off is less of a big dang deal. That's a bit disappointing how early the fun ends.

I have my bags mounted for a trip.....so maybe it's worse with the bumper stop lower because of the muffler tab.

[Biking Sailor]

Thanks for the info Blackbird, I've been considering a center stand but that is a bit of a turnoff!  Could you send some pics (close-up details) of how it fits and what it mounts to?  Might be time for some home garage engineering for a maintenance stand as my other stands are all for two sided swing arms.

[johnnyquest]

I just emailed Dave at MI and ordered the center stand. Before ordering it I mentioned my concerned with the center stand dragging, he said that when they install one on a 1200 sport they modify the rubber bump stop and the muffler tab, he said when they get it done it has about the same clearance as a '06 Breva 1100 with a center stand. $185 installed seemed reasonable, and I really think I'll miss having one. Time will tell if it's worth it. Blakebird, give MI a call and ask Dave about how they install the centerstand, maybe a little modification will make it better.

JQ

[blakebird]

I ended up cutting the bumper in about half, heightwise. Took about 1/2" off it. It does tuck the centerstand nice and close to the muffler now, so it was a big help.
How much it helps I'll have to see when I go the same way home today.

The muffler tab being modified - I'd be interested in seeing the end result, to see what's changed. It's a stout tab and didn't seem like it was easily modified. When the muffler is lowered to clear the bags, it drops that whole enchilada down about 1.5" to 2".

[johnnyquest]

I ended up cutting the bumper in about half, heightwise. Took about 1/2" off it. It does tuck the centerstand nice and close to the muffler now, so it was a big help.
How much it helps I'll have to see when I go the same way home today.

The muffler tab being modified - I'd be interested in seeing the end result, to see what's changed. It's a stout tab and didn't seem like it was easily modified. When the muffler is lowered to clear the bags, it drops that whole enchilada down about 1.5" to 2".

So, you never told us how your ride home went after modifying the centerstand bump-stop. Can you live with the clearance now or is it still dragging like crazy?

JQ

[blakebird]

The last couple of days I took twisty roads home to see how the bumper trim helped. I haven't been able to get it to touch down, and that's with the bags on (and muffler lowered) still.

I was a little surprised - I thought it would still drag, but I got the bike over pretty good and no drama.
The real test will be a sweeper at speed, when the bike is being pushed.... but I'm very happy with the 'back to normal' at average speeds around 90* corners and such.


Friday I took off around noon to run some errands. It was our first seriously hot day here, and in stop and go traffic I'm sure that's as warm as the engine's gotten. At a signal stop, I smelled burning oil so I pulled into a parking lot to see what was up.
I had a couple of drips on the right header, and it was coming off the fins and spark plug cap.

I got back on and headed for the dealer (pretty much across town at this point). More stop and go, more traffic light stops. At each stop I looked down and saw a dozen or so drips. My right boot was speckled with oil, and it was dripping enough to see them...getting worse as I rode.
The dealer took it in but was busy, so it would get looked at later in the day. I took light rail home....

It was the valve cover gasket as I suspected, and though they didn't have one... they got one. It will be ready by noon today.
(I mentioned I was headed out Tuesday am before dawn on a week long road trip to the Canadian Rockies - so I needed it back by EOB Saturday, if it meant taking a gasket out of a bike on the floor)


Which reminds me.

Does anyone have the 800 number for Guzzi's 24hr Roadside Assistance?

[johnnyquest]

Well, that's good news about the centerstand, bad news about the leaky valve cover gasket! I think I will make sure I have Guzzi USA's 800 number, as well as Progressive Roadside assistance and every dealer mapped out between Seattle and Tucson!

I'm kidding, not that paranoid. I know several others rode their bikes home with zero problems. I hope this was your one minor hiccup. Thanks for the centerstand info. Have fun on your upcoming trip, post up pics and a trip report when you can.

JQ