Damn you Guzzi

[zigzag]

I was all set on a used K1200S until I came across a 2004 Le Mans with 3,000 miles in pristine condition for $5k. Doh!!!

[radlefty]

It's useless to resist. Once a Guzzi has found you, it's over. Buy it.

[Kraz]

BMW...    I mean, solid bike.

Now Guzzi...  

Lemans baby, you know you want it.

[bubba zanetti]

 

How can we help if we have not seen the beast  

[Orson]

Al Roethlisberger wrote this up on whut to look for in a V11 (most of these issues were sorted by the 2003 year model):

2002 was a bit of a double-whammy for the LeMans.  It was Aprilia's first year of MG ownership, they stirred things up a bit such as consolidated/relocated much of the parts inventory that year, and was the first year for the LeMans and "long frame" bikes.  With that in mind, although the V11 Sport had been in production for a couple years at that point, the new LeMans(and other V11 models of that year) had a few "bugs".

1)  "fuzzy engine paint" - As you've no doubt noticed, the black engine paint introduced in ~02 tends to bubble and flake off of the drivetrain, especially in areas of higher heat.  There was a "recall" some years back where MG would either provide new engine cases with ostensibly improved paint(which required a rebuild) or exchange for swag such as riding suits, etc.  I suspect that this program is no longer available, or that a previous owner may have opted for the swag(and I'm relatively certain there aren't any other new cases).  But most owners just chose to live with it as it isn't service affecting.  Some folks also have chosen to strip off the black paint, and repaint with a different engine black or silver.  Bottom line, this is a cosmetic issue.


2)  Relays - As mentioned the stock relays have had issues for many, but there are several aftermarket varieties available that are much more reliable.  It is often just a good idea to change out the whole batch of stock relays to avoid problems down the road.

3)  Longer frame - This isn't a problem per se, although some folks were disappointed with the "slower handling" of the 02+ bikes.  For some this isn't an issue, and some have said that tire choice can ameliorate the change.  The same is true of the wider rear tire on the 02+ bikes.  The 02 bikes carried over all the 00-01 body panels and in the case of the fuel tank was a little different "fit".  It really is a cosmetic issue with the tank looking a bit "short", which was fixed with a new tank in 03.

4)  Tank suck & Vapor Lock - These two related, although not necessarily dependent issues were a product of all pre 03 models and the external(of tank) fuel system, after which the fuel pump system was moved into the interior of the fuel tank.  Not everyone has experienced the VL problem for a variety of reasons(which includes where the factory placed your fuel pump), but it does seem more susceptible to those in hot and higher altitude climates.  For more detailed info on this issue, check out the FAQ at www.v11lemans.com.  Although the vapor lock issue isn't consistent for all owners, the tank suck issue seems more prevalent and can cause tank deformation.

5)  Transmission - There was a transmission recall for some 00-01 V11s, but I don't think any of the 02 LeMans fell within that recall.  However some 02 and 03 bikes did receive a defective transmission side plate where the shift spring boss was 1mm too large, 16 instead of 15mm if I recall.  In these examples the shift return spring would bind and eventually break, leaving the transmission stuck in the gear it was in.  This is an easy fix.  Early repairs were to install a heavier spring, but we soon found the mis-sized boss to be the real problem.  The fix is to either get a new side cover or just grind down the boss.

You've already looked at grounding which can be a challenge as well as checking all lubrication.  But other than the issues noted above, an 02 should be fine.  

It looks like you've gotten a nice example and with several thousand miles, I suspect issues like the shift return spring won't be a problem for you as they tend to fail early.

[zigzag]

I do remember reading about the shift return spring issues on the 02's but was not sure if it was fixed in 04. Here's a pic. Seller is in NJ, I'm in Albuquerque. My original post may have been misleading as I have not bought the bike yet. Logic would say I should fly out. But un-Godly ticket prices say take a chance...

[MisterSmooth]

Three thousand miles?  Redonkulous.  

The K1200S is a great bike, but you won't find one for $5,000 no matter how many miles it has on it.

I kinda love the idea that these are the two bikes you're considering.  The only things they have in common are two wheels and shaft drive!  

[zigzag]

Three thousand miles?  Redonkulous.  

The K1200S is a great bike, but you won't find one for $5,000 no matter how many miles it has on it.

I kinda love the idea that these are the two bikes you're considering.  The only things they have in common are two wheels and shaft drive!  

I had a harley XR1200R in the mix as well.  

[Pete Roper]

Nice solid bikes. Before you ride it check that the driveshaft is aligned, (There are witnes marks on the two halves of the shaft.) The shaft can separate during tyre changes and the like and it is surprising how many are just slipped back together wrong. If the shaft, and therefore the trunnions, aren't aligned the shaft inds up and down like a bloody great torsion spring as the suspension works and will not only upset the handling but will eventually bust up bearings in the driveline. Always worth checking.

Other than that? I strongly recommend fitting one of my sloppage plates and it is worth using a hose clamp on the oil filter if you're willing to drop the sump plate every oil change. On any new to you V11 it is also wise to ensure that the oil filter is TIGHT. Some places, including some that should know better, think you can install the filter through the 'Manhole' in the sump with your fingers. You can't. If it comes loose its bye-bye motor.

Pete

[NoGear]

Be careful of scams.   When I was looking for a bike for my wife I found several "deals" on low mileage bikes. They were all scams! Several said they were in the military and had to sell because of deployments, too bad I really am and they didn't pass the "bullshit" test.  Anyway the wanted money sent first, they would pay for shipping, all of them had more pics to send.  One forgot to to blur the plate and it was from a different state then he said he was in.  Since I'm an Intel Analyst, I contacted a police officer whom I'd met that dealt in internet crime. I gave him the information. They contacted the person the license was listed to and he said he had sold the bike about 5 months before. The "new seller" had downloaded the pics and were using them to represent the (fictional) bike they were selling.  
Also the email address came back as register out of the US.

I'd ask for the a pic of the VIN and run a VIN check. Anyone can do that but remember if the bike was stolen it only stays in the database for 6 months.  It will give you a history of the registration on the bike. Using that you can identify who the true owner is.

[WitchCityBallabio]

My 04 Ballabio has experienced none of the issues of the earlier models. In fact...mine has never been down for anything other than a new clutch in 60,000 miles. I have also added Pete's lineage plate. Worth every penny.

C'mon in, the water's fine.....


 


By the way...those Guzzi titanium race exhaust cans and race ecu are worth a thousand bucks on their own and sound magnificent.

[Kraz]

Logic would say I should fly out. But un-Godly ticket prices say take a chance...

Flying out would surely be worth it for the ride back alone!

If you are going to ship, put a post up in the regional section of here and ADV rider (HUGE amounts of traffic) and ask to have someone check the bike out for you in person - this will basically take most of the risk out of the situation.  I know a guy who got taken for A LOT of ching - take all the precautions possible.

If the seller refuses to show the bike to a third party, I would certainly walk away.  The bike doesn't sound too good to be true though - I'd certainly go after it!

Best of luck.  

[2DFlyer]

I had a harley XR1200R in the mix as well.  

Then you'll fit right in.

[Orson]

By the way...those Guzzi titanium race exhaust cans and race ecu are worth a thousand bucks on their own and sound magnificent.

Looks like a custom paint job as I don't recognize that shade of orange and I can't see a Guzzi logo on the tank  

[zigzag]

Looks like a custom paint job as I don't recognize that shade of orange and I can't see a Guzzi logo on the tank  

Just bad photo quality and shadows...

[Rincewind]

I believe I saw the ad for this one in NJ.  Made me go, hmmm....  

Enjoy!  

[WitchCityBallabio]

She's purty.

Thing looks like brandy spanky new!


 

[falconati]

Wow, what a beauty!  

[zigzag]

One day too late. Bike sold. Doh-sy!