Ballabio - hmmm...

[Aero]

I am seriously considering buying a 2003 Ballabio that I have seen advertised. It's done 36,000 miles so just about run in    but I've not seen it yet. Although I have owned a few Guzzis before, they were all older generation (850 T3, Le Mans Mk2, Spada 1000) and I'd like to know more about anything specific that I should look for and ask about.

Any thoughts.....?

[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.

With 36,000 miles, hopefully the previous owner had all the quirks sorted  

www.v11lemans.com is a friendly site for anything V11. No stodgy elitism there  

[WitchCityBallabio]

I have an 04 Ballabio with 60,000 miles on it currently. It has been flawless. It seems to do everything pretty well. Comfortable with the upright bars and relaxed peg placement, ability to load up with gear for travel, pretty comfortable for a passenger, and pretty decent fuel mileage.

Go for it. You won't be disappointed.


Doug

[Aero]

Go for it. You won't be disappointed.

I was already pretty well committed when I wrote the original post, just needed to know if there were any potential problem areas that I should look at before handing over the cash. As there don't seem to be any, I am picking it up on Saturday!  

The 145 mile ride home (more if I take the scenic route) should give me a fair idea of whether it is a keeper or not.

The last time I rode a newer Guzzi was when I was loaned an 1100i Sport for a few days while my Ducati ST2 was being serviced. My strongest memory of that bike was the sensation of riding a wave of torque accompanied by a demonic bellow from the exhausts as the revs rose up to the redline. I suspect the Ballabio will be similar!

[Aero]

As we all know that it doesn't exist without pics, here it is! Taken yesterday in the hills near my house.
It needs a tuneup, probably nothing more than a quick valve adjustment and synchronise the throttle bodies and I'll do an oil change while I'm at it as I don't know how long the oil has been in there. Also I suspect the rear shock needs to be looked at as it seems a tad bouncy for a WP unit.
Otherwise all is good. I'm not really used to the wide bars yet but it is comfortable. And the sound when the revs rise over 4K!  

[cworley5150]

Beautiful bike and apparently a beautiful place to call home.  I'm jealous on both counts.

[Orson]

As we all know that it doesn't exist without pics, here it is! Taken yesterday in the hills near my house.

woo hoo!  

my friend lives in Whitchurch, Shropshire. I've forgotten if I had previously mentioned that  

[Rincewind]

That Bellabio is Bella  

[ANZAC]

Sweet  

[radlefty]

Just freakin beautiful. Congrats  

[alphabet man]

  love it, the red ones are the best!

[Strog]

I love it.    

I'm getting Guzzi lust more all the time. It's only a matter of time.  

[Dean]

Nice find. I have always dreamed of owning one of these.

Dean


Copa Italia

[WitchCityBallabio]

As we all know that it doesn't exist without pics, here it is! Taken yesterday in the hills near my house.
It needs a tuneup, probably nothing more than a quick valve adjustment and synchronise the throttle bodies and I'll do an oil change while I'm at it as I don't know how long the oil has been in there. Also I suspect the rear shock needs to be looked at as it seems a tad bouncy for a WP unit.
Otherwise all is good. I'm not really used to the wide bars yet but it is comfortable. And the sound when the revs rise over 4K!  

FWIW, the Guzzi 1200 Sport mirrors work great on the Ballabio and they're cheap. They update the look nicely too.  I found those round units to vibrate like hell and to not have a very good view behind.

Best of luck with your baby. You're gonna love it.

[Aero]

woo hoo!  
my friend lives in Whitchurch, Shropshire. I've forgotten if I had previously mentioned that  

Yes, you had mentioned that and I've warned the appropriate authorities about the possibility of an invasion by Team Orson.  

[Croak]

FWIW, the Guzzi 1200 Sport mirrors work great on the Ballabio and they're cheap.

Also better known as "Tuono mirrors".

[Suncoast]

Congrats on the new Bike it's beautiful.....So how do you go from Ontario to that beautiful countryside in the UK ? Lucky man!!!

[alphabet man]

Nice find. I have always dreamed of owning one of these.

Dean


Copa Italia

+1  I think that is one of my favorites, the odds of finding one in the frozen north  though are nill to zero I am afraid

[Kraz]

Wowsa!  What a great lookin' bike.  

V11 with pipes is the greatest sound ever...