docc

I used the P.roper Crab Method to swap my gearbox. Learned it from Aussie curmudgeon with a real love of Guzzis . . .

The further south you move the more latitude you have with the fuse block . . ."spark it off now, Henry . . ."

Since toilet paper and hairdryers are pretty scarce in a Manitoba barn, what would the farm boy use to heat his batt'ry?

The parts that were improperly heat treated were the sliding dogs. The washers in the cush drive ( on the right side) were also upgraded but i'm not sure that was from heat treating issues. There are those here on the forumwho could be much more specific than this. It is likely that well in advance of a lock up the box would begin to miss shifts as wear to the sliding dogs allowed increased tolrances and lots of ' missed' gears. Wear in the cush drive shows up as excessive driveline lash. By 2002 these issues were apparently solved in production. Also evident by that time was the new black, rubbery sealant replacing the earlier thin, brown olive oil based stuff. If the brown sealant is still visible on the rear case cover then surely no one has opened it.

I love my Sport . I'm not sure I would feel the same without the excellent warranty service that helped me sort the bike over a three year period. I hate writing stuff like that. Too easy for people to look and say, " It took you three years to sort a brand new bike? You must be crazy." Well, #1, probably am crazy. #2, I know many Other-Brand riders who've traded twice in that period of time. #3, been married 19 years, still sorting but not giving up. #4, probably am crazy.

'Optimist' is a charitable term. If I had to call the wife to town for the rescue some other term might better apply. I've never had one of these 'absorbed glass mat' or 'gel' batteries. ( I'm still not sure what's in there?) The typical $30 wet cells for motorcycles do have about a three year life. I was amazed how this thing held 12.7v even in winter and long periods sitting. No doubt, the first time these need a charge - the end is in sight.

Not to be uncolorful, but, other than the depreciation ( shocking!), my warranty was stellar and the bike is so servicable, I believe I can keep it running for decades. Makes me so glad not to have bought that BMW.

Paul, Guzzis are a wonderous connection to reality. Plan on getting your hands dirty. Knowing how to use a Volt-Ohm Meter is good. My Sport would not be running without this forum( 41,000 miles ). In the end, there is no substitute for the wonder, the exhiliration , which is Guzzi.

True, it's actually pretty likely this is being spun off from the drive splines. this grease lubes the cush drive then spins off onto the wheel. Is there grease here . . .

I was feeling pretty macho, but I must admit it didn't occur to me to burn the toilet paper. next time I'll know what real men would do . . . Hell, the hairdryer was even pink . . .

After 5 1/2 years and 41,000 miles, the Sport's original battery didn't want to bring me home from the clinic this evening. It sat for six weeks while my broken leg kept me occupied and needed charging after that. So it did warn me. I just wanted to squeek the last amps out of the thing before ordering the Hawker. With everyone gone and the temps dropping I went back in the clinic to retrieve a hairdryer we use to dry x-ray film. After warming the battery for a few minutes it did fire up! Ran like crap, puffing raw fuel but got me home before total darkness. Here's to trying all measures before crying on the cell phone for a roll-back wrecker.

Unless your hoses still go to the vapor recovery cannisters from the fuel tank. The only way there would be one hose from one intake to the other is if some un-named sort removed the recovery cannisters. "Sir...I am not aware of such an operation nor would I be at liberty to discuss such an operation if it were to have existed. Sir."

Is the Jupiter what McGregor bought for his cameraman in Russia on LWR?

When I met my wife she had a nice little Strada she liked to call "Fiat Nam." My tools and I soon found out why . . .

This is la-la land. No cussing shows up until step #33? My oil changes are accompanied by equal quantities of cussing and pints. "the tourettes mechanic."

Here's a pic of the side stand switch installed. If it's not what you're looking for , I'll have another go.

My selling dealer was a cooperative chap. And 120 miles away. He assured me that he would vouch for my service records if there was ever a question. There never was. I had the one-year-only year 2000 three year warranty.( OK , maybe they did those in 1999 as well). Both the dealer and MGNA served the warranty with flying colors. Your dealer holds the key to your warranty, as I understand. Keep good records, use quality parts and lubricants and get an understanding with your dealer.

i'm speaking out of turn here , but I thought this is an ALFA Romeo Sprint Speciale, body by Zagato? Around 1959? Do you really drive this thing? How beautiful!

Wonderful device! Ride right in, hop off. Lovely! Sport Chock Dothan, Alabama, USA (334) 794-2393 www.baxleycompanies.com

Welcome! What accessories are you looking for?

Now you could call it 'Norge' for that Guzzi connection!

Just a squirt of solvent like lighter fluid and a blast of compressed air. Followed by a little dielectric grease to keep out the road crud. The bolt head which activates the side stand switch can get deformed or out of adjustment. Make sure it depresses the switch fully. It has a lock nut that is a good place for blue Loctite. The connectors on the clutch switch are stuck right out in the air flow on the Sport. I make sure they stay crimped and a liberal dose of the dielectric grease. The tiny ball bearing inside the lever housing should be cleaned from time to time so it moves freely. "Break-Free CLP " works great for this. Same for the connectors which are pretty exposed beside the steering head. After the grease and a firm crimping, I've sealed them in heat shrink. While your messing with the levers, run a zip-tie through the Brembo pivot pin. They have a bad habit of trying to leave without permission.

You may be inviting a bit o' the nefarious RedFrame ill weave at speed. I found the little Stucchi to quiet this along with all the good suspension settings. Yet, the move away from the fork mounted fairings has been little discussed as part of Aprilia's strategy to tame those awful RedFrames.

Good questions, Alex. Plus it's easy to slide the pump or filter too far one way and butt it up against something. Even allowing a hose clamp to be in contact can buzz unnervingly.

You must pull the tank to get to these connectors cleanly. The clutch switch connectors are on the left side next to the steering head. How well you join them will determine how trouble free the connection will be. Solder and heat shrink? Trace the wires up from the side stand switch. I can't remember where the connectors are. Should be easy to find with the tank off. I keep my switches clean and lubed and have never had a failure. I wish I'd never ridden off with the stand down. Stupid but I've done it. No awful effects but I wonder what Dr. Gil would do?