FuelCooler

I had a guy with a Scura tell me he is running a Porsche 914 pump, and he gave me this Bosche part number: 0580464048-000 I haven't tried it, but if mine goes I would have a look at it. It was about $125 US if I remember right. Good luck. Steve

Excellent BrianG! I should have my tools on Friday (Atlanta to Seatle to NJ) and am hoping for an easy time as well. It is Redline Shock Proof Heavy I am supposed to be using in the trans, right?

Point taken. Hit or miss with them, and you don't know which until you see it for yourself. Now this surprises me after your 'fork oil change' comments on other threads! You and I Ratchethack, are so close in weight that I bet I would love your exact set up on my bike, and I could save myself alot of grief and a bit of money by just doing exactly what you have right now. And I just might. Was there an additional charge for the extra length on your shock? IIRC you stuck with the stock 60mm stroke. And how long did it take from order time to your door?

Thanks for the fork oil list, the only one I have used is the Belray HVI, but this time I may try another. I have read a bunch of your comments on suspension set up (as well as Ratchethacks) and it looks like you guys have got it nailed. One thing I find reassuring is that sag recommendations don't seem to have changed at all from a Keith Perry (Team Valvoline Suzuki circa 1992) seminar I attended. I always liked the feel of 20-25mm rear and 35mm front and if I change the rear spring, as you both advise, it looks like I would be in my happy place again. But I do see a move toward progressive springs that were once frowned upon in the early to mid 1990's. But if they work better, why not use them? The roads can be so bad here that I actually knocked the headlight out of my R1150R on a pot-hole, it was dangling by the wires!

Yeah, I wasn't clear there. I have never been in these forks. They could have olive oil in them, set at 153.5mm! What I meant to say was when I set up my forks on other bikes I start out with a big air gap, but am tempted to start at 110mm on this bike which, from what I have read here, would be close. I may sound like a fool (and infact may be one) but I am new to using forums! My ideas about what is going on with the sag and spring is exactly what you (Ratchethack) and dlaing advised. I just want make sure I am not missing something that is specific to V11 set up (like the noise). About the bottoming. It is seldom (remember that I ride on NJ pot holed and patched roads) and not severe unless I smash something big. I figured it wasn't normal but the only other guy I have talked to has Ohlins on his V11. Great idea for finding the leak. Thanks. This bike didn't get bad reviews for suspension in the tests I have read from 2000-2001 (even MCN), and with the correct springing should be pretty good (if the suspension fluid is fresh). New fluid for both ends is on my list but I would love to spend the $$ on the same shock as Ratchethack with the +5mm length. Did you ever replace the shock fluid in the stock shock? If so what did you use? Thanks for your patience guys, Steve

:!: The following is the birth of a new topic thread that started as a hi-jack of the 'Re-sealing the 6 speed. As Ratchethack points out, I am the hi-jacker and the hi-jackee. I hope this isn't worse then leaving it in the original post! Oh well here goes..... Ooops, I didn't mean they never bottom. They are using full stroke (they will bottom if called upon, but they do make a 'pissst' sound on low speed compression (like slowly riding over a 1.5 inch curb). Never heard that before on Showas or KYBs. I will measure the oil height on dissassembly. I actually set my air gap (after setting sag and getting a rough setting for comp. damping) by a test very similar to what you asked me to do, braking over a bump(s) and even setting down wheelies firmly (not slamming). I have a very good feel for what I want and start with the level low (big gap) and work my way up (less gap). I am very tempted to start at 110mm. I am also curious about my fork springs. Stock they should be way softer then my numbers indicate, so someone could have set them up already. I guess you and Ratchethack werent satisfied with rear spring alone and purchased shocks?

Ratchethack, dlaing and others, Do you want to start a new thread (I know this stuff has been covered before) or can you suggest an existing one to attach it to? I would like to continue with the fork /shock topic but we will bog down this gearbox thread if we don't do something quick! My gearbox fasteners looked new and came out easy. Although, too new compared to the other fasteners on the bike . Thanks for the link BrianG. That looks like a great source.

Thanks Ratchet, Yeah, anymore preload in the rear and I will lose the bike only sag. FWIW it was 20 deg. F when I did the sag. The fork numbers look strange to me (25 / 35) too close? Racetech method for measuring sag, BTW. Have you got your Wilbers shock dialed in yet? I am soooo close to going that way as well.

Thats exactly what I meant about the disassembly. I will update my edit for clarity with your quote, thanks again BrianG. I will hi-jack my own thread for a post or two! Here is what I have feel wise: Bike squats and weaves a bit while turning under hard acceleration (especialy high speed). Rear feels harsh over sharp bumps but doesnt feel like it bottoms. Front feels vague during all phases of the turn (turn-in to exit). Front also feels harsh over sharp bumps but doesn't bottom. Bike gives a decent freeway ride. Here is the set-up: Spring rates are unknown but the rear appears to be stock white Sachs. Last fork / shock service unknown. Suspension fluid type / quantity unknown. 185 lbs geared-up rider and 1/2 tank of fuel. Rear sag - 6mm bike only -34mm laden Front sag -25mm bike only -35mm laden Rear Rebound -13 clicks out Rear Compression -23 clicks out Front Rebound - 9 clicks out Front Compression - 12 clicks out Forks through upper clamp 10mm. Bitubo damper set minimum. I want to change both fork and shock fluid before I condemn the chassis. I am 100% an air gap method guy. To be honest I havent done much but back the compression out for better compliance but I feel it is low speed compression damping (fork and shock) / combined with a bit too much rear sag that are causing my issues.

Mr. Roper stated he hadn't been all the way in one yet, and you didn't claim you had for that matter, Ratchethack! Even if one of you had been in one and forgot, I have no hard feelings. You, Pete, BrianG and many others here are light years ahead of me in knowledge and experience. I appreciate all your help and support. Next, on to the forks.......... You have any ideas about them, Ratchethack? Something about springs I think? Oil height? Thanks guys, Steve

Excellent BrianG. I was waiting until one of us got the thing apart, so now I am going to edit my original post to reflect that a special tool is needed to take the second rear cover off. (Just incase they don't read through the thread before starting this project!) I will mock up a stand like yours as well, but I still have 10 days until my tools get here. Go YamaBond! Where did you get your output shaft seal? Bearing house or MG?

I did a search for him on the internet but came up empty. So I called Moto International and ordered the 'internal body of the clutch' holder and the KM-05 style Guzzi socket (and folding washer) to get this trans apart. The tools were over $100 but, they will be right here if I run into trouble (Thanks for the offer though, Pete ). I would have made the tools before but I now live 500 miles from the machine shop I used to work for. And yes, BrianG you were definately right: I was stuck at the same road block! My tools will take well over a week to get here, so I will be eagerly waiting reports of your progress! Steve

It looks like the shafts stay with the cover and not with the case. But you are ahead of me. I very well could be mistaken and be about to be trying to remove the input shaft as well. I hope someone who's done it tells us our next move, if not I will let you know my progress tomorrow night.

You could vary the 22mm setting to set the correct sag only (do not ride it!) to determine the correct final spacer length at the 22mm setting. This could save the time and material of making several sets.

Update 02-28-07 Good news, My trans recall work was on record with MGNA. Rod bolt recall did not apply to my VIN (Thank you Greg Field). So here is where I am at: 1. Trans is out and cleaned. 2. No cracks found. 3. No loose bolts on the rear most cover. 3. Rear cover off, no loose bolts found on the 'second' rear cover (the one that carries the gears). 4. Leak is coming from the seam between the 'second' cover and the trans case. Now I assume that next I put it in neutral, open the side cover, pull out the shift forks and unbolt and remove the second cover (bringing out all three shafts with it)?

Yes, I will drink the Kool-aid and smile......the Redline ShockProof ('heavy' if I recall correctly) will be going in on assembly. It has regular Hypoid petro based stuff in it now. You are talking about the shifter pawl spring, correct? The one that breaks because its the wrong size? PM'ing you shortly, then out to the garage to crab the frame. Thanks Greg.

This (wheelies) sounds like me as well. When the oil light comes on, I count to 5 and set the front down. Just kiddin'. I have the bike stripped down, ready for 'crabbing' and I still wouldn't place bets on the source of the leak. My bike falls under the affected VIN #'s, should I contact a dealer to run the VIN (my local is FBF) or speak to MGNA? I understand some people have had varying luck with both of those choices. Thanks Steve If I had done this during riding season (and needed special tools), I would try that first! If the bolts are loose I will report that back. Thanks dlaing. This forum is fantastic. Steve

Sorry, Although I am perverse enough to pull things apart for a look-see, the box is leaking from what appears to be at the seams in the upper mount area but it doesn't look like it is cracked. I am going to remove the trans, clean it and put some powder on it to see where it is leaking from. The recall(s) have not been done on my watch, but claim to have been performed. Can I tell by looking at the internals? From what you and Ratchet tell me, I can dissassemble the trans enough to re-seal it with normal tools and perhaps a press? The trans only leaks when ridden, but it leaked sitting still as well before I re-sealed the side access cover. Thanks Pete, Steve

Thanks Ratchethack, The recall subject concerns me a bit as well. I am the second offical owner though I did not buy it from the original owner. The guy I bought it from (straight up honest guy) had to take it as a package deal w/ a Ghezzi-Brian and was told both recalls were done. It had 14000 miles on it when I bought it (19800 now). Judging by the light scratching / chipping around the bell-housing and output shaft housing it (the trans) appears to have been removed before. I think I will contact the original owner and ask him. I don't want the con-rods taking a peek outside of the cases either. Thanks for the porkchop advise. I need to the paint the left one any way, as I did the faded right one in October. Perfect timing! I have a Harbor Freight lift with a Handy Vise wheel vise. With tie downs it holds the bike very well. I guess I will run some ratchet straps up over some beams in the garage to hold the rear frame up. I was planning on doing it the way you did, but is there a reason you can't just rotate the whole frame aound the front mount after removing the swing arm, rear trans mounts and muffler mounts? I plan on doing a bunch of poking around (including adding the extra trans bracket) while I have it apart. Suspension oil change as well. Thanks again, Steve

!!!! Update Read this first!!!! If you want to reseal the 1st and specifically the 2nd rear cover you will need a KM-05 peg socket with a small enough outer diameter to fit on the input shaft were the clutch plate rides. Rolf Halvorsen tools are very well regarded! QUOTE(BrianG @ Mar 5 2007, 08:17 PM) The tool is to release the input shaft from the CASE..... not from the transmission cover! All of the shafts remain captured in the "transmission cover" and should NOT be removed for purposes of re-sealing the transmission. It is not necessary. There are no seals or gaskets that need attention in the "transmission cover". Read on..... Hello folks, I did a seach on this but only found some 5 speed info. I am pulling the trans out of the the 2000 V11 this week to re-seal all the case joints with Grey Yamabond. Are there any special tools required? Anything strange to be aware of (besides the possible left upper mount area crack issue)? I have re-sealed the shift 'drum' case already and checked the breather. Thanks in advance, Steve

Hello, My name is Steve and I have been reading and utilizing this excellent site for over a year. It's time to introduce myself and start contibuting! I am 41 years old and have been riding for 37 of those years. I love motorcycles of all kinds and have owned many from my first Honda XR-75 to my current 1990 GS500E and 2000 V11 Sport. My father is a lifetime rider as well and owns some great old bikes (Atlas, 750 GT Duc, etc.) as well his 2005 FJR. I am from the USA and grew up in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, but I was born in California and spent 12 years in the Danville area of southern Virgina. I have been back in NJ for 3 years. Currently I have plenty of time and money to dedicate to motorcycling as I am without a girlfriend. For 15 years, until October 2003, I worked in the aviation industry at a small FAA-PMA holding firm called Combustion Technologies, where we made pistons, rings and metal seals for general aviation use. In 1998 that firm got involved in suppling pistons for Hendicks Motorsports. So my work experience includes manual and CNC machining / set-up as well as alot of QC work. I started steetbike riding in 1985 on a 1978 GS750. In 1993 I did some WERA roadracing on the same GS500 I own today. I also have done some track days and I hope to do one this year on the V11. In May of 2003 my father and my buddy Glen shipped our bikes (I had a 1200 Bandit 'naked' at the time) to California and rode them back east. A great trip that I will do again on the Guzzi, although I would like to pass through Colorodo this time. If I think I can add anything positive to this forum, I will try. But for now I just wanted to say hi and thank everyone here for a great forum. Steve (FuelCooler) For anyone interested, here is a list of bikes I have owned in order of ownership: 1974 XR-75 1978 RM125 1980 Maico 440 1978 CR125 1978 GS750 (two of them) 1983 GPZ1100 1990 DR650 1991 GSXR750 1993 CBR900 1990 GS500E (still got it) 1994 ZX7 1983 CR480 1987 CR500 1979 CB750K 1997 TL1000S 1989 CR500 1999 CBR600F4 2000 XR250 2001 1200 Bandit 'naked' 2002 BMW R1150R ABS 2000 V11 Sport, Silver