belfastguzzi

Exactly and don't I know it, indeed. But you know what Piaggio UK told me (I probably mentioned it before)? P UK told me not to believe anything on the the internet Forums 'cos it's all useless rubbish. They couldn't be more wrong and they are making a big mistake. (Well, lots of big mistakes.) Pete's positive experience of the bikes is both great and frustrating. Frustrating, because that's why I decided to pay big money (more than I've ever paid for a motor vehicle in my life): I expected to be buying that experience. Anyway...

Richard, I looked at that before. All I was going to be allowed for the very low-mileage bike was half its value. I just couldn't contemplate it. I paid full price to buy the bike and none of these problems have been my doing. The factory/importer have taken my money and left me with Grade C junk. To have to personnaly lose even more, because of contemptible Moto Guzzi, is just wrong, wrong, wrong. I don't know what to do, but I've other, different things to worry about at the moment.

No, no NO NO! NO!! NO!!!!!!!

There was a premiere in Belfast a week or two ago. I was too late to get tickets: they sold out quickly. By all accounts it is a very good film.

Oh, you say left cylinder. Why the left? This is it:

Hi Pete the tensioner blade was the only plastic part that I could think of, but I didn't think that it might be broken. – Well, that makes a worrying kind of sense. It could well be the explanation. Which bit is it that gets pushed back and can break? Part 25 or Part 26? Can I see the parts (on either side/cylinder) just by removing the top cover and looking in? It'll be dark by the time I get home, so I'll not try it tonight.

Pete, if you are still around... what do you think of those bits that were in the sump this time (photos a few posts earlier)? Where could they be coming from in the 8V? The previous oil change had steel swarf in it, along with a load of other gunk including plastic! I don't know what this is. I didn't have a magnet, apart from the sump magnet. The bits didn't really seem attracted to that little magnet. They did stick to it, but I think that was just the oil holding them. So I don't think that they are steel, though I'm not totally sure. They were hard and fairly sharp/rough. Alloy? Don't know. The other obvious thing could be carbon, but why would carbon lumps like that be in the oil of a low-mileage engine? What else could it be? What has the oil been like, out from your 8Vs? How can I get Piaggio-Guzzi to take an interest??????????????

Hi Gene, I have used ACF 50 to combat the corrosion and to lubricate, but in that environment, the rust still seems to thrive. I suppose that the rust had already gotten hold in the early days, prior to lubrication. Perhaps Guzzi should apply some at the factory? NO company applies anything that costs money. It is a matter of learning what should have been done for the next time. I don't know if the spark plug tubes aer removable so they can be replaced or repainted. What is ACF 50 ? It's fancy aerospace stuff >> http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.ejdlwmdldgctiiar&pageId=147977 I used Coppaslip first of all: last few times of cleaning the tube I've used the ACF. My reference to Guzzi applying it or any sort of grease at the factory was, of course, a joke (with no possible basis in reality). The tube can be removed. As per my original post, I have turned it upside down as an interim measure and will replace it/them when I can get a new one(s). Looking at a photo of the original boot, I see that it had 3 sealing rings/flanges, rather than 2. MG must have reduced the seal to 2 rings in order to make the blighter 'easier' to remove from the tube.

This one from 2009? http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/nw200/watch/galleries.shtml?v=homepage_promo Orson, you can see the Arch at 1:55

Also, enjoy these: 2010 preview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHokMFt47K0&feature=youtu.be and review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLJinAiM-BE&feature=related

A post that I found at random, with some more advice: http://www.iomtt.com/Home/Forum/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=139274 The Railway Arch, yes, that would be a favourite... I'm sure that I've posted a photo or two (from the web) of that spot on here before. I'll see if I can find one. Meantime, have a look at this ride round and at 2:08 you can see the bridge and compare it to the locations shown on the map: Church Corner and Black Hill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKKQ-HqPUU And this one, racing, at 4:15 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKc7epht9iQ&feature=related

Hi Gene, I have used ACF 50 to combat the corrosion and to lubricate, but in that environment, the rust still seems to thrive. I suppose that the rust had already gotten hold in the early days, prior to lubrication. Perhaps Guzzi should apply some at the factory?

The spark plug boot issue. As you may know from previous discussion, the first plug boots were a troublesome item. They weren't constructed well and sparks could be seen jumping through the boot to the engine head. Another big problem is that the boot jammed tightly in the plug tube and efforts to remove it could tear it and make it un-useable again. An improved design was introduced, but it's still bad. The plug boot effectively becomes locked into the head tube by rust. Water becomes trapped in the double-seal and then the steel tube corrodes and becomes rough and lumpy with rust. This makes the removal of the already tight and sunken plug boot much more difficult as it is physically captured. THe rusty rubber plug boot coming out of the rusty plug tube (the spark plug is far down within the head). rusty tube The ring of rust that is caused by the boot design and holds the plug boot in. The corrosion will eventually destroy the tube. I turned it around so that the rust ring is at the bottom, to slow down the tube's destruction. Must price new ones, or see about getting some made from good stainless. The tube ends have a taper.

The gauze filter wasn't nearly as bad as it was last time, after The Hammer's service. It was covered in gunge and debris then. This time it's fairly clear. I got a new one and put it in now.

Oil dregs debris. Last time I found metal shards and some sort of rubbery or plastic bits. This time: No! There wasn't a spanner in the sump. It's there to give scale, as is the toothbrush, in case some people on here don't know what a spanner is. What do you think?

Some findings from the next service. I dropped the sump again as I wanted to replace the gauze filter. The debris in the oil sump was lumpy enough, though not such a mystifying mixture as last time. What do you think, does it look normal/acceptable? I have some more comments on the dreadful spark plug system, where Guzzi seems to have decided that it's alright to have an expensive boot that becomes 'welded' into the engine and so is difficult to remove (in one piece). I was glad to see that the tappet gaps were still as I had set them last time. This was a marked change from the results of the official service agent's adjustments. Both times that he did them and I later checked, the gaps were all over the place, with some completely closed tight and others gaping open. Was it another problem with the engine, or was it dreadfully bad technical sevrice? Now I can say that it was careless, useless setting by 'The Hammer'. I changed all the various fluids. I had completely flushed the front brake fluid before, but mustn't have done the clutch, as it was black. Though I did bleed the clutch before: I'm a bit surprised if I didn't flush it clean. There's not much fluid in the clutch reservoir, so perhaps it does get contaminated pretty quickly. I think it's wise to check it every so often. The V11 was the same: clutch fluid became very black. I must attend to the bad neutral sensor, as per other thread. Otherwise the bike is going well. I just wish that I didn't always have the niggle that the previous problems have caused premature wear and damage that hasn't surfaced yet and that other associated issues weren't there, like the broken and now glued-in fuel pump outlet etc etc etc. Pics to come next

I don't even know whats wrong with me That's another 20 page topic, lurking in the wings. Is there a doctor in the house? Docc, stand by!

As you are staying in Portrush, Metropole must be at the start of the list. It's always a favourite.

More opinions >> Paddock 2 G/stand >> parking is easy from the the 3 main car parks (free) in Portstewart 20/30 min walk. >> Best place to park bike High rd beside The York pub, leave when you want. Imo the sea side grandstand is best (Start line) Have watched the Nw from every vantage point over far too many years and find this is the best. You could park at Station Corner inside the course – from there you can get to a number of places around the course >> if you park the bike within the course you're stuck there for the day basically. Moving around the outside of the course can be difficult too given the shear numbers of people and parking etc. Best to park somewhere on the outside and walk to different points during the races. Or pick a good spot and stay put all day. >> Used to park in Portrush and then walk the coast road during the day. Turn around at pits and head back. Juniper is good. Also metropole. Think they charge for sitting on the railway bank - which is a joke. But often for the last couple of races you can just mozzy in. >> i went to the new chicane at Mather's last year on the Thursday day practise and back again on the Saturday and it was an excellent day, there is a chip van and toilets within 50 yds plus you can use the back roads to move about if you want, and i made it back to Ballymoney in about 15 mins after the racing >> Metropole is good >> I went to Metropole for Practice Days last year and the Embankment across from Metropole on race day all of which were good. Easy parking, toilets and food/drink close by, what more do u need?

Thanks! I'll hafta try to find those places on a map the NW200 website has touristy links to info on the various areas

Ben, BelfastGuzzi has got one of those & seems to really like it. It's a very nice, enjoyable bike. Well made, with no bother so far. It's tall for me, off the guzzi, but soon get used to it and it will be fine for Ben. I have the 750, which goes well and is quite agile (compared to MG). If I didn't have anything else, I'd look at the 1200 Dorso. I'd probably have it instead of a Guzzi 1200. You'll be wanting the new Tuono. I wanted to like the new Tuono but, it is quite expensive and soooooo fugly. I also want a 750 over the 1200 for better agility, less heat, and better mpg's (AFAIK no 1200's in America as of yet or maybe ever) I agree with those advantages of the 750. If it was the only bike, I'd consider the 1200 for distance – but then, I never do get away touring. 750 is good for back roads etc

First advice: So it could make sense to get a ticket http://www.northwest200.org/grandstands.aspx

Ben, BelfastGuzzi has got one of those & seems to really like it. It's a very nice, enjoyable bike. Well made, with no bother so far. It's tall for me, off the guzzi, but soon get used to it and it will be fine for Ben. I have the 750, which goes well and is quite agile (compared to MG). If I didn't have anything else, I'd look at the 1200 Dorso. I'd probably have it instead of a Guzzi 1200. You'll be wanting the new Tuono.

I think for NW200, get a good spot and stay there: partly because there are so many people at the event. It would be possible to move elsewhere if the place you are turns out to not be great. I haven't actually been for a long, long time. I'll ask to get more knowledgable advice. At the Ulster Grand Prix I would move around a bit and there, like other road circuits, you can get around the back roads easily enough. Sunday accommodation location isn't critical as you'll be able to get to Larne easily enough from wherever you go. So it depends what part of the country you want to see. You'll go up the North Antrim Coast Road, from the ferry to Portrush. I recommend the Torr Head detour for spectacular sights if the weather is good, but that's personal: others don't like the small, turning, up and down, hill-side/sea coast hugging road. Depending on time, there are also good loops off the Coast Road, up into the Glens and back again. From Portrush you could into Donegal to see some fine scenery. You could come back by Fermanagh lakeland (Lough Erne etc) stopping on Sunday night and then over to Larne on Monday. Or don't go to Donegal and go by the lakes and back over east to South Down and Strangford Lough. You could stay at the house in Portaferry where I had the first Ulster meet-up a couple of years ago. Others have stayed there just for a night on their way through. However there are plenty of B&Bs etc. There are pics here, probably in the Travel Forum and Meetings Events forum, of Strangford area and Inishowen-Donegal. Also some photos and notes on www.belfastguzzi.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVhs3RnUWDg&feature=related You're welcome to stay at my place just outside Belfast. I'll see if I can get time off over those days. At the moment I'm committed to something on the Monday that I may not be able to change. Keep in touch.

Interesting additional information. As you know, I have the no-start problem and I have wondered if it could have a relation to the neutral switch. I concluded, probably not. The way it works, I think that it's the poor wiring: but it could be both things. My neutral switch has been bad since the start. It only comes on about 50% of the time. This is a nuisance on the road and in traffic and it also means that the engine can't be started and run while the bike is standing with side-stand down. Again the Piaggio Guzzi system has been useless/negligent. Original dealer just said, 'oh'. After he quickly went out of business, The Hammer said that the switches give problems and he under warranty. Of course, like everything else, it never arrived. Piaggio UK importers... don't care. Some day I'll order one myself and fit it, but it's awkward to get at. Shall I say it again? Not good enough aftercare, Piaggio Guzzi. Your idiotic business approach is losing you sales. And that's a fact. For want of a nail – the kingdom is lost. Right, I'm off to change the oil and see what unidentifiable debris I find in the sump, this time. Then tomorrow I'm off to the track (first time ever and 35 years too late) to thrash this monstrous heap of lard (