'02 Scura Experience

[Guest 2001f4s]

New to the forum and Guzzis. Any known issues with an '02 Scura.

Also what is usual cost/experience with first service.

 

Thanks

2001F4S

[docc]

F4s,

 

Lots of Guzzi Sport/Lemans riders in the northwest US. I think you'll see some good feedback here.

 

Scura riders are a pretty dedicated lot perhaps the most 'Sport' oriented among us. Spend a little time searching the forum for 'Scura' under Technical Topics. Like all bikes the Scura does have some 'issues' but will reward you you with a magnificent ride!

[al_roethlisberger]

There aren't really any problems endemic to the Scura specifically per se, as beyond the Ohlins suspension and single-plate clutch, the bike is essentially the same as any '02 Sport/LeMans.

 

Here are some threads on the single-plate unit, and how it compares/contrasts with the standard dual-plate setup:

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=3035&hl=clutch

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2343&hl=clutch

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2659&hl=clutch

 

 

The other difference, the suspension, is... as you know, the Ohlins components front and rear versus the standard Marz/Sachs on the other '02 bikes.

 

Being the "first generation" Ohlins fitted to the V11 Sport, the Scura suspension has been reported(but not confirmed) as having slightly harsher valving than later Ohlins in the 2004+ models, that also include new larger diameter hollow axles. I have no idea if this is actually true WRT the valving though, but it is true that this suspension is quite sensitive to accurate spring-rate.

 

So if you are a heavier rider, say over ~190lbs, you may want to look into new springs to get the benefit of the better suspension if you can't seem to get the correct amount of static sag(the first and most important step in suspension setup) dialed-in.

 

 

Other than these differences, which aren't problems, the only "issues" per se might be:

 

As an '02 bike, the "fuzzy" engine paint will probably begin to bubble off within the first few 1000 miles, if it hasn't already. If the bike is still under warantee, MGNA is warantee replacing these cases, or giving the owner several hundred $$ worth of Guzzi swag.... your choice. If this bike is used, and the previous owner chose the latter option, you will be stuck with the leprous engine cases.

 

With the "fuzzy" engined bikes, one should take extra care to check all the fasteners on the engine. Specifically the "fuzzy" engined bikes seem to be susceptible to the timing-chain cover gasket blowing out/leaking early on. So one should inspect this area for the first few 1000 miles, looking for any signs of leaks or the gasket pushing out from the mating surfaces. If you check the fasteners and keep them tight, it's much less likely that this gasket will blow-out. Theories are that the paint got into the fastener holes, or on the mating surfaces, causing the gasket to not adhere properly. Typically once fixed, this problem does not repeat itself.

 

Also, I'm not sure if any Scuras are included in the transmission recall, but you might want to check with your dealer and have them check your VIN. This isn't a major problem, although it potentially represents a safety issue, and does require the transmission to be rebuilt. But most good shops are "geared up" for this recall work, and can get them in-and-out fairly quickly.

 

Some threads:

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=1916&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2920&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2548&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2212&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=1837&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=2045&hl=recall

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?...=1692&hl=recall

 

 

Another consideration:

 

Vapor Lock and Tank Suck FAQ

 

 

And of course, you should look at upgrading the relays post-haste:

 

http://www.dotnet.com/~pyrodan/relay.htm

 

 

 

....now all this being said, these are all minor issues that once sorted leave the bike in fine shape. Just like anything else... cars ...stereos ...or other bikes, there are lots of other things you can do to "improve" the bike from here, but generally the bike is well sorted and reliable "as is"

 

I hate to offer so many "concerns" , but hey, you asked

 

 

Most owners love their Scura's, and I'm sure you will too

 

Have fun!

al

[docc]

I knew we could count on you , Al!

[TX REDNECK (R.I.P.)]

DAMN!!! Al, that made me tired , I'm gonna take a nap now

[jrt]

.

[Guest Gary Cheek]

Probably the best micro relays (the size in your Scura) are made by Bosch . We have tried many brands and the old standard , Bosch seems to be the winner. We have learned to avoid most Asian prodiced relays ,even though they claim a higher current capacity .

You can buy genuine Bosch relays here : waytek wire

Click on "products" then the drop down "relays" and then to "micro" . The Bosch micro relay M3 , Bosch #0 332 201 107 , resistor is a good choice at $2.75 ea .

 

If you run across Omron relays , they are also of excellent quality and are an exception to the Asian made caveat .

 

The Ohlins are pretty and they fit the bill from a styling standpoint anyhow . Kind of like the oversize rear tire .

 

http://www.swiftvets.com/

[Guest 2001f4s]

Thanks to you all that information is very helpful

2001F4S

[al_roethlisberger]

Probably the best micro relays (the size in your Scura) are made by Bosch . We have tried many brands and the old standard , Bosch seems to be the winner. We have learned to avoid most Asian prodiced relays ,even though they claim a higher current capacity .

You can buy genuine Bosch relays here : waytek wire

Click on "products" then the drop down "relays" and then to "micro" . The Bosch micro relay M3 , Bosch #0 332 201 107 , resistor is a good choice at $2.75 ea .

 

If you run across Omron relays , they are also of excellent quality and are an exception to the Asian made caveat .

 

The Ohlins are pretty and they fit the bill from a styling standpoint anyhow . Kind of like the oversize rear tire

.

 

 

Gary,

 

Have you had much experience with the GEI relays Dan is selling now, instead of the Bosch?

 

I don't think he's run into any failures yet

 

 

al

[Guest 2001f4s]

Could you guys fill me in on the relays. What circuit are these part of?

How many relays need replacement? Why do they need replacement?

 

Thanks again

2001f4s

[docc]

The early relays by Siemans were not up to the task, especially the starter relay. Under the seat there are a series of five relays which represent just about every circuit in the harness ( starter, lights, neutral switch ,coputer and fueldelivery/ignition.

 

 

Upgrading the relays is cheap, easy and sure to enhance reliablity somewhere down the road. Most have upgraded to the Bosch unit but there have even been reported failures of those ( very few). The GEI units are in service with a few riders and we're all watching for the long term results.

[al_roethlisberger]

These relays, the NUMBER ONE first thing to check(by pulling/reinserting/replacing) when something doesn't work on the bike, especially not starting ....

[docc]

Al, nice photo . . . hey! those are my relays!

[tikkanen]

New to the forum and Guzzis. Any known issues with an '02 Scura.

Also what is usual cost/experience with first service.

 

Thanks

2001F4S

Hi 2001f4s (do your mom and pa really call you that??)

 

Don't be scared; the Scura really is an ace bike despite its minor flaws.

Just buy it, ride it and enjoy it.

 

I've covered 4500 kms on mine since March and I'm still in love.

 

Good luck and post some photos on the forum, whenever you're ready.

 

Søren

[Guest 2001f4s]

Hi 2001f4s (do your mom and pa really call you that??)

 

The 2001f4s is for my 2001 MV Agusta F4Strada.

But I do insist on being called by that name The MV is easily a less reliable bike that the Scura, but I had heard that there might be some upgrades (i.e. the fuel pump) that would make it worth considering a later bike. Having said that I got a great deal on the 02 and unless things sounded really dire, which they don't, I would not rethink the purchase.

 

2001f4s - formerly Scott