My new V85TT unravels

[norton73]

Hi, bought my first new bike and first Guzzi last Friday from Cadre Cycle near Cincinnati Ohio.
I was loving the bike until last Thursday when the left cylinder developed a loud clatter.
I was going to do the 900 mile service that evening. Removing the valve cover revealed that the rocker arm shaft retainer screw had come out and the shaft had slid out until it was stopped by the cover.
When I removed the cover, a washer, tiny cap, and a screw dropped out. The washer was from between the rocker and the support, the cap was from on top of the valve, and the screw was the offending item. The end of the rocker arm is scored and the lash cap is damaged. I took pictures and Cadre is ordering parts. Not a good start.

 

[Vagrant]

That sucks! But, it is a complete freak. I have never heard of that happening before, and I have never checked that screw. But I will next time.

 

[norton73]

The other three retaining screws were loctited, but there was no sign of loctite on the offending screw.
I guess Guido missed one.

 

[loudviking]

Sometimes they start drinking before the day is done!
Gotta love the Italians!

 

[JStorm]

Guido needs a slap upside-a-da-head!

Sorry to see this. It inspires zero confidence in build quality.

 

[scott_m]

This is a total anomaly. Luck of the draw. It happens sometimes as mechanical systems are well…mechanical systems, but this is a very simple fix.

Frustrating for sure but nothing to get worked up over.

 

[tobinh]

Hi, bought my first new bike and first Guzzi last Friday from Cadre Cycle near Cincinnati Ohio.
I was loving the bike until last Thursday when the left cylinder developed a loud clatter.
I was going to do the 900 mile service that evening. Removing the valve cover revealed that the rocker arm shaft retainer screw had come out and the shaft had slid out until it was stopped by the cover.
When I removed the cover, a washer, tiny cap, and a screw dropped out. The washer was from between the rocker and the support, the cap was from on top of the valve, and the screw was the offending item. The end of the rocker arm is scored and the lash cap is damaged.
I took pictures and Cadre is ordering parts. Not a good start.

I'm sorry this happened to you, but thank you for the post. @SageD and I checked his immediately upon seeing this and found his nicely secured One less thing to worry about!

 

[scott_m]

It inspires zero confidence in build quality.

There isn’t a single manufacturer of any vehicle that doesn’t have a build error every so often.

Not a one.

 

[jefrs]

They put a dab of that yellow paint on fasteners that are thread locked but for it to come loose somebody forgot to use the torque wrench as well.

 

[jshanni]

I've read of this happening once before. A journo had it happen to him on a test loan back in 2020 or thereabouts. His was also related to one of the locating screws not being loctited correctly, though Guzzi were fairly reluctant to talk about details.

I think I'll pull the covers on mine in the near future and check those screws. I had an inlet valve that was way out of clearance allowance, so was planning to check it again anyway. That said, with 3000km on mine , if it was going to back out a screw it probably already would have done it. But something to keep in mind for anyone doing their first 1000km service.

 

[jshanni]

Actually, thinking about it, as bad as it is, that could have been so much worse. That locating washer plate could have jammed itself in anywhere and destroyed a whole lot more items?

 

[jefrs]

Having seen how well my bike is put together I do not think it is necessary for everyone to start whipping their covers off to look for loose washers.

 

[jshanni]

Having seen how well my bike is put together I do not think it is necessary for everyone to start whipping their covers off to look for loose washers.

True. But if you're due for a valve clearance set, definitely check the rocker shaft screws whilst in there.

As mentioned though, I'd think any bike prone to this is going to do it early in its running life. Only two examples I've heard of are both in the first thousand miles or so iirc.

 

[jefrs]

True. But if you're due for a valve clearance set, definitely check the rocker shaft screws whilst in there.

As mentioned though, I'd think any bike prone to this is going to do it early in its running life. Only two examples I've heard of are both in the first thousand miles or so iirc.

Sure you would spot it doing the valve clearances. But I would think the racket would be a give-away long before then.

 

[norton73]

Well, here it is September, and the parts to fix my bike properly are still unavailable. I'm riding it using the old parts, but after almost 3000 miles the end of the rocker arm is wearing rapidly.
This is not inspiring confidence in getting replacement parts in the future.
I have gotten parts to repair and maintain several Nortons for myself, my wife, and friends in the meantime. Pretty bad when I am still waiting after 4 months for parts to fix a new bike and can get parts for a 50 year old bike within a week.

 

[Vagrant]

I assume you are working through Cadre? I really doubt Cadre dropped the ball.
Have you contacted Piaggio directly?

 

[norton73]

I assume you are working through Cadre? I really doubt Cadre dropped the ball.
Have you contacted Piaggio directly?

Yes, I have talked to Enzo or his parts guy regularly. The availability date keeps getting pushed back. I have dropped a couple emails to Piaggio with no response.

 

[Vagrant]

I lost their phone # when my phone crashed. Maybe someone here still has it. At least you stand a chance with a call.

 

[GTM®]

Well, here it is September, and the parts to fix my bike properly are still unavailable.

What do you need exactly? In these instances, as much as most ont want to hear this... It will likely be quicker to buy the part. We can usually have them from one of our global sources pretty quickly. Ping us via email; Sales @GTMotoCycles.com

 

[jefrs]

Well, here it is September, and the parts to fix my bike properly are still unavailable. I'm riding it using the old parts, but after almost 3000 miles the end of the rocker arm is wearing rapidly.
This is not inspiring confidence in getting replacement parts in the future.
I have gotten parts to repair and maintain several Nortons for myself, my wife, and friends in the meantime. Pretty bad when I am still waiting after 4 months for parts to fix a new bike and can get parts for a 50 year old bike within a week.

The parts delivery method from Mandello seems to be the same roman ox cart Aprillia use. The pair of sponges for my V7ii air intake took about the same time like they had to be fished from the lake by native divers. The cunning design of the lower air box means the back wheel had to be taken out; a split breather pipe had flooded the air box with oil. Meanwhile the dealer did at least loan me a Tiger 800 which was rather uncomfortable and handled like a barn door in a gale.