Recent Posts

1

General Discussion / Re: Tail light lenses

« Last post by Moparnut72 on Today at 09:00:52 PM »

I have a complete taillight lens that I am not going to use. The rest of the housing has broken due to UV light damage. The lens is faded quite a bit but in good shape otherwise. Maybe some translucent paint on the inside might make it usable. Let me know if you are interested.
kk

2

General Discussion / Re: Spark plug compression ring

« Last post by Bulldog9 on Today at 08:46:54 PM »

I did the boreoscope and couldn’t see any thing different than the 3 normal ones, I also used a dental pick duct taped to a 6 inch long 1/4” extension to try to feel any difference, but didn’t dig real hard so as not to knock in any debris, there was /is quite a lot of corrosion, the other 3 were clean. I spent a lot of time digging/ scraping , vacuuming/ blowing out the hole with the plug in place. I was glad I had the thin spark plug socket used on the inside plug on the Norge. Actually the Norge has more space around plug and the depth of hole on the VW was at least 1/3 -1/2 deeper than the  Norge.
I did use a little anti seize on the bottom of the new plugs, and silicon inside and outside plug boots to hopefully make them come out in 100,00 miles.
Anyway it’s all back together, car runs fine so I’m happy.

Wayne this plug was very corroded all the way around, the others were clean, that’s what made me wonder if perhaps unlikely is it seems,I wondered if that plug was missing the ring, I have no other explanation as to why this plug was corroded, other than the deterioration of the plug boot. The plugs went in the trash Monday morning so can’t go back and compare.

Next task is replacing rear brake pads, the dealer says the pads and rotors should be replaced together. My thought is why replace the rotors, the pads are only wore down to 4mm , I can’t imagine the rotors being that bad. But I may be wrong, I’ll look at them when I get in there and decide then.

The VW dealer wanted $$377.31 to replace plug, it would have ended up much more since the spark plug boot was deteriorated and had to be dug out. So 4 plugs $ 27.94 each at NAPA, and new sparkplug boot $8.00 also NAPA saved over $250 = more beer money.  Except my time and for me shop time is like meditating.

The quoted cost for brake pad and rotor change is $598.23.  I’m going to see how much I can save here by doing it myself and only replacing discs. My rational here is ( feel free to correct me) but I’ve never had to change rotors on any bike I’ve owned and the car certainly doesn’t get the braking we’ve done on the bikes.

So thanks for all the suggestions/ input I sincerely appreciate having the forum as a sounding board. Lots of good folks here in the goose family.

There's a good chance that plug went in without the gasket/compression ring.

3

General Discussion / Re: Ever-shrinking list of Guzzi rallies

« Last post by Antietam Classic Cycle on Today at 07:53:53 PM »

I miss going to rallies. Especially the one know as the Blue Ridge put on by Mark and Barbra. But, I ain't sleeping on the ground or in a tent, nor am I waking 200' to a crapper three times in the middle of the night! Anybody know of a nice motel with a fire pit and a good view.

The "Guzzis in the Blue Ridge" rally moved a few years ago.

This was last year:
Guzzis in the Blue Ridge– August 1–3, 2025
High Country Motorcycle Camp, Ferguson, NC

Cabins on site. Other lodging isn't close...

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General Discussion / Re: Ever-shrinking list of Guzzi rallies

« Last post by Dirk_S on Today at 07:28:55 PM »

It may or may not be worth partitioning, but I personally see a difference between manufacturer rallies and general motorcycle rallies. Obviously there are various reasons why the rallies are waning—it’s certainly not just one main factor—but outside maybe Harley, I just don’t see any company-specific rally really being a big event here in the U.S. That’s my bias and cursory observations, though. Laconia’s always happenin’!

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General Discussion / Re: Ever-shrinking list of Guzzi rallies

« Last post by Vagrant on Today at 07:07:19 PM »

I miss going to rallies. Especially the one know as the Blue Ridge put on by Mark and Barbra. But, I ain't sleeping on the ground or in a tent, nor am I waking 200' to a crapper three times in the middle of the night! Anybody know of a nice motel with a fire pit and a good view.

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General Discussion / Re: Cold Weather demands Intellectual Curiosity.....

« Last post by kballowe on Today at 07:04:24 PM »

I have a 4-stroke Shindiawa leaf blower that requires 2-cycle premix fuel.  There's no separate crankcase lube.  It's about ten years old now and still working well.

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General Discussion / Re: Cold Weather demands Intellectual Curiosity.....

« Last post by n3303j on Today at 06:59:52 PM »

Is Blackie carbon riding with you tonight?
Is your motor burning oil?
Your exhaust running white?
Add Bardahl to your oil.
Remember friend.
Bardahl does it again!

That's an old ear worm.

8

General Discussion / Re: 17" front on a V85?

« Last post by Vagrant on Today at 06:59:45 PM »

Huzo, I did go back and look at it. I bet your 1 or at least 3/4" below the fourth line. Could you take a pic and measurement of the top of the fork like I posted?
Thanks in advance.

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General Discussion / Re: 17" front on a V85?

« Last post by Vagrant on Today at 06:56:34 PM »

None of that is dependent on the location of the legs in the triple tree.
I suspect the marks on the fork legs are in a range Guzzi feels will not negatively affect handling. If it was me I would just move them up gradually and see how it handles before making a new wheel. If its proves acceptable you won’t have to deal with ABS issues.

Pete

I think this is the avenue to go for now. I will do it if we ever have a rainy day. Of course that might not be till next year as it was 78 and sunny here today.

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General Discussion / Re: Cold Weather demands Intellectual Curiosity.....

« Last post by Vagrant on Today at 06:52:31 PM »

Stihl four mix engines are indeed a four stroke with valves set to four thousands. Really only need setting if it gets hard to pull over o tries to rip the starter handle out of your hand. They were made for emissions and extra torque. There is no oil per say in the CC but it circulates everywhere while running. Uses the same 50-1 ratio so there is no confusion on owners part. Big benefit is they are impossible to wear out and I never saw one seize from running straight gas for many tank fills.