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The Rattle/Clank That Wasn't - V85 TT

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Xander:
Story Time

TL;DR: Cheap gas + heat + low revs + deep throttle = bad noises.

So, I bought my first Guzzi a few weeks back - a '21 V85 TT Centenario with only 3100 miles.  She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen on 2 wheels and I admit it was a pretty (pun!) emotional purchase.


She runs great and I didn't have any worries about being stuck with a lemon, until the other day when I went out for a ride in my dense, sub-urban area.  I'd not ridden for over 20 years until I got her, so I've been taking it easy and getting my bike legs back.  On this ride, I had some road ahead, so I goosed her and heard some loud metallic rattling from the motor.  :shocked:  At first I was quite worried about it, but upon reading some posts about such noises, I started to think it was the conditions and my driving rather than anything really wrong with my baby.  I checked for oil level and stuff and all seemed to be in order.

I live in Tampa Bay, and as one glance at the news will tell you, it can get a bit warm.  The day I heard the clanking was a typical roaster and I'd been in some slow traffic before getting room to really go.  I don't usually focus on my dash or the rev counter much, but I do think I was too demanding in the lower RPM.  That over-zealous grip twisting and the baking heat seems to have been a bit much for the young lady.

Today I went out before the noon-day blast furnace, avoided the always-bad traffic, and even killed the engine at a long light.  I took her out on the interstate and let her revs come up before giving it the beans.  She responded like the princess she is and seemed to really love it - I know I did.  I'm very pleased to report to the wife and world that she appears to be just fine.

I do believe I learned a thing about Guzzis in general, and my bike as well.  She likes the open road and cool temperatures, and is perhaps not the best choice for the Florida summer climate rampage.  Ah, well.  It's not like I'm gonna sell her or anything.  We're just getting to know each other and it's starting to get good.

rtbickel:
Check the bolts for the exhaust heat shields and belly pan.  The tend to work loose and cause a rattling or clanking noise.

guzzisteve:
Too much load at too low rpm, always downshift to bring up revs then WACK IT. Have fun, It's hot here too. My V700 don't seem to mind but it's a BigBlock & has more oil.

Xander:

--- Quote from: rtbickel on July 12, 2024, 11:21:29 AM ---Check the bolts for the exhaust heat shields and belly pan.  The tend to work loose and cause a rattling or clanking noise.
--- End quote ---
Aha, that's good to know - thanks!


--- Quote from: guzzisteve on July 12, 2024, 11:21:55 AM ---Too much load at too low rpm, always downshift to bring up revs then WACK IT. Have fun, It's hot here too. My V700 don't seem to mind but it's a BigBlock & has more oil.
--- End quote ---
[nods knowingly]

Dirk_S:
What fuel grade are you using? Ensuring the right octane level could help keep some of that away as well.

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