Looks like I’ll be missing the remainder of my MABDR trip after that gnarly rock garden in Poe Paddy State Park really smoked my clutch. The clutch sometimes slips easily, but I can also tell that it’s just not fully gripping since I’ve lost a little power. I’m bummed, but at least I’m around family and can spend a week catching up with friends and family.
As I was leaving my aunt’s house to head back to the MABDR route, I happened across a custom bike bike builder’s shop just 2 miles down the road. He said he typically doesn’t repair other people’s bikes, but once I showed him the Guzzi and the exploded diagram of the motor, he essentially offered to work on it. He’s worked previously for the military on nuclear subs, has a lot of automotive experience, and also welds, so I think I can trust him to work on this job.
Together we spent a few hours sourcing parts, and found that AF1 had the pushrod kit, and Enzo at Cadre has a lightly used clutch from one of those early V7 IIs with the crank bearing/washer issue. The bike had only a couple hundred miles, and he said the clutch looks new. All parts should hopefully be at my aunt’s door by Tuesday, and we’ll get to work.
I’m eager to see this thing split open and learn. That said, since neither he nor I have any experience dropping and opening up the V7 motor, and replacing the clutch, I’m curious if there are any nuances or funky things to note or keep in mind when working on this job?
Thanks!
Dirk
