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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Swat on May 06, 2026, 11:37:06 AM

Title: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Swat on May 06, 2026, 11:37:06 AM
Did all the 1100 Hydraulic lifter get the updates after the first few had failures, next question is there an adjustment or check on these models and.how dependable are they?
Looking to buying a 2003 Stone . :wink:
Thanks in advance :bow:
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 06, 2026, 11:56:21 AM
Did all the 1100 Hydraulic lifter get the updates after the first few had failures, next question is there an adjustment or check on these models and.how dependable are they?
Looking to buying a 2003 Stone . :wink:
Thanks in advance :bow:

Short answer no.  Most should have been upgraded by now, but there are still those that crop up that haven't had the recall.   

If the seller doesn't have the paperwork in hand, the easiest way to check is to pop the valve covers off.

If you see this - recall has been performed.


(https://i.ibb.co/QvC5Spqf/Screenshot-2026-05-06-at-12-07-12-1-Cal-1100-Hydraulic-Lifter-Recall-Info-Guzzi-Tech-Forums.png) (https://ibb.co/QvC5Spqf)


If you see this - no recall and since upgrade kits are as rare as rocking horse dung now I recommend a pass on the bike.


(https://i.ibb.co/xrc7r1Z/Screenshot-2026-05-06-at-12-07-01-1-Cal-1100-Hydraulic-Lifter-Recall-Info-Guzzi-Tech-Forums.png) (https://ibb.co/xrc7r1Z)


There is also the issue of the single plate clutch.  The single plate clutch tended to have a limited life.

If you see this in the inspection hole it is OK. It is a double plate clutch


(https://i.ibb.co/rKsMvkJH/496.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rKsMvkJH)


If you see this - run away.  Too expensive to fix nowadays compared to the value of the bike.


(https://i.ibb.co/7d1jrpbq/439652261-3677743602493894-8545849657948503331-n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7d1jrpbq)
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: guzzisteve on May 06, 2026, 02:35:34 PM
Plan on no one doing the final fix, buyer beware, no more kits available unless  someone has one. Last price was $3,000.
What Dave shows. Best motors when done. easy 200Kmi
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Cam3512 on May 06, 2026, 03:10:49 PM
I had a hydro ‘03 Stone. There was also a recall on the lower triple tree.  Some were prone to microscopic cracking underneath, around the center steering stem hole.
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: elrealistico on May 06, 2026, 03:51:48 PM
After a certain engine number  in 04 the bikes came from the factory with 2 plate clutch again and the valve recall done (supposedly).
The crankcase and clutch diagrams have the number ranges before and after: https://cadrecycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cali_evpicat_1100_2003-2005.pdf

Not so sure about the triple tree, that one is a little vague to find, IIRC it had something to do with the mfg date wheel stamp on the TT.
Anyways, mine falls in the range where the problems were corrected before being sent out. I did verify by inspection hole and popping a valve cover, though. Runs great, no major problems. If yo're looking at one and it has all that stuff done, and the price is right, it's a great LD rider

Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: SemperVee on May 06, 2026, 05:13:55 PM
 I have an 03 EV Hydro tourer that is pristine & collector grade that I will be taking to BAT soon after I get some pictures and video done -  that includes dealer documentation of recalls done.  If interested  - in Western WA ready to ride and pick up. It's a fine strong running machine.  Msg if Interested. 
(https://i.ibb.co/3yyKtZfs/1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3yyKtZfs)
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Cam3512 on May 06, 2026, 05:58:55 PM
There ya go, the perfect Fly n Ride.
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Swat on May 06, 2026, 06:14:35 PM
 :bow:
Thanks to all the information :thumb:
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: DoubleGuzzi on May 06, 2026, 06:16:46 PM
..pristine & collector grade ..
We've been watching the four series of The Killing - it looks like it rains more often than not, around Seattle.  :undecided:
[A good remake of the original, which we already watched.]
How the heck an '03 bike can look so good after so many years, unless hidden away as a garage queen? (Rhetorical.)

Looks like a tasty buy for somebody looking for one.  :thumb:
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Mr Revhead on May 06, 2026, 08:39:56 PM
If anyone has a flywheel from a single plate version I might be keen on buying it
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: drdwb on May 06, 2026, 09:56:56 PM
If anyone has a flywheel from a single plate version I might be keen on buying it

I believe I have one of my wife’s 04 Stone, replaced when single failed.  I live in West Central Minn, this thing is heavy like a boat anchor, are you sure you want to pay for shipping? If so PM me and we can work out details,
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Mr Revhead on May 06, 2026, 10:20:46 PM
I believe I have one of my wife’s 04 Stone, replaced when single failed.  I live in West Central Minn, this thing is heavy like a boat anchor, are you sure you want to pay for shipping? If so PM me and we can work out details,

I wouldn't think a single plate flywheel on its own would weigh very much.
Ill PM you, thanks 
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: SemperVee on May 07, 2026, 10:31:37 AM
We've been watching the four series of The Killing - it looks like it rains more often than not, around Seattle.  :undecided:
[A good remake of the original, which we already watched.]
How the heck an '03 bike can look so good after so many years, unless hidden away as a garage queen? (Rhetorical.)

Looks like a tasty buy for somebody looking for one.  :thumb:

Truth be told it rains more in NY and England than Western WA.  It just has a lot of overcast weather which I am fine with after way too many too hot sunny days in SoCal. EV has always been nestled nicely in a garage. Seems like perfect riding wx to me as it is easy to wear ATGATT in 60-ish temps.
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: steven c on May 07, 2026, 10:38:05 AM
It's to bad they screwed up the Hydro motors,and how did they manage to do that? I wasn't exactly new tech. I rode one a couple of times and thought it was a real nice motor.
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 07, 2026, 11:14:51 AM
It's to bad they screwed up the Hydro motors,and how did they manage to do that? I wasn't exactly new tech. I rode one a couple of times and thought it was a real nice motor.

It is hard to believe! Harley had incorporated hydraulic lifters in 1948! 

What I find more puzzling is after the massive expensive of the recall and the hurry up development of the fix, just when it was perfect, Moto Guzzi abandoned it!

A sorted hydro motor is a beautiful thing indeed. 
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: John Croucher on May 07, 2026, 11:42:14 AM
Adjustment is 1-1/2 turns in from light touch of push rod at tdc.

Issue after fix  the rocker arms point that contacts valve stem wears flat.  This is due to low oil flow to the rocker arms.  Caused by leaking oil pressure/volume due to extra oil journal passages supplying hydraulic lifters.


(https://i.ibb.co/3m4NVG68/received-444362272903217.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3m4NVG68)
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: dguzzi on May 07, 2026, 04:54:11 PM
  The recall kits are around....I still have one for sale. 
Title: Re: 2003 -2004 Hydraulic lifter Motor Guzzi 1100
Post by: John Croucher on May 07, 2026, 09:17:25 PM
Adjustment is 1-1/2 turns in from light touch of push rod at tdc.

Issue after fix  the rocker arms point that contacts valve stem wears flat.  This is due to low oil flow to the rocker arms.  Caused by leaking oil pressure/volume due to extra oil journal passages supplying hydraulic lifters.


(https://i.ibb.co/3m4NVG68/received-444362272903217.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3m4NVG68)



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