Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: BUGMOTO on July 14, 2026, 05:08:25 PM
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Hi all,
I recently purchased a brand new 2027 V85TT Travel. It only had 1 mile on the odometer. Is this normal? I would assume a pre-delivery inspection and a road test would require more miles than that. I'm under the impression there's probably a mile on the bike as it's rolled out of the crate. Am I wrong?
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I think you’re over thinking it friend. Did you buy it from someone you have confidence in? If you did, why worry , if you didn’t,…
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Mostly just curious. But you do make a good point...
I think you’re over thinking it friend. Did you buy it from someone you have confidence in? If you did, why worry , if you didn’t,…
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From setting up new Guzzi's, they have 1 or 2 miles on them before set-up & road test. Looks like you got one they just put fuel in. That does NOT mean it wasn't set up properly just not down the road. Maybe around the block.
Bikes I set-up always had 10mi on them, that way I know it was fully warmed up to check things.
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If you search "V85TT uncrating" on YouTube you can see what minimal assembly is required on the bike when the dealer receives it. As with most motorcycles the mirrors need to be screwed in, battery connected, fuel tank filled, and tires aired up. I haven't seen the MG assembly line, but other brands tend to have dynos at the factory that they test run the bike on briefly and compare the diagnostic outputs to a baseline as a part of quality control.
As others point out, the attention your bike got depends on the dealer. Set up and PDI at some dealerships is done by entry level staff rather than by a trained mechanic/service tech. It's not unheard of for bikes to leave the dealership without things having been thoroughly gone over, so best to do your own inspection of the bike if you have your doubts.
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Makese sense. Thanks for the reply!
If you search "V85TT uncrating" on YouTube you can see what minimal assembly is required on the bike when the dealer receives it. As with most motorcycles the mirrors need to be screwed in, battery connected, fuel tank filled, and tires aired up. I haven't seen the MG assembly line, but other brands tend to have dynos at the factory that they test run the bike on briefly and compare the diagnostic outputs to a baseline as a part of quality control.
As others point out, the attention your bike got depends on the dealer. Set up and PDI at some dealerships is done by entry level staff rather than by a trained mechanic/service tech. It's not unheard of for bikes to leave the dealership without things having been thoroughly gone over, so best to do your own inspection of the bike if you have your doubts.
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I hate to say this but on every new bike I've purchased I just assume it was barely gone over by the PDI guy who's not a mechanic just the uncrater who puts on the handlebars, maybe front wheel, checks oil level, hopefully charges the battery before connecting it, checks tire pressure, and looks it over for damage. My new Tenere' 700 showed 0 miles when I picked it up, most were under 2 miles.
When I get it home I check tire pressure, oil, and add a Tender pigtail (if not done by the PDI guy) and take off. :)
Bug what are your first impressions of your 2027 Travel??? Whatever it is it'll start running and feeling nicer around 1,500 miles and up.
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I bought a Yamaha that showed 0.0 and it's at 52,xxx now.
(https://i.ibb.co/6cJpH9rV/2014-VStar1300-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6cJpH9rV)
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The last bike I bought new was my 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour from Randy’s Cycles in Marengo, IL. The bike was set up by their head technician and test ridden by Randy himself. That was their policy. 105k 100% trouble free miles before a friend totaled it last month.
1 mile on a new purchase says it maybe went around the block. Like has been said, dealer PDI varies greatly by the dealer.
BugMoto, I was glad to see the video of your new Guzzi. Your local dealer has and certainly seems like they will continue to treat you well.
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Ahhh the inconsistencies of uncrating and pre-delivery inspections.
I demoed a couple of smallblocks (Breva 750 and a V7 Stone) at two different dealerships (one was Fast By Feracci) and I couldn't get the damn things into neutral until I pulled off to the side of the road and adjusted the clutch cable myself. The same was true the day I took delivery of my brand new V7 Stone (also from FBF).
But the truly best (worst) story was a "strike bike" 2007 Harley 1200 Sportster (built around the time of their factory strikes). Jenn and I went on a test ride on it and another Harley off the showroom floor. At the first stop sign she almost blew right by me as she discovered the rear brake wasn't working at all and had expected it to when applying both. We told the dealership about it and asked that they actually inspect the bike before we bought it for a then record discount (Harleys had been holding at least MSRP in most cases for years, but 07 had brought sweeping changes to the big twin line and dealers were caught off guard with TC88 motors no one suddenly wanted when the improved and bigger TC96 came out. They panicked and discounted things and somehow we convinced them that $2k off MSRP with no freight or prep was appropriate on an Evo Sporty, hell it was obvious there was no prep).
Anyway fast forward a week and we're performing the break-in service. I'm concerned because it was a new EFI Sporty (first year) and the cylinder head/oil temps were significantly higher than the carbureted 05 we also had at the time. I stop dead in my tracks while servicing it when I notice that there are no intake manifold bolts on one side of the bike. Meaning both manifolds are held in place by a single bolt each, on the same side of the bike, so the whole unit is cocked very slightly. The best part is there are no marks on the manifolds where the missing bolts should be. They didn't fall out, they were never there. New manifold seals and all bolts installed and temps were much better.
So yeah, I always look em over a bit more these days but never had anything significant since.
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I have purchased 5 new Guzzis over the last 10 years. I must admit I never looked at the miles any them had when they were delivered. The first 2 were purchased at Moto International and the last 3 at Cadre. With both of their stellar reputations I just assumed all was well, and it proved to be.
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What is this “new bike” thing you’re talking about?
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I know my Navale was never ridden by the dealer. It couldn't be put into neutral from first or second at a stop. Had to shut the bike off to do it. It took a couple of hundred miles or so for it to be able to be done. I believe it had something to do with the mechanism that allows a shift into neutral at a stop in first that prevents the gearbox from going into second. It just needed rough edges to be worn off, I think. The same dealer, when I got home with my new Triumph the tires were at just over 20 lbs. No wonder the steering was sluggish. I now go to a different dealer although an extra 100 miles away making it a 180 mile jaunt. Good dealers are are far and few between. Unfortunately we don't have many.
kk
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Bug what are your first impressions of your 2027 Travel??? Whatever it is it'll start running and feeling nicer around 1,500 miles and up.
It's a mixed bag. The bike is pretty great. Doesn't exactly have the same charm as the V7 Sport, but I knew that going in. I think it'll be perfect for the kind of touring I do. However, the engine is making a rattle/tick/vibration noise at around 3700 RPM that has me super concerned, so it's parked in the garage until the dealer can take a look. I have a few reels on Instagram where you can hear it. It sounds pretty gnarly and I don't know quite what it is, except I believe it's coming from the right cylinder.
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When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.
Ahhh the inconsistencies of uncrating and pre-delivery inspections.
I demoed a couple of smallblocks (Breva 750 and a V7 Stone) at two different dealerships (one was Fast By Feracci) and I couldn't get the damn things into neutral until I pulled off to the side of the road and adjusted the clutch cable myself. The same was true the day I took delivery of my brand new V7 Stone (also from FBF).
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When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.
What you describe is being NOT set-up, Just gassed up.
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The older I get, the older the iron it seems that I ride. Mostly by preference I suppose, but the last new machine I purchased ( Honda) came with a pre- delivery check list done by the dealership. I can sure understand the excitement factor after taking delivery of a new ride ( it has been so long...sigh.) that in the moment not caring to see or ask about the PDI and ride off. Let us know about your dealership experience.
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All dealers really should test ride them at least 10 miles before handover to the customer. A good tech will know if something isn't right with that one.
MG does require a test ride for proper PDI.
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When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.
Not a confidence inspiring dealer experience for sure.
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It's a mixed bag. The bike is pretty great. Doesn't exactly have the same charm as the V7 Sport, but I knew that going in. I think it'll be perfect for the kind of touring I do. However, the engine is making a rattle/tick/vibration noise at around 3700 RPM that has me super concerned, so it's parked in the garage until the dealer can take a look. I have a few reels on Instagram where you can hear it. It sounds pretty gnarly and I don't know quite what it is, except I believe it's coming from the right cylinder.
Glad you parked it, so you don't make the same mistake as Darcy. His dealer told him not to worry about the noise and the rocker shaft support eventually snapped. There is a keeper for the rocker shaft. If the screw falls out from lack of torque and Loctite, the rocker shaft will slip down. The valve cover prevents the shaft from falling all the way out, but it does move far enough to escape the upper support. This will initially create a lot of valve clatter, but the twisting forces will eventually snap the lower rocker shaft support.
A good friend had the same issue. He called me when he heard a sudden increase to the valve clatter.. I ran over there and found the keeper fallen off and the rocker shaft slipped down. Luckily he had only ridden it gingerly home and hadn't done any damage. I added Loctite to the other keeper screws and all has been good. He loves his V85TT.
Of course, checking rocker shaft keepers isn't part of even the most thorough dealer's PDI. :boozing:
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My V85 from Hamlin had 0 miles on it.............. Weather prevented them from doing a test ride (bought in February between 2 major snow storms). But I trusted their setup and knew the 900 miles would come quick. I would go over nuts and bolts, ect to be sure all is tight but otherwise wouldn't worry about it.
(https://i.ibb.co/VWc7HG3B/PXL-20260225-154810289.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VWc7HG3B)
I bought an MGX from another dealer that was SO BAD in its prep that the left handlebar stub and batwing almost fell off on my 300 mile ride home. Dealer did TERRIBLE setup, but I got it for 5K off MSRP so.......
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What is this “new bike” thing you’re talking about?
Sounds a lot like heresy!!!!
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As a motorcycle mechanic for over 4 decades ( and worked at numerous dealerships ) , it saddens me to say , these occurrences have become the norm .
If I couldn't road test it , the service writer never got the keys back . And they have the gall to charge you for a PDI ! But hey , Moto-Guzzi has done absolutely
nothing to improve this situation , That's my rant !
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My V7 I bought new at AF1 had 1 mile in the showroom and 6 when I picked it up. They told me it would beforehand, they run a 5 mile loop as part of PDI
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After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.
Wow it sounds like your dealer's service and or PDI people are not doing their job.
Re clutch cable adjustment; I'm not sure if all V85's are like this but when I adjusted mine to the correct freeplay with the wheel pointed straight ahead, the freeplay lessened to slight negative freeplay as I turned the bars to full left. So I aded a bit more slack to achieve just over 0 freeplay at full left lock just to be safe. Although I can't see me using the clutch much, if at all, at full steering lock.
We're all interested in what the odd noise is coming from the right cylinder around 3,700 rpm turns out to be. Pray they have someone better to diagnose it than the one that installed the bars and adjusted the clutch cable incorrectly.
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I just dropped it off at the shop. Standing by for word. Hoping it's nothing. I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...
We're all interested in what the odd noise is coming from the right cylinder around 3,700 rpm turns out to be. Pray they have someone better to diagnose it than the one that installed the bars and adjusted the clutch cable incorrectly.
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...... I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...
Well good luck on your Iron Butt. I hope you get through the break-in miles with plenty of heat cycles and at least an oil change before hand.
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This thread got me wondering how a new bike can have less than, say a 1/2 mile on it. :huh:
Roll off the production line, onto a pallet? Transport thousands of miles in a container(?), then offload at the dealer's workshop. I guess it must be something close to this. Otherwise, it would be rolled about 'loose' with the added risk of scratches and other damage.
Decades ago, I saw Triumph testing engines prior to final dispatch but can't recall how the near complete bikes were moved around the factory - still on suspended jigs etc.? Too long ago.
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On most (nearly all?) modern motorcycles the odometer only increases when the ignition is on an and speed sensor(s) active since it is a digital system, rolling the bike with ignition off does not accumulate any mileage.
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I just dropped it off at the shop. Standing by for word. Hoping it's nothing. I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...
Food for thought.
It's not just miles, its heat cycles, accel and decel from start to stop, bedding brakes, engine RPM, etc that are all part of the 'break in' period. I'm sure the difference is miniscule, but I wouldn't just want to hope on a bike and burn 1000 miles on the motor, even if I did some hard accel and decel while pounding the miles. You want the engine to go through several heat cycles, have a good amount of shifting up and down, stopping, etc.
YMMV............ You do you.
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A test ride probably means something different to everyone. As long as the test rider keeps in mind what he 's suppose to be doing. It's not an on the clock joy ride.
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I've sent videos where the noise is present, and suggested possible causes (exhaust leak, rocker, etc) and my bike was in the shop for three days. Final verdict? "Normal exhaust noise" and "Ride it and if it breaks they'll fix it." That came straight from Moto Guzzi. Normal exhaust noise from the right cylinder, on a V85... I dunno.
So, I'm riding it. With earplugs and music going to block out the noise.
I've got 20,000 miles across three brand new Moto Guzzis (one of which I rode coast to coast) so I know what a normal Guzzi engine sounds like. I'm aware of their quirks. This is not normal. But, it is what it is. Hopefully when it strands me I won't be out of cell range.
We're all interested in what the odd noise is coming from the right cylinder around 3,700 rpm turns out to be. Pray they have someone better to diagnose it than the one that installed the bars and adjusted the clutch cable incorrectly.
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Based on the post re the retaining screw/rocker shaft I'd sure take a look at that or PAY a shop to do it. When I bought my '21 V7 Special a couple of years ago I was concerned about engine noise - never having owned..or even sat on - a Moto Guzzi. I had seen the video about the broken rocker shaft support so I pulled both cyl head covers to check that shaft - all was fine. Since then I've become comfortable with the V7 "normal" engine noise.
But the louder noise from one side could be anything from excessive valve clearance to that potential shaft failure. I really think you should check it/have it physically checked (opened up/examined) for your own piece of mind if nothing else... ;)
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Final verdict? "Normal exhaust noise" and "Ride it and if it breaks they'll fix it."
This is what the dealer told you after inspecting the bike you dropped off? Do you know if they pulled off the valve covers and checked valve clearance?
So, I'm riding it. With earplugs and music going to block out the noise.
I've got 20,000 miles across three brand new Moto Guzzis (one of which I rode coast to coast) so I know what a normal Guzzi engine sounds like. I'm aware of their quirks. This is not normal. But, it is what it is. Hopefully when it strands me I won't be out of cell range.
I think I would leave the music and ear plugs at home just so I could monitor the noise better.
You could always post a video of the noise here. Lots of expertise here.
Good luck!
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First, I enjoy your videos although I was less happy when you opted for that other bike for your trip ( lol).
Second as to the noise. I am not discounting what you perceive, but, have you ever had your hearing checked. When I did, I found that one side still had better hearing in certain ranges than the other. My hearing aids were adjusted to compensate. I don't wear them while riding, I wear plugs. But it could be a possibility, maybe a slim one that you have this hearing effect that changes your perception of the volume of the noise.
In general, anyone who had an airhead beemer became very attuned to valvetrain noise or lack of it when it needed adjustment.
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Absolutely possible. I was a drummer in high school and in bands in college and after, so my hearing isn't what it should be, probably.
However, the way I came to the conclusion that it's on one side of the bike is by moving a microphone around the bike while moving (yes, I know, safety second). When I put the mic near the left cylinder the ticking/knocking was much less than on the right.
First, I enjoy your videos although I was less happy when you opted for that other bike for your trip ( lol).
Second as to the noise. I am not discounting what you perceive, but, have you ever had your hearing checked. When I did, I found that one side still had better hearing in certain ranges than the other. My hearing aids were adjusted to compensate. I don't wear them while riding, I wear plugs. But it could be a possibility, maybe a slim one that you have this hearing effect that changes your perception of the volume of the noise.
In general, anyone who had an airhead beemer became very attuned to valvetrain noise or lack of it when it needed adjustment.
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After dicking around for months trying to figure out why mine makes a similar but less volume nock, I checked tons of things, lifters, wires, headers and on and on, I couldn't find a think.
I was sure it was coming from the left cylinder area. Last week I went for a ride without my helmet and it now felt like it was coming from behind me, specifically the muffler. Without the helmet I was able to confirm, the sound is coming out of the "can"!
I no longer think it's originating anywhere in the engine or drive, I'm pretty certain it's got to do with the muffler baffling, or some internal component inside the muffler. Anyway, I'm happy with that, and am no longer concerned. Hope your's is something similar.
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I made the big mistake of once buying a used Harley Road Glide from a car dealership! (NEVER do that) The bike was a 2012, sitting inside on the showroom floor, and had very low miles, less than 1000 as I recall. Now this particular car dealership just happened to be right across the street from the big Harley dealership in town. So this sales guy proceeds to tell me they had the Harley dealership service the bike, and install a new battery, blah, blah, blah. I was in too big a hurry or too stupid (probably both) to think to ask for the service work order. So I do a short test ride, and, agreeing on a price, off I go. I notice the handling is very heavy and, needing gas, I check the tire pressure at the station. About 10 PSI front and rear!! :shocked: When I get the bike home, a few days later I decide to remove the seat and look at the battery. What do I find but some Wal-Mart special wet cell battery with no vent hose attached! Grrrrr! So now I'm out the price of a new AGM battery. You just can't trust anybody these days, least of all a used car salesman. Who knew? :embarrassed:
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On most of my visits to Hamlin Cycles in Ct I went a week early to assist and learn in the shop. We went over EVERYTHING for a PDI prior to the bike being delivered.
A few years ago when the V85 final drive fill issue was discovered, part of PDI was to drain and measure the fluid and correct if necessary. One of the reasons I really dislike the word stealership(s). Not there. But, as I've said, it's a shame most buyers never have the chance to experience a top flight dealer.
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On most of my visits to Hamlin Cycles in Ct I went a week early to assist and learn in the shop. We went over EVERYTHING for a PDI prior to the bike being delivered.
A few years ago when the V85 final drive fill issue was discovered, part of PDI was to drain and measure the fluid and correct if necessary. One of the reasons I really dislike the word stealership(s). Not there. But, as I've said, it's a shame most buyers never have the chance to experience a top flight dealer.
Stealerships? Yes, it's painting with a broad brush. But as you said, most never get to experience a quality dealership.
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Knowing where that dealer is located ,one mile is about like riding 10. :evil: Although, I think there main work shop is miles away from the showroom floor..
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It used to be but now everything is in the same building.
Knowing where that dealer is located ,one mile is about like riding 10. :evil: Although, I think there main work shop is miles away from the showroom floor..
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BugMoto,
Any update on the noise yet? Is this Guzzi also about to be traded away?
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Did you Iron Butt the bike? Did it break?
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It's been a couple weeks since he said he was doing an Iron Butt with the bike, nothing but crickets from Bug lately. Perhaps, and I hope this did not transpire, the motor blew and he's still trying to find a way back home???
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Yeah I'm interested to hear how his V85 did on his trip. This is a video he made on the bike when he was breaking it in and took it to a 1 star motel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G17pLuCANdU
Looks like he's moved on to a 2015 R9T now.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s He discusses at length.
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His last YouTube video was about this new V85 noise issue. So, he still has/had the bike last week.
Though he’s not had the best Moto Guzzi ownership experience on his last three new ones. He went down on a dirt road on his last V85 TT that he really liked. His new V7 Sport has/had an oil consumption issue. And now this new one V85 has a RH engine noise that’s driving him crazy.
Perhaps his next YouTube will shed additional light on this latest scenario.
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I'm not sure if he still has the V85 or not but he's on an R9T now.
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The BMW was on his second to the last video. His was on the new V85 in his last video. His next video is supposed to also be about the new V85. He gushed over the BMW R9T but he also loves the newer technology of his latest V85.
Will he keep the latest Guzzi V85 with the RH engine noise that drives him crazy? Doubtful, he goes through bikes at a fairly good clip.
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Howdy all.
Well, my bike is in the shop again. I was out on a ride a couple of days ago and it threw a SERVICE ALARM warning. Turns out I lost my tail/brake lights. Told it might be a relay or ground issue or something. Who knows. Not sure when I'm getting it back.
I had planned on doing the Iron Butt with it this weekend, but since I don't actually have it in my posession, and since it's still making that horrible sound, which I now describe as sounding like a bag of chicken beaks, my plans have once again been put off.
All of this is incredibly frustrating, and I'm told my noise is a "feature, not a flaw." They attribute it to the variable valve timing. I disagree. It sounds horrible and definitely not normal. I'm weighing my options at this point. Love the bike but can't live with that racket.
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You have to be frustrated I know I would be. I'd think a non functioning brake/tail light should be easy to diagnose and correct.
Did your V85 have the noise since new? Have you ridden a demo or another 2025 and if so did it make the same noise as yours? My V85 is a 2021 with around 15K and doesn't make the rattly noise yours does on your videos. There are a number of people here with 2025+ V85's and I've not read any complaints about the noise but I've never ridden a newer one. TBH I think that noise would "bug" me especially since it's only emanating from the right side.
Maybe "Vagrant" here will chime in because he's had a number of V85's including a newer one.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s He discusses at length.
Great, now I am afraid to ride mine in case I notice the same noise and it triggers my OCD. I really don't want a BMW.
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Cumulative effect. Where his noise issue on its own doesn't sound like a big deal to many people (the bike's in warranty), this poor rider has simply had so many issues on the MGs he has bought that I would not be surprised if he gave up on the brand.
I have a good riding friend who was an MG fan in the 80s 90s and early 2000s. His MGs just broke his heart. In those days, the service was even more sparse and the quality of it, more questionable. The problems were more dire as well as they were the kind of the stop you by the side of the road problems as well as silly problems such as the peeling crinkle black paint. He finally had enough about 20 years ago and has not looked back. I have had very good fortune with 4 of them for about 10 years now, but he can not be lured back.
Whatever Mr. Bug decides to do, I wish him well.
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When buying a new Guzzi the choice of dealer is critical if there are warranty issues. The top notch dealers can be counted on one hand unfortunately.
I can't imagine any of the top tier dealers (we all know who they are) calling that racket a "feature".
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In BugMoto’s case their response seems crazy. If both sides have variable timing, and they do, why is the noise only on the RH side?
I honestly don’t know if the dealer, the Guzzi rep or the language barrier is why they’d tell him ‘it’s normal’.
No, it’s not ‘normal’. Not unless every 2027 V85 engine has that clacking noise only on the RH side.
I suspect this is the third new Moto Guzzi in a row that will exit the BugMoto garage.
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When buying a new Guzzi the choice of dealer is critical if there are warranty issues. The top notch dealers can be counted on one hand unfortunately.
I can't imagine any of the top tier dealers (we all know who they are) calling that racket a "feature".
Agree completely. In fact if I were Bug, I would reach out to one or more of the Great dealers and at least try and have a talk with someone regarding the issue. There owners and or Techs will certainly know if he has a legit issue.
He has noted that the dealer he bought from clearly did not even bother to test ride the bike, and certainly didn't take any care when setting it up, he had to take it back to the dealer the day he picked it up because the handle bars were misaligned! I'm not sure how that even possible, but I do know I would be Highly suspect of anything they had to tell him from that moment forward.
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After dicking around for months trying to figure out why mine makes a similar but less volume nock, I checked tons of things, lifters, wires, headers and on and on, I couldn't find a think.
I was sure it was coming from the left cylinder area. Last week I went for a ride without my helmet and it now felt like it was coming from behind me, specifically the muffler. Without the helmet I was able to confirm, the sound is coming out of the "can"!
I no longer think it's originating anywhere in the engine or drive, I'm pretty certain it's got to do with the muffler baffling, or some internal component inside the muffler. Anyway, I'm happy with that, and am no longer concerned. Hope your's is something similar.
I wonder if something like Chad found previously is also a possibility with Bug Moto's V85. It's clear to many of us the clacking noise on the RH side of that bike is not normal. It would be interesting to get Bug's input riding without a helmet for a few miles as well as listening to the engine and the exhaust system with a mechanics stethescope.
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JMHO, none of my v85's made that sound and the 2025 is quiet and normal. There is no noise from the VVT!
I do know that the Titanium intake valve has a metal cap on it to protect it and there has been one case of it either coming off or there was an extra in the rocker box. The exhaust doesn't have one.
If it were mine I'd pull the covers and look for that cap being in place, the rocker shaft and it's retainer being in place, and check the valves. If all else fails hold wide open and wait for it to blow!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s He discusses at length.
While watching this video, I said to my Italian wife: "Look at this dude! Even while riding down the road on a motorcycle, he is waving his hands around while he is talking!"
Her response: "Obviously, he is Italian. We can't talk without using our hands!"
My response: "Yeah, I've noticed. You do that even when you are talking to someone on the phone...."
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While watching this video, I said to my Italian wife: "Look at this dude! Even while riding down the road on a motorcycle, he is waving his hands around while he is talking!"
Her response: "Obviously, he is Italian. We can't talk without using our hands!"
My response: "Yeah, I've noticed. You do that even when you are talking to someone on the phone...."
Glad to see you survived this 'observation' I'd sleep with one eye open tonight :evil:
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When buying a new Guzzi the choice of dealer is critical if there are warranty issues. The top notch dealers can be counted on one hand unfortunately.
I can't imagine any of the top tier dealers (we all know who they are) calling that racket a "feature".
That's a solid point, but unfortunately not a practical solution if the top notch dealers aren't also nearby to bring it back to for service.
Some other dealers may, from my experience, even give you a bit of attitude or shaming at the service desk if you are bringing a bike purchased from another dealer into their shop for its service (ridiculous!)
I have a V7 Sport on order, and it would have been fun to order it through one of the top notch dealers and fly out to pick it up, but I'd still have to deal with service and any potential warranty locally, so instead I placed the order at a local dealer just over 50 miles from me.
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Very true, Doctor.
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Shame from dealers you didn't buy from should not be an issue, in a perfect world. Frist, they get paid for warranty work, probably not as much as they would like, but still. Second, you are a potential source of revenue for them for parts, accessories and future service. Maybe if they impress you, you will buy the next one from them or if they are a multi brand dealer, one of their other offerings.
I will never know why these logical conclusions are lost on some dealers, I will never know. In the car business, they told us that the 3 lowest paid employees were the 3 most important contacts for the customer - the operator, the greater (remember them) and the parts counter attendant. So it is probably a matter of the dealer not being an absentee owner and good training.
thus ends my lesson for the day.
A thought just occurred, Mr. Bug's dealer should be aware that anything he the dealer does is going to be seen by thousands of potential buyers so even though its not right, if I were that dealer, I would have been sure to step up my game. Maybe, put the man on a demo while his bike is in? Something.
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As much as Bug likes his dealer everything I have heard on UTube and read here this dealership wouldn't be very high on my list. My closest dealership is on my not to visit if I can help it list. I bought my current bike from another one another 80 miles away. I haven't been back for any service, yet.
kk
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Shame from dealers you didn't buy from should not be an issue, in a perfect world. Frist, they get paid for warranty work, probably not as much as they would like, but still. Second, you are a potential source of revenue for them for parts, accessories and future service. Maybe if they impress you, you will buy the next one from them or if they are a multi brand dealer, one of their other offerings.
I will never know why these logical conclusions are lost on some dealers, I will never know. In the car business, they told us that the 3 lowest paid employees were the 3 most important contacts for the customer - the operator, the greater (remember them) and the parts counter attendant. So it is probably a matter of the dealer not being an absentee owner and good training.
thus ends my lesson for the day.
A thought just occurred, Mr. Bug's dealer should be aware that anything he the dealer does is going to be seen by thousands of potential buyers so even though its not right, if I were that dealer, I would have been sure to step up my game. Maybe, put the man on a demo while his bike is in? Something.
I think in an ideal world, the assertion that warranty work is an easy financial transaction for the dealer is a given with Guzzi/Piaggio is not a reality. I've heard from multiple dealers past and current that say that piaggio is a nightmare when it comes to warranty, parts, reimbursement work and dealers are often left either having to front the money for the parts and play the waiting game, and fight to take care of their customer.
In fact, the lead mechanic at Moto International quit working on Moto Guzzi's for this exact reason. He had had enough with fighting over warranty work and parts etc.
I've also heard the same from at least two of the ' top notch' dealers.
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I have never heard him say who his Guzzi dealer is, but as far as I can ascertain, they are his real problem, not the bike.
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"I have never heard him say who his Guzzi dealer is, but as far as I can ascertain, they are his real problem, not the bike."
Yeah, but if a particular brand or model of bike regularly NEEDS warranty work to be sorted out/reliable, IMO it IS a problem with the bike. ;)
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Anecdotal stories may not mean much but it’s all the evidence I can put forth.
I have purchased four new Guzzi over the past 27 years the most recent being a 2025 V85last summer. None of them needed any significant dealer support. None of them had any significant issues. All of them have been great bikes that have yet to let me down. Just my experience.
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In his videos he names the dealership which I won't do because I have no experience with it. The fact that he has had problems with a couple of bikes when the rest of us haven't I wonder what is going on. Yes I have had some issues with a couple of mine but a couple are/were EPA and Euro regulator caused. One needed to have several hundred miles of riding to go away. When I took it to the dealership for service I was told all Italian bikes do that. Not being able to shift into neutral while stopped is not a normal function let alone an Italian issue. I no longer patronize that dealership. Piaggio needs to address the dealership issues, I wonder how Cadre and Hamlin can provide such excellent service having to deal with such poor support. When I was riding a Triumph I learned that the Triumph mantra was that the dealers were the company's customers not the end buyers, they were the dealer's customers.
kk
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One reason they provide such good service is that that brand is all they carry. Cadre started as a repair shop and does a big used bike business. But MG is still the majority of their work. So I would say that having regular daily experience with those bikes is a large factor.
Another reason is not mechanical. It's how these guys make you feel when you go to their shop. You are not treated like a "time waster" just to be gotten out the door so they can move on to another customer or some more important job.
If a job is going to take 2 weeks no matter where you take it, are you not going to feel better about the whole ordeal if you are treated like a guest instead of a number? Totally subjective I know and doesn't matter to some folks but it could account for the spreading of a good reputation.
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"I have never heard him say who his Guzzi dealer is, but as far as I can ascertain, they are his real problem, not the bike."
Yeah, but if a particular brand or model of bike regularly NEEDS warranty work to be sorted out/reliable, IMO it IS a problem with the bike. ;)
I bought a 2011 Norge new. First year issues were oil lines to the heads leaking, dealer putting the incorrect oil in at the break in service, outer muffler shell falling apart coming loose and just out of warranty the bad lifters raised it's ugly head and the mothership would not pay a dime or supply the kit for repair. Full cost on me. Since all that the bike was bulletproof.
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Reading these threads, it comes to mind that Moto Guzzi owners often sound like abused/battered wives who won't leave their husbands....
Helpful friend: "So why don't you divorce him?"
Abused wife: "Even with all his faults, he is still a great guy. But mostly because I love him!"
We humans love some adversity in their lives, just not too much or too little!!!
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I didn’t hear him name the dealer, so if he did can someone have the guts to simply quote the guy? You won’t get in trouble for quoting a YouTuber, really, you won’t.
I think what you heard was him speaking about the RE dealer and how much he respects them, however, they did not sell by his Guzzi.
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From the caption on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdd4JiSHRww
"Special thanks to Optimum Performance Motorsports in Portland for helping make all this happen. And thank you to @MotoGuzziUSA for standing behind the V7."
I had that dealer perform a service on my V7 850 while touring and that service seemed to go well, though at the time I had a leaky final drive and they didn't find the cause and couldn't reproduce it. Within just a few miles of picking up the bike from the dealership and riding it to a friend's house, it was leaking again. Took a few attempts at my local dealership in Colorado before they finally found the final drive gears were chewed up from poor engagement. I can't necessarily fault the dealer for not finding that on a regular service on an out-of-town bike they squeezed in with the rider looking to be on their way.
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I still wonder if his 2027 V7 Sport was actually burning oil of just pumping out oil from being over filled.
It seems far too many Guzzi owners are obsessed with running the engine oil level at the top ‘Full’ mark on the dip stick.
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Guzzi owners maybe, but also dealers. My V7 850 has had all its services at Guzzi dealers, many while touring. Every time it has been filled near the full mark (on oil sight glass, no dipstick) and the next service there's oil found in the air box. Seems like another bad liquid volume spec from Moto Guzzi IMO. If full/max is actually overfilled, then it would make sense to publish a TSB indicating that and revise the marks on a future model year.
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No dipstick on the V7 850? Hmm, I didn't know that.
Is the oil fill still on the left (wrong) side of the engine?
But, yes, owners AND dealers seem to over fill these bikes, engine, transmission and rear drive on a very regular basis.
Moto Guzzi also seems quite confused in their manuals as to total engine oil capacity vs. oil and filter change volume.
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Yes. Photo of my V7 850 E5 for the other thousand words.
(https://i.ibb.co/Vp3g7G2T/PXL-20260823-022514463.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Vp3g7G2T)
Despite their reputation, Honda also get oil change capacity specs wrong in the owners' manuals for some of their bikes, with their listed volumes being too little. Still, if you keep filling until you hit the upper oil level mark when the oil is warm, they don't puke into the air filter.
Here's Moto Guzzi's service manual stating that "The level is correct if it reaches the MAX level." (When warm)
(https://i.ibb.co/1J7sffR9/Screenshot-2026-08-22-203604.png) (https://ibb.co/1J7sffR9)
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"Is the oil fill still on the left (wrong) side of the engine?"
Just curious, Why is that the wrong side?
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THX. I wasn't going to ask.
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On the right (correct) side it’s easier to use on the bikes side stand. I’m spoiled with the excellent design and rational thinking of my Victory bikes over the years.
The oil dip stick is on the right and the oil drain is on the bottom left of the oil pan. The entire oil and filter change process is as easy as can be and is designed to be done on the side stand. The spin on oil filter is horizontal out the back of the engine. The oil system holds 5 quarts. The oil change kit needs 4.5 quarts including filling the new oil filter.
So simple, so easy and well thought out. I haven’t needed to check the oil level in either Victory bike for many years. No need to, they don’t drip, burn or use oil between changes.
Why check and fill oil on the low side of the engine? Just seems silly or short sighted IMHO.
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That sounds like good design from Victory to me!
When someone else is around, I'll ask them to stand on the right side of my V7 and spot me while I check the oil level. It is the most awkward procedure of any of my motorcycles to need to crouch down on the left side of the bike to see the oil sight glass from a somewhat level height, while pushing the bike upright and away from you toward the side where a kickstand won't catch it.
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I have had the thought about getting another spare filler cap and making a dip stick out of it. Of course like all good ideas I haven't done it yet. My dealership is 175 miles away but I will be going by on Friday I should stop and see if they have one available.
kk
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Bugs latest video said the V85 TT is available to anyone who wants it at a great price. His dealer, Moto Guzzi quality issues as well as Piaggio have worn him out.
Of course his dealer still has the V85 TT with no information as to when the part it needs to repair the tail and brake light will arrive.
He’s 0 for 2 on his last two new Guzzi purchases. He wrecked his initial V85 so I can’t fault Guzzi for that.
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I don't blame him one bit for that. I love riding my V7 850, but my ownership experience has also been poor in terms of failures, waiting on parts, dealership service experience, warranty coverage, etc. I am taking delivery of a V7 Sport soon and am purchasing an extended warranty that covers wear items, and a service plan that includes a loaner bike to get to & from the more distant dealership that seems to have a more competent service department. Buying another new Guzzi again would be a tough sell for me without those, unless I lived near one of the top tier Guzzi dealers (more importantly, top tier service dept). I'm glad to see the equipment on the newer V7s seems to be more sorted out than on my 2022, and hope it's also more sorted out in terms of QC 🤞. My dealership said they were getting *most* parts from Piaggio in about 2 weeks from Italy as if that were a good thing, but to me that is still a long turn around for parts and twice as long as it tends to take to get parts for my other metric bikes.
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Hi all,
Yes indeed, I'm a bit burned out by this whole thing.
I bought the V85TT a day or two after I got home from a cross-country trip on my Himalayan 450. Love that bike and it did great, but I realized on that trip how much I really do love long-distance riding and how good it is for my mental health. At one point on that trip I stopped into Cleveland Moto and saw the new V85TT, talked to the shop owner at length, and pretty much decided then that I was gonna buy one when I got home. Then I saw on Instagram that my local shop had just uncrated one. It was like the stars were aligning... While the Himalayan 450 was fantastic, I wanted a bit more of a premium experience...
As many of you know, this was not my first V85. I had a 2023, which I rode across the country and back last year. It was flawless, except for a few things that were completely preventable.
And that's the bigger story here.
Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to tell the bigger story of my ownership experience over three brand new Moto Guzzis, because, as a recovering journalist, I can't ethically bring myself to make the content I want to make without an official response from those involved, and they've refused to respond.
It's too bad, really, because I think the community would benefit from knowing all of the things I've gone through while owning these three bikes.
Anyway, it's been two weeks now that my V85 Travel has been in the shop because of a fault with the rear electrical harness, controlling my tail and brake lights.
I bought the bike to ride the living tits off of it this summer, and I've barely broken it in.
I'm not heartbroken over the bike. A bike is a bike and I know sometimes a bad one or two can slip through. I'm heartbroken over the ownership experience. I had my heart set on being a lifelong Guzzi owner, because I love everything about it.
Except my ownership experience, especially over the last two brand new ones I've owned.
I shoulda just kept the first V85. That thing was fantastic.