Opinions 2004 1100 Stone

[pehayes]

Seeking opinions.  2004 1100 Stone.  Low mileage.  Any unique issues?  I have two well-sorted 98EVs so I'm familiar with issues unique to that model.  Anything special about this one?  Cush drive?  ECU map?  Does this have the cracking plastic head temp sensor carrier?  Fuel pump hose pop-off?

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Tom H]

Should be a Hydro. Head temp sender is in RH cylinder. Breather system can cause mayo. I would suggest using the recommended weight oil if it's a Hydro.

And it goes without needing to be said, if Hydro check for the recall being done.

Nice engine to cruise around on.

Tom

[Ncdan]

I had an 04 EV and loved the Hydro!!

Dan

[krglorioso]

From 2009 to 2015, I had two Stone Touring 1100s, both hydros, which Pete Roper correctly said was the best engine (once sorted via valve gear recalls) that Guzzi ever made.  I loved these bikes, one at each home, until 2016, when the sheer bulk of these bikes simply overwhelmed my (then) age 80 and (still) 134#.  Both bikes had the cheesy Bakelite cylinder head temperature sensors and these were whisked out and replaced with Centauro all-brass units from M-G Cycle.  I did a tubeless conversion on both bikes and fitted bars with a bit less pullback and upgrade seats (Ned's and Corbin).  I also did the dual front brake conversions.  One of the two Brembo "Gold" 4 piston calipers I needed for the conversion was GIVEN to me by John Boettcher, may he rest in peace,   The tail lamps were upgraded by some old curmudgeon named Patrick in Fremont, CA and never gave a moment's bother.

Both my Stone hydros had the dual disc clutch, but a peek into the inspection port on the bell housing is recommended to insure that this is the case. 

After I had to let these stars of the motorcycling world go 5 years ago, I dallied with Japanese bikes until the depression of the Guzzis' forced departure lifted enough and I got a lovely, much lighter, '04 Breva from a WGC forum member and I like this bike a lot, "but it ain't no hydro 1100".

Ralph

[jrt]

I'm really enjoying my '03 hydro.  If only it were warmer out!

[kingoffleece]

Just an FYI.  The oil recommendation according to the tech brief I saw at Hamlin's shop now calls for 10w-60 as opposed to what's in the manuals.
NOT to start an oil thread, mind, just passing along factory recommendations.

[inditx]

Just an FYI.  The oil recommendation according to the tech brief I saw at Hamlin's shop now calls for 10w-60 as opposed to what's in the manuals.
NOT to start an oil thread, mind, just passing along factory recommendations.

Whew that was a close one ay.....
 

[Dave_NWTrophy]

Mileage should be suspect on any bike with ITI gauges, as the odometer drive gears strip out.  Mine were gone after a little over 9000 miles indicated.  The tech bulletin I have seen (010-2006), while updating all other bikes to 10W-60, still calls in bold lettering for 5W-40 in 1100 series California engines with hydraulic tappets.  I'm not sure what the price of the bike is, but I highly recommend searching here and on guzzitech.com for how to validate that the camshaft service campaign has been done.  If it hasn't, it is now over $3000 to get the parts from Piaggio.  If it is late enough to avoid the issue or the update has been done, then it should be a fine machine.

Dave

[kingoffleece]

My mistake in reading the bulletin. 5W-40 still the preferred choice.
THX for pointing that out.
KoF

[bigbikerrick]

The hydros when sorted are great motors. I had an 03 aluminum, and put over 30 K trouble free miles on it, the last 15 K hauling a  pretty heavy sidecar. The 1100 hydro with 7:33 gears in it is a torque beast, that pulls a sidecar brilliantly. I wish I had not sold mine .. Its currently in Hawaii.
Rick.