'08 1200 Sport questions?

[GearheadGrrrl]

Saw an '08 1200 Sport for sale here in my southwest Minnesota stomping grounds- 32k miles and asking $4500 but sounds like the owner will take $4000. I'm trying not to horde bikes so I won't make an offer unless it sits unsold for a few months... But would an '08 need to have the infamous valve train fix done?

[Cam3512]

Saw an '08 1200 Sport for sale here in my southwest Minnesota stomping grounds- 32k miles and asking $4500 but sounds like the owner will take $4000. I'm trying not to horde bikes so I won't make an offer unless it sits unsold for a few months... But would an '08 need to have the infamous valve train fix done?

No, they were 2 valves here in the states.  From what I hear, they're solid bikes.  One year only in '08.

[pete roper]

You will need to address the lack of grease in the swingarm bearings and shock linkage but other than that they are fairly bulletproof. Make sure the throttlebodies haven't been messed with by a retard.

[ohiorider]

Aside from routine maintenance, my 2008 black and white 1200 Sport has been one good machine.
Just passed 68744 miles a few days ago.  Here's summary:
7 front tires.
10 rear tires.
15 oil and filter changes.
6 tranny and final drive gear oil changes (forgive me -  I followed BMW schedule of every other oil change.)
11 valve checks and/or adjustments.

Aside from doing the Roper swing arm and spline lube, and changing out an alternator belt (forgot, also cured a leak at the phase sensor)
this old gal has been one of the best bikes I've owned over a bunch of years.

I think you'll enjoy a 1200 Sport.

[bad Chad]

How did u cure the phase sensor leak?  Mine has been weeping for years but it looks like an absolute bear to get at.

[ohiorider]

How did u cure the phase sensor leak?  Mine has been weeping for years but it looks like an absolute bear to get at.

It was slightly 'bearish!'  I'd posted an inquiry about fixing the leak, and received several answers.  Out of the blue, I received a PM from Jim Baron of Rose Farms.  He said I'd save a lot of time and effort if I'd simply remove the left header pipe for access.  Before I did so, I ordered the necessary gaskets to replace the header pipe, and the gasket behind the sensor.  Only my gasket behind the sensor was leaking, so that's all I replaced.

Might ask Pete or another more knowledgeable than I am ....... regarding the shim package that resides behind the sensor.  I simply kept the shim pack as is, replaced the leaking gasket, and put it all back together.  So far, 4 years later, so good.  At least, this is how I remember it.

Bob

[Kiwi Dave]

How did u cure the phase sensor leak?  Mine has been weeping for years but it looks like an absolute bear to get at.

On a Breva 1100, I used to remove mine regularly, to get access to the oil pressure switch without removing the fuel tank (even then it ain't easy).  As Bob mentions, removing the LH header pipe gives you limited but doable access.

[Darren Williams]

Don't forget the dash issue. In 40,000 miles, mine was seeing the second dash start to go bad (the first was replaced under warranty). Only other issues I had was the random high idle and startus interuptus (which was an easy and well known fix).

If not for the dash issues, I would have kept that bike for much longer. The suspension, frame and drive train were well done and arguably a work of art. It was definitely on of those bikes you have to stop and stare at when walking away.

[ohiorider]

The dash ..... how could I forget.  My original went at roughly 63,000 miles.  Was able to buy a used Breva 1100 dash that has been working now for the past 5,000 miles.  Unfortunately, Carmo was unable to repair my dash,  even though all that appeared wrong was the failed LCD panel.  They could not source a new one.  I contacted MTA USA, the US location of the mfg (3 letters and one phone call) but never a response.

The dashboard on the CARC bikes is the biggest unknown.  If only the LCD panel fails, you lose so much vital information.  That little panel is the window into so much diagnostic information, not to mention basic stuff like odometer and trip mileage info.  I am disappointed that Moto Guzzi didn't go back to their supplier (MTA) and put pressure on them to replace any dashes that failed. It only shows me that Moto Guzzi doesn't have any clout with their suppliers.  Or that Moto Guzzi didn't care enough to put pressure on them to make things right.

Almost sorry you reminded me of the dash issue.

Bob

[boatdetective]

The dash issue is a real one and to my knowledge, a new dash is unobtanium. It's one of the reasons why I sold mine.

There is a problem with high idle speed (1500-2000) when the temperature drops below 60F. I did all the recommended fixes, but nothing worked. It was very irritating and another reason why I sold the bike.

Reach to the handlebars bothered some folks. I had a set of bar risers- custom units. This arrangement does not lend itself to off the shelf risers. You might want to check the ergos to see if you fit the bike.

I had the ignition immobilizer fry. Not an expensive part, but it's a bear to get at.


The fairing is sexy, but not very effective. There are no real options out there to improve it. The ABS will flex to the point of cracking. I reinforced mine on the underside with carbon fiber.

The fuel filter in the gas tank is something that's worth addressing if it already hasn't. Not the worst job, but a bunch of fiddly fuel injection lines and you'll need the special tool for the oetiker clamps.

The poly tanks will swell with ethanol gas. This could cause some distortion of the tank, making it very hard to reinstall. I had to clamp mine with a  ratchet strap to get it to fit.

One of my valve cover gaskets was a bit touch and go because of a poor casting (thin gasket surface). Keep extras on hand.  Obviously, you should plan on checking valve lash (easy).

Dropping the swing arm to service the bearings, linkage, and drive shaft is a fairly straight forward job. You might consider installing a rear wheel hugger at the time to keep road scum off the rear shock.

While you have the rear end torn apart- take a good look at the clutch slave behind the shock.  The Grimeca slave is built to be fastened with flat head screws. Guzzi tended to use hexhead/flange head screws that do not grip well on the countersunk holes. If you see the hex heads- CHANGE THEM. Yes, even if it isn't leaking. if the bolts come undong, the slave will drain out, the control rod will seize in t he housing, and worst case it could take out the trans. Ask me how I know.

Low speed manuvering is not the best. The bike is top heavy and something of a pig when you are lock to lock.

Actual seating position is "in" the bike as opposed to "on" the bike (as with a  Griso). This is a good thing.



 

[Travlr]

I love mine.  A great "all arounder."  Likely my last bike.

Mike

[ohiorider]

Bump. 

I was reminded by another poster of the issues I had with my dashboard.

[rdbandkab]

We sold our first B11 with around 53,000 miles...dash was still going strong.  I don't think the next owner had any issues with it either.
Our second B11 has a few miles on it now (dang, can't remember how many)....also with a functioning dash..   
The Breva is one of my favorite bikes of all time..   Nice simple naked standard.   And I love the music that thing creates.