Author Topic: V7II Valve Cover bolts (Read 3857 times)

alanp · « **on:** March 17, 2020, 03:13:56 PM »

Has anybody else noticed that the V7II valve cover bolts are crap? I tried to adjust the valves today. Did the right side, but when I went to remove the left cover I stripped the head on one of the big silver headed bolts. I went around and tried to loosen the others, and there is another that was about to strip, so I quit trying. I was being very careful, but the heads are just too soft. I am going to have to drill them out.
So, my real question:
Anybody else have this issue? ideas on a better quality replacement? I don’t care what they look like.

Andy1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2020, 03:26:45 PM »

Lincoln Eagle in Lincoln, UK manufacture replacement parts in stainless - google them.
They export
AndyB

alanp · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2020, 03:51:52 PM »

Quote from: Andy1 on March 17, 2020, 03:26:45 PM

Lincoln Eagle in Lincoln, UK manufacture replacement parts in stainless - google them.
They export
AndyB

Andy, that is brilliant! They have exactly what I am looking for. Thank you.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2020, 04:01:16 PM »

Are the bolts for the V7 the same as the V7II? I imagine they must be different because they are quite specific with their description, V7II

alanp · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2020, 04:53:30 PM »

Quote from: Dave Swanson on March 17, 2020, 04:01:16 PM

Are the bolts for the V7 the same as the V7II? I imagine they must be different because they are quite specific with their description, V7II

Dave,
I do not know FOR SURE, but my valve covers and bolts on the V7II look identical to yours, and it would only stand to reason that MG would not change something like that and still have it look identical.
As an aside, did you take that picture at the dealer before bringing the bike home, or do you have some magic elixer that keeps your header pipes looking like that? I don't think mine looked that good for more than 5 miles before turning blue and mottled.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2020, 05:23:37 PM »

Quote from: alanp on March 17, 2020, 04:53:30 PM

Dave,
As an aside, did you take that picture at the dealer before bringing the bike home, or do you have some magic elixer that keeps your header pipes looking like that? I don't think mine looked that good for more than 5 miles before turning blue and mottled.

I have always been kind of a fiend regarding my chrome pipes going back to 1974 when I bought a CB750K. If you keep up with them it is quite easy to maintain them. I use Blue Job on them when they start getting a bit discolored and then clean them thoroughly with alcohol before starting. A Beetle map cuts down on the discoloration a bit also.

jpv7 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2020, 06:00:12 PM »

Quote from: alanp on March 17, 2020, 04:53:30 PM

Dave,
I do not know FOR SURE, but my valve covers and bolts on the V7II look identical to yours, and it would only stand to reason that MG would not change something like that and still have it look identical.
As an aside, did you take that picture at the dealer before bringing the bike home, or do you have some magic elixer that keeps your header pipes looking like that? I don't think mine looked that good for more than 5 miles before turning blue and mottled.

Have you been doing your own service? Some dealers over-torque these...They don't need much torque (forget exact number). Get new ones and only torque per manual. I've had mine off 3 times since new and no issues (I did my own first service).

Bobic69 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2020, 07:05:00 PM »

I think Guzzitech sell stainless replacement bolts.

Beowulf · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2020, 12:26:26 AM »

Had the same problem so bought the guzzitech retro covers and plates with stainless bolts love them.

Andy1 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2020, 03:08:13 AM »

The Guzzitec ones are the UK manufactured ones.
AndyB

malik · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2020, 04:54:17 AM »

Quote from: Andy1 on March 17, 2020, 03:26:45 PM

Lincoln Eagle in Lincoln, UK manufacture replacement parts in stainless - google them.
They export
AndyB

Thanks for that. I've sent them a query. They are the same on the earlier 1TB - M6x52.5 - and made of cooked pasta. Not the same, Dave, for the V7 III, according to the Parts Manual, but this crowd has some of those ones too.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2020, 07:15:34 AM »

Add some anti-seize and don't over torque.

alanp · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2020, 08:53:59 AM »

Quote from: Andy1 on March 18, 2020, 03:08:13 AM

The Guzzitec ones are the UK manufactured ones.
AndyB

Lincoln Engineering informed me of this and suggested I get them there. I placed an order from Guzzitech yesterday. Thanks everyone for all the quick replies.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2020, 12:56:08 PM »

First time I removed mine on the 2015 V7 I purchased the SS ones from GuzziTech. OEM is way too soft. I got them for my Norge also.

Guzzidad · « **Reply #14 on:** March 18, 2020, 06:12:34 PM »

Not all allen wrenches are the same. Craftsman usually have a bit sloppy fit. I've read Allen brand is good and snug but I've never tried them. Echlind brand is good. The wrench is usually the culprit.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 18, 2020, 07:10:24 PM »

Quote from: Guzzidad on March 18, 2020, 06:12:34 PM

Not all allen wrenches are the same. Craftsman usually have a bit sloppy fit. I've read Allen brand is good and snug but I've never tried them. Echlind brand is good. The wrench is usually the culprit.

No, the soft bolts are usually the culprit.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2020, 09:56:30 PM »

Yep. They are like butter.

Bulldog9 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2020, 11:23:55 AM »

I found the same in all of my bikes, for whatever reason most of their fasteners are made of something just a little bit harder than cheese. I've also noticed that it's very easy to cross thread or shred the threads. I had to retap several of the fairing connectors on my Norge, and the first time I took the covers off the mgx, two of the bolts were over tightened with stripped threads. I was able to recover them, and am careful when tightening. I also put a quick shot of aerokroil on the threads before assembling.

Was one of the first things I noticed immediately when I switched to Moto Guzzi. I had taken the same bolts on and off my Yamahas for decades without a single issue, and almost always have an issue with any fastener on a Moto Guzzi. I do all my own work, so I'm able to keep good control over them but the initial attempt can be frustrating.

Of course I'm cheap and haven't upgraded anything yet other than one or two here or there :-)

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2020, 04:33:26 PM »

Ordered my set today. And yes, V7 and V7II have the same bolts.

alanp · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2020, 10:07:53 PM »

Mine came today. They are very nice pieces, and look nicer than stock. Very pleased!

malik · « **Reply #20 on:** March 20, 2020, 04:30:11 AM »

I've had no answer from the UK so far. Perhaps they've just gone into hibernation over there. There's no rush, I'll just make do - and the exchange rate has headed straight for the toilet.

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #21 on:** March 20, 2020, 06:18:00 AM »

Quote from: malik on March 20, 2020, 04:30:11 AM

I've had no answer from the UK so far. Perhaps they've just gone into hibernation over there. There's no rush, I'll just make do - and the exchange rate has headed straight for the toilet.

See alanp's post #12. Lincoln Eagle said to go to Guzzitech for the bolts. They are the supplier for Guzzitech.

https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gt-v7-ss-valve-cover-bolts?_pos=1&_sid=28053f2d5&_ss=r

sib · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2020, 08:08:50 AM »

I ordered mine from GuzziTech yesterday. When I ordered, they were indicated to be the last set in stock. This morning, the site indicated that there were 2 sets in stock. Clever marketing, I suppose. Never thought I'd pay ~$100 for a few bolts

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2020, 08:23:49 AM »

Quote from: sib on March 20, 2020, 08:08:50 AM

I ordered mine from GuzziTech yesterday. When I ordered, they were indicated to be the last set in stock. This morning, the site indicated that there were 2 sets in stock. Clever marketing, I suppose. Never thought I'd pay ~$100 for a few bolts

This site is great for enabling expenditures!😀

malik · « **Reply #24 on:** March 20, 2020, 02:44:49 PM »

Quote from: Dave Swanson on March 20, 2020, 06:18:00 AM

See alanp's post #12. Lincoln Eagle said to go to Guzzitech for the bolts. They are the supplier for Guzzitech.

https://gtmotocycles.com/products/gt-v7-ss-valve-cover-bolts?_pos=1&_sid=28053f2d5&_ss=r

Convenient if you happen to be in the States, but with Todd's margin, the (unknown at this stage) freight cost to the other side of the globe, and a currently tanked exchange rate, it would be be pushing $200 AUD - that's a couple of weeks food, 2,000km fuel, a new tyre, and us retired chaps with a negative income have got to watch such things now. In these conditions, I should best try alternative sources first - having them made is one option. Some years back I did find some in stainless the right sizing, but with a square shank under the head - someone with a lathe should be able to fix that. We shall see.

But not this weekend - being dragged out to a river in the country - mate wants a ride, a camp & an opportunity to thrash the river now it's got some water in it - social distancing by motorcycle. Expecting virtually empty raids.

malik · « **Reply #25 on:** April 29, 2020, 05:42:03 PM »

Update -

No reply from the UK - likely closed for the duration as a "non-essential" business, and GT are sold out. Chatted with a mate with all the high end tooling, card cam, Cncl, and all that. Left him with the old ones. Last week, he presented me with a set - high tensile steel, zinc plated, perfect fit.

Not cheap as a one off job, but investigating the pricing of runs in quantity. More to follow.

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Author Topic: V7II Valve Cover bolts (Read 3857 times)