V 85 tt Engine Side Skid Plate Failure

[tommy2cyl]

Just back from a 2600 mile ride up through NE and Canada.  Started noticing a metallic rattling sound and traced it to the left side aluminum cover over the exhaust pipe.  The bottom hex bolt was still tight but the aluminum had metal fatigue cracks and was vibrating and 'wallowing' a gap around the bolt as well.
Inspection of the right side reveals cracking beginning.  Has anyone had similar experience and wanting recommendations on aftermarket options.  See no point in replacing with OEM.  Thanks.

[Bisbonian]

This is not uncommon.

Some have had the side plates replaced under warranty, but there are a couple of aftermarket alternatives.

MyTech makes a 3-piece set or Gamma Zinken makes a big one-piece item ( not really one piece but it bolts together to seem like one piece).

AF1 has both on their website.

[blu guzz]

i have.  very cheap piece of pot metal.  completely out of character with the quality of the rest of the bike.  i added a large washer on the outside under the bolt and a rubber piece between the holder and the shield.  all quiet now.

[Huzo]

i have.  very cheap piece of pot metal.  completely out of character with the quality of the rest of the bike.  i added a large washer on the outside under the bolt and a rubber piece between the holder and the shield.  all quiet now.

The very first one I ever saw was in Agostini’s.
I thought the plate looked like something a kid made in metalwork class during his lunch break. The whole thing looked cheap and nasty.
Was glad to see the whole header system gone…

[tommy2cyl]

Thanks for the info.  The Gamma Zinken looks massive to me.  A bit of overkill for the gravel roads I ride.  The My Tech is OK, but still not too excited on
the aesthetic.  The bike has enough winged Eagles logos in stock form for me.  Not keen to add anymore.  Just looking for a plain, well thought out, integrated heat shields and bash plate.  I am actually fine with stock bash plate, just looking for decent heat shields but not many options other than the two mentioned above.  Saw some guy  fabricating one on YouTube /NR or something like that laser cut on the front.  Kinda what I would be interested in but I can't find any info on whether he just did a one of and not fabricated for sale. 

[j.davis]

Thanks for the info.  The Gamma Zinken looks massive to me.  A bit of overkill for the gravel roads I ride.  The My Tech is OK, but still not too excited on
the aesthetic.  The bike has enough winged Eagles logos in stock form for me.  Not keen to add anymore.  Just looking for a plain, well thought out, integrated heat shields and bash plate.  I am actually fine with stock bash plate, just looking for decent heat shields but not many options other than the two mentioned above.  Saw some guy  fabricating one on YouTube /NR or something like that laser cut on the front.  Kinda what I would be interested in but I can't find any info on whether he just did a one of and not fabricated for sale. 

I have fitted the 'gravel version' of the Gamma Zinken, fits and works pefect, lot less weight and $ than the 'off road' model. Problem for the US people is he wont ship to the US. I suggest ordering through an Italian Bike shop and have them ship to the US.  AF1 suplies to the US, but doesnt import the 'Gravel' version.
https://store.gammazinken.net/Sump-Guard-GRAVEL-for-Guzzi-V85TT

[twowheeladdict]

Here is the SW Motech guard.

https://www.motostorm.it/en/accessories/bike-protectors/sw-motech-moto-guzzi-v85tt-engine-guard-aluminium.html

[tommy2cyl]

J.Davis.  Thanks for clearing up the two versions of the GZ.  The "Heavy" duty one is 5 mm thick and the "Gravel" version is 3 mm.  They both appear to
be identical in actual size.  Both versions are listed in AF 1, with the Gravel version having to be special ordered with a wait time if ordered today to be
delivered in October. The picture you included of the black option seems to me to blend in better with the bike. 

Thanks TWA on the other option as well.  Appreciate the information.

[tommy2cyl]

Huzo.  Yeah, that manifold pipe reduction in diameter is a bit of a blemish on the aesthetic of the bike.  Your fabrication of a new pipe really cleaned that up.

[Vagrant]

I question if the SW includes the two exhaust covers.

[tommy2cyl]

I don't think it does.  Just looks like it is the skid plate only.

[Solorider73]

Mine is cracked on the right side.  It doesn't rattle, so I haven't bothered to change it.  Eventually I'll need to replace it with something aftermarket.

[egschade]

Looks like a number of the aftermarket bits only replace the center plate, not the side exhaust covers. Next time I'm working on the bike I'll see about using nylon or rubber washers to quell some vibes and hopefully extend the cover life.

[Huzo]

If you “Google B&B aluminium Ballarat bash plates”
You’ll see what our local bloke does. I would be happy to release my V85 to him so he can build a good one, but I guess there would have to be a bulk order to make it viable.

[tommy2cyl]

A word to the wise.  Spent the last hour + trying to remove the bottom back Allen drive cap bolt of the header heat shields on each side .    Wouldn't
budge.  I had to drill them out, use penetrating oil,  and then use the easy out reverse thread bits to finally remove.  Whatever shields I replace with I will use
a hex head bolt.  My left side back bolt area of the shield was completely hollowed out so the  bolt was holding nothing and the right side was on it's way.  If you are out on a trip and discover you have this problem, good luck trying to remove with an Allen socket or wrench.  Ain't gonna happen.

[tommy2cyl]

Huzo:  Looked up B&B.  Yup, kinda what I envision.  Straight forward, simple design.   Probably with limited number of V 85 owners wanting to upgrade and shipping cost from down under, would be pretty pricey.  I would advise adding a nylon washer or rubber bushing to current owners to dampen the vibration.  If you don't, inevitable that you will experience metal fatigue and failure of the shield.

[twowheeladdict]

Do all the previous year V85TT have this fastener and washers setup?

[j.davis]

Do all the previous year V85TT have this fastener and washers setup?

Yep, with a metal type squash washer behind it.