2012 Stelvio - looking for purchase advice

[RWoodcock]

I'm looking at a nice looking 2012 Stelvio NTX with 40,000 miles.  The engine number is AC012426 - 170 before MG went to roller cams.  No documented history available, asking price is $2500.   There is valve train noise, but not enough for me to think there is imminent failure.  I can't very well take apart the bike to verify that it needs the roller upgrade, so I assume it does.     
 
I'm no mechanic, but am more handy than most.  I had hoped to find factory roller heads or rollerized ones, but not much luck so far.   Not sure I'm up to rebuilding the heads, and don't have the tools.  I need to make a decision to buy or pass quickly, and am looking for advice.

Am I making a mistake thinking I can handle the upgrade.   Are there good instructions available.  Do I need speciaized tools?

I'm guessing that it would cost $2500 +/- to have a dealer do the work.

Should I buy it. or pass?

[Dave Swanson]

I'm looking at a nice looking 2012 Stelvio NTX with 40,000 miles.  The engine number is AC012426 - 170 before MG went to roller cams.  No documented history available, asking price is $2500.   There is valve train noise, but not enough for me to think there is imminent failure.  I can't very well take apart the bike to verify that it needs the roller upgrade, so I assume it does.     
 
I'm no mechanic, but am more handy than most.  I had hoped to find factory roller heads or rollerized ones, but not much luck so far.   Not sure I'm up to rebuilding the heads, and don't have the tools.  I need to make a decision to buy or pass quickly, and am looking for advice.

Am I making a mistake thinking I can handle the upgrade.   Are there good instructions available.  Do I need speciaized tools?

I'm guessing that it would cost $2500 +/- to have a dealer do the work.

Should I buy it. or pass?

PASS.  There are plenty of good deals on later bikes with no valvetrain worries. 

[paulbricey]

It's not too hard to actually do the conversion & no special tools (Go to Griso ghetto for background/instructions etc) BUT:
- lack of valve train noises does NOT mean the flat tappets aren't completely shot. Engine seems happy (with valve clearance adjustment) to eat the tappets & swallow the metal shavings to almost absurd levels before full failure. So big ends etc can be shot well before engine goes south.
- you need to work out exactly what kit you need (or cobble together from kits plus parts like gaskets & shims)
- Roller kits are getting VERYhard to source/find/buy

You may be lucky/may not....engine may still be fine/may not......may be able to get a kit/maybe not.....the price for roller kit is around USD 1600 if you can get one (I would at least have eyes on a potential set before commiting to buy unrollerised bike)

[Tkelly]

There is a nice one here in WI with low miles around 5000$A later model.

[guzzisteve]

Let it go to the boneyard, or buy it. Want it fixed, in GA.  I have done plenty while at the dealers here. I would never ask a forum what I should do.

I would let it go & spend more money at the beginning on a later model. 

[moto]

... I can't very well take apart the bike to verify that it needs the roller upgrade, so I assume it does.     

If you can determine that it has not had the upgrade, then you should pass.

But assuming that fact could lead you to miss out on a good deal if the bike actually has roller tappets. You only need to remove one valve cover, and look. There are many posted comparison photos showing the difference between rollerized and not. Ideally, you should get a solid agreement on the price, preferably in the form of a signed bill of sale from the seller, on the condition that you can check under the valve cover. Then walk away if the result is negative.

Anyone trying to sell a Guzzi is desperate to some degree, so your prospects for such an arrangement seem good.