Epilogue and question re hacking out unneeded stuff - transmission speedo cable

[normzone]

So, tank off, going to be a hundred degrees today...no sympathy from some of you I'm certain. I'm talking to you, Tejas.

Air filter looked to be stock, I've changed it. If nothing else succeeds, that will be my feel good of the day.

Speedo cable likes being attached to the transmission. I tried polite pliers, increasingly aggresive pliers, then cracked the threaded coupler.

And it's STILL on there good.

Do I just go ahead and destroy it, or is that the secret self destruct function for this model ?

[normzone]

Okay...cable removed.

Archaeologists would not approve of my technique, but the cable is probably stock based on it's bond with the transmission.

Speedo end connected with new cable, routed, and now recovering from heat prostration before wrestling transmission end connector on.

Momentary complaint about vehicle design practices - I have to remove the headlamp to get at the speedo end? The instrument housing opening is ALMOST BUT NOT QUITE large enough to conveniently work in? The reset needle aperture is a hole instead of a slot? It's apparent that I was not on the design team.

There's a lot of stuff under the tank that appears potentially optional. I'll have to research that.

[Tom]

You oughta try working on a late model 4 cylinder.     I feel your pain.  Probably rusted on.  It's collection point for water.  Common problem that needs attention.  That's if you're talking about the on the trans.

[normzone]

Thanks Tom - yes that's the place I was referring to.

I spent a couple of years as an auto mechanic just as smog was becoming mandatory - saw I was going to have to get serious or get out, and decided to get out. My sympathy and support to all the those who wrench for a living.

I work in manufacturing, and I understand the service tech being your fourth or fifth level of concern, but if I ran the design team machines would look different.

[charlie b]

As would most of them.  As an engineer I find it oh so wrong that most school taught engineers have never wielded a wrench on a machine of any type.  Those should all be castrated and made to design nails for the rest of their lives.

And then there are the project managers who insist on saving a penny whenever possible, despite how difficult it makes the repair or production process.

As to the speedo cable, I try to stuff a bunch of waterproof grease around the fitting and then slide the boot over that.  At least give it a fighting chance in the rain.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've seen a pretty fair amount of what I call "afterthought engineering" with Guzzis. The early ones like the V700 through Eldo are pretty well thought out, then it gets to be, "Hey, Luigi.. we need to put a fuel pump on this.. where do we put it??"  "Meh, no matter, the service guy will figure it out."
Seems like no thought is given to service accessibility. Can I mention checking the oil on the early Norge where you have to pull all the plastic instead of one panel?  We need a better roll eye emoticon..
Just the same, the machines are still robust and easily (sort of) worked on by owners.

[Tom]

 :1:

[normzone]

So - twixt my wife keeping me properly hydrated and caffeinated, and her invaluable assistance with a third hand, new cable is installed, speedo works, and tomorrow we'll find out how much the bike likes it's new air filter. The old one was pretty...old.

It looks like the system of hoses under the tank could be improved with an axe.

There's two big fat lines that run directly behind the speedo cable (transmission end) that seriously impair efforts to remove and install that cable. And it looks as all they do is dump out into the rear fender. Unless they contain anti-matter I think they might be optional.

And all that cannister / vacuum line stuff looks eligible for simplification. I've read some threads here re the cannisterectomy, but need to read further to assure myself it applies to my '99 Bassa and be sure I pick the lines without freon or hydrogen in them.

[normzone]

Oh, and lacking silicone grease, and having difficulty sliding the tank over those big rubber bushings, I used butter.

[Aaron D.]

Well, if it was good enough for Brando..

[fotoguzzi]

Yes you can remove about 20 feet of hose and the two evap canisters behind the rear fender skirts. plug the manifold ports or hook up a short hose between them.

[Zoom Zoom]

You may want to take a good look at the vent line that comes off the back of the block and runs up to the frame. It gets old and cracked. Sounds like you may have already gone back together so I would check and replace if necessary the next time you're in there. Can be a source of leaks as the breather system works.

ZZ

[normzone]

Thanks [Zoom Zoom]. I'll take a look at it.

I was just thinking, next time I've got the tank off I'll start by mapping out the mess.

Then I'll cut off everything I can.

Then I'll remap / measure it and go buy replacement hoses for it all.

I'm going to have to do the boots that go from the throttle bodies to the manifolds soon. I have to admit that scares me.