V11 Ballabio

[Tom P.]

Greetings. I've had my Ballabio for about nine years. It has 32k miles and I was thinking it might be time to service the steering head bearings.  I assumed the bike would have tapered roller bearings, but after looking at the exploded view and reading the text in the shop manual I'm not sure. The illustrated bearings look to be sealed. Does anyone have firsthand knowledge of this?  Also, just noticed the Biturbo steering damper is leaking a bit. Is it rebuidable? Thanks for your assistance!

[pete roper]

Bearings are tapered rollers I believe, 30205's from memory. Bitubo was rebuildable 'Back in the day' but I don't know if parts would still be available.

Pete

[Scud]

I picked up a Shindy steering damper to replace the Bitubo on my 2003 LeMans. I'm pleased with it. Pics, model number, etc. available on the V11LeMans site:

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18986

As for the bearings, check out Harper's site, if you click the link for the part #12 from the diagram, you'll see a picture of the tapered bearing. 

http://www.harpermoto.com/parts-by-motorcycle/2000-up-moto-guzzi-motorcycles/v-11-cafe-ballabio-1100-2003-2005/front-fork-i-en-v11-cafe-ballabio-1100-2003-2005.html

[Muzz]

I just did the ones on the Breva at 20,000 miles. Luigi had not put much grease in there but they were still in good condition. They now have GREASE!

[Tom P.]

Thanks for all for the input. Have ordered a replacment steering damper and will proceed with the bearing service.