V9/V7 850 reliability

[Kev m]

You must be unique who can fix broken fuel pumps, dead efi”s etc. at road side. Very unique…….

Are you purposely trying not to understand?

JUST because it has that component doesn't mean that component is GOING TO BREAK.

What I'm saying is that in ~300,000 miles I've personally put on motorcycles I've never had a component break and strand me that wasn't ALSO a component used by a carbureted bike. And that the EFI/ignition system components that I HAVE had fail are not only ones that are shared by a carbureted bike, I ALSO MANAGED TO FIX THEM AND KEEP GOING.

Examples - * EFI bike - ignition switch, EFI bike complete fuel system failure - relay - both fixed on the side of the road.

In the more than 3 decades I've been part of the service and repair industry the biggest trend I've seen is that things just plain break less often or stated another way, at higher mileage.

Yes there are a ton of EFI components that MIGHT leave you stranded by they rarely do.

And though there were fewer components that MIGHT leave you stranded of a carbureted vehicle, they USED to break more often.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Limp mode. Just saying. 

[Fredrik]

Are you purposely trying not to understand?

JUST because it has that component doesn't mean that component is GOING TO BREAK.

What I'm saying is that in ~300,000 miles I've personally put on motorcycles I've never had a component break and strand me that wasn't ALSO a component used by a carbureted bike. And that the EFI/ignition system components that I HAVE had fail are not only ones that are shared by a carbureted bike, I ALSO MANAGED TO FIX THEM AND KEEP GOING.

Examples - * EFI bike - ignition switch, EFI bike complete fuel system failure - relay - both fixed on the side of the road.

In the more than 3 decades I've been part of the service and repair industry the biggest trend I've seen is that things just plain break less often or stated another way, at higher mileage.

Yes there are a ton of EFI components that MIGHT leave you stranded by they rarely do.

And though there were fewer components that MIGHT leave you stranded of a carbureted vehicle, they USED to break more often.

I understand you point, and to be honest the only thing that worries me are the electrical issues that might occur. No matter what brand……most are rare yes, but we all know Murphys law, at the worst possible location……but these days most bikes have efi.

[Fredrik]

A few factors to consider....... If you bought your Guzzi (or ANY vehicle) USED, and not from a known/trusted maintenance/repair situation and history, you'll never know if the bike will be reliable.

I once bought a slightly used (as in less than 1K miles) Shorty Ram Van from a dealership. Seems the person custom ordered it, and didn't like the low power V6, and ordered another with a V8.  It was perfect for my growing family. I loved it. Threw some Keystone Wheels and White Letter Tires to satisfy my morbid horror at owning a van.....

Problem was, that thing would shut off on a long trip suddenly. 10 trips to the dealer to discover the PO had mounted a TACH, and cut the wire to the distributer to send the signal. Was impossible to find, and it wasn't until he brought his new van in for service that the service manager asked him if he made any other modifications. He has added front and rear fog lights, an aftermarket radio (pretty killer) and a few other things. WHen he told the SM that he had installed a Tach but removed it, the tech checked and the wires were connected with a wire nut... It was PERFECTLY hidden so unless you were going to remove the cap you'd never see.

The point of my Ramble, is when you buy used, you never know what has been done to it, and you have to accept the chance. GO over everything, make sure it is right, and most Guzzi's will get you there.

I have a couple buddies with Urals, and they strand them all the time. When I was in Iraq for the original operation, we had some Republican Guard bubbas scoot around Najaf with them. They had RPK's mounted in the side cars. I asked our guys to try to not destroy the bike because it would be a fun toy for the downtime and potentially something for the Museum. That never worked out well, but my C CO did manage to take out a dummy with a suicide vest on a Police motorcycle and keep it. One day when I rolled up on their location, I found them trying to hotwire the thing. They had butchered it up, so I claimed it and had my maintenance section police it up and bring it back to HQ where I repaired it, got it running and all lights/sirens working and even gave it a bumper number. A couple months later when we left Najaf and moved North to Mosul, we decided to leave it in the city and give it back to the police department. I've long lost photos of it. Heck, I didn't even have a digital camera in 2002-2003.

As a joke my guys brought me this one day and asked me to get it running for them 




 

Ah, sorry for the sideline/threadjack. Any mention Urals always take me back to 2002..............

The Iraq Urals was the old 650 engine and much have happened since then. But for sure not japanese reliability. 

[red stripeguz]

I haven't heard of rocker arms breaking on the 850s and the only electrical gremlins I've really heard of were sticky switches.

14k miles on my '23 V7, no issues

[bad Chad]

Limp mode. Just saying. 

You’re referring to the condition and direction of this thread I presume.

[Bulldog9]

I understand you point, and to be honest the only thing that worries me are the electrical issues that might occur. No matter what brand……most are rare yes, but we all know Murphys law, at the worst possible location……but these days most bikes have efi.

In my not so humble and not so limited experience, modern bikes, wiring looms, electrical connections, including ECU and fuel injection are worlds more reliable than my old carbureted motorcycles.

When I used to tour the country on my now ancient 1979 Yamaha xs1100, it was NOT uncommon to have something crap out on the ride. Believe it or not, of all the motorcycles I've owned, my 2005 Yamaha fjr 1300 was the most problematic and left me stranded two or three times. None of it was due to fuel injection. It was other systems on the bike.

For the most part, going back to your original question, the small blocks be it a V7, a v9, or v85 have all been extremely reliable and the only time someone is at a problem with the very simple ECU and fuel injection is when they boogered it up themselves.

[Fredrik]

I haven't heard of rocker arms breaking on the 850s and the only electrical gremlins I've really heard of were sticky switches.

14k miles on my '23 V7, no issues

There is one series of videos on Youtube by a british guy who got ”total engine failure”, as they claim, caused by a broken rocker arm. The bike is a V7 850, but as i understand it had they made some kind of smaller modifications on the efi and exhaust. This shall not cause the engine to break but i do not understand the whole story based on i am not sure if it is the failure itself the report about or the fact that Guzzi denied them warranty. Which is normal for all manufacturers to do if bike have been modified.

[faffi]

There is one series of videos on Youtube by a british guy who got ”total engine failure”, as they claim, caused by a broken rocker arm. The bike is a V7 850, but as i understand it had they made some kind of smaller modifications on the efi and exhaust. This shall not cause the engine to break but i do not understand the whole story based on i am not sure if it is the failure itself the report about or the fact that Guzzi denied them warranty. Which is normal for all manufacturers to do if bike have been modified.

Mr. Darcy and the Old man. It was the video I linked to.


As to older vs newer, especially when it comes to cars, the picture is not crystal clear. Anybody follow the YouTube channel "I Do Cars"? In general, though, modern stuff is more complex, costlier to repair - and more reliable.

[Tkelly]

I ride my bike regularly before I take a trip ,if no problems appear I figure it will be ok on the trip,no point in worrying about possible but unlikely breakdowns,but you just never know.So the question is do I take the trip and risk a breakdown or stay home relieved that no breakdown occurred while I sit on my couch.

[Griso8V]

OK, after reading through this thread I must admit that I am in awe  that you guys can fix things at the side of the road.  Do you guys carry took kits?  The tool kit that comes with the bike barely can be use to change the oil!  I guess I am lucky that I have never had a problem that required road side repairs because I would be SOL!  And I have a garage at home full of tools having restored two cars...Again my compliments to those that can fix a bike or anything "at the side of the road..."
Tony C

[Kev m]

I tend to carry some tools when I cross state lines on multi-day excursions.

I carry a cell phone and a credit card all the time.

And we've got a hitch carrier that can hold any of our current fleet and  we can mount the carrier on two of our three 4x4's as needed.

[TN Mark]

A few times a year on many forums someone will ask what they should take for a XX long day or week motorcycle ride. Many people post excellent advice to bring this or that. I typically post they need to bring a credit card with a lot of room left on it. Why, because stuff happens. Be prepared, if you're a couple or more states away to rent a truck or a van to drive you and your bike back home.

Number 3 of my personal rules to live by is: Blessed are the flexible for they shall bend and not be broken.

In other words, stuff happens, be ready to change your plans as the situation requires. I also have a AAA RV policy. I don't have an RV but with that policy they'll tow a motorcycle on a flatbed up to 200 miles.

For me, it's peace of mind.

[Griso8V]

Yes, I certainly would NOT leave home without:  1. A cell phone, 2. A credit card(s) and 3. CASH...
I was just impressed that one can fix a bike "at the side of the road".  I understand that some things happen that are very simple to fix but most tend to be not so simple. 
Additionally, yes, I know about calling a tow truck and/or some other roadside assistance.  But to me that is not fixing it "at the side of the road".  If you can repair something out on the road, I am impressed and my hat is off .  I guess I am too lame and not as knowledgeable as I thought...
Tony C

[faffi]

It is not much different from doing it at home, but you may have to improvise more. People traveling around the world have welded frames, even cranks, and such massive tasks in order to move on.

[bad Chad]

What TKelly said.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

Yep... if you want an idea of how to deal with the risk of failure and fixing things on the road, look at the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, Motorcycle Cross Country Chase, Motorcycle TransAmerican Endurance Event, or even the Scooter Cannonball Run. Days 1 & 2 of those events it's apparent who had time to go through the regular maintenance on their bikes and do a shake-down ride prior to the event. For the events that are supported, some teams have whole machine shops in their trailers, others draw a line in advance at what type of work they're willing to do on their motorcycle on the road, and at what point they would pack it up and fix it at home. I think it's a good idea to think about those types of things for touring even on a modern motorcycle. Not just to not set off with a half bald tire, but to consider what work you would be comfortable doing on the side of the road. Many ADV riders carry spare tubes and the tools to change one in event of a puncture, but when reality sets in they limp the bike to a safe place and call a friend with a truck to bring the problem home.

[kingoffleece]

I always carry tools.  Not everything in the shop, but what I'd need for most common issues.  A spare cable tucks into a corner.  99.99% of the time someone else needs something.  Basic circuit tester, tire repair kit, and a pump.  If room, a small portable jump charger.

When several on on the same route, it's even easier as we split it up-everyone carries a bit.

As for utube "reports", ask any guy who has had a repair shop for longer than 5 days.  The guy who "did nothing, I swear" usually did something, and it takes a bit to get to the whole story.

If our Swedish friend thinks a Guzzi is gonna be unreliable he should NOT take it no matter what.  It'll either be a self fulfilling prophesy or it'll be pins and needles waiting for what never comes. How could anyone enjoy that?

[Bulldog9]

OK, after reading through this thread I must admit that I am in awe  that you guys can fix things at the side of the road.  Do you guys carry took kits?  The tool kit that comes with the bike barely can be use to change the oil!  I guess I am lucky that I have never had a problem that required road side repairs because I would be SOL!  And I have a garage at home full of tools having restored two cars...Again my compliments to those that can fix a bike or anything "at the side of the road..."
Tony C

For day and local trips, just a stop and go plug kit and air pump mostly, plus whatever kit the bike came with.

For multi day or long distance, I also carry a compact full kit of tools that will allow me to do anything I may need from pulling spark plugs to removing wheels, fasteners, racks, bodywork, as well as a few electrical tools, crimp connectors, posi taps and small multimeter. I also practice doing routine maintenance with my travel kit to ensure it has all I need. Everything is compact, fits in a small bag that takes 1/3 of a side case including 1 litre of fuel in a fuel bottle. None of my bikes use oil to mention, so no need to carry that. I do carry a spare oil filter though 'just in case I need to. It's all part of the adventure, and my bikes are pretty well sorted, so I'm usually helping someone else out.

My only bike other than the Convert that has tubed tires is the Stornello. I have a new rear Shinko on order and will do the Outex kit when I swap it out. Flats are the only thing that I worry about riding on tubes............ When the front needs replacing, I will do the front, and likely move away from the Luggy 705's and put a proper set of tires that are 90/10 or 80/20 and has a proper front tire rather than a rear 4.10 mounted backwards. 

[Moparnut72]

If you are going to worry all the time about a breakdown while on an extended trip it is not worth going. Hell when I moved to Cali from Colorado my beater 350 Chevy pickup threw a timing chain in Duchesne Utah. Fortunately right across the street from an auto repair shop. They loaned me a puller for the harmonic balancer. It was probably 100* in the shade. The worst part was that my wife kept asking how much longer it was going to take.
kk

[mechanicsavant]

I to was upset by the lack of greasing the steering head of the V7/850’s .I first saw a bearing on the counter of my local Guzzi dealer . It looked like it had been underwater for a while ! The dealer said it was from a late model V7/850 with low mileage. I was quite surprised! As I do 90% of my maintenance I took the plunge to check the bearings on my  Centanario. Shah zam Andy ! No grease ! So I applied a general amount of lube & reassembled the steering head . I blame this one on the bean counters ! Take .50 cents out of each component says the bean counters !
I’ve seen this many times over the years with many products . Mostly auto & truck products as that’s where I worked . Heck Volvo almost put themselves out of business with the 122 model .nobody who had one ever bought another ! Well let’s mama a car that rusts & breaks down . OK I’m done .

[Clifton]

Hello all.

A straight question, are the V9/V7 850 from 2021 with the Euro 5 engine reliable?

I have seen reports of broken rocker arms, electrical gremlins etc. and i start to question the bikes reliability.

Any advice? 

I would say Guzzi V7 850s are statistically less reliable than Japanese, maybe less than American (Pan America excepted), similar to German, but more than Austrian and Russian.

[Moparnut72]

I sure wouldn't say equal to German bikes, i.e. BMW. BMW owners on the internet and friends have related all the problems with their bikes  When has MG required that driveshafts have to be replaced every 30,000 miles as BMW has. They do it for free but???????????? Granted MG has a grease shortage and older models had their issues but late models are virtually trouble free. I have not had a single issue with the four I have owned/own. I can't vouch for the almost basket case 850T I am rebuilding. 
kk

[Zimmermichaels1ea]

My experience -- albeit entirely anecdotal.

I own a 2023 V7 850 Special purchased off the dealer's showroom floor in September of 2024.  I have put over 7,500 miles on it, and followed the maintenance schedule and it has been absolutely reliable for me.
I also own a 2021 V9 Bobber purchased used last August with 527 miles on the odometer.  Before riding, I had it serviced at my local Guzzi dealer, and new Michelin Comander II tires mounted. Since then, I've put over 3,000 miles on it, and it too has been absolutely reliable.
With that being said......I hope I'm not jinxing myself! 

The V7 is primarily my bike for long-distance touring and moto-camping, and the Bobber is my daily rider/commuter/around-town bike.  Though I've packed up the Bobber for over-nighters as well. 

I find these motorcycles easy to live with, easy to ride, comfortable, reliable, wonderfully crafted machines that, for me, define the essence of motorcycling.

[azccj]

In the more than 650,000 motorcycle miles I've done in the last 40+ years of riding, the problems that have left me stuck on the side of the road are, #1 a punctured rear tire, #2 a dead battery, #3 a leaking fuel line inside the tank, and #4 a broken drive chain. These days when I go riding, I always carry with me a tire plug kit, small compressor, misc fuses, zip ties, duct tape, a chain master link, and one of those small battery jump starters. For issues more complicated I have Progressive Insurance towing, which is well worth the additional $10 a bike per year it costs me.

My 2022 V85tt has been the most reliable Guzzi I've ever owned. Since I bought it new 3 years ago and put 20,000 miles on it, not a single thing has cracked, fallen off, leaked, stopped working or worn out......So far.