Pre-delivery inspection

[bugmoto]

Hi all,
I recently purchased a brand new 2027 V85TT Travel. It only had 1 mile on the odometer. Is this normal? I would assume a pre-delivery inspection and a road test would require more miles than that. I'm under the impression there's probably a mile on the bike as it's rolled out of the crate. Am I wrong?

[bad Chad]

I think you’re over thinking it friend.   Did you buy it from someone you have confidence in?   If you did, why worry , if you didn’t,…

[bugmoto]

Mostly just curious. But you do make a good point...

I think you’re over thinking it friend.   Did you buy it from someone you have confidence in?   If you did, why worry , if you didn’t,…

[guzzisteve]

From setting up new Guzzi's, they have 1 or 2 miles on them before set-up & road test. Looks like you got one they just put fuel in. That does NOT mean it wasn't set up properly just not down the road. Maybe around the block.
Bikes I set-up always had 10mi on them, that way I know it was fully warmed up to check things.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

If you search "V85TT uncrating" on YouTube you can see what minimal assembly is required on the bike when the dealer receives it. As with most motorcycles the mirrors need to be screwed in, battery connected, fuel tank filled, and tires aired up. I haven't seen the MG assembly line, but other brands tend to have dynos at the factory that they test run the bike on briefly and compare the diagnostic outputs to a baseline as a part of quality control.

As others point out, the attention your bike got depends on the dealer. Set up and PDI at some dealerships is done by entry level staff rather than by a trained mechanic/service tech. It's not unheard of for bikes to leave the dealership without things having been thoroughly gone over, so best to do your own inspection of the bike if you have your doubts.

[bugmoto]

Makese sense. Thanks for the reply!

If you search "V85TT uncrating" on YouTube you can see what minimal assembly is required on the bike when the dealer receives it. As with most motorcycles the mirrors need to be screwed in, battery connected, fuel tank filled, and tires aired up. I haven't seen the MG assembly line, but other brands tend to have dynos at the factory that they test run the bike on briefly and compare the diagnostic outputs to a baseline as a part of quality control.

As others point out, the attention your bike got depends on the dealer. Set up and PDI at some dealerships is done by entry level staff rather than by a trained mechanic/service tech. It's not unheard of for bikes to leave the dealership without things having been thoroughly gone over, so best to do your own inspection of the bike if you have your doubts.

[Clifton]

I hate to say this but on every new bike I've purchased I just assume it was barely gone over by the PDI guy who's not a mechanic just the uncrater who puts on the handlebars, maybe front wheel, checks oil level, hopefully charges the battery before connecting it, checks tire pressure, and looks it over for damage. My new Tenere' 700 showed 0 miles when I picked it up, most were under 2 miles.

When I get it home I check tire pressure, oil, and add a Tender pigtail (if not done by the PDI guy) and take off. :)

Bug what are your first impressions of your 2027 Travel??? Whatever it is it'll start running and feeling nicer around 1,500 miles and up.

[kballowe]

I bought a Yamaha that showed 0.0 and it's at 52,xxx now.

[TN Mark]

The last bike I bought new was my 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour from Randy’s Cycles in Marengo, IL. The bike was set up by their head technician and test ridden by Randy himself. That was their policy. 105k 100% trouble free miles before a friend totaled it last month.

1 mile on a new purchase says it maybe went around the block. Like has been said, dealer PDI varies greatly by the dealer.

BugMoto, I was glad to see the video of your new Guzzi. Your local dealer has and certainly seems like they will continue to treat you well.

[Kev m]

Ahhh the inconsistencies of uncrating and pre-delivery inspections.

I demoed a couple of smallblocks (Breva 750 and a V7 Stone) at two different dealerships (one was Fast By Feracci) and I couldn't get the damn things into neutral until I pulled off to the side of the road and adjusted the clutch cable myself. The same was true the day I took delivery of my brand new V7 Stone (also from FBF).

But the truly best (worst) story was a "strike bike" 2007 Harley 1200 Sportster (built around the time of their factory strikes). Jenn and I went on a test ride on it and another Harley off the showroom floor. At the first stop sign she almost blew right by me as she discovered the rear brake wasn't working at all and had expected it to when applying both. We told the dealership about it and asked that they actually inspect the bike before we bought it for a then record discount (Harleys had been holding at least MSRP in most cases for years, but 07 had brought sweeping changes to the big twin line and dealers were caught off guard with TC88 motors no one suddenly wanted when the improved and bigger TC96 came out. They panicked and discounted things and somehow we convinced them that $2k off MSRP with no freight or prep was appropriate on an Evo Sporty, hell it was obvious there was no prep).

Anyway fast forward a week and we're performing the break-in service. I'm concerned because it was a new EFI Sporty (first year) and the cylinder head/oil temps were significantly higher than the carbureted 05 we also had at the time. I stop dead in my tracks while servicing it when I notice that there are no intake manifold bolts on one side of the bike. Meaning both manifolds are held in place by a single bolt each, on the same side of the bike, so the whole unit is cocked very slightly. The best part is there are no marks on the manifolds where the missing bolts should be. They didn't fall out, they were never there. New manifold seals and all bolts installed and temps were much better.

So yeah, I always look em over a bit more these days but never had anything significant since.

[Dave Swanson]

I have purchased 5 new Guzzis over the last 10 years.  I must admit I never looked at the miles any them had when they were delivered.  The first 2 were purchased at Moto International and the last 3 at Cadre.  With both of their stellar reputations I just assumed all was well, and it proved to be. 

[chuck peterson]

What is this “new bike” thing you’re talking about?

[Moparnut72]

I know my Navale was never ridden by the dealer. It couldn't be put into neutral from first or second at a stop. Had to shut the bike off to do it. It took a couple of hundred miles or so for it to be able to be done. I believe it had something to do with the mechanism that allows a shift into neutral at a stop in first that prevents the gearbox from going into second. It just needed rough edges to be worn off, I think. The same dealer, when I got home with my new Triumph the tires were at just over 20 lbs. No wonder the steering was sluggish. I now go to a different dealer although an extra 100 miles away making it a 180 mile jaunt. Good dealers are are far and few between. Unfortunately we don't have many.
kk

[bugmoto]

Bug what are your first impressions of your 2027 Travel??? Whatever it is it'll start running and feeling nicer around 1,500 miles and up.

It's a mixed bag. The bike is pretty great. Doesn't exactly have the same charm as the V7 Sport, but I knew that going in. I think it'll be perfect for the kind of touring I do. However, the engine is making a rattle/tick/vibration noise at around 3700 RPM that has me super concerned, so it's parked in the garage until the dealer can take a look. I have a few reels on Instagram where you can hear it. It sounds pretty gnarly and I don't know quite what it is, except I believe it's coming from the right cylinder.

[bugmoto]

When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.

Ahhh the inconsistencies of uncrating and pre-delivery inspections.

I demoed a couple of smallblocks (Breva 750 and a V7 Stone) at two different dealerships (one was Fast By Feracci) and I couldn't get the damn things into neutral until I pulled off to the side of the road and adjusted the clutch cable myself. The same was true the day I took delivery of my brand new V7 Stone (also from FBF).

[guzzisteve]

When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.

What you describe is being NOT set-up, Just gassed up.

[aklawok]

 The older I get, the older the iron it seems that I ride. Mostly by preference I suppose, but the last new machine I purchased ( Honda) came with a pre- delivery check list done by the dealership. I can sure understand the excitement factor after taking delivery of a new ride ( it has been so long...sigh.) that in the moment not caring to see or ask about the PDI and ride off. Let us know about your dealership experience.

[Ed / AF1 Racing]

All dealers really should test ride them at least 10 miles before handover to the customer.   A good tech will know if something isn't right with that one.   

MG does require a test ride for proper PDI.   

[Dave Swanson]

When I pulled off the lot on my brand new V85 the handlebars were so misaligned I didn't make it two blocks before I turned around and went back. It was nearly unridable it was so bad.
After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.

Not a confidence inspiring dealer experience for sure. 

[Dave Swanson]

It's a mixed bag. The bike is pretty great. Doesn't exactly have the same charm as the V7 Sport, but I knew that going in. I think it'll be perfect for the kind of touring I do. However, the engine is making a rattle/tick/vibration noise at around 3700 RPM that has me super concerned, so it's parked in the garage until the dealer can take a look. I have a few reels on Instagram where you can hear it. It sounds pretty gnarly and I don't know quite what it is, except I believe it's coming from the right cylinder.

Glad you parked it, so you don't make the same mistake as Darcy.  His dealer told him not to worry about the noise and the rocker shaft support eventually snapped.   There is a keeper for the rocker shaft.  If the screw falls out from lack of torque and Loctite, the rocker shaft will slip down.  The valve cover prevents the shaft from falling all the way out, but it does move far enough to escape the upper support.  This will initially create a lot of valve clatter, but the twisting forces will eventually snap the lower rocker shaft support.   

A good friend had the same issue.  He called me when he heard a sudden increase to the valve clatter..  I ran over there and found the keeper fallen off and the rocker shaft slipped down.  Luckily he had only ridden it gingerly home and hadn't done any damage.  I added Loctite to the other keeper screws and all has been good.  He loves his V85TT. 

Of course,  checking rocker shaft keepers isn't part of even the most thorough dealer's PDI.   

[Bulldog9]

My V85 from Hamlin had 0 miles on it..............  Weather prevented them from doing a test ride (bought in February between 2 major snow storms). But I trusted their setup and knew the 900 miles would come quick. I would go over nuts and bolts, ect to be sure all is tight but otherwise wouldn't worry about it.






I bought an MGX from another dealer that was SO BAD in its prep that the left handlebar stub and batwing almost fell off on my 300 mile ride home. Dealer did TERRIBLE setup, but I got it for 5K off MSRP so.......

[SIR REAL ED]

What is this “new bike” thing you’re talking about?

Sounds a lot like heresy!!!!

[moto-uno]

  As a motorcycle mechanic for over 4 decades ( and worked at numerous dealerships ) , it saddens me to say , these occurrences have become the norm .
If I couldn't road test it , the service writer never got the keys back . And they have the gall to charge you for a PDI ! But hey , Moto-Guzzi has done absolutely
nothing to improve this situation , That's my rant !

[red stripeguz]

My V7 I bought new at AF1 had 1 mile in the showroom and 6 when I picked it up. They told me it would beforehand, they run a 5 mile loop as part of PDI

[Clifton]

After they sorted that I pulled away and realized I could barely shift. Like, I thought I somehow locked up the gearbox or something. But it was just that the clutch cable had not been even remotely adjusted during the PDI. I stopped on the side of the road, adjusted it, and was on my way.
It's little things like that that make me question whether or not a PDI was even attempted.

Wow it sounds like your dealer's service and or PDI people are not doing their job.

Re clutch cable adjustment; I'm not sure if all V85's are like this but when I adjusted mine to the correct freeplay with the wheel pointed straight ahead, the freeplay lessened to slight negative freeplay as I turned the bars to full left. So I aded a bit more slack to achieve just over 0 freeplay at full left lock just to be safe. Although I can't see me using the clutch much, if at all, at full steering lock.

We're all interested in what the odd noise is coming from the right cylinder around 3,700 rpm turns out to be. Pray they have someone better to diagnose it than the one that installed the bars and adjusted the clutch cable incorrectly.

[bugmoto]

I just dropped it off at the shop. Standing by for word. Hoping it's nothing. I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...

We're all interested in what the odd noise is coming from the right cylinder around 3,700 rpm turns out to be. Pray they have someone better to diagnose it than the one that installed the bars and adjusted the clutch cable incorrectly.

[Clifton]

...... I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...

Well good luck on your Iron Butt. I hope you get through the break-in miles with plenty of heat cycles and at least an oil change before hand.

[DoubleGuzzi]

This thread got me wondering how a new bike can have less than, say a 1/2 mile on it. 
Roll off the production line, onto a pallet? Transport thousands of miles in a container(?), then offload at the dealer's workshop. I guess it must be something close to this. Otherwise, it would be rolled about 'loose' with the added risk of scratches and other damage.
Decades ago, I saw Triumph testing engines prior to final dispatch but can't recall how the near complete bikes were moved around the factory - still on suspended jigs etc.? Too long ago.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

On most (nearly all?) modern motorcycles the odometer only increases when the ignition is on an and speed sensor(s) active since it is a digital system, rolling the bike with ignition off does not accumulate any mileage.

[Bulldog9]

I just dropped it off at the shop. Standing by for word. Hoping it's nothing. I'm gonna Iron Butt the bike next week...

Food for thought.

It's not just miles, its heat cycles, accel and decel from start to stop, bedding brakes, engine RPM, etc that are all part of the 'break in' period. I'm sure the difference is miniscule, but I wouldn't just want to hope on a bike and burn 1000 miles on the motor, even if I did some hard accel and decel while pounding the miles. You want the engine to go through several heat cycles, have a good amount of shifting up and down, stopping, etc.

YMMV............ You do you.