Pre-delivery inspection

[ridingron]

A test ride probably means something different to everyone. As long as the test rider keeps in mind what he 's suppose to be doing. It's not an on the clock joy ride.

[bugmoto]

I've sent videos where the noise is present, and suggested possible causes (exhaust leak, rocker, etc) and my bike was in the shop for three days. Final verdict? "Normal exhaust noise" and "Ride it and if it breaks they'll fix it." That came straight from Moto Guzzi. Normal exhaust noise from the right cylinder, on a V85... I dunno.
So, I'm riding it. With earplugs and music going to block out the noise.
I've got 20,000 miles across three brand new Moto Guzzis (one of which I rode coast to coast) so I know what a normal Guzzi engine sounds like. I'm aware of their quirks. This is not normal. But, it is what it is. Hopefully when it strands me I won't be out of cell range.

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.

[MikeP996]

Based on the post re the retaining screw/rocker shaft I'd sure take a look at that or PAY a shop to do it.  When I bought my '21 V7 Special a couple of years ago I was concerned about engine noise - never having owned..or even sat on - a Moto Guzzi.  I had seen the video about the broken rocker shaft support so I pulled both cyl head covers to check that shaft - all was fine.  Since then I've become comfortable with the V7 "normal" engine noise.

But the louder noise from one side could be anything from excessive valve clearance to that potential shaft failure.  I really think you should check it/have it physically checked (opened up/examined) for your own piece of mind if nothing else... ;) 

[SIR REAL ED]

Final verdict? "Normal exhaust noise" and "Ride it and if it breaks they'll fix it."

This is what the dealer told you after inspecting the bike you dropped off?  Do you know if they pulled off the valve covers and checked valve clearance?

So, I'm riding it. With earplugs and music going to block out the noise.
I've got 20,000 miles across three brand new Moto Guzzis (one of which I rode coast to coast) so I know what a normal Guzzi engine sounds like. I'm aware of their quirks. This is not normal. But, it is what it is. Hopefully when it strands me I won't be out of cell range.

I think I would leave the music and ear plugs at home just so I could monitor the noise better. 
You could always post a video of the noise here.  Lots of expertise here.
Good luck!

[blu guzz]

First, I enjoy your videos although I was less happy when you opted for that other bike for your trip ( lol).
Second as to the noise.  I am not discounting what you perceive, but, have you ever had your hearing checked. When I did, I found that one side still had better hearing in certain ranges than the other. My hearing aids were adjusted to compensate.  I don't wear them while riding, I wear plugs. But it could be a possibility, maybe a slim one that you have this hearing effect that changes your perception of the volume of the noise.
In general, anyone who had an airhead beemer became very attuned to valvetrain noise or lack of it when it needed adjustment.

[bugmoto]

Absolutely possible. I was a drummer in high school and in bands in college and after, so my hearing isn't what it should be, probably.
However, the way I came to the conclusion that it's on one side of the bike is by moving a microphone around the bike while moving (yes, I know, safety second). When I put the mic near the left cylinder the ticking/knocking was much less than on the right.

First, I enjoy your videos although I was less happy when you opted for that other bike for your trip ( lol).
Second as to the noise.  I am not discounting what you perceive, but, have you ever had your hearing checked. When I did, I found that one side still had better hearing in certain ranges than the other. My hearing aids were adjusted to compensate.  I don't wear them while riding, I wear plugs. But it could be a possibility, maybe a slim one that you have this hearing effect that changes your perception of the volume of the noise.
In general, anyone who had an airhead beemer became very attuned to valvetrain noise or lack of it when it needed adjustment.

[bad Chad]

After dicking around for months trying to figure out why mine makes a similar but less volume nock, I checked tons of things, lifters, wires, headers and on and on, I couldn't find a think.

I was sure it was coming from the left cylinder area.   Last week I  went for a ride without my helmet and it now felt like it was coming from behind me, specifically the muffler.   Without the helmet I was able to confirm, the sound is coming out of the "can"!

I no longer think it's originating anywhere in the engine or drive, I'm pretty certain it's got to do with the muffler baffling, or some internal component inside the muffler.  Anyway, I'm happy with that, and am no longer concerned.   Hope your's is something similar.

[Motormike]

I made the big mistake of once buying a used Harley Road Glide from a car dealership! (NEVER do that) The bike was a 2012, sitting inside on the showroom floor, and had very low miles, less than 1000 as I recall.  Now this particular car dealership just happened to be right across the street from the big Harley dealership in town.  So this sales guy proceeds to tell me they had the Harley dealership service the bike, and install a new battery, blah, blah, blah.  I was in too big a hurry or too stupid (probably both) to think to ask for the service work order.  So I do a short test ride, and, agreeing on a price, off I go.  I notice the handling is very heavy and, needing gas, I check the tire pressure at the station.  About 10 PSI front and rear!! When I get the bike home, a few days later I decide to remove the seat and look at the battery.  What do I find but some Wal-Mart special wet cell battery with no vent hose attached! Grrrrr!  So now I'm out the price of a new AGM battery.  You just can't trust anybody these days, least of all a used car salesman.  Who knew?

[kingoffleece]

On most of my visits to Hamlin Cycles in Ct I went a week early to assist and learn in the shop.  We went over EVERYTHING for a PDI prior to the bike being delivered.
A few years ago when the V85 final drive fill issue was discovered, part of PDI was to drain and measure the fluid and correct if necessary. One of the reasons I really dislike the word stealership(s).  Not there.  But, as I've said, it's a shame most buyers never have the chance to experience a top flight dealer.

[ridingron]

On most of my visits to Hamlin Cycles in Ct I went a week early to assist and learn in the shop.  We went over EVERYTHING for a PDI prior to the bike being delivered.
A few years ago when the V85 final drive fill issue was discovered, part of PDI was to drain and measure the fluid and correct if necessary. One of the reasons I really dislike the word stealership(s).  Not there.  But, as I've said, it's a shame most buyers never have the chance to experience a top flight dealer.

Stealerships? Yes, it's painting with a broad brush. But as you said, most never get to experience a quality dealership.

[Brand X]

Knowing where that dealer is located ,one mile is about like riding 10.  Although, I think there main work shop is miles away from the showroom floor..

[bugmoto]

It used to be but now everything is in the same building.

Knowing where that dealer is located ,one mile is about like riding 10.  Although, I think there main work shop is miles away from the showroom floor..