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..

[TN Mark]

BugMoto,

     Any update on the noise yet? Is this Guzzi also about to be traded away?

[guzzisteve]

Did you Iron Butt the bike? Did it break?

[bad Chad]

It's been a couple weeks since he said he was doing an Iron Butt with the bike, nothing but crickets from Bug lately.   Perhaps, and I hope this did not transpire, the motor blew and he's still trying to find a way back home???

[Clifton]

Yeah I'm interested to hear how his V85 did on his trip. This is a video he made on the bike when he was breaking it in and took it to a 1 star motel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G17pLuCANdU

Looks like he's moved on to a 2015 R9T now.

[bad Chad]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s      He discusses at length.

[TN Mark]

His last YouTube video was about this new V85 noise issue. So, he still has/had the bike last week.

Though he’s not had the best Moto Guzzi ownership experience on his last three new ones. He went down on a dirt road on his last V85 TT that he really liked. His new V7 Sport has/had an oil consumption issue. And now this new one V85 has a RH engine noise that’s driving him crazy.

Perhaps his next YouTube will shed additional light on this latest scenario.

[Clifton]

I'm not sure if he still has the V85 or not but he's on an R9T now.

[TN Mark]

The BMW was on his second to the last video. His was on the new V85 in his last video. His next video is supposed to also be about the new V85. He gushed over the BMW R9T but he also loves the newer technology of his latest V85.

Will he keep the latest Guzzi V85 with the RH engine noise that drives him crazy? Doubtful, he goes through bikes at a fairly good clip.

[bugmoto]

Howdy all.
Well, my bike is in the shop again. I was out on a ride a couple of days ago and it threw a SERVICE ALARM warning. Turns out I lost my tail/brake lights. Told it might be a relay or ground issue or something. Who knows. Not sure when I'm getting it back.
I had planned on doing the Iron Butt with it this weekend, but since I don't actually have it in my posession, and since it's still making that horrible sound, which I now describe as sounding like a bag of chicken beaks, my plans have once again been put off.
All of this is incredibly frustrating, and I'm told my noise is a "feature, not a flaw." They attribute it to the variable valve timing. I disagree. It sounds horrible and definitely not normal. I'm weighing my options at this point. Love the bike but can't live with that racket.

[Clifton]

You have to be frustrated I know I would be. I'd think a non functioning brake/tail light should be easy to diagnose and correct.

Did your V85 have the noise since new? Have you ridden a demo or another 2025 and if so did it make the same noise as yours? My V85 is a 2021 with around 15K and doesn't make the rattly noise yours does on your videos. There are a number of people here with 2025+ V85's and I've not read any complaints about the noise but I've never ridden a newer one. TBH I think that noise would "bug" me especially since it's only emanating from the right side.

Maybe "Vagrant" here will chime in because he's had a number of V85's including a newer one.

[YellowDuck]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s      He discusses at length.

Great, now I am afraid to ride mine in case I notice the same noise and it triggers my OCD.  I really don't want a BMW.

[blu guzz]

Cumulative effect.  Where his noise issue on its own doesn't sound like a big deal to many people (the bike's in warranty), this poor rider has simply had so many issues on the MGs he has bought that I would not be surprised if he gave up on the brand.
I have a good riding friend who was an MG fan in the 80s 90s and early 2000s.  His MGs just broke his heart.  In those days, the service was even more sparse and the quality of it, more questionable.  The problems were more dire as well as they were the kind of the stop you by the side of the road problems as well as silly problems such as the peeling crinkle black paint.  He finally had enough about 20 years ago and has not looked back. I have had very good fortune with 4 of them for about 10 years now, but he can not be lured back. 
Whatever Mr. Bug decides to do, I wish him well.

[Dave Swanson]

When buying a new Guzzi the choice of dealer is critical if there are warranty issues.  The top notch dealers can be counted on one hand unfortunately.

I can't imagine any of the top tier dealers (we all know who they are) calling that racket a "feature".

[TN Mark]

In BugMoto’s case their response seems crazy. If both sides have variable timing, and they do, why is the noise only on the RH side?

I honestly don’t know if the dealer, the Guzzi rep or the language barrier is why they’d tell him ‘it’s normal’.
No, it’s not ‘normal’. Not unless every 2027 V85 engine has that clacking noise only on the RH side.

I suspect this is the third new Moto Guzzi in a row that will exit the BugMoto garage.

[bad Chad]

When buying a new Guzzi the choice of dealer is critical if there are warranty issues.  The top notch dealers can be counted on one hand unfortunately.

I can't imagine any of the top tier dealers (we all know who they are) calling that racket a "feature".

Agree completely.   In fact if I were Bug, I would reach out to one or more of the Great dealers and at least try and have a talk with someone regarding the issue.   There owners and or Techs will certainly know if he has a legit issue.

He has noted that the dealer he bought from clearly did not even bother to test ride the bike, and certainly didn't take any care when setting it up, he had to take it back to the dealer the day he picked it up because the handle bars were misaligned!   I'm not sure how that even possible, but I do know I would be Highly suspect of anything they had to tell him from that moment forward.

[TN Mark]

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.

I wonder if something like Chad found previously is also a possibility with Bug Moto's V85. It's clear to many of us the clacking noise on the RH side of that bike is not normal. It would be interesting to get Bug's input riding without a helmet for a few miles as well as listening to the engine and the exhaust system with a mechanics stethescope.

[Vagrant]

JMHO, none of my v85's made that sound and the 2025 is quiet and normal. There is no noise from the VVT!
I do know that the Titanium intake valve has a metal cap on it to protect it and there has been one case of it either coming off or there was an extra in the rocker box. The exhaust doesn't have one.
If it were mine I'd pull the covers and look for that cap being in place, the rocker shaft and it's retainer being in place, and check the valves. If all else fails hold wide open and wait for it to blow!

[SIR REAL ED]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3B7CbgZ_SA&t=329s      He discusses at length.

While watching this video, I said to my Italian wife:  "Look at this dude!  Even while riding down the road on a motorcycle, he is waving his hands around while he is talking!"

Her response:  "Obviously, he is Italian.  We can't talk without using our hands!"

My response:  "Yeah, I've noticed.  You do that even when you are talking to someone on the phone...."