Stelvio forks?

[Vasco DG]

The recent thread begs a question. The 50mm fork legs are listed as 'Soon to be unavailable' on the factory parts site. This is unsurprising I suppose given the fact Marzocchi are no more but oddly enough the 45mm forks used on the later bikes have no such warning/alert.

One has to wonder though what is going to be the solution for bikes that for whatever reason require repair or replacement of fork parts and what is going to be used on the next generation of Stelvios?

Pete

[ITSec]

The 45mm forks may have a larger stockpile since they were under order for currently under construction motorcycles. The 50s may be riding on old shelf stock that had been slated by Marzocchi to be topped up on an as-needed basis - but there's no need if you're closed.

I had sort of raised this question in that thread, without being specific about the Stelvio - but no one seemed to think it was a big deal. I'm hoping to buy a Stelvio or a Caponord in the next year, and this is an important input to my decision process.

Methinks some meaningful discussions with Sachs et al the others may be in order...

[smdl]

Should be interesting.  As I understand it, the manufacturer has an obligation to supply spare parts for a minimum of 10 years (at least in Canada and I believe the U.S.). That would mean that they would have to come up with something until at least 2019.  Maybe they could make up a conversion kit to the later 45mm units.

Cheers,
Shaun

[pauldaytona]

Not only guzzi has that problem, Marzocchi is used in a lot of makes. I don't know if the factory is really dead or maybe someone takes over, it often happens in Italy. The newer forks will fit if the triples are mounted too.
The bottoms can be made on a lathe too, but won't be cheap for a single or a few. Look at pricing for sets to change forks to radial brakes.

these might fit:
http://motowheels.com/i-6922493-mv-agusta-radial-brake-fork-lowers-marzocchi-108mm.html
only need new calipers, but takeoffs of an jap sport bike fit.

But all will need a lot of measuring

And all available won't go because stelvio has axle before the legs.

[Bill Havins]

....

[Lannis]

....

What do we do when we need fork parts for a 1976 T3?

Lannis

[guzzisteve]

What do we do when we need fork parts for a 1976 T3?

Lannis

You buy the stuff from MG Cycle or other suppliers, it's all out there.

[Wayne Orwig]

As I understand it, the manufacturer has an obligation to supply spare parts for a minimum of 10 years (at least in Canada and I believe the U.S.).

My understanding is that Harley was able to get motorcycles reclassified as recreational vehicles in the US. Just to eliminate that requirement.

[smdl]

My understanding is that Harley was able to get motorcycles reclassified as recreational vehicles in the US. Just to eliminate that requirement.

That's actually pretty funny, considering the rate that technology changes at H-D.  Ten years is but a blink of an eye over there!    yes, I'm joking...

Shaun

[Lannis]

You buy the stuff from MG Cycle or other suppliers, it's all out there.

So you can be assured of being able to ride your 1976 Guzzi as long and as many miles as you want because replacement parts are available ...

.... but you don't have that assurance for a 2009 Guzzi because parts are not and will not be available?

Anybody but me (and, not to speak for him, but guessing Charlie Mullendore) see anything wrong with this picture?

Lannis

[guzzisteve]

That all depends where your parts supply comes from, EU or US.
Most aftermarket suppliers get them from EU.  US Guzzi Importer parts are at the decision from scooter people.

[Idontwantapickle]

So you can be assured of being able to ride your 1976 Guzzi as long and as many miles as you want because replacement parts are available ...

.... but you don't have that assurance for a 2009 Guzzi because parts are not and will not be available?

Anybody but me (and, not to speak for him, but guessing Charlie Mullendore) see anything wrong with this picture?

Lannis

A lot of bikes go through a phase of low parts availability for one reason or another. I had an 80 Darmah and sold it around 90 because Cagiva was just not doing parts well and Bevels in particular. But 25 years later most stuff is available for a Bevel Duc. Go figure!

Hunter

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Anybody but me (and, not to speak for him, but guessing Charlie Mullendore) see anything wrong with this picture?

Watch out, they'll be calling you "irrelevant" and a "luddite" if you post stuff like that. 

I see a lot wrong with that picture and it's the main reason I won't buy any new vehicle.

[Lannis]

Watch out, they'll be calling you "irrelevant" and a "luddite" if you post stuff like that. 

I'm counting on it .... 

[guzzisteve]

My newest is 98,    I work on the newer stuff & have stayed current but I don't know about owning one. That's just me, ain't spending the money, satisfied w/bikes I own.

[Mike Harper]

So you can be assured of being able to ride your 1976 Guzzi as long and as many miles as you want because replacement parts are available ...

.... but you don't have that assurance for a 2009 Guzzi because parts are not and will not be available?

Anybody but me (and, not to speak for him, but guessing Charlie Mullendore) see anything wrong with this picture?

Lannis

Well, Hang on to your hats if you ever have an issue with something like a new 8 Valve engine..

Front Main Bearing available, You bet just not in the US and comes as part of the new engine case you will buy to get it. 

[Vasco DG]

Well, Hang on to your hats if you ever have an issue with something like a new 8 Valve engine..

Front Main Bearing available, You bet just not in the US and comes as part of the new engine case you will buy to get it.

So you make one. It's not that difficult.

Oh I agree it's annoying, it shits me to tears, but it's hardly the end of the world. How many people here routinely replace their main bearings? Really, be honest.

Pete

[Mike Harper]

At first glance it does not resemble anything like previous bearings. I will look at it again next week. Curious that Guzzi  doesn't offer a  replacement.

[Vasco DG]

Yup, once again I think the reason is cost.

If you look at it it is pressed in and is a tube of material with a zig-zag split in it. I assume that it is a very tight interference fit when it is pressed in and then is machined to size.

My guess is that you could replace it by pushing it out or machining it away and then turning up another sleeve, pegging it and then tunnel boring it to size.

Pete

[ITSec]

Not only guzzi has that problem, Marzocchi is used in a lot of makes. I don't know if the factory is really dead or maybe someone takes over, it often happens in Italy.

And all available won't go because stelvio has axle before the legs.

Unfortunately, this time it isn't an Italian company going through the usual cycle - Marzocchi was bought some years ago by Tenneco, and it looks like the mother corp decided the unit was beyond saving and pulled the plug. Some rumors of a sale of the assets of the mountain bike division have been heard, but there has been zip concerning motorized vehicle production. Tenneco itself it not seeking a buyer for that business - see http://www.tenneco.com/tenneco_announces_intention_to_discontinue_its_marzocchi_suspension_business/

[Vasco DG]

Interesting that the parent company is saying they are in negotiations to find other suppliers. My guess would be, as someone else said, that Sachs will take up the slack. Personally I'd prefer Showa but meh!

Pete