Author Topic: First 150 miles on a Guzzi... (Read 7269 times)

jetmechmarty · « **on:** January 17, 2016, 02:52:32 PM »

and both rear turn signals broke off.

At my disposal, I have plastic epoxy and Loctite super glue. Which one? Where are the signal disconnects?

So far, I like the bike and I have little invested in it. I'm not too concerned about cosmetics until I'm content that I have a reliable machine. I really like the ride!

Surely, I can't be the only one with this turn signal issue. What are y'all doin' about it?

cruzziguzzi · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2016, 03:07:30 PM »

I got nothin' but damn if that isn't the very essence of my own personal "happy blue" you have there.

I'd say the PO overtightened sumpin' without knowing more. The factory signals on that are otherwise pretty good.

Todd.

Nicoman · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2016, 03:46:18 PM »

I don't think they're broken, looks like the nut and bolt went loose... Can you post a closer picture?

menzies · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2016, 04:07:09 PM »

This was a problem on those bikes. I had a 98 EV identical to yours, right after I bought I took it to GuzziSteve for a tune up and he fixed the problem but I cannot remember the details, maybe he will chime in.

Craig in Alabama · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2016, 04:11:04 PM »

Hi Folks!

Deja vu all over again! The day I picked up my second '98 V11, on the ride home:

The front brake locked up solid about a half mile from the sellers house. Some crud got stuck in the master cylinder valve, I found out later. I bled some fluid out to loosen the brake and didn't use the front for the rest of the ride.

A few miles later one of my rear signals self destructed and was dangling by the wires. I taped it up and continued.

One fork seal started puking out oil.

When I got the bike home, I realized the charging system wasn't working. Fried regulator.

I got two replacement rear indicators from a Guzzi friend (John Zibell). The rubber was toast on both of them. After I installed them I kind of poked one of the front signals and it fell to pieces. I replaced the fronts with some really cool generic signals from a local shop.

All in all, a good day! Another bike rescued from a bad owner!

Cheers!
Craig

LowRyter · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2016, 04:23:42 PM »

Yes. That rear holder is a POS. You'll take it apart and see.

What I did was get longer screws, plastic tubes, lock nuts, and took the plastic sockets out. Once the sockets are out, you'll have two holes to pass the longer screws through, the plastic tubes act as conduits and secure tight against the plastic, and the lock nuts secure the screws on the other side of the plastic. Not a lot of room to get your fingers in either.

It's not an elegant solution but has worked for me. Gluing it is a waste of time.

bad Chad · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2016, 04:46:35 PM »

yes like others have said, common problem, however I do know of Calis that have never had a problem with the set up.

But they are a poor design. If they really broke for you after 150 miles on a bike that is 18 years old, means they were broke before, and the guy you bought it from just jury-riged it together. There are several ways to fix them, none of which I am really clear on. But if you look around, you'll find the fix.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2016, 05:19:27 PM »

Quote from: jetmechmarty on January 17, 2016, 02:52:32 PM

Where are the signal disconnects?

it's a sub harness plugged into main loom under the seat. so you probably have to take apart the signal itself to un plug.

some Buells use a signal that is a little more robust and will fit the mount fine.. I used them on my Lemans.

guzzisteve · « **Reply #8 on:** January 17, 2016, 05:29:00 PM »

I drill a hole on the plastic webbing farther in on the holder & use a longer bolt W/a nut behind the hole in web. Been a while since I did one.
I also ride a BLUE one, my front signals both broke off. They were my rears but I swapped them in front to line up w/touring fairing holes. The wind blew them out of the holes on the fairing at 130mph. Rubber extension was dry cracked.
I put alu angle pieces tie wrapped to the stems & fairing brackets and fixed it but got new ones waiting to go on.

jetmechmarty · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2016, 06:23:48 PM »

The way I understand it, if I take it all apart, I'll figure out how to fix it with a bolt. I'll give it a go when I get a little spare time. Apparently, MG Cycle has replacements...... $$$

Vagrant · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2016, 06:25:49 PM »

I assume that 130 was kilometers.

jetmechmarty · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2016, 07:00:02 PM »

This aftermarket replacement that probably doesn't fit does not offer much of a savings from what MG Cycle is offering.

guzziownr · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2016, 07:25:59 PM »

I have these on my Eldo. From MG Cycle, they look great and are solid aluminum:

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=2253

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2016, 07:35:38 PM »

found some original 98 EV in my stash, scratched a bit and the keeper tabs look a little bent but would probably work, $20. + $10 shipping?

pehayes · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2016, 11:08:23 PM »

Quote from: fotoguzzi on January 17, 2016, 07:35:38 PM

found some original 98 EV in my stash, scratched a bit and the keeper tabs look a little bent but would probably work, $20. + $10 shipping?

The keeper tabs are the source of the problem. Note that the one on the left is bent down about 45 degrees. When these get bent/loose, they allow the entire housing to flop around and eventually snap off the receiver nut for the bolt. If you ever find them loose or wobbly, remove the housing, whack with a hammer to get the keeper tab back where it belongs. Assemble and test for looseness. If you keep them tight, they will stay tight. Once they get loose the problem just snowballs. Keep the keeper tabs snug.

BTW, the tail lamp sockets suck. I do a retro-fix with metal sockets but you have to send me your reflectors.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

jetmechmarty · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2016, 05:08:45 AM »

Mine were loosey goosey. I fixed them before I rode the thing. Too little, too late, I guess.

kidsmoke · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2016, 10:08:09 AM »

The front and rears, as seen here, are in a box in my shop if you're in need. I had some wiring gremlins, didn't like the looks, and simply fab'd a new light/plate mount for the rear. Went with bar ends in the front. Just let me know, we can work something out. Others here making similar offers so if I don't hear from you I won't sweat it.

Good luck and nice bike!

pehayes · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2016, 03:16:23 PM »

Quote from: Craig in Alabama on January 17, 2016, 04:11:04 PM

One fork seal started puking out oil.

The fork seals are a fairly easy fix. There are a few "gotchas" which can trip up the novice. Ask when you're ready to do the task.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Craig in Alabama · « **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2016, 05:39:39 PM »

Thanks Patrick!

I took care of the seals right after I got the bike, when I took care of everything else.

For some reason, my favorite period of bike ownership is right after I get it and start to get things like they should be. This was tested a bit by an R100RS that I rescued about five years ago. I didn't know so many things could be wrong on a bike with such low mileage (45,000) and looked so good. That was my best lesson in patience...

Cheers!
Craig

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2016, 06:09:37 PM »

Quote from: Craig in Alabama on January 19, 2016, 05:39:39 PM

Thanks Patrick!

I took care of the seals right after I got the bike, when I took care of everything else.

For some reason, my favorite period of bike ownership is right after I get it and start to get things like they should be. This was tested a bit by an R100RS that I rescued about five years ago. I didn't know so many things could be wrong on a bike with such low mileage (45,000) and looked so good. That was my best lesson in patience...

Cheers!
Craig

I've said many times, "If you look for problems on an old machine, you *will* find them."

Still, fixing everything makes it you own. It's an enjoyable job.. if you *like* doing that kind of stuff. If you don't, it's just frustrating.

krglorioso · « **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2016, 11:25:40 PM »

Patrick Hayes modified the tail lamps of both my Stones several years ago and they have been flawless in operation ever since, at a very modest price.

Thank you, Patrick.

Ralph

nowgrn4 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 20, 2016, 10:00:44 AM »

I just fix the OEM stalks. Get a length of threaded rod (lamp hardware from any Mom&Pop hardware store) and run it inside stalk. Cut to length, washer and nut inside light fixture and another washer and nut inside where you mount it. Run/Connect wires and it's done. Easy-peasy, still looks OEM and very low cost.

jetmechmarty · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2016, 07:34:59 PM »

Quote from: nowgrn4 on January 20, 2016, 10:00:44 AM

I just fix the OEM stalks. Get a length of threaded rod (lamp hardware from any Mom&Pop hardware store) and run it inside stalk. Cut to length, washer and nut inside light fixture and another washer and nut inside where you mount it. Run/Connect wires and it's done. Easy-peasy, still looks OEM and very low cost.

Excellent!

motoTommaso · « **Reply #23 on:** January 23, 2016, 02:39:00 AM »

Quote from: nowgrn4 on January 20, 2016, 10:00:44 AM

I just fix the OEM stalks. Get a length of threaded rod (lamp hardware from any Mom&Pop hardware store) and run it inside stalk. Cut to length, washer and nut inside light fixture and another washer and nut inside where you mount it. Run/Connect wires and it's done. Easy-peasy, still looks OEM and very low cost.

Good idea just remember to have the threaded nut on the rod before you take the hacksaw to it.

Tommaso

jetmechmarty · « **Reply #24 on:** January 24, 2016, 02:39:55 PM »

Thanks Fotoguzzi! I'm back in business. I'll use the tips provided here to fix the old ones at my leisure.

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Author Topic: First 150 miles on a Guzzi... (Read 7269 times)