Buying a BREVA 1200 - Tips for 20,000k bike servicing essentials

[donp71]

G'day all.

After a little break from Guzzi ownership (previously owned Griso 8V and Le Mans MK 5) I've been bitten by the bug again and will be picking up a second hand Breva 1200 in early March with around 20,000ks on it.

As the bike will be due for a service and a good general checkover and set up not long after I pick it up, I would be grateful if anyone with a Breva 1200, Norge 1200 2V or 1200 Sport 2 V could give me some tips on things to look out for, or that will need a closer look at service time please. Looking to get it serviced too in SE Queensland, Australia.

Thanks and kind regards
Don

[tris]

I can't remember, but is the Breva 1200 an 8 valve or a 4 valve engine?

If 8 valve read everything you can about rollerising and flat tappet failure so you can make an informed decision before you pull the trigger

Unfortunately the man to guide you (he's an Aussie) as he knows a great deal about the 8V issues is taking a sabbatical from the forum at the moment

For what its worth, I bought by 2005 1100 (4 valver) in October last year and the more I ride it the more I like it

[BRIO]

If its prior to 09 it will be a 2 valve. According to the manual you will need to do the following: spark plugs both inner and outer, alternator belt, airfilter, all fluids including brake, valve clearance check, and fork seals.. I just did the above on mine. It really wasn't that difficult. The manual also states cylinder synchronization but I would skip it if it ran smooth. I might be wrong on that one though

[canuguzzi]

No need to rely on any one person who harbors all knowledge, as the post above shows, others have knowledge too, the world didn't stop, is the funeral over yet?

Yes, read the manual, there is a schedule of maintenance to be performed and 20,000 ks  isn't a lot for a bike, any bike. Go through the routine things.

If it has flat tappets then unless you must have it, look for another if it hasn't been converted.

Check for maintenance records. No records or receipts for parts and consumables means no maintenance unless you saw it happen or know and trust the person who is just saying they did it.

We've been told over and over about the ease of maintenance, so this shouldn't be a big deal.

[Don G]

You may want to service the swing arm bearings, lube the shaft splines, servive the shock link also service the steering head bearings and install the startus intruptus fix unless this has been done, also check the condition of the ground cable behind the starter( tightness)as well as what the manual calls for at this mileage.  DonG

[canuguzzi]

huh?  please clarify.  are you saying i should have my 2v flat tappet bike rollarized??

Nothing of the sort, follow along. As with what the other person posting on this topic stated:


"If 8 valve read everything you can about rollerising and flat tappet failure so you can make an informed decision before you pull the trigger".

Nice try.

[donp71]

Thanks to everyone for the answers so far. The bike is a 2V 1200 just to clarify. Also looking for service manual if anyone knows of one available for download please?

[rdbandkab]

We had around 53,000 miles (82,000km?) on our Breva 1100 when we sold it.   Awesome bike.
We did the "startus  interuptus" mod early on and had the valves and TB's checked every year.  We also installed an aftermarket shock with a heavier spring on it because we traveled 2up almost exclusively.
Other than that.....change oil, filled with fuel and rode! 
Oh.....check your sidestand bolts!

[Huzo]

Go to guzzitek.org/gb/ma.us.uk/1200/Norge1200 012008 Atelier(GB).pdf

[donp71]

Go to guzzitek.org/gb/ma.us.uk/1200/Norge1200 012008 Atelier(GB).pdf

Thanks Huzo!

[donp71]

We had around 53,000 miles (82,000km?) on our Breva 1100 when we sold it.   Awesome bike.
We did the "startus  interuptus" mod early on and had the valves and TB's checked every year.  We also installed an aftermarket shock with a heavier spring on it because we traveled 2up almost exclusively.
Other than that.....change oil, filled with fuel and rode! 
Oh.....check your sidestand bolts!

Thanks very much for the  tips rdbankab, can you tell me if you can still buy the "startus  interuptus" mod as a kit? Will definately get  valves and TB's checked straight away.
Cheers
Don

[donp71]

If its prior to 09 it will be a 2 valve. According to the manual you will need to do the following: spark plugs both inner and outer, alternator belt, airfilter, all fluids including brake, valve clearance check, and fork seals.. I just did the above on mine. It really wasn't that difficult. The manual also states cylinder synchronization but I would skip it if it ran smooth. I might be wrong on that one though

Thanks Brio!! Think I will get the TB's synced too as seems to be the done thing. Again thanks for your advice.

[donp71]

You may want to service the swing arm bearings, lube the shaft splines, servive the shock link also service the steering head bearings and install the startus intruptus fix unless this has been done, also check the condition of the ground cable behind the starter( tightness)as well as what the manual calls for at this mileage.  DonG

Thanks for the tips DonG, much appreciated. The ground you mentioned behind the starter, will need ti take a look to find that on the bike. Easy enough to see/get to?

[bad Chad]

I have a B1100, essentially the same bike, less about 70cc.  As you know, there is no such beast as a 8v Breva, all Breva came with 2v per cylinder.

Don't think you should need to lube the steering head, the swing arm is a good idea when you get up over 30,000k.

Super nice bike, little maintenance, download the manuals and you will be good to go.  I have over 45,000k on mine, never did anything with the starter circuit, and have never had a problem.  Keep a good battery in it, it is much more finicky to low voltage than the older bikes.  Have fun, your gonna love it!

[canuguzzi]

ok. sure.

I have a B1100, essentially the same bike, less about 70cc.  As you know, there is no such beast as a 8v Breva, all Breva came with 2v per cylinder.

 

pretty sure your post.  yes yours, recommended rollerizing it.  dont pass the buck..  sheesh.

That would make you 100% wrong. Don't care what you have or don't have.

"If it has flat tappets..." is what I said.

Just for you: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if

[oldbike54]

 Geez-O-Pete , (Roper that is) , yes he is one of the leading experts on all things Guzzi . The funeral hasn't even started yet fellas .

 Dusty

[canuguzzi]

and all breva's do.  so id recommend you comment on things youre knowledgeable about.  its a small thing to ask.
also, what you really meant is if its an 8v. which it aint.  but my point is still the same.  if you dont know what youre talking about... feel free not to post.

And you have no problem with this? ( Reply #1)

"If 8 valve read everything you can about rollerising and flat tappet failure so you can make an informed decision before you pull the trigger"

Posted by someone else, you have no problem with that so you are just making it personal. Got it.

[BRIO]

It looks like there may have been a sport 1200 8V marketed as a Breva with flat tappets in certain markets. Due to the unknown location of OP I decided to consider that in my response.

Fellas,

We are all on the same team here.


http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-MotoGuzzi-1200Sport4V.htm

[canuguzzi]

Indeed.

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_brava%201200_8v%2009.htm

Seems a 1200 Breva 8V was marketed.


Thus, if the Breva 1200 has 8V but flat tappets, checking to make sure it has been rollered is good advice. Also, if it has been ridden for 20,000 clicks, has flat tappets it might be better to avoid it unless Pete Roper or someone else equally skilled did the conversion and before shelling out money on a bike which could cost a lot of money to fix. Alternatively,reduce the offer price in such a case to make sure you aren't left with a disaster.

[canuguzzi]

and a broken clock tells the correct time twice a day. bravo.  perhaps you should work on your reading comprehension.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprehension
OP states he owned an 8v.  then listed three 2v bikes.  and states them as 2v. 
And you post
"if they are flat tappets... you should look elsewhere".
i dont really care about the tit for tat between you and me.  it just helps showing the board your true character and your knowledge of guzzis.

There were 8V Brevas marketed. You claimed otherwise, took that to another thread too. You said

"I have a B1100, essentially the same bike, less about 70cc.  As you know, there is no such beast as a 8v Breva, all Breva came with 2v per cylinder."

My knowledge?

I offered you once before, you don't post to me, I don't post to you.

You refused. Character?

All you really care about is making this personal. Congrats, you succeeded.

[oldbike54]

 Once again , the CORRECT answer is blue , or alternatively , hotscakes  Another Green Acres moment , brought to you by the fine folks at Fordson tractors  Why don't you guys employ the PM system , it works , trust me 


 Dusty
 ps
 I strongly suggest using the PM system .

[markw]

All of the bickering is getting tiresome,really don't see the need for it.When I look at a thread I can determine for myself what the OP meant and if there is any confusion or uncertainty it is sensible to wait until someone else corroborates it.If I take the advise and act on it and it turns out bad I only ultimately have myself to blame-that's being a responsible adult , when I was a child I regularly blamed anyone else but myself..This is a great forum but if it was a club meeting there would be a few black eyes or people sent to bed without milk. Don't expect everyone to like each other , but best to ignore them and talk to someone else.Any incoming flack to this and my only response will be to turn the other cheek and think "Whatever...". 

[bad Chad]

NP, you are still wrong.

There was indeed a 1200 Breva.  It only had a two valve engine, it never came with the 4v.

There was a 1200 Sport, it had both 2v, and 4v iterations, it was never marketed as a 1200 Breva Sport!  Despite what some third party web sites referred to it as, Moto Guzzi never produced a bike called 1200 Breva Sport.

[tris]

All of the bickering is getting tiresome,really don't see the need for it. ...".

 :1: the poor OP only asked for some advice about his new bike -  give it a rest lads or please take it offline

[tris]

D71
If you're still stuck on the startus interuptus fix give me a shout and show  you what I did

Cheers Tris

[travelingbyguzzi]

Here is some real world advice: check your sidestand bolts. Add locktite. You are (almost) sure to lose the rear bolt if you don't.
Other than that and a fuel level sensor, mine gas been painless for 55K miles.

[ohiorider]

All of the bickering is getting tiresome,really don't see the need for it.When I look at a thread I can determine for myself what the OP meant and if there is any confusion or uncertainty it is sensible to wait until someone else corroborates it.If I take the advise and act on it and it turns out bad I only ultimately have myself to blame-that's being a responsible adult , when I was a child I regularly blamed anyone else but myself..This is a great forum but if it was a club meeting there would be a few black eyes or people sent to bed without milk. Don't expect everyone to like each other , but best to ignore them and talk to someone else.Any incoming flack to this and my only response will be to turn the other cheek and think "Whatever...".

I'm in agreement with your comment, Markw.

[davedel44]

Just bumped my two favorite rallys to top of list.  Let's just all calm down and plan some riding for this Spring!  Hardly any bickering when we're around the campfire.

Dave
Galveston

[davedel44]

Hardly any bickering when we're around the campfire.

Unless Dusty burns dinner again!

Sorry my brother from another mother. 

Good natured ribbing. OK
Bickering, pontificating, insults and name calling not OK.

Dave
Galveston

[Huzo]

Tris, can you tell me what you did for startus interruptus?