V7 Head Guards

[ponti_33609]

Hi,

Have been wanting to add some protection to my cylinder heads for some time just in case of a garage type tip-over.

Anyway, GuzziTech mad a set of these with various finishes.  I checked on sliders that a few folks put on and like the way they are not really noticed as well as the traditional wrapped around the motor tubed look.

I didn't really care for the cast covers on these V7's so I went with this option which allowed use of the old-style valve covers.

He did some in polished aluminum as well FWIW.

[stevet]

I've never understood this type of guard.  I can see that it would offer sacrificial cosmetic protection in a no-speed tip over but I see absolutely no structural protection for the jugs in any kind of tip over.  Actually, I see added structural harm, they stick out farther and assure a high force impact with the ground, with that force being absorbed directly by the heads and resisted by the heavy steel bolts that secure that aluminun head, thus possibly/likely deforming the head at the bolts.  I dunno, that's just what the shadetree engineer in me thinks.  Maybe I'm entirely wrong.

In my mind, engine protection comes from frame mounted, tube steel crash bars.

Steve.

[ponti_33609]

I've never understood this type of guard.  I can see that it would offer sacrificial cosmetic protection in a no-speed tip over but I see absolutely no structural protection for the jugs in any kind of tip over.  Actually, I see added structural harm, they stick out farther and assure a high force impact with the ground, with that force being absorbed directly by the heads and resisted by the heavy steel bolts that secure that aluminun head, thus possibly/likely deforming the head at the bolts.  I dunno, that's just what the shadetree engineer in me thinks.  Maybe I'm entirely wrong.

In my mind, engine protection comes from frame mounted, tube steel crash bars.

Steve.

You maybe totally right....I know a bunch of folks bought this style from Joe Kenny for their V11's.  Regardless, I think most of this stuff is really meant to make the owners feel better about when they drop it that perhaps it could help.  I hope I never need to know.

[kevdog3019]

Crash bars are ideal, but these do help to protect the delicate fins and spark plug injuries.  Cheaper than new heads.  I've seen first hand accounts of why they are a good idea. 

[ponti_33609]

Crash bars are ideal, but these do help to protect the delicate fins and spark plug injuries.  Cheaper than new heads.  I've seen first hand accounts of why they are a good idea. 

I figure the bike and maybe me are "toast" at a fall at nearly any speed.  I am getting to the point where I suspect I will drop it in my garage at some point and trying to lessen that problem.

[rocker59]

I've never understood this type of guard.  I can see that it would offer sacrificial cosmetic protection in a no-speed tip over but I see absolutely no structural protection for the jugs in any kind of tip over.  Actually, I see added structural harm, they stick out farther and assure a high force impact with the ground, with that force being absorbed directly by the heads and resisted by the heavy steel bolts that secure that aluminun head, thus possibly/likely deforming the head at the bolts.  I dunno, that's just what the shadetree engineer in me thinks.  Maybe I'm entirely wrong.

In my mind, engine protection comes from frame mounted, tube steel crash bars.

Steve.

All the racers use them.  I've seen them on Guzzi race bikes for at least 30-years.

In the event of a low side, the head guard grinds the pavement, instead of the cylinder fins.

Yes, it's a sacrificial part.  And it works.

Any dropping impact strong enough to bend head bolts will not care if there are cylinder protectors on the bike, so not sure why that argument matters...

My Sport 1100 has some and they have protected it in several 0-mph tip-overs caused by curious over-enthusiastic onlookers who just had to touch the bike...

[Toecutter]

Curious as to how the gaskets work with these... under the guard and cover? Between?

[ponti_33609]

Curious as to how the gaskets work with these... under the guard and cover? Between?

Yes, they sandwich the added plate/guard.

[ponti_33609]

Here is a polished set which I almost bought but then opted for black.

[Toecutter]

So you require 2 gaskets? One above and one below?

[ponti_33609]

So you require 2 gaskets? One above and one below?

Yes

[Toecutter]

Thank you.