Attempted theft and request for help

[V7Guzzi_Girl]

Hey all. I have a 2012 v7 racer. Over the weekend someone decided they liked my bike more than me and instead of asking me for the key decided to use a screw driver. Fortunately they didn't get away with it. I have since ordered the part, and am going to rekey the whole bike.

What I need help with is this. I live in the middle of Texas (I haven't even seen a Triumph). There are no guzzi dealers or BMW dealers anywhere near me. I have been neglecting some of the maintenance for when I was moving, but since the military doesn't take proximity to guzzi dealers into consideration I wont be able to take it in for another year.

I really don't know much but would like to learn. Does anyone have a service manual or live in West Texas, San Angelo that can tell me what to do?

Willing to compensate for time and knowledge 😊

[Huzo]

I really don't know much but would like to learn. Does anyone have a service manual or live in West Texas, San Angelo that can tell me what to do?

Willing to compensate for time and knowledge 😊

Welcome to the forum V7. Most of us are in the boat of needing to learn a lot, but someone will be long with everything you need to know soon. Mine's not a V 7. BTW, won't need to compensate anyone here for time or knowledge, you'll get all the info free and it's invaluable.

[rodekyll]

Bummer about the theft attempt damage, but good thing the creep failed!  This is about the 5th or 6th report we've had of smallblock theft.  I think the adage that "A Guzzi is its own theft protection" is falling by the wayside.

I'll be back in East TX (Lindale) this fall.  I'm happy to do clinics. BYOB  (bring your own bike). There's a lady rider there with a V7 who would probably like swapping stories, too.  Maybe you know Georgeann and Ken.  They're quite active in the Texas motorcycle scene.  She recently completed her 48 states. Will you be at the GRIT rally?

[ITSec]

Welcome to one of the best sources for motorcycle knowledge, particularly about our particularly odd breed.

A couple of basics...

First, your closest dealer is likely AF1 Racing in Austin - not all that far (100 miles or less), though I know it's a challenge to fit into a military schedule. AF1 has a very strong reputation for supporting the riding community, and while their first love is Aprilia they are also good for Guzzi. Talk to them and see what they can do for you.

Second, you didn't mention how many miles the bike has on it now, or when the last service was performed. You also didn't say how mechanically skilled you are. I'll assume not terribly, so let it wash over you if I say stuff you already know.

The basic service cycle for almost any Moto Guzzi is roughly every 6000 miles or 10,000 km. At that point, you change the fluids in the engine, gearbox, and final drive, and change the filter in the sump. You also, especially during the early period (first 18,000 miles) need to adjust the valve clearances. The fluid changes are absolutely simple for anyone; the valve adjustment is the simplest in the industry but may be a challenge for someone who has never done anything mechanical. It's not hard to learn how, and it doesn't take much in terms of tools. There are some good 'how-to' threads on this forum and on some other sites for how to do the valve adjustments. BTW the oil filter in the sump isn't the 'spin-on' cartridge like you see on cars and many modern motorcycles; it's a cartridge that sits inside the sump of the engine, and is accessed using a circular port on the bottom of the sump while the oil is being changed.

The next thing that must be done from time to time, and that's a bit more complex, is to balance the throttle bodies and reset the throttle position sensor (TPS). Again, there are some threads here and elsewhere that describe how to do this. To balance the throttle bodies requires a manometer - a device that measures the vacuum in the airflow into each cylinder. You can buy one of these, make one, or borrow one - it's used widely in the industry and any decent shop will have one or more. They may use gauges, and electronic display, or might look like a barometer married an octopus. The idea is to make sure the flow of fuel and air to each cylinder is the same. The reason for resetting the TPS is to provide a clean, consistent baseline for the computer than runs the fuel injection system.

The air filter also has to be serviced from time to time. In general, it's best to just replace it rather than attempt to clean it unless it's a fabric type designed to be cleaned (such as a K&N). There are a lot of discussions over whether cleanable filters are wonderful or awful and I won't go into that here, but if it's paper replace it and if it's fabric, take it out and clean it and re-oil it before reinstalling it.

Specs for oils, valve clearances, etc. are all discussed in the threads here and elsewhere; for a small block 2012, the engine oil is a 10w60 synthetic. This is not always easy to find in smaller towns, but can be ordered and shipped. One alternative available through NAPA outlets is the LiquiMoly 10w60; there's a NAPA store in San Angelo from what I can see. Buy the 5 liter jug using the 'reserve online' feature of NAPA's website and save some money. The gearbox oil (middle) is a 80w90 (I suggest 75w90 synthetic gear oil, such as Valvoline or Mobil1). The final drive specifies a 85w140 synthetic gear oil (also the brands suggested). Other brands may be available at dealers or other sources, but the Valvoline products are good and are easily bought at most auto parts stores. Of course, other products and brands such as Amsoil, etc. are also good choices.

Edited to add:

Owner's manual, service manual, and parts manuals for your bike are available in PDF on the web, though I don't have the links at hand. The parts manuals are also available online at a number of sites at any time, such as AF1 Racing and Harper's Moto Guzzi, for easy reference. Other sources also provide such assistance; these are mentioned because they are in your region.

[dcardo021]

Guzzi dealer in El Paso, Moto El Paso if that helps

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

[malik]

Manuals - owners, service & spare parts available on www.thisoldtractor. com and some from the MG 750 Yahoo site, the latter with full descriptions of various maintenance tasks in the Files section. It's really not all that difficult a bike to work on, although it can seem daunting at first. One step at a time, and you get there.

If you are changing your locks yourself, others have done it before you & there's likely descriptions of the process in the archives here. If you get stuck, just ask.

[Chesterfield]

Google is your friend.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwib1smkmtvVAhXszVQKHYCZDWMQFghHMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guzzitech.com%2Fphocadownload%2Fv7_classic%2Fv7-service-13.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHgs0Y-ZYFisk_AVjq_1-qpRWsJpw

[ken farr]

...... since the military doesn't take proximity to guzzi dealers into consideration.....

WTH !!!
 

Thank you very much, young lady, I ( I'm sure we all ) appreciate your service.

kjf

[Flea]

You might have a fun time removing the ignition cylinder if it has sheer bolts....

If not, it's as simple as taking the correct set of allen heads and removing the bolts from the bottom up (behind the headlamp). You don't want to put too much strain on the harness so make sure to support it while it is out.

When I got my v7, it did not come with any keys. I ended up buying blanks and re-pinning all of the locks on the bike.

[Jurgen]

I've heard some good things about Moto El Paso.  If you can get there they might be able help you.  Nice ride from San Angelo.  I ride a Breva 750 and since we are moving to Alamogordo, I'll investigate Moto El Paso, only 90 miles away. 

Jurgen

[Guzzi Gal]

Welcome V7Guzzi_Girl, and thank you for your service! 

Sorry to hear of your troubles, but you couldn't have found a nicer group of Moto maniacs anywhere else. 
 

[Dharma Bum]

I will also welcome you to the fold and thank you for your service.  I was unlucky enough to be in San Angelo once, although it was for a happy occasion when my daughter got married there.  She was at Goodfellow for a year attending Intel school.

[Kev m]

Google is your friend.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwib1smkmtvVAhXszVQKHYCZDWMQFghHMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.guzzitech.com%2Fphocadownload%2Fv7_classic%2Fv7-service-13.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHgs0Y-ZYFisk_AVjq_1-qpRWsJpw

Google might be her friend but sadly we're not, at least not with that link. In the US a 2012 V7 Racer is a 2TB motor and not the same as the 13 Stone/Special/Racer.

[Moto]

Often, maybe usually, a U.S. model is one year behind the original release year. If that applies for your 2012 V7 Racer then this owner's manual (2011) would be appropriate, and should have basic maintenance info:

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/owners_manual_v7_racer_2011_ed.01_usa-fr.pdf

Unfortunately, the only V7 workshop manual on the same site is for the 2016 V7 II Racer, w/ ABS. It may or may not be too applicable:

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/workshop_manual_v7-ii-abs_en.pdf

There are, however, two parts manuals, for 2011 and 2012-13. Comparing these to your bike should tell you which your bike is, as the factory sees it, and maybe confirm that the 2011 owner's manual is appropriate:

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/spare_parts_catalog_v7_racer_2011.pdf

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/spare_parts_catalog_v7_racer_2012.pdf

Hope this helps. And welcome to the board!

Moto

[Kev m]

You don't have to compare parts manuals, it's really easy. Look at the valve cover shape or count the number of throttle bodies.

Here's a 1TB model (Stone but motor is the same as a Racer of the same year) the 2TB (2012 and earlier in the US, 2011 and earlier EU and most of the rest of the world looks obviously different):

[Dharma Bum]

Nice pic, Kev.  My little one decided she needed a ride of her own!


upload image lossless

[troyhamilton]

Ill donate a peice of chain. if you come to my door in arkansas! you provide your own lock.

[rbm]

Sorry to hear of the attempted theft of your V7R.  Glad you didn't loose it to that skum.

Below are links to documentation for 2011 V7R that I've collected over the years.  The 2011 is a 2TB model with the 15RC ECU.  This should be similar to the 2012 model.
2008-2012 V7 Classic schematic (closest I could find to the V7R of the same year)
2012 V7R Service Station manual
2011 V7R parts catalogue
2011 V7R driver's manual