Stornello #742

[Bulldog9]

About 2 months ago, I picked up a Stornello. I've been loving it so far, and have made several mods to make it mine. Today I did the 600 mile service, and things are sweet!

So far, I have added:
- Small Guzzi rear rack
- Givi Gas cap ring mount and bag
- SW Motech 1" bar Risers
- Guzzi Headlight Screen
- LED driving lights & USB port (wired off the Tom Tom lead)
- Battery Tender Lead
- LED Tail/brake light
- swapped out Mirrors with old ones from my Norge and put the Stornello Mirrors on the Griso. Looks GREAT!

Eventually I want to mount hard bags (GS style) and will upgrade the suspension, but want to get 2-3K miles on it before I decide. So far I am really loving the bike.

[twowings]

 

[ken farr]

Nice ride.

Tell more about your tail/brake lamp, please.

kjf

[twowheeladdict]

Nice.  Having a hard time picturing GS style saddlebags on that bike with the Arrow exhaust.

[Recht]

Very nice! Looking forward to seeing what you do with bags.

[Bulldog9]

Did the 600 mile service today.

- Went over all bolts and fasteners
- Re-Torqued Heads
- Adjusted Valves
- Re-gaped Plugs
- Changed Oil & Filter
- Changed Transmission Oil
- Changed Rear Gear Housing Lube

610 miles, have been averaging 47MPG.  MORE than makes up for my 17MPG Tundra and 14MPG Jeep ;-)







A few notes along the way.

Head Retorque - All the bolts were loose.. not spinning freely, but definately not at correct torque.  I backed them all off 1/2-3/4 a turn, the re torqued the head bolt, all to 22ft lbs in a criss cross pattern, then the 4 large bolts to 32lbs. Easy Peasy...... Though the small 22lb bolts needed a thin walled socket. Valve covers came off very easy, though those vaccum hoses are a PITA..... I also noticed that the little wings on the rocker tower would shift and rotate when tightening the head bolts and would potentially rub on the rocker arm. I held them straight with a spanner.







Valve Adjust - I bought a garage stand for $60 on Amazon to keep the bike stable and then a floor jack on the subframe to jack up the rear tire so I could put in 6th gear to rotate to get to TDC. Valves were tight but consistent. Intakes were at .52, Exhausts weree at .10.  I reset them to .10 Intake and .15 Exhaust. I also re-gapped the plugs to .90. Manual says .60-.80, but I tend to use a large gap, and this is what NGK recommends for this plug.





After buttoning things up I connected Guzzidiag, reset the TB learning parameters and checked for/cleared codes and went for a 20 mile ride to get the fluids hot. No Beetle map yet, has teh updated map, but I'll wait till after the warranty is up. I got a little cross ways with Piaggo on my Norge. The dealer could see when I took it in the date I re-flashed with the OEM map, and that it wasnt done with their software.

Oil Change..... 2 drain plugs huh?? interesting filter setup too. Change was straightforward. Just a wee bit of spooge on the magnetic plug and some mayonnaise at the bottom of the filter housing. Added Motul 10W60, same oil I use in the Norge & Griso.





Transmission Oil Change - I ordered the correct fluids and gasket/o-rings from AF1 as kits. I Removed the upper filler plug then lower cap/drain and drained fluid. It was darker than I expected, though the filter basket was relatively free of debris, just fine metallic spooge.  Re-filling was easy, 500ml of the 1000ml bottle, so I am good for the next change too.




help delete account


Rear Axle Fluid Change - Also got the rear axle kit from AF1 with the correct lube oil and gaskets. This was a little more complicated as the filler is on the back of the pumpkin and hard to get a funnel in. So, after draining the fluid, I put the drain plug back in, removed the breather and used a very narrow funnel to fill the housing until the fluid started dripping out the filler hole on the back, NOT precise, but effective.





All start to finish took 3 hours and I took my time.  Saved $600...... Love doing my own work. Went for a nice 30 mile ride and am very pleased. The V7 makes different noises than the Griso & Norge, but as Dave Richardson would say "There is a refined agricultural sound and feel to a Guzzi.... embrace the noises, you will be much happier.... ;-) I find it interesting that the left (when sitting on bike) has a ringing quality to its sound and a little chuck chuck sound at low RPM. The Right side is just sewing machine.... Then of course there is the clutch.... But I will say as I have just finished a 3400 mile tour on my Norge, riding the Stornello was NOT a disappointment, I love the way this little motor makes power....

[twowheeladdict]

Nice write up and proof of service just in case. 

I am amazed how these small bikes don't get better fuel economy than my 107 Harley Road Glide.  With the exception of my FZ-07 (60 mpg), all my other 650 - 750cc bikes rarely broke 50 mpg. 

Yet, my Road Glide consistently gets 50 mpg or better and the Triumph Trophy SE would be in the high 50s to 60 mpg.

[Bulldog9]

Nice ride.

Tell more about your tail/brake lamp, please.

kjf

Got it here,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C8MSVWQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Was surprised it came with two housings, will likely add the other to another bike. Used posi-taps to tap into the wiring in the tail light housing.  Has lines for tail, brake (red) and direction (amber) I wired in the tail and brake lights.

I removed the reflector and license plate light and mounted the new light. Pretty straightforward. Removed the bulb from the plate light and tucked it up in the tail light housing. Disassembling the rear end involved dropping the fender, and a strange menagerie of screws and bolts to get to the tail light DEFINITELY the engineers/designers were in the vino when they designed this....  I'm guessing the assembly would be a sobriety test..... The light is bigger than I hoped, but gets the job done. Guzzi used an opaque plate at the bottom of the tail light that if replaced with clear will re-light the license plate. WHY they put an opaque plate in the tail light housing and adding an ugly chrome piece and extra lighting is beyond me..... If the engineers weren't lit when designing, maybe they had former GM engineers??? Very poor concept. Overly complex.

[TimmyTheHog]

I don't own a stornello so I am just here passing on words.

My friend's Stornello. The rear drive shaft was not greased, or rather the grease was paper thin.

He advises the new Stornello owner to take off the rear swing arm earlier if possible, if not, at least during the first tire change to inspect the grease packing.

If it was indeed built on a Friday afternoon,, please pack the grease between the drive shaft and the transmission casing.

And I have seen his pre-lubed drive shaft. It was almost bone dry.

[Bulldog9]

This seems to be a typical Guzzi thing. Same with the Swingarm bushings/bearings on the Griso and Norge. Now with 3 bikes in the garage, I wont mind having one down for the extensive time it will take me to do these services. I think this winter I will start with the Griso.  It's a 2007, and hasn't been done yet  Thanks for the heads up.

I don't own a stornello so I am just here passing on words.

My friend's Stornello. The rear drive shaft was not greased, or rather the grease was paper thin.

He advises the new Stornello owner to take off the rear swing arm earlier if possible, if not, at least during the first tire change to inspect the grease packing.

If it was indeed built on a Friday afternoon,, please pack the grease between the drive shaft and the transmission casing.

And I have seen his pre-lubed drive shaft. It was almost bone dry.

[Bulldog9]

The left side will obviously not be a problem, the Exhaust side I will likely use spacers and hardened bolts to get the rack to just clear the exhaust. Not sure yet if I will go Givi or Hepco. yet.  I will likely go for suspension upgrades before I do the bags.

Nice.  Having a hard time picturing GS style saddlebags on that bike with the Arrow exhaust.

[Muzz]

I don't own a stornello so I am just here passing on words.

He advises the new Stornello owner to take off the rear swing arm earlier if possible, if not, at least during the first tire change to inspect the grease packing.

If it was indeed built on a Friday afternoon,, please pack the grease between the drive shaft and the transmission casing.

And I have seen his pre-lubed drive shaft. It was almost bone dry.

This is something I do every tire change. Even back when the Breva was still being made it was known that that Luigi's grease pot had run out and it was a really good idea to do the splines.  When tires are changed is a good reminder.

[sign216]

This is something I do every tire change. Even back when the Breva was still being made it was known that that Luigi's grease pot had run out and it was a really good idea to do the splines.  When tires are changed is a good reminder.

I wrote a tutorial for the spine lube on the earlier V7.  It may have value when you do yours.
Joe

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sign216/albums/72157625569987011

[twowheeladdict]

About 2 months ago, I picked up a Stornello. I've been loving it so far, and have made several mods to make it mine. Today I did the 600 mile service, and things are sweet!

So far, I have added:
- Small Guzzi rear rack
- Givi Gas cap ring mount and bag
- SW Motech 1" bar Risers
- Guzzi Headlight Screen
- LED driving lights & USB port (wired off the Tom Tom lead)
- Battery Tender Lead
- LED Tail/brake light
- swapped out Mirrors with old ones from my Norge and put the Stornello Mirrors on the Griso. Looks GREAT!

Eventually I want to mount hard bags (GS style) and will upgrade the suspension, but want to get 2-3K miles on it before I decide. So far I am really loving the bike.

Have you found a tail bag for the small rack?

[Bulldog9]

Have you found a tail bag for the small rack?

Yes, it is the same one I use on my Griso with the MG small rack. Not a perfect fit, but it works. I think I bought it from MG Cycle.

[flat out]

Awesome write up, just getting ready to put mine away for the winter.
thanks
t.

[Bulldog9]

What?! Do you live in Alaska :-) seeing the aluminum windshield in the front reminds me how much better I like it without. it's definitely a nice piece and makes the bike unique but I just don't like the look...

Awesome write up, just getting ready to put mine away for the winter.
thanks
t.

[Bulldog9]

Well.... I tried to exercise some self-control and wait till 3000 miles but after getting beat up pretty hard on several rides I decided to upgrade the suspension.

I ordered a set of  420 mmTrail shocks from Hagon in Britain they are the twin spring type,  setup for my weights. I like the way they do the set up. The lowest spring setting and set for my normal riding weight. There are two other settings that increase based upon my load.

For the fork Springs I went with K Tech Fork Springs with a 7.5 pound spring. still doing some research on what I want to use for the fork oil viscosity. Will report once I get everything bolted on.
Goal is to get a little bit more ride height with obviously a softer more flexible suspension. I don't expect to turn this into a true off-road bike but something similar and capability to the average Adventure tourer would be great.

[Bulldog9]

Installed the K-TECH fork springs and went for a ride. Didn't change out the oil yet, but on the test ride, the fork is more planted, soaks up big bumps much better and doesn't come close to bottoming out. Also got about a 3/4" increase in ride height.

Tonight when I got home from work, my box of custom built shocks from Hagon were on the front porch. Cant wait to install them. They are the dual spring units, with one smaller lighter spring and a larger main spring. This should work similar to a progressive shock, but better controlled and a softer ride on minor bumps. I ordered them at 420MM overall length to get a bum in ride height, and springs are set up for my riding weight (200lb with gear), on the lowest spring setting, with two others for riding with luggage/bags and a pillion. Interesting the Shock is mounted upside down. Not expecting a KLR or GS capable bike, but more suspension travel and ride height.





Here are the K-TECH, same diameter spring wire, and height, but wih 28-29 coils VS the stock of 35-36. They are also a bit wide oveal than the stock so fit the tube better.





Will report back after I install this weekend. Hoping I have self control to ride it as it is then swap and compare. compare

[Moto]

This seems to be a typical Guzzi thing. Same with the Swingarm bushings/bearings on the Griso and Norge. Now with 3 bikes in the garage, I wont mind having one down for the extensive time it will take me to do these services. I think this winter I will start with the Griso.  It's a 2007, and hasn't been done yet  Thanks for the heads up.

I did my 2007 Griso this Spring, at about 24,000 miles. The swingarm bearings were completely destroyed, to the point where the suspension was making a noise, which I didn't notice at first because of ear plugs. The OEM bearings are pretty inexpensive; I should have ordered mine sooner, but was supposing incorrectly that I could just pick up some from a local bearing supplier. I recommend Leafman60's tutorial using a Stelvio (as have others): http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=66579.msg1021807#msg1021807 .

The largish Allen socket was available as a BMW car drain plug tool at the local auto parts store. I found that AutoZone, a local chain, effectively lends out a hammer puller tool by agreeing to buy it back at full price when you're done with it. I wound up buying a hook-type extractor to go on the tool (not from them), and modifying that with my grinder to fit.

All in all it is not a hard job, but it took me a bit of time. I also enjoy doing my own work, and I expect you'll enjoy this job too.

Thanks for the interesting posts on your Stornello. I sat on one the other day at a shop, and liked it. I suppose it would have been a more rational choice for me than my little Italjet. But lust overpowered me again. Sadly, its suspension has begun squeaking (I have 2200 miles on it), so I'll be doing another monoshock job like the Griso's real soon, but with notably lighter components. I wonder what it is about manufacturers and grease pots.

Moto

[voncrump]

I’m just throwing this into the discussion.
Without going and looking for the information I seem to recall that the settings for the valve clearances were increased to 0.15 mm inlet and 0.2 mm exhaust.
You won’t cause any harm with the old settings but check for yourself and maybe use the wider clearances next time.
I think the increase is to make a bit more of a safety margin in the event of the clearances closing up a bit.
My V7 had one mangled adjuster screw from new and I had to replace it.
Cheers, voncrump.

[Bulldog9]

You're exactly right. I goofed. Not to worried about it but will get to it soon. Plan another adjust at 2k then 6k.

I�m just throwing this into the discussion.
Without going and looking for the information I seem to recall that the settings for the valve clearances were increased to 0.15 mm inlet and 0.2 mm exhaust.
You won�t cause any harm with the old settings but check for yourself and maybe use the wider clearances next time.
I think the increase is to make a bit more of a safety margin in the event of the clearances closing up a bit.
My V7 had one mangled adjuster screw from new and I had to replace it.
Cheers, voncrump.

[Bulldog9]

**Update**

Went to install the Hagons this morning and hoped to get a couple hours of riding in before the obligatory 'honey do's'

NO MAS - the mounts/posts on the bike are 12MM, and the bushings in the shock eye are 10MM.  I sent them an e-mail, will see what they say.  So I decided to go for a ride anyway and am really enjoying the new K-TECH fork springs. The front end feels much more substantial, soaks up bumps nicely and never crashes or bottoms out like it used to. Before, it just felt sloppy and insubstantial. I was going to change the fork oil to lighter, but wanted to wait and see how the springs felt. If anything, I may go thicker to get a bit more damping, but will revisit after I get the Hagons on....

Here is a comparison of the shocks, they are built for my weight and have Hagons 'Enduro' valving. Almost DOUBLE the travel of the stock shock.





Because the neither the Stornello or Griso have a center stand, I bought this cheap garage stand for $49, works really nice.

[Bulldog9]

Thanks for this, something I definitely need to do, maybe this winter. About how long did it take (minus waiting for parts)

I did my 2007 Griso this Spring, at about 24,000 miles. The swingarm bearings were completely destroyed, to the point where the suspension was making a noise, which I didn't notice at first because of ear plugs. The OEM bearings are pretty inexpensive; I should have ordered mine sooner, but was supposing incorrectly that I could just pick up some from a local bearing supplier. I recommend Leafman60's tutorial using a Stelvio (as have others): http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=66579.msg1021807#msg1021807 .

The largish Allen socket was available as a BMW car drain plug tool at the local auto parts store. I found that AutoZone, a local chain, effectively lends out a hammer puller tool by agreeing to buy it back at full price when you're done with it. I wound up buying a hook-type extractor to go on the tool (not from them), and modifying that with my grinder to fit.

All in all it is not a hard job, but it took me a bit of time. I also enjoy doing my own work, and I expect you'll enjoy this job too.

Thanks for the interesting posts on your Stornello. I sat on one the other day at a shop, and liked it. I suppose it would have been a more rational choice for me than my little Italjet. But lust overpowered me again. Sadly, its suspension has begun squeaking (I have 2200 miles on it), so I'll be doing another monoshock job like the Griso's real soon, but with notably lighter components. I wonder what it is about manufacturers and grease pots.

Moto

[Fnq1000]

Hello
This Stornello kit looks the goods!

http://www.guareschimoto.it/portfolio-articoli/la-v7-secondo-guareschi/

Google translate will provide the details.

Cheers

[Bulldog9]

I got the bushings from Hagon, pressed them into the shocks last night and installed the units on the bike.

Though the Hagons are 1.5" longer, once on the bike and off the jack there was only a 5/8" increase in ride height.

Haven't ridden yet, but my first impression is that the springs and damping are almost evenly matched front to back. The new rear Springs are obviously much softer then the stock given the fact that they compressed at least an inch with just the normal weight of the bike.

Most importantly for me is that I have more rear shock travel. Will report back after first ride.

As you'll notice in the pics the shocks are reverse mounted. They look great on the bike can't wait to go for a ride. If I can get the capability of a mid-range dual sport or Adventure touring bike I'll be happy. next up is to take the bike to moto machines which is right near me in Virginia to have some custom racks mounted for Hepco Becker side bags.

[twowheeladdict]

I got the bushings from Hagon, pressed them into the shocks last night and installed the units on the bike.

Though the Hagons are 1.5" longer, once on the bike and off the jack there was only a 5/8" increase in ride height.

Haven't ridden yet, but my first impression is that the springs and damping are almost evenly matched front to back. The new rear Springs are obviously much softer then the stock given the fact that they compressed at least an inch with just the normal weight of the bike.

Most importantly for me is that I have more rear shock travel. Will report back after first ride.

As you'll notice in the pics the shocks are reverse mounted. They look great on the bike can't wait to go for a ride. If I can get the capability of a mid-range dual sport or Adventure touring bike I'll be happy. next up is to take the bike to moto machines which is right near me in Virginia to have some custom racks mounted for Hepco Becker side bags.

Have you set the static sag?  That will give you your true ride height compared to the stock shocks. 

I replaced the OEM 12" shocks on my Road Glide Special with 13" Ohlins and my ride height is within mm's of the OEM because the OEM spring was way too stiff. 

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

I like the driving lights very much, what are they?

[Bulldog9]

El Cheapo LED specials from amazon.com they were $15 for the pair all aluminum housing.

I like the driving lights very much, what are they?

[Bulldog9]

Continuing to develop the Stornello, really enjoying the new suspension, only a few short trail rides, mostly street, but I'm still loving the little thing. Decided to add the HB crash bars and give Stornello Hand Guards a shot..... Am 1 for 2 with these updates.

Received the Stornello hand guards from AF 1 (2 days free shipping....... THAT is what customer service is about)
Is a super nice kit has all you need to put on the bike including the inserts for the bolts.

Unfortunately the location of the mirror mount to the Brake reservoir on the V7, at least the Stornello puts the reservoir too far forward and interferes with the guard. Though it is larger on the Norge/Stornello/Griso, it sits much farther back with the rear of the reservoir being even with the mirror mount. This pic shows the guard as far back as it will go.









I'm going to think on it for a bit to see if I can make some sort of connector or piece to bridge the gap. Otherwise, I will probably mount them on the Griso in winter riding.

Also ordered and installed the HB crash bars which mounted up pretty well, a bit tight on the left crash bar, but turned out nice I think. I'm liking the look, it fills the bike out some and appreciate the extra protection. Sure they are not super robust, but will help some with brush, etc, and maybe from light drops. Note that I have not removed my safety stickers ;-)





Next Project is to remount the fender on the top of the fork Brace/Fender bracket. I bought one off fleabay for $25 for the experiment. The plan is to drill a pilot hole through center of the bolt holes from the bottom, then use a stepped drill bit to drill top down to open the way to the threads, and then remount the fender to the bracket with a bushing between the two. Will post pics when done.