How to tell if an engine has been "rollerized"?

[mpk]

Hey All,

Thanks again for the input on my consideration of buying a Norge (esp Bill Hagan). I rode a 2008 this weekend and loved it, and hope to check out a 2012 8V Norge soon. One question though: is there any way to easily check if the engine has been rollerized? Is there a distinctive sound the flat vs. roller tappets make? Will pulling the valve covers reveal anything? Or do I just need to go by the word of the PO? I'd hate to get stuck with $2k in repairs right from the start.

Cheers-

Matt

 

[jr1967]

I think you need to remove a valve cover; there is a topic with pictures the will clear things up.
I doubt an honest seller would mind lifting a cover in exchange for a bike sold....

 

[mpk]

I think you need to remove a valve cover; there is a topic with pictures the will clear things up.
I doubt an honest seller would mind lifting a cover in exchange for a bike sold....

Thanks! I found the images. That is helpful.

 

[Brian UK]

A 2012 would not have had rollers when built. If the owner has had it done then there must be some paperwork to back it up, a receipt at least. If nothing, assume it hasn't been done.

 

[Raven]

A 2012 would not have had rollers when built. If the owner has had it done then there must be some paperwork to back it up, a receipt at least. If nothing, assume it hasn't been done.

Later 2012 bikes are rollerized. You need to check the VIN#. There's a thread about it on this forum. My 2012 Norge was built just two VIN numbers after they started rollerizing.

 

[Brian UK]

No guarantee at all, I know of one 2012 Norge which should have been rollerised according to the VIN, but wasn't. This is Guzzi we are talking about.

 

[Bill Hagan]

I was under the impression that the relevant number was that of engine, not VIN.

Furthermore saith not ... cuz deponent knoweth not.

Bill

 

[Bill Hagan]

FWIW, here is a "down skirt" view of a rollerized head.




While the rollers are relatively easy to ID, another giveaway is that the rocker-cover ground tang is secured under the 2-socket head cap screws in the center of the head, On the "flatties," a cylinder head nut secures that tab.

Bill

 

[Kent Johnson]

A Moto Guzzi dealer can submit your VIN to see if the repair was recorded with the factory (not all have been). The repair is known as a 'timing kit'.