No quality control at the Moto Guzzi:
I recently purchased a new 2015 V7 Special and observed the following defects in workmanship:
The clutch free play was never initially adjusted by either Moto Guzzi or the dealer. They both made no attempt to inspect and adjust this system. On my ride home from the dealer, the clutch would not fully disengage, which made it impossible to shift into neutral at stop lights. I had to just sit there waiting for the light to change while smelling that burning clutch. When I tried to adjust the free play at the clutch handle it just didn’t feel right. Upon further inspection, I observed a rubber band between the end of the clutch release lever and the neutral switch. I assume this rubber band was installed at the factory as an assembly aid to keep the clutch cable connected. I also assume it was supposed to be removed prior to adjustment, but it never was. Once I cut and removed that rubber band I was able to successfully set the proper clutch free play and no more burning smell.
The throttle free play was also never adjusted by either Moto Guzzi or the dealer. I observed an excessive amount of “slop” at the throttle twist grip. The twist grip would move quite a lot before the throttle would actually open. When I peeled back the rubber covers at the adjusters, I observed that the ferrules and lock nuts were loose; they had never been adjusted. I adjusted both cables and locked the lock nuts, now the throttle works fine.
I did the first (600 mile) service myself. When I removed the valve covers to re-torque the heads I observed swarf between two of the nuts and the sluds. I removed the nuts and removed the swarf. I also observed more bits of metal on both the drain plug magnets.
I observed a leak at the final drive (transmission). I brought this to the attention of the dealer who confirmed the leak. I disassembled the final drive unit expecting to find a damaged seal, but to my surprise I found no seal at all, none, nada, zip. Really, how could Moto Guzzi leave out an oil seal?
The dealer didn’t bother to inflate the tires (front was at 26 psi, rear at 32 psi), or charge up the battery (I left it on a trickle charger all-night), or check the ECU for the latest mapping.
What manufacturer in the 21st century would allow such a piece of shit to leave their factory and bear their name on the side of the gas tank? Answer = Moto Guzzi.
What dealer in the 21st century would sell such a piece of shit? Answer = Elk Grove Power Sports, INC.
I recently purchased a new 2015 V7 Special and observed the following defects in workmanship:
The clutch free play was never initially adjusted by either Moto Guzzi or the dealer. They both made no attempt to inspect and adjust this system. On my ride home from the dealer, the clutch would not fully disengage, which made it impossible to shift into neutral at stop lights. I had to just sit there waiting for the light to change while smelling that burning clutch. When I tried to adjust the free play at the clutch handle it just didn’t feel right. Upon further inspection, I observed a rubber band between the end of the clutch release lever and the neutral switch. I assume this rubber band was installed at the factory as an assembly aid to keep the clutch cable connected. I also assume it was supposed to be removed prior to adjustment, but it never was. Once I cut and removed that rubber band I was able to successfully set the proper clutch free play and no more burning smell.
The throttle free play was also never adjusted by either Moto Guzzi or the dealer. I observed an excessive amount of “slop” at the throttle twist grip. The twist grip would move quite a lot before the throttle would actually open. When I peeled back the rubber covers at the adjusters, I observed that the ferrules and lock nuts were loose; they had never been adjusted. I adjusted both cables and locked the lock nuts, now the throttle works fine.
I did the first (600 mile) service myself. When I removed the valve covers to re-torque the heads I observed swarf between two of the nuts and the sluds. I removed the nuts and removed the swarf. I also observed more bits of metal on both the drain plug magnets.
I observed a leak at the final drive (transmission). I brought this to the attention of the dealer who confirmed the leak. I disassembled the final drive unit expecting to find a damaged seal, but to my surprise I found no seal at all, none, nada, zip. Really, how could Moto Guzzi leave out an oil seal?
The dealer didn’t bother to inflate the tires (front was at 26 psi, rear at 32 psi), or charge up the battery (I left it on a trickle charger all-night), or check the ECU for the latest mapping.
What manufacturer in the 21st century would allow such a piece of shit to leave their factory and bear their name on the side of the gas tank? Answer = Moto Guzzi.
What dealer in the 21st century would sell such a piece of shit? Answer = Elk Grove Power Sports, INC.
