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Trogladyte said:Hi Fredly. Have youhaed a listen to the heads with a screwdriver? On mine, the source of the noise was very clear indeed with a srewdriver stethascope.
I also get some clutch and transmission noise, but it has always done it, and it's a lot quieter with the clutch pulled in.
It's not a massive job to take a look at the cam lobes and tappets. Problem wear is easy to spot.
I know Pete will disagree with me, and for all I know he may be right, but my personal experience dictates that I won't trust an 8v top end with plain tappets, and I won't trust the roller tapppets either, until they have proven themselves to me by long service.
So in case anyone is interested, it is now nearly 18 months since I had the roller conversion. And there have been no problems so far - the longest period without replacing the cams I've had! I'm almost starting to trust it.
I do sometimes get a loud rattle on start up - sounds like there's no oil in the heads, but it only lasts for a few seconds.
If the chain tensioners are oil filled, the Right side tensioner may be without oil. Once you get oil pressure and it refills you quiet down. BMW had this issue with the LH tensioners in R1100 and R1150 engines. The R1200s have a check valve to prevent oil loss. The fix for 1100 and 1150s is to install the 1200 tensioners. I don't know if Guzzi is working on an update for this.
Buy 2006 1100. Will never die.Over the last week I've been considering a used Griso SE.
After wading through this, I think I'm gonna pass
Thank you for that feedback...I've been on research overload trying to familiarize myself with MG's and the lingo (I'm not very knowledgeable in the engine/motor department) but what you provided will help me for sure with my decision. I'm going to call tomorrow and get the vin # to be sure.Well, have you read this thread?
Not all 8 valve Guzzi's eat their valve trains, but if the bike in question is a flat tappet (non-roller) motor it is something to be concerned about. It is likely a roller motor, but you should check.
Personally I would not let flat tappets stop me from buying an 8 valve Griso. I think the main source of the issue is from oil not getting up to temp and causing water contamination of the oil. Some prefer the newer roller follower motors, saying the flat tappets are doomed to fail. But flat tappets have been around a long time, every one of my Guzzi's have them. They are not doomed to fail. But with the 8 valve motor Guzzi did have enough failures to re-design the motor to use rollers.In the end you need to read up on them and make your own choice. I would happily buy an 8 valve Griso. If it is a roller motor I can't imagine why you would be afraid.
Hi Bill-My Griso is with Jim at RFC now for "rollerization." It is a red 2010 you may have seen when talking with Jim. I bought it there for many of the same reasons you found impressive. Moreover, two weeks ago, I trailered it 750 miles from my home at the top of Virginia because I wanted Jim to do the work.
The 2014 that interests you has the new roller system. Aside from that issue -- which is irrelevant for the 2014 you are looking at -- the Griso is the most visceral motorcycle I have ever ridden.
I love my Norge and EV, and certainly miss my Ballabio. I have also owned, borrowed, and ridden all sorts of motorcycles over the years. But only the Griso makes me grin when I even think about it.
Best wishes,
Bill