docc

Not likely you'll have to pull that gearbox. Sounds like the hard stuff has probably been done. If ever you do take it out, no need for complete disassembly. It comes away by "crabbing the spine frame" and removing the swingarm.

The recall ended with year 2001 number 114435, so yours is still in the mix. I believe Moto Guzzi North America was required to keep records of repairs. Contact them and ask for verification . It would be good for you to know it has been completed. That said, it may have nothing to do with your concern. Have you ridden it yet? Give your clutch system a fresh bleed and take her for a spin. All may be well once she's running and underway. (There is more eternal optimism where that came from!

simon, You're doing everything right. This is going to work out. Nothing "snarky" so far! These gearboxes have a few 'quirks." You are certain the early 6-speed recall work has been performed?

The Amazon listing said Kevlar, but there look like flecks of copper in the material. Not really sure what I have - the packaging was devoid of any info save the "Volar" backing and part number(s).

Looks like the pads will be fine. They fit without binding and seem to have bedded in on today's hundred mile ride. The support pin was, as expected, dirty and gritty and rough. I cleaned it up with some 1500 grit paper and applied a very thin layer of silicon grease. Watching piston movement, the inboard piston didn't move at all. After cycling the pistons and spraying brake cleaner numerous times, they were moving evenly again. Bled the caliper with the nipple up and good for another 10,000+ miles! Don't neglect freeing up your pistons when you change pads, bleed, or otherwise service your brakes - front or rear!

Adding that much preload will use up your rebound travel as in when you are leaned well over and the front needs to "reach out" to keep contact with a low spot or off-camber section. If there isn't enough "reach" or "rebound travel", the front will wash out. I tried the increased preload spacing and the wash-out wasn't pretty. With your observations and measurements, I'll stay in the "correct springs" camp. Getting your springs spec'd won't make the compression damping harsher. Paradoxically, a softer spring causes suspension travel to "hit" the dampers harder, especially the built-in high speed circuit. You're on the right track, man! Your gorgeous LeMans is just gonna get better and better!

Ok . . . so . . . I'm glad I asked. I think it's great that Helio-Jim doesn't mind your posting pics of his gf on the forum.

I found this recent thread: Magni Fairing Mounting And recall Gio has one one on his early Sport. Gorgeous!

I remember a discussion that quoted RedLine as saying "ShockProof" is a synthetic moly. My impression is that the RedLIne ShockProof products not only contain this, but are designed to act like lower viscosity oils in the gearbox. What I recall is that ShockProof Heavyweight (pink) behaves like 90, but spins like 30. Is there a GL-4 or GL-5 API designation?

I'm surprised your sag is well set at 175 pounds (that's with full gear?). At about that same weight (but around 190 in full gear), I had to increase the spring rate to get in the 25-30% sag range. Sure correct springs in the front will help (over-preloading may not be a good idea since it limits rebound travel), dialing in a rear 25mm sag in full gear should be a good target. Where are you on the rear sag now?

What's a "Stacia?"

Maybe a Cafe Sport in Austin?

HA- I saw that one a couple nights ago! Brilliant. I was relieved to find out it is not within a thousand miles of me. Of course, it may be when you bring it home!

I guess if you know what "turntable" means, you don't have to ask about the purple microdot . .

My rear pads were getting quite thin (again) after 12,237 miles. I think having cleaned the pistons well and bled the caliper off the bike (nipple at the top) gave me a little more life. I'll certainly plan a good bleed and clean upon this install. So, I got these pads pretty cheap (ten bucks) form an alternate source (Amazon) that didn't specify the manufacturer. Upon arriving, I see they are Volar (Motorsport). I haven't tried to fit them yet, but they look proper enough. Anyone with any experience on this mfg/distributor? I suspect I know where thy are made, but there are no markings.

Stunning! I'll bet they sound great!!

Looks like a huge improvement! And you did fit the new bucket and all into the stock brackets and your fairing? How about a pic of the front of the bike showing its pretty face?

What an outstanding result. Amazing, your resourcefulness! Which RL ShockProof are you using (SuperLight, Lightwieght, or Heavy)?

BC to Ontario must be a hairy rotorcraft ride. You do that just over the tree tops?

We'll hope for the best! RedLine makes a number of different gear oil products. I'm not sure I recall a green ShockProof. (Heavywieght: pink, lightwieght: blue, and not sure about the "Superlight" color) What does it say on the bottle? GL-4? GL-5? (I don't have any ShockProof here right now to reference)

I'm starting on Thursday the Twelfth just to avert any incumbent superstition. Not that I would ascribe to such nonsense, but I will be burning shop lights and acid core solder around the Guzzi until midnight. There will be incantations. Possibly imbibation. Team Spine Raid: keeping the spooky badness away one popped cap at a time.

Nice looking Sport! Location?

Sounds like it keeps getting better and better!

Best of luck with this. "Don't drive like my brother."

It'll be interesting to see what comes out when it's hot and you pull the drain plug. Water is at the bottom. When was the last oil change? (on the rear drive)