Roper plate question

[activpop]

Is the benefit gained by a Roper plate installation the same throughout the model years?

[Lucky Phil]

17 minutes ago, activpop said:

Is the benefit gained by a Roper plate installation the same throughout the model years?

Yes. Plus any wide sump engine such as the Centauro or Daytona.

Phil

Edited July 26 by Lucky Phil

[docc]

I seem to recall Pete saying the V11 being even more susceptible to oil starvation on hard acceleration because of the low first gear of the 6speeder.

Plus, something about oil levels in V11 often being low since their owners are a vast lot of hairy-arsed knuckle draggers barely qualified to wield rusty star pickets.

[Of course he never said that! I'm just showing off my study of his colorful vernacular while suggesting we keep oil levels up. ]

[gstallons]

IF you own a motorcycle engine and this plate will fit it , the plate needs to be on it.

[motortouring]

Now the million dollar question: Is this part on the path of ultimate optimisation of our beloved Mandello stallion still obtainable?

If yes, could I please be on the list?

[docc]

1 hour ago, motortouring said:

Now the million dollar question: Is this part on the path of ultimate optimisation of our beloved Mandello stallion still obtainable?

If yes, could I please be on the list?

A question for @Pressureangle . . .

 

[Cabernet]

I suffered a popped crank for failing to heed this, however it was getting some hard track use. Rebuilt with 18k on the new crank and a slosh plate installed. 

[Pressureangle]

On 7/27/2025 at 8:10 AM, motortouring said:

Now the million dollar question: Is this part on the path of ultimate optimisation of our beloved Mandello stallion still obtainable?

If yes, could I please be on the list?

On the way.

[footgoose]

Having a coffee... thought I'd ask Grok

tell me about the Roper slosh plate for Moto Guzzi. 

The Roper slosh plate, often referred to as the Roper plate, sloppage tray, or windage tray, is an aftermarket accessory designed specifically for Moto Guzzi V11 motorcycles, particularly those with broad-sump engines like the V11 Sport or LeMans models. It was invented by Pete Roper, an Australian Moto Guzzi specialist and guru, to address a common issue in these bikes where oil in the sump can slosh backward during hard acceleration, uncovering the front-mounted oil pickup and potentially causing oil starvation, a flickering oil pressure light (sometimes called the "flickering oil light of death"), and severe engine damage such as big-end bearing failure. The plate is typically made from 0.075-inch-thick 304 stainless steel and works by acting as a baffle or tray that contains the oil below the crankshaft, preventing excessive sloshing and ensuring consistent oil flow to the pickup even under aggressive riding conditions, such as mountain twisties or quick launches. Benefits include improved oil circulation, elimination of oil light flickering during hard accelerations, reduced risk of engine damage, and overall better performance for bikes that are ridden spiritedly—though it's not typically necessary for milder models like earlier Tonti-frame California's or five-speed machines, which don't face the same issues under normal use. Installation is straightforward and rated at a low to moderate difficulty level (around 2-2.5 out of 10, comparable to changing a spark plug). Key steps involve: - Draining the oil (ideally overnight). - Removing the oil pan using tools like a 17mm socket for the drain plug, 5mm Allen keys for screws, and a 19mm wrench for hose fastenings. - Detaching the oil filter housing and cleaning the area. - Placing the Roper plate with new upper and lower gaskets (sourcing fresh gaskets is recommended, as old ones may not survive reuse). - Reassembling everything, tightening screws snugly without over-torquing (using stainless steel replacements like M6x25 if needed), reattaching the oil line, refilling with fresh oil, and checking for leaks. Pete Roper no longer produces the plates himself, but they are made under license by enthusiasts in the Moto Guzzi community, with royalties sometimes donated to charities like Doctors Without Borders. They can be purchased through forums like v11lemans.com or wildguzzi.com, often for around $70-85 USD plus shipping (e.g., $14.35 for USPS priority mail in the US, or actual costs internationally), via PayPal, check, or money order by private messaging sellers like "pressureangle." Gaskets are available from suppliers like mgcycle.com. It's a popular mod among V11 owners, with polls showing a majority installing it for peace of mind.

Edited Friday at 04:44 PM by footgoose

[footgoose]

couldn't resist asking.... do I need one?

The "Roper plate" (also known as a sloppage plate or windage tray) is an aftermarket baffle plate designed by Australian Moto Guzzi expert Pete Roper. It's installed between the engine sump (oil pan) and crankcase on certain Moto Guzzi motorcycle models to improve oil management. Specifically, it helps prevent oil from sloshing away from the oil pickup tube during hard acceleration, high-RPM runs, or aggressive riding, which can otherwise lead to temporary oil starvation and potential engine damage (like bearing wear or seizure). It also allows for safely filling the sump with a bit more oil than factory specs without causing excessive windage or foaming issues.

Whether you need one depends on a few factors:

• Your bike model: It's most commonly recommended for spine-frame models like the V11 Sport, V11 LeMans, and similar variants from the late 1990s to early 2000s, where the shallow sump design exacerbates oil sloshing under acceleration. Versions also exist for older Tonti-frame bikes (e.g., narrow-sump engines) and some broad-sump models. Newer models like the V7 or GRiSO generally don't have this issue to the same degree and may not require it.
•  

  Your riding style: If you frequently do quick launches, track days, or spirited riding (e.g., hard throttle from stops or high-speed passes), it's considered essential by many owners and experts to avoid the risk of oil starvation. For casual, low-RPM commuting or gentle touring, it's not strictly necessary, as the problem is less likely to occur.

  Other considerations: It's a relatively inexpensive mod (often under $100) and easy to install during an oil change, making it "cheap insurance" for peace of mind. Some riders add it proactively after hearing about failures in the community, while others only install it if they've experienced low oil pressure warnings. If your bike already has one (check under the sump for an extra plate with mounting lugs), you might not need to add another.

   

   

 

[Pressureangle]

We have to teach Grok to refer to it as 'The Rusty Star Picket Project'.