Serial #s and Flat Tappets

Having recently purchased a 2012 Norge 8V GT , I'm a new Guzzi convert and big fan. Like the days of my first motorcycle (many years ago) I find myself asking wife if she needs any small items from grocery, beauty shop, feminine products, etc. Preferably small, light items that fit well in the saddlebags.

I discovered this forum and quickly became concerned about the flat tappet issue, since bike has 27k miles and sketchy service history. Can I tell if I'm a flat tappet or roller tappet engine via serial number, or do I need to pull cam box and do a visual inspection?

As I type this, I'm noticing the "all GRiSO, all the time..." tag line at the top. Oops! Did I say I had a Norge? I meant to say I'm the proud owner of a GRiSO! :>)

Asking for a little grace on the model and a little help on the tappet issue.

Any advice appreciated!

Jeff

Good morning from a fellow Norge owner, albeit an early one.

I have also been through the rollerization debacle with my GRiSO.

While waiting for a reply to your question, you can probably find the answer with a quick search here.  

As I recall, the issue has nothing to do with VIN, but engine number.  Find yours.

Moreover, Jeff, just pop a valve cover and take a look; that will definitively answer the mail.

Best,

Bill

Hello Jeff

The only sure fire way of finding out is to take the cam box covers off and take a good look. There are many pictures on here showing you what they should look like. If in doubt take some yourself and post them, its a 5 minute job.

Welcome to the forum, lots of folk here to help, lets see a picture of the beast :-)

Yup, take a look is the only way to be certain as the factory records are a bit? Errr? Sketchy.

Pete

What they said! And, welcome! We like Norges here too.

In case you're curious about the stated engine numbers, here they are:-

Crossover from Flat to Roller

Stelvio- Motor#AC12596 Build Date 12 March 2012
GRiSO - Motor#A813524 Build Date 12 April 2012
Norge - Motor#AA12214 Build Date 18 April 2012

But this is a Guzzi -I agree the cam box inspection is the only way to know for sure.

And ALL the 8V Sports!

Jeff,

First Saturday of the month there is a Guzzi breakfast in Germantown, on the way to Dayton. Come on over & we'll pull your valve covers before the 2nd cup of coffee for you !



It's very easy to do.

OK. I popped the vc and here's what's looking back at me...

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Embarrased to admit, but it took me longer to load the %*# photo than it would have to do the roller conversion!  Hope it works ...

Can't see image.

Well crap! I THOUGHT I uploaded a picture after reading the directions and creating a Shutterfly account. Any recommendations on a free web photo service to use?

Imgur

Aha! I think i found the problem.

The Guzzigods don't allow newbies (me) to post external material until we've been a member of the Guzzi community for at least 7 days.

Although I don't speak Italian, I do have an impressive set of metric tools. Almost no SAE tools in the box. I thought I may qualify for early permission based on the amount of Pizza, Spagetti and Calzones consumed, not to mention the Sangiovese and Barbera I've enjoyed over the years. Sheesh, I've even instructed Ferrari owners on a race track and I still don't qualify.

I promise to send a pic in 6 more days...

Email pic to me. I post it.

mark at GRiSO.org

When posting a reply - toll bar top of reply box
Fourth box
First icon (host an image)
"click" and upload directly from your own pc/ph

They look like flatties. Pic's a bit dark.


[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

What is the distinguishing characteristic?

So ... that begs the question, "Which roller kit would I need (A, B or C) and where do I get it?" I'll do the installation myself.

This is what rollers look like:

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Interesting... so the roller tappet conversion also changes the style of rocker arm?

No, it doesn't, but there was a change to the casting at one point, no idea why because the early ones work just fine! Perhaps just a different supplier.

If your bike has flatties and is a 2012 it will need an 'A' kit. This won't require head removal but uses the thick, neoprene, gaskets around the plug tube rather than an o-ring in the rocker cover to seal the cover itself.

Pete

This is a friendly (and entertaining) place! I was previously warned (in a good way) about the worldwide Guzzi fraternity...

Thanks to all who responded...especially beetle (for your late night responses and willingness to sneak contraband photos onto the forum) and Pete (for your specific and experienced response).

Can my local dealer provide me with the A Roller Conversion kit?

Jeff,
Welcome to the Grotto! Yes, your dealer can get the "A" kit, but I'd check places like AF1 in Austin for a better price. I "rollered" my 2012 GRiSO, and also love my Norge!!

Cheers, and good luck!!

Mike

If you have a good relationship w/local dealer, the parts are free if they put them in. So it just cost labor from dealer. Should only be bout 5hrs if more do it your self. Half price of what the kit costs. If your dealer hasn't done any I'd go elsewhere.

My local dealer is EXCELLENT! They are some of the best MC wrenches in the area.

They basically sprung up when the local BMW dealership went out of business. Their talented team includes factory trained BMW, Ducatti and Honda techs. They have ALL the BMW specialty tools and have been servicing my BMWs for years. They became a MG Dealer about 2 years ago.

But, I doubt that MG will be of any help, as I purchased this 2012 Norge used, out of state, with sketchy service records. 27k on the clock. (that's miles - not km)

Ownership hasn't anything to do w/it. You get free parts if they are worn. Have them run the VIN, they have to finish past campaigns for warranty before starting new ones.