Broken reaction rod bracket

While investigating various luggage points ahead of a trip, I noticed some play in the reaction rod. This is what I found. Looks like the rod has worn through the bracket completely and the reaction rod is no longer attached the the sub frame at all at the swing arm end of the pivot. This really doesn’t look good. Is it fixable? Anyone in South East of UK know a decent Guzzi spanner? Really worried about this as looks a bit of a mess.

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You don't need a mechanic, you need a welder/frame repair person. Someone to fabricate a new bracket and weld it up.

Ok, great, doesn’t sound so bad then. Just need to find a solid welder. Is this a common problem?

WARNING - disconnect your battery, ecu and dash before you weld on the frame - if not done, a fry up will probably ensue.

I know this is a PITA, but worth doing...

Eddy currents, I say, eddy currents!

McCarthy1983 wrote:

Ok, great, doesn’t sound so bad then. Just need to find a solid welder. Is this a common problem?

When there's issues with that part of the rod, it's usually a loose bolt enlargening the holes. I've seen that a few times. I wouldn't call it common, however. I reckon this is what's happened, only it got so bad that bracket has disintegrated.

Mine has loosened a few times. I got chastised about it by Big Mike. Even after he torqued it up, it came loose. I check it every time I change the oil, or before a big trip. I usually go over all the engine bolts etc.


People, check your rod.


Also, do as Tony says. Disconnect the battery, dash and ECU before it's welded.

I felt compelled to check mine again. Sure enough. I got almost a full turn on the nut. Arse!

New Nylock nut and Loctite 243.

Pete, (Who hasn't checked his for a while.)

egads..... I'm off to check my rod now....


edit: toight like a toiga

Must check mine too - there has been signs of wear in the past. Rally coming up in around 8 weeks, so it's "on the list"!

Pete Roper wrote:

New Nylock nut and Loctite 243.

Good idea. I thinks I'll do that.

Feel like a little inexperience on my part has played a role here and lesson has certainly been learnt. Lucky no further damage.

My nut was toight as. Gotta love nylock nuts

I usually have my wife check my rod but as a precaution I'm headed to the shop now.

Good lessons here! Thanks for sharing, checking this today!

ratso88 wrote:

I usually have my wife check my rod but as a precaution I'm headed to the shop now.

agree Ratso88, the ladies just seem to have the knack! but the shop just in case?

Mine had some play because the hole was wore oval, got it in time and welded a heavy washer in place with the right size hole, that fixed it, but it pays to keep a check that it hasn’t loosened before it does damage.

Getting the damage checked out by a fabricator and welder friend of mine. Just thinking, while the rod is off, is it worth replacing the the bolt, nut and silent block with new parts? Also, along with disconnecting ECU, Battery and Dash, how much of the back end will need to be taken off in order to grind off the old bracket and weld a new one on?

I think that a mobile welder may suit you better. Can't actually recoomend anyone in Kent, but if you have a google there are various welder services.

If not give a couple of bike shops or custon bike shops a bell to see who they can recommend

Whoops, should have read your last post

McCarthy1983 wrote:

Getting the damage checked out by a fabricator and welder friend of mine. Just thinking, while the rod is off, is it worth replacing the the bolt, nut and silent block with new parts? Also, along with disconnecting ECU, Battery and Dash, how much of the back end will need to be taken off in order to grind off the old bracket and weld a new one on?

Might be a good opportunity to pull the swing arm and check/grease the bearings. Would also give your welder more room.

Crap....
Better check mine, it was ok when I did the grease thing awhile back but never checked since ..
Thanks for the reminder

Just out of interest, is the bracket that the rod attaches to a separate part? A welder I know has suggested a fix rather re fabricating a new bracket by welding a plate either side in the original broken one. The only issue I foresee is the rod will be out of line by a couple of mm, would this cause any issues?

No, it's part of the frame.

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I don't think it's super critical. 1 or 2mm won't be disastrous. You could always shim it.

Thanks beetle, going to show my lack of knowledge, what do you mean when you say you could always shim it. Looks like you have done a repair job yourself?

No, that's the factory less than stellar welding.

If your welder plans to weld plates either side of the original, you could add spacers (shim) to centre the rod. However, I think you're talking about welding new plates on the outer sides, thus offsetting the rod. Correct?

Hey, I understand now. Welder initially suggested one inside one outside, therefore offsetting. But your suggestion makes sense.

Another question, will need to take off the right side foot rest plate. Once that’s off, does that mean my Becker technik lifter cannot be used?