Stelvio - experiences with 4V and 8V

[RJT_Berlin]

Hi

stumbled across a lovely 4V example for sale. I know they are now 8V - anybody got any experience with both and recommendations?

Reliability seems good on these - what issues to look out for?

Cheers

 

[Wrinkly]

Check out GuzziTech.com it's an American site but it's got some very good info.

Some of the earlier 4v bikes had a problem with the cam bearings, but if you get the VIN number you should be able to check if this bike was upgraded.

There have also been some problems with the High beam relay which can blow one of the 30amp fuses.

This fuse also runs the alternator, so you end up stranded unless you know what's going on. DAMHIK

The relay can be swapped for a Bosch part which overcomes the problem. If you get one drop me a PM I'll give you the bosch part number and show you where the offending article is.

Had my 2014 NTX for almost a year now, and still loving it. They sort of have a way of getting under your skin.

Steve

 

[RJT_Berlin]

cheers - the one for sale is a 2008 model. hardly any mileage and looks immacualte BUT is the 4V so am concerned about the differences and issues with that compared to the 8v

 

[the civil one]

I have had both .
The Issue that concerned me most on the early 4V bikes was the pinch bolts for the front
axel , if overtightened would break the cast on the Bottom of the Forks..

A lot of these have been replaced under warranty , again chek the VIN and see whats been
done .
The Center stand has had to be replaced , up to "10" models .
Guzzi fitted a rubber boot over the top of the ECU ,which is under the Front LHS of the
fairing .
The Cam bearing have been mentioned.
The Dash console steamed up , again most of these issues will have been sorted , but the
VIN will tell the tale.

Brilliant machines !

 

[RJT_Berlin]

And the everyday differences between 4v and 8v???? Not talking reliability, more in riding and feel from the bike

 

[Wrinkly]

Never owned a 4v, but I'm led to believe the power delivery was very different.

4v was fairly sedate until halfway up the rev range, then took off like a scolded cat.

8v was much more linear and pulls strongly from very low down.

Steve

 

[FatAl]

All the Stelvio models were/are 4v cylinder heads. Some were marketed as 4v (per head) others were shown as 8v (total per pair of cylinders)
The early Stelvios I believe had the same engine as the 1200 4v head griso, the power characteristics were a bit different. There was a pronounced noticeable step in the power delivery around 5000rpm. This was altered in the 2010 models as cam profiles were altered to produce more linear power. The engines originally had flat tappet cam followers, this was changed around 2012/13 for roller tappets because some bikes were having cam/tappet failures, it was also mooted that the roller tappets made the top end quieter.

The Stelvio is a much underrated bike, it has great build quality and character. I must admit to missing the Guzzi ownership experience since buying my Yamaha.

 

[RJT_Berlin]

have now seen a lovely 2010 NTX model. Far more expensive than I can afford BUT it looks lovely. has 26k on the clock but the condition and build quality looks amazing

 

[FatAl]

If you get it make sure it has had regular oil changes with good quality 10/60 synthetic oil, preferably one with a high zddp content (for the flat tappets). I and a couple of friends used Valvoline VR1 Racing, or Putoline nanotech and changed it every 3000 miles. The engine oil gets a hard time in these big air cooled motors.

 

[wavey_davey]

RJT,
As Fatal says, there was a redesigns of cam (to try and address the comparatively weak mid-range),and a more comprehensive re-design inc dual lambda and airbox set up post 2011 when the fuel tank was enlarged massively to 23 litres, probably the other biggest "failing" on the earlier models. Yet another cam along with the new airbox set up improved the mid-range performance (and economy) again, now pretty much on a par with an airhead r1200gs in relative terms, along with a load of other changes.

The flat tappets that can cause problems if poor oil/infrequent changes and internal condensation combine (allegedly, no one seems absolutely sure on the cause as it is sporadic) was modified yet again on this "mark 3" stelvio and apparently failures are rare/non-existent. That's just my understanding, lot of info on Guzzitech as has already been said. If a full service history is maintained Guzzi will pay for the parts to upgrade any failed flat tappet model to rollers (punter pays the labour) for life of the bike. The rollers was primarily a noise thing (they are quieter) and to kill any last remnants of tappet issues, happened around early 2012 but not at the same time as the "mark 3" bikes came out, a bit later.
Mine is a 2012 NTX "mark 3" big tank model but on flat tappets (albeit the latest design of these) for example.
I also had a centre stand changed a part of a recall, no idea why?

I think misted up instruments pretty much nailed, certainly never been an issue on mine? I would rate build quality above current BMWs (and I've owned a few modern GSs and new Guzzis). The issues I've had with mine is the hella (German) spotlights - well known for failing and warranty claim, the (German or Austrian?) Trax panniers leaking (seems to be a lot better/cured with silicone grease smeared on seals and possibly design changed on newer bikes I think) and some corrosion on the zinc plated parts on the pannier frames. - not a long list in nearly 3 years and my previous Guzzi 1200 sport was equally well behaved!

One question, if not trading in, why buy from a dealer, there are a few private ones around a LOT cheaper which allows you to get the later ones within your budget? I am probably going to be putting mine up for sale in next few weeks and there are others about, these things are an absolute bargain compared to a GS say? If you are part-exing ignore this of course!

I'm only selling mine by the way as I can't justify a modern bike alongside all the classic stuff I have and don't get to ride (a 20 month old daughter has curtailed riding time severely!) and am going to try and use my 1980 Guzzi T3 california as my "everyday" bike.

Good luck, you won't regret it if you do get one..


Dave