First oil change

Steedracer wrote:

Today, I went to what has been my local Guzzi dealer here in Middle TN and was disappointed.  There were no Guzzis there (they’ve even picked up Triumph now, though there were two Aprilia’s there), they had no 10W-60 for sale, had to order the oil filter (“I’ll have to check with the Piaggio rep to see if they are even available currently”), and since mine is a 2007, the service desk said “we don’t really work on anything that old anymore”. . Looks like I’m going to have to rely on you guys a lot!

I'm sorry, but that's just horseshit. Steer clear of those clowns. If they can't be bothered to stock the absolute bare minimum necessary to do the most common service on a brand they supposedly represent, then they're useless.

The filter is common to every big block since the early 90's to the mid teens of this century. They do seem to be astonishingly gormless.

There are a swag of perfectly acceptable alternatives to the stock filters, both oil and air, (And even fuel.) do a search for 'Oil filter cross reference' or the like, it'll bring up some names. Don't be tempted to replace the stock paper air filter with a K&N/BMC type 'Reuseable' labyrinth filter though. All it will do is accelerate wear on your throttlebodies and engine for no performance gain.

Oh, and as for oil? Any good quality full ester synthetic in 10/60 will be just fine. Napa or Pep Boys or whatever has to have something on the shelf.

With a bike that's new to you it's not a bad idea to change the fluids straight off. You get to know the bike better & any lack of servicing by the previous owner or shop they took it to is sorted out.

A GRiSO is a simple & robust machine to work on, order filters online & bypass the idiots. Changing the gearbox oil & yearly bleeding the clutch with the brakes made my bike better.

Steedracer wrote:

I know that oil threads get a lot of grief, but for someone who just bought a 2007 GRiSO 1100 with no manuals or history and no experience with Guzzi’s, I greatly appreciate the commentary here.  After checking my oil yesterday (hate the black plastic stick!) and seeing how dirty the oil is, I know I need to change the oil (got the bike two days ago).  Today, I went to what has been my local Guzzi dealer here in Middle TN and was disappointed.  There were no Guzzis there (they’ve even picked up Triumph now, though there were two Aprilia’s there), they had no 10W-60 for sale, had to order the oil filter (“I’ll have to check with the Piaggio rep to see if they are even available currently”), and since mine is a 2007, the service desk said “we don’t really work on anything that old anymore”. . Looks like I’m going to have to rely on you guys a lot!

On the dirtiness of the oil the most likely cause is the Power Commander and associated 'Accessories'. Knowing the source the bike is probably running absurdly rich and suffering a heap of blow-by which will be contaminating the oil and contributing to accelerated wear.

That black plastic oil stick

If you make a series of small e.g. 0.75mm (that is 1/32" for old folks) holes from one side to the other between the high and low marks.

Then then when you want check the oil - just knock them all out, re-insert the dipstick and then hold it up to a light - you can see which are empty

I downloaded the owner/use manual from AP1 Racing today, for my '2007 GRiSO 1100, and I had also downloaded one from a free Manuals website (manualslib.com). Regarding fluid specifications, the AP1 manual lists 10-60W for the oil. The manualslib.com manual I have, which looks totally legit in every way, though I think it is the UK version, has totally different specs for fluids (e.g. 5W-40 for oil). That is puzzling. Has anyone seen that before?

Yes, it's left over from the Hydro engine days. All the V11 LM models say to use it too and maybe the Breva book.
You want the right stuff not a hodge/podge manual made up of what some proof reader thinks.

I always look here---------------------------------

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Wow. Thanks for the link. I just got the bike 10 days ago, with no manuals or any MG experience (for my vintage Suzuki GS that I’ve had the last three years, the GS resources forum is invaluable). This site is going to be a great resource for me. Thanks!

Doing my first full fluid change on my 2014 GRiSO and have an oil capacity question.  Previous owner installed an aftermarket dipstick/temperature gauge that does not come with any kind of markings for Hi/Low fluid levels, which is amazing.  So, is there a set amount of oil to ensure a proper fill w/ filter change?  I've seen 3.2L-3.6L.  My goal is to get the correct amount in and then score a mark on the fancy dipstick for future checks.  Or should I pick up an OEM dipstick?

Thanks!

Mark the current level on the "fancy" stick and use as a reference as you refill

Fill the oil filter up before you screw it on, then add no more than 2.8 litres to the sump.

I only bought 3 liters for my next change (I also have a 2014) so I’m not tempted to add more……
What Beetle said….

Thanks for all the info. Have a great weekend!