Moto Guzzi Breva V1100 Timing Chain Replacement
March 2026. As part of the 120,000 (12,000 mile) service and in addition to replacing the alternator belt, the original factory fitted timing chain was replaced along with the chain guide plate and spring.
Prior to carrying out the work I searched the internet for as much information as possible. I found little in the way of detailed guidance as to exactly what tools were required and what was the best way to lock the engine and transmission so the high torque nuts could be undone and retightened.
The official Guzzi workshop manual just provides an overview of the work and assumes that the engine/gearbox unit has been removed from the motorcycle. Hopefully this guide and images will prove helpful to others.
Access to the front of the engine was improved because the front wheel and forks had been removed for refurbishment.
I locked the engine and transmission by utilising the lower lug on the rear brake caliper mount which aligns nicely with one of the holes in the (EBC) brake disc. The diagram and pictures show how I did it. The M8 x 50 12.9 grade bolt proved more than adequate and coped with the high torque figures.
The 32mm A/F crankshaft nut @ 120 Nm needed a lot of force to undo. I used a 2-foot-long breaker bar, which was the longest my local tool stockist had in stock. In hindsight, using a 3-foot-long breaker bar would have probably made the job a bit easier.
The 27mm A/F camshaft sprocket nut @ 150 Nm undid surprisingly easily after an application of heat.
For peace of mind and to ensure correct timing alignment on the rebuild I marked the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets with a blob of yellow paint before sliding them off their respective shafts.
When comparing the old and new timing chain alongside each other, there was no discernible difference in overall length. All the drive sprockets were inspected for worn and hooked teeth, but everything looked fine.
The wear on the original timing chain guide plate and spring didn’t look excessive considering the mileage. I was happy to replace them with new standard parts.
Part numbers
Timing cover camshaft oil seal GU90401532
Timing cover crankshaft oil seal GU90412237
Timing cover gasket GU05001231
Timing chain GU05058030
Timing chain guide plate GU30058310
Timing chain guide plate spring GU30059211
Alternator belt GU05702530
Previous alternator belt routine replacements
35,898 miles, August 2010
54,095 miles, January 2013
84,124 miles, August 2017
Tools
GB Motorcycle Products, SKU:GB-B068-1, Moto Guzzi 1100 California Metal 1997-2012 crankshaft nut removal tool. Also fits the Breva V850/V1100/V1200 + 1200 Sport engines. Assumed to also fit the Norge/Griso/Stelvio engines.
32mm A/F standard socket - fits on the end of the crankshaft nut removal tool. Torque 120 Nm.
1/2” square drive breaker bar - minimum 2 foot long.
27mm A/F standard socket - for the camshaft sprocket nut. Torque 150 Nm.
13mm A/F standard socket - for the oil pump sprocket nut. Torque 20 Nm.
24mm A/F standard socket - for the alternator belt pulley nut. Torque 80 Nm with Loctite 243 blue.
Supplier website links
Aprilia Parts Online UK: https://www.apriliapartsonline.co.uk/
Gutsibits UK: http://www.gutsibits.co.uk/pr/Home/index.php
Harglo UK: https://www.hargloperformance.com/index.asp
Harper Moto USA: https://harpermoto.com/
Fowlers UK: https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/browser/manufacturer/moto-guzzi
Screwfix Tools UK: https://www.screwfix.com/stores
