Ducati, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa owners have a local shop called Moto Gizmo

[carolinamoto]

I just wanted people to know about Moto Gizmo. This is a shop in northeast Columbia owned by Mark Gillotte. He is an awesome tech and I have only taken my Ducati's to him for over 10 years. We used to work together at Downtown Ducati and he ran the shop while I did sales and parts.
He can work on and get parts for all the Italian bikes as well as Jap bikes. He can also do all the stuff the regular shops do. I will stand behind anything I say about Mark or his shop. Very good people over there!!! =D>

The Aprilia I just bought had a oil leak that the guy I bought it from forgot to mention, so my bike is over there right now :wall:. You will not be disapointed with this shop!!!


http://www.moto-gizmo.com/

Mark Gillotte
803-413-0592

[mandingo]

Downtown Ducati.....haven't heard that in years!!!!!

[bondsemble]

I just wanted people to know about Moto Gizmo. This is a shop in northeast Columbia owned by Mark Gillotte. He is an awesome tech and I have only taken my Ducati's to him for over 10 years. We used to work together at Downtown Ducati and he ran the shop while I did sales and parts.
He can work on and get parts for all the Italian bikes as well as Jap bikes. He can also do all the stuff the regular shops do. I will stand behind anything I say about Mark or his shop. Very good people over there!!! =D>

The Aprilia I just bought had a oil leak that the guy I bought it from forgot to mention, so my bike is over there right now :wall:. You will not be disapointed with this shop!!!


http://www.moto-gizmo.com/

Mark Gillotte
803-413-0592
good deal. will keep it in mind in case something happens on the road

[carolinamoto]

Yeah, even talking about Downtown Ducati brings back memories. We had alot of fun back then. Can you believe that in 2002 we were the number 1 Ducati dealership in the US with 64 bike sales for the year. But when the shop closed Mark started his own deal and Moto Gizmo is it. He is great and knows all the tricks on the Italian bikes. He has set up track bikes, streetbikes, dirt bikes for me and my friends for years.

[Nash]

Cool, didn't know this...thanks! By the way, what happened to Downtown Ducati, anyway?

[carolinamoto]

There were two stores. One was here in Columbia and the other was in Miami (Ducati Miami). Miami was a really expesive store and I think it just got too overwhelming for the owner. He sold Miami and closed Columbia in june of 04. Mark started his own service shop (Moto Gizmo) and I got in the Alarm/ Car business. The owner ended up getting into the real estate development gig and is doing pretty well. I think if we would have had a better location and less debt with Ducati and Vespa we would have been able to survive, but it was just too much for the owner. Still really good people all the way around though.

[Turbo storm]

I have a 2000 RSV Aprilia with an oil leak. I bet yours is the same problem. Do you know where it is coming from?

[carolinamoto]

Nope, but i will find out hopefully monday morning and hopefully it will be fixed by the 12th. I will advise as soon as I know. Mark is good so I am sure he will figure it out. I think it's coming from the top of the head and I have heard of this before, but I am not messing with it. Knowing me I will break something and not be able to do the track day at Roebling.

[Turbo storm]

If it seems like it is coming from the front head, it is most likely the oil seal on the coolant pump. It is a 2 piece seal that is a very common failure on late 90's and early 2000's RSV rotax engines. The engine oil seeps part the 1st stage of the ceramic seal. (sometimes damaged at the factory when installed) The oil will exit the cover thru a weep-hole, kinda like in the bottom of a automobile water pump. The oil will run down the front of the engine and drip on the exhaust, making it smoke a little. It will mainly collect in the bottom of the fairing, and drip all over the floor when you park it. Track bodywork will catch it alot better, but not something you want to let go.
There are two ways of correcting the problem.
#1 Replacing the seal. Parts not expensive, but installation is critical.
#2 Getting a used replacement cover from a 2004-up model.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[carolinamoto]

Thanks for the heads up. I am putting everything in the hands of Moto-Gizmo. I will report whatever happens. They have always done really good work for me and my friends so lets see what happens. I am awaiting a damage report so I will post as soon as that gets to me.

[dizzyg44]

It was also known on the rotax's valve cover bolts to loosen, particularly the rear left bolt on the front cylinder causing a slight weep.

Mine also did it, easy fix. I hope that's all it is for you.

I miss my falco so bad.

[carolinamoto]

Well what it came down to was valve covers. Both were loose and caused the gaskets to squeeze out a little and leak. They cleaned them up and tightened them back up and I am good. Even did a oil change, checked my valves and gave me spec sheet on where they were. Got everything done for $120. I am telling you guys this shop rocks. If you need italian parts or service, this is the place. Roebling here we come!!!! I will be the slow guy in the back with the pretty bike.

[Nash]

I may give them a call since I'm going to need my valves adjusted soon.

[dizzyg44]

Cool, glad to hear it was something simple.....

Common issue with the v60's