I am still assembling my 01 F4. I need a headlight glass and the clips that hold it on. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks for your input.

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), May 10, 2004

Answers

If you are seeking new parts, please contact the authorized dealer of your choice. If you have already spoken with your dealer, it is always a good idea to ask them to confirm that they have placed a formal order to the distributer. At one point, they were more difficult to obtain, however by now they should be more readily available though the normal channels.

-- brutale (ten_pints_of_guiness@yahoo.com), May 13, 2004.

From time to time, dealers may check stock with their distributor and see that the parts are not on hand and subsequently report back that they are 'unavailable.' This simply means that they are not on hand at the moment, however it is safe to assume that the distributors are working with the factory to fulfill formal orders to the best of their ability. To do this, they must rely on formal orders as one guage of the actual demand for a particular component. Some dealers will not place an order for a part until it appears 'in stock' and this creates unnecessary delays and frustration on all fronts. This is an unfortuate situation for all involved and only perpetuates the misconception of a parts availability problem. The key is to work with an experienced dealer (and experienced parts person) who understands the correct ordering proceedure and is also willing to consistantly follow up on your behalf in the event of an unusually long delay.

-- brutale (ten_pints_of_guiness@yahoo.com), May 13, 2004.

I appreciate your input. So far I have used contacts in Italy, New Zeland, and the US distributor, all of whom say N/A. I have spent the better part of 6 months tring to aquire parts for this bike. To say that parts are not difficult to get is a misconception. I have been dealing with rare cars and bikes for years and this is the most difficult project to get parts for. I have not yet receieved a absolute No from the US, but then again daily contact does not seem to help either. I am still looking for some parts.

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), May 13, 2004.

To follow up on this string please read this before concluding anything. Many of us have had some degree of difficulty with a reliable source for our parts and supplies on the F4. It should be noted that most can be attributed to a breakdown in communications and little else. I must appologize for my own frustration as I made some incorrect assumptions. After placing my most recent order at GP out of SanDiego area, I received a call from a CRG USA rep. The rep was kind enough to clarify many things for my own sanity. Getting parts for these bikes is not as complicated as we sometimes make them out to be. I would strongly urge anyone in need to find someone at a dealer that you have or can build a raport with and stick with them. It is always much eaiser and more reliable to get results with someone you know. After my recent discoveries, the guys down at GP will find me buying parts through only them. I am proud, not only to own one of these F4's, but also to see that the USA CRG actually pays attention to what we owners are going through. This is very important to myself. I also owe a special thanks to Matt for helping me keep a level head about all of this. Ignorance is not bliss as they say, it just makes some of us sound stupid. I plan to own an MV for many years to come and this all makes it a much more pleasurable experince. I plan an spending more time on the important things, like RIDING! Thanks again to all concerned! Ride safe!

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), May 13, 2004.

Whoa! Everybody has problems with parts, either with Japs or Italians. Most bikes nowadays are interchanging parts, either for Japs or Italians. Try to check other jap bikes if you can find similar parts, better yet, try replacing them with another parts or have them made from a machine shop. It is better to have a good running bike, than keeping it in the garage. That's the way to loosen-up the old head.

-- AJ (adiviso@hotmail.com), May 16, 2004.