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Guzzi Beginner Questions

Lou

Just got it firing!
Joined
Jun 14, 2015
Messages
14
Location
New York, New York
Hey Folks,

Forgive me if these have been covered in other posts. I'm going to just list a few newbie questions that don't get answered in our beloved owner's manual:

I just got over the first 1000 miles. Whew hew! Is there anything special I should know about what to do/not to do, in breaking in a this Guzzi engine, and for how long? I've had nothing but Triumphs and they spell out the break in period very specifically.

Fuel. Does it matter what grade?

Does the gas mileage improve as the engine breaks in?

Fuel Indicator. When the fuel light goes on, it tells you how many miles you've gone since the light goes one, but it doesn't tell you how many miles you have to go??? Huh? That seems a bit...odd. Any info/wisdom on knowing how many miles you've got once the light goes on?? That would be very helpful info. So far I've pushed it to about 40 but don't know how much further I can go.

And finally...for now...a larger issue. Low revs, I wish there was shudder and not feel the need to slip the clutch as much. I know there's info on this in multiple threads but I'm wondering about the FIRST thing people would do to get more air flowing through this engine...if that's the issue...?

Thanks for any info and help! Really enjoying this machine.
 
At 1,000 you should have the bike serviced. Oil change and check everything. The exhaust heat shield bolts tend to come loose, so make sure they tighten them with a torque wrench. Also make sure they download the latest fuel injection map.

After that 1,000 mile service, you should be able to ride it any way you want.

Fuel: 93 octane is best.

Mileage: This is a thirsty bike. Mine improved over time -- mostly around 40 mpg now -- but I think it was mostly a matter of adapting my riding style to that torque monster of an engine.

Low Fuel indicator: I've never pushed it past 40 miles. Some on this forum say you can get to 50.

Low revs: Mine pulls smoothly from 1000 RPMs. That said, I don't lug it below 2500. The engine seems happiest from 3000 up.

My personal advice is to get completely comfortable with the machine -- put at least 6000 miles on it -- before messing with engine or exhaust modifications.

The longer you ride the Cal 1400, the more you will love it...
 
Your engine is already broken in at 1000 miles. Just get it serviced and then rev it any way you want.

You have about 2 gallons left in the tank when the light comes on. (yes it comes on very early). So you can probably go about 60 miles comfortably with a little bit remaining.
 
put at least 6000 miles on it -- before messing with engine or exhaust modifications.
Sorry, air/fuel data and Dyno documentation here states otherwise. Proper fueling and increased airflow to this motor wakes it up, and allows it to run MUCH cooler.
 
Sorry, air/fuel data and Dyno documentation here states otherwise. Proper fueling and increased airflow to this motor wakes it up, and allows it to run MUCH cooler.
Interesting...Just curious what we would do to make that happen
Your engine is already broken in at 1000 miles. Just get it serviced and then rev it any way you want.

You have about 2 gallons left in the tank when the light comes on. (yes it comes on very early). So you can probably go about 60 miles comfortably with a little bit remaining.


Thanks for the 411, gentlemen! I did do the first service. After which, the bike ran, noticeably, better....interesting. The idle and "Guzzi Shimmy-Shake" are now sharper and stronger...fine by me...and there's a bit more surge and response to the engine. All to the better. Is this due to, simply, fresh oil, or due to a change in oil from run in to normal-running?? Curious.

My dealer wanted to first service at 600 miles rather than 1000, saying that, due to be in New York City, we're harder on engines, hitting more traffic. I ended up going in at about 850. They also told me they want to do oil changes every 2500 miles! Which, even given the city riding...although I get out on the open road alot, seems, quite a bit, no?
 
Interesting...Just curious what we would do to make that happen
Purchase this kit from me; https://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/pc-vat300gt-rx-5am-ecu-flash/ - send me your ECU, I return with the kit. Plug and play with these results based on your mods; https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/guzzitech-gt-rx-modded-cal-14-dyno-vs-stock.13773/

2500 miles is a bit excessive, since Guzzi recommends 6k. I do mine every 5k to keep it nice and even, i.e. 5k, 10k, etc.
 
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