Griso 1200 8v Blows Fuse B on Start

[NickSzasz]

Hello! I have a Griso 8v 1200 (2008) and years ago I had a problem with the "B" fuse blowing out when I tried to start the bike. It did this every once in awhile and then the problem would disappear. My mechanic tried to find the cause but couldn't. Fortunately it just went away.

It was always the same fuse - B - Tail lights, license plate light, passing, ignition relay (15 A).

The problem has started again - and t's not going away. 6 months ago I switched in a new battery. I have cleaned the battery leads. I have 2 accessories on the bike, GPS and a highway toll radio pass unit. Both were installed after the problem came up the first time, and not thought to be related.

I'm about to ask my mechanic to try to find the cause again, but before I do I thought I'd ask if other Griso owners had similar problems with FUSE B, and what the cause turn out to be.

Thanks in advance!

 

[GTM®]

Nick, good hearing from you here.

I suspect the ignition circuit is the likely culprit; a resistance issue in the starter circuit. As a quick fix, try a bigger fuse (band aid for now), and if nothing else, clean and inspect the wiring circuit from the battery, +/- to the back of the starter stud for ground, and even consider the direct to starter wiring noted here; https://www.guzzitech.com/forum/196/4908

Keep us posted.

 

[NickSzasz]

Thanks for the info Todd.

Will use that info when I meet my mechanic.

BTW - one more quick question: is it OK to bump start a Griso? I was running low on 15a fuses and a long, long way from any stores. So the other day I'd put the bike in 3rd and with a little push it would start quite easily. I don't want to be doing this often, but is it ok to do - or is it harmful.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[GuzziMoto]

I have done it a few times with no issues. And I can't imagine an issue it would cause as long as the battery had enough voltage to run the ECU.

 

[Brian UK]

Your problem will be cured by the wiring mod detailed above, it's a well known issue affecting just about every Guzzi on the planet.
From experience you will need a 30 Amp fuse in there as a temporary measure to avoid it blowing.

 

[TEDD]

To cure this problem is very easy.
There is no need to modify the electrics in any way. This is mearly working around the problem.
First remove the Starter motor, then remove the 3 screws holding the solenoid to the
starter.
Disconnect the electrical connections and pull the solenoid body free.
Thoroughly clean inside the soleniod bore and the plunger body. Lubricate
the surfaces before re-assembling the solenoid.
You need to be carefull with the lubricant you use, a small amount of WD40
will be sufficient... not oil. Although I have used a little smear of Molybdenum paste
(ROCOL Anti-scuffing-Paste)
...just enough to colour the surfaces.
Re-assemble everything and away you go.

This may need doing periodically, I have a 2008 Griso, owned from new, and this is the second time I have
done this, but it is very simple and quick to do.

 

[Brian UK]

That is a part of the issue, I found quite sticky grease on the solenoid internals and cleaned and oiled it instead, but the wiring mod is also essential in my opinion if reliable starting is always required.

 

[NickSzasz]

Thanks for all the replies. If it's such a prevalent issue I'm sure my mechanic will know what to do, and with this feedback I'll be able to make a decision with more confidence - thanks everyone!

Unrelated - but here's a recent shot of my bike in Japan