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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: willowstreetguzziguy on December 19, 2014, 12:02:46 AM

Title: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on December 19, 2014, 12:02:46 AM
MISSION:  I wanted a motorcycle with the same character and charisma as my 1975 BMW R90S. I gave it up in 1986 after 9 years of ownership for a new K75C because too many things were going wrong with it. Never forgot that bike. Currently own a pristine 1993 BMW K75S.

SEARCH:   Boxer engine BMW’s after 1976 never felt as good as the R90S. Moto Guzzi met the engine criteria.  So after a test ride on a new V7 & Griso and a 2007 Norge, I realized that the V twin engine was fantastic but the riding position and appearance were not quite right.  Searching Moto Guzzis from the year 2000 on, I discovered the 2008 1200 Sport.   

·Only imported in 2008
·Bikini Fairing
·Tubular handlebars
·White gauges
·Alloy silver engine & drive train
·Wave front disc brakes
·Rear seat cowling

FOUND: In November 2013, in Oklahoma, 1-owner, 3,800 miles, mint. I took a grueling 3-day bus ride to OK and enjoyed a 1,400 mile ride back to PA in temps in low-mid 50's.

OBSERVATIONS: It was everything I wanted and more. On the ride home, I quickly named it the “BULL TRAIN” because the engine & torque reminds me of a Bull under 60 mph and on the interstate, it’s a Freight Train!

CHANGES I'VE MADE:

·       1.5” LOWERED FOOT PEGS – A wildguzzi member offered me new 1.5” lowered footpegs
                                                                  at a great price
·   ADDED 1” of FOAM to the SEAT – A wildguzzi member gave me the idea to raise the seat height 1”
                                         with foam. The 2.5” of increased leg space makes a world of difference!!!
·   MODIFIED SIDESTAND, BRAKE FOOT LEVER &  SHIFT LEVER – to accept lowered foot pegs
·   BUNGIE CRUISE CONTROL – Relief for my wrist
·   LAMINAR LIP & STELVIO HAND GUARDS- For cold weather riding
·   CORTECH TANK BAG – For carrying stuff


LIKES                                             
Engine - low end torque & power, clean metal appearance, keeps shins warm below 75 degrees 
Exhaust sound
Throttle response 
Riding Position   
2-valve engine characteristics
Tank Wings – keeps knees and thighs warm below 75 degrees 
Instrument information center– temp, mpg, time of day, riding time, etc.
Handlebars – yes I like them!
Wind protection with bikini fairing & tank wings
High speed stability – gusts of wind don’t blow it around
Wild Guzzi forum members
Fuel injection - Lack of cold bloodedness – Can get going as soon as start up
6 Gallon fuel capacity
Braking power


DISLIKES
Headlight beam pattern (high and low) is terrible
Horn is pathetic
Lack of helmet lock, gear indicator, self canceling turn signals, center stand are missed
Plastic fuel tank
Engine oil dipstick location
Exhaust popping under deceleration
Seat not hinged
Small dealer network

After 1 year and 5,400 enjoyable miles ridden, I’m thrilled with the bike and the wildguzzi forum members!  Thanks for passing along so much interesting and valuable information. Her's to warm weather!!!
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Doppelgaenger on December 19, 2014, 01:03:09 AM
Nice report.

I just picked up a Breva 1100, I wanted to get a sport but it was just too much money. They're going to make collector bikes some day so keep it looking nice!
Title: Re:
Post by: Kev m on December 19, 2014, 04:55:04 AM
Didn't you get the helmet lock? On my B11 there was a post under the seat and a small cord with two metal rings on each end. You loop the cord through your helmet strap, placing the rings over the post, then pop the seat back on.

At least that's the theory, I never used it, never even took the cord out of the plastic bag.

I funny think Jay has either.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on December 19, 2014, 05:03:41 AM
Change out the Horns for a pair of cheap plastic FIAMMs, about $30/pair with a relay
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-horns/fiamm-freeway-blaster/
Mount them so they are self draining, don't ask me how I know.

Exhaust popping can be stopped by setting the mixture a little richer at closed throttle.
Title: Re: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 19, 2014, 05:28:06 AM

Exhaust popping can be stopped by setting the mixture a little richer at closed throttle.

Not so sure about that in this case.

I thought the popping on these was related to not shutting down injectors on closed throttle, i.e. already rich.

Not to mention the Guzzitech reflash did nothing to reduce that on my B11, and I'd have expected it to if it was an easy fix.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on December 19, 2014, 10:07:21 AM
Yes I have the helmet cable & post under the seat but many times I'm carrying a seat bag bungied to the seat for carrying stuff and it's inconvenient to get under the seat. Instead, I have my own small lock and cable that I use.

As far as the Fiamm horns, I've had them on my K75's since 1986 and they never fail to get drivers attention. I plan on getting a pair by spring.

The exhaust popping... I need to schedule a spring servicing and I will have that looked into.

Had I not been able achieve the additional 2.5" of leg room, I doubt I would have kept the Guzzi. It was that painful! In fact, in order to ride it home from Oklahoma, a three day ride, I had to sit on top  of my duct taped rain suit to get the added leg room.   
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 19, 2014, 10:11:05 AM
The exhaust popping... I need to schedule a spring servicing and I will have that looked into.

It's not going away...
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Triple Jim on December 19, 2014, 10:15:26 AM
Just curious... is this a distinct popping like a small backfire, or a bla-bla-poof-bla like my old Mille does?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: dlapierre on December 19, 2014, 10:50:25 AM
You should be able to set up the gear indicator by going through the various screen setting that are available. I can do it on mine. I've just never bothered. Check the manual.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Mile High Guzzi on December 19, 2014, 10:55:47 AM
Re 1200 Sport, I really like mine, good all around bike.  Re Decel Popping.  I have the full GuzziTech air/fuel/exhaust treatment on mine (which includes the Dynojet PCV w autotune), and I still get closed throttle popping.  Even if there is a way to tune it out of the map, I'm not literate enough to know what parameters need changed  ::).  But, interestingly, I do notice that the colder the ambient temperature, the less popping, and in cold winter riding, no popping at all.  So that would seem to suggest that the popping is caused by too much fuel vs air, but in the winter, there is more thicker air to burn the excess fuel and it doesn't pop......is that the way it works?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Matteo on December 19, 2014, 11:21:19 AM
My dealer in Portland was able to smooth out the decel.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: not-fishing on December 19, 2014, 11:45:47 AM
I agree with you the joys of a 2V guzzi.  My 07 Griso's accelleration is more than enough for me.

Thanks for note on raising the seat.  I haven't gone on any really long rides but after 3 hours I can feel it in my knees.  (old soccer and ski injuries that have never been fixed)

Thanks for mentioning a Bus ride, I'm still looking to increase my stable (dreaming of a small block, quota & sidecar) and I was always thinking it would have to be a fly-n-ride or long trailer drive out - long trailer drive back.  When I bout my Griso it was a 14+ hour trailer drive to get it.  A Bus would be worth considering over a trailer drive.  Luggage would be easy to deal with and I wouldn't have the airport security screening delay.

On the helmet lock I use a Helmetlok II through my bars.  (http://images1.revzilla.com/product_images/0056/1753/helmet_lok_ii_helmet_lock_black_detail.jpg)

I haven't had my Griso for a year yet and have replaced the tires, brakes, battery & sealed the speedo sender.  Not a big deal because I got the bike at a very reasonable price.  

Having the ECU reflashed and the suspension sorted out by the previous owner has been a big plus.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on December 19, 2014, 12:40:12 PM
You should be able to set up the gear indicator by going through the various screen setting that are available. I can do it on mine. I've just never bothered. Check the manual.

I've never heard of such a thing. If anyone knows of this, please let me know. I would love to have a gear indicator on my dash.  As for now, someone mentioned months ago to figure it out like this... at 3,000 rpms, look at your speed and remove the 0. Example: at 3,000 rpm 30mph = 3rd gear, 40 mph = 4th gear, 50 mph = 5th gear, and 60 mph = 6th gear.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: bad Chad on December 19, 2014, 01:12:57 PM
When my B1100 was stock it didn't pop at all off throttle.  The reason, I believe, is that I had one of the best techs in the country do the initial set up, and subsequent servicing.   I have seen Jim at Rosefarm take bikes that others couldn't get right, and make them so, just saying.

It did pop after I took off the stock crossover and put on a Mistral pipe, however, Guzzitech.com sold me a plug in Optimizer for around $100 that cured 90% of the popping.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 19, 2014, 01:25:32 PM
Re 1200 Sport, I really like mine, good all around bike.  Re Decel Popping.  I have the full GuzziTech air/fuel/exhaust treatment on mine (which includes the Dynojet PCV w autotune), and I still get closed throttle popping.  Even if there is a way to tune it out of the map, I'm not literate enough to know what parameters need changed  ::).  But, interestingly, I do notice that the colder the ambient temperature, the less popping, and in cold winter riding, no popping at all.  So that would seem to suggest that the popping is caused by too much fuel vs air, but in the winter, there is more thicker air to burn the excess fuel and it doesn't pop......is that the way it works?

No. The reason you get popping on the over-run is that unlike most car systems the Magnetti Marelli set up as programmed doesn't cut the fuel completely on the over-run. On a negative throttle the ECU will keep delivering the same amount of fuel at any engine speed as it does at idle. Because at higher engine speeds the motor will pump harder the mixture goes critically lean so it cannot fire every second revolution but residual fuel will enable the mixture to ignite every forth or eighth revolution and then when the exhaust valve opens the exiting gasses will ignite the previously expelled but unburnt charge in the pipe causing the backfiring.

There are a couple of ways of dealing with it, the most successful is to cut the fuel completely in all the cells of the map at 4.6/4.8 TPS value down to close to idle. If there is no fuel being delivered there's nothing to burn and therefore no backfiring! This isn't without some side effects. It increases engine braking slightly but noticeably which some people don't like and also you get a slight but detectable 'Lurch' when the fuel cuts back in. On the map I'm currently running the fuel switches back on at 2,700 RPM and as I pass down through that point I get a detectable hiccup and in certain conditions one slight pop, that's it.

The second way is to add more fuel at those closed throttle TPS points so that the engine won't eight and twelve stroke but continues to fire every second revolution of the crank. The problem with this though is that a.) you're burning fuel for no purpose which is wasteful and will cause splintering of corn cob pipe stems and b.) it will of course mean that at idle the mixture will be very rich risking plug fouling and potential bore wash.

For either of these two solutions to work you have to turn the lambda off. With a stock bike particularly this will explain why the problem diminishes in cold weather. The engine temperature sensor on the 2V bikes sits in a plastic container in the back of the right hand head and is notoriously poor at accurately reading temperature. In cold weather it will *think* the engine is cooler than it is and enrichen the mixture accordingly. This will have the same effect as adding more fuel at those low TPS values in an open loop map and once again it will impact on fuel consumption and will screw with the AFR.

Generally, unless people are upset by the side effects, Mark's maps all chop the fuel down to 2,700. If they do find the side effects upsetting it's easy enough to turn the fuel back on in those cells. Personally I only notice it, (The fuel cutting back in.) when I'm descending a long, steep hill on a closed throttle and I actually enjoy ignoring the Tacho and predicting the moment the fuel comes back in but I'm a simple soul who takes pleasure in small things! ;D

Pete

Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 19, 2014, 01:33:40 PM

It did pop after I took off the stock crossover and put on a Mistral pipe, however, Guzzitech.com sold me a plug in Optimizer for around $100 that cured 90% of the popping.

On any bike that uses the W5AM controller I would advise extreme caution when considering one or any of the 'Sensor Fooler' solutions be they 'Optimisers', 'Fat-Duc's', 'Memjets' or any of the other myriads of names that these things are sold as. They can have serious and unexpected consequences.

Pete
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: bad Chad on December 19, 2014, 03:42:27 PM
Will you expand on that some Pete?  I have run it this way for a couple years now and have not noticed any ill effects.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 19, 2014, 05:26:43 PM
How's the fuel consumption?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: boatdetective on December 19, 2014, 05:40:19 PM
 I bought a ofc and O2 optimized from Todd. Worthless. I installed Guzzidiag and downloaded a map from Molly- that dud the trick bike runs great with no popping. Fuel economy isn't great, but I'm willing to sacrifice some mpg. Let me know your email and I'll send you the map.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: AH Fan on December 19, 2014, 05:48:04 PM
Talk to Micha at moto International ..Seattle.
Those boys will let you know what needs to be done........... worked for mine.

Cheers. 8)
Title: Re: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 19, 2014, 08:11:30 PM
When my B1100 was stock it didn't pop at all off throttle.  The reason, I believe, is that I had one of the best techs in the country do the initial set up, and subsequent servicing.   I have seen Jim at Rosefarm take bikes that others couldn't get right, and make them so, just saying.

It did pop after I took off the stock crossover and put on a Mistral pipe, however, Guzzitech.com sold me a plug in Optimizer for around $100 that cured 90% of the popping.
No, it probably popped stock, but you couldn't hear it as well as you could when you replaced the exhaust.

That's my experience, including after when I had Eraldo Ferracci work on it.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: bad Chad on December 19, 2014, 09:53:55 PM
No, I am certain in stock form it did not pop whatsoever.  I stand by my claim that there is none better in the US for making a Guzzi run as well as it can, than Jim Barron, and that includes Eraldo Ferracci.

To Petes question, milage did drop some, I generally get about 36-38 around town, 40-41 highway.  But from my perspective, I don't consider that serious or unexpected.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: hhkiwi on December 19, 2014, 11:30:27 PM
Re Decel Popping.  I have the full GuzziTech air/fuel/exhaust treatment on mine (which includes the Dynojet PCV w autotune), and I still get closed throttle popping.

That's interesting. I also have the full GuzziTech treatment (PC V w/ auto tune, flashed ECU, large opening air box lid, BMC filter) on my 2008 Sport and no longer experience any decel popping, no matter what the temperature outside (I'm in SoCal so it is usually warm). I also have an Agostini muffer fitted though which may make a difference.
Title: Re:
Post by: Kev m on December 20, 2014, 07:21:54 AM
So what does Jim do? I mean if he's not manipulating maps, the mechanical side shouldn't be so elusive.

Unless it's dumb luck... Some are mechanically or electronically in better shape in the first place.

But it's not just a case of whether or not the valves are set perfectly or the throttle bodies are ideally balanced.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: dave1068 on December 20, 2014, 08:52:16 AM
Glad to hear you like your bike and were able to make the right changes. I also had this bike and liked it but at 6'2, my arms and legs were too long to get comfortable. I use to joke the bike was ideal for a tall midget. Great pick up and smooth ride, I just couldn't comfy on it even adding bar risers.

Made me curious if that's why it was a 1yr model only w/ huge discounts down to 7-8k for leftovers. great fit and finish. Good luck!
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 20, 2014, 09:16:42 AM
No, I am certain in stock form it did not pop whatsoever.  I stand by my claim that there is none better in the US for making a Guzzi run as well as it can, than Jim Barron, and that includes Eraldo Ferracci.

To Petes question, milage did drop some, I generally get about 36-38 around town, 40-41 highway.  But from my perspective, I don't consider that serious or unexpected.

The old story then.

"These modern bikes are mapped up really lean so to get them to run properly you have to add more fuel."

Only they aren't. In fact the exact opposite is true but we won't let facts get in the way of perceived wisdom.

Sensor foolers are crude at best and effect more than simply one table in the map. With bikes equipped with the W5AM they can result in massive overfuelling at certain engine speeds and loads and generally will produce inconsistent results.



Pete
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: bad Chad on December 20, 2014, 09:36:42 AM
I'm not really sure how he does it.  I'm fairly confident to say it's some measure of everything you pointed out, and perhaps a bit more.   

I'm not saying all bikes came from factory exactly the same either, perhaps that has something to do with it too?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Joliet Jim on December 20, 2014, 09:40:43 AM
I think Jim uses eye of newt and frogs breath along with an ample supply of fresh chicken blood
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 20, 2014, 10:11:05 AM
I'm not really sure how he does it.  I'm fairly confident to say it's some measure of everything you pointed out, and perhaps a bit more.   

No, it's not. A bike would have to be so freakishly out of balance on the TBs and ridiculously out of adjustment on the valves for it to CAUSE decel popping when it otherwise wasn't doing it that it's practically impossible. It would have to be accompanied by a whole lotta other more significant symptoms.


I'm not saying all bikes came from factory exactly the same either, perhaps that has something to do with it too?

I think THIS is the only logical answer, unless Jim has a Rexxer he's not telling people about.

Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: dlapierre on December 20, 2014, 11:16:18 AM
You should be able to set up the gear indicator by going through the various screen setting that are available. I can do it on mine. I've just never bothered. Check the manual.

My mistake. I checked the manual...page 65. The title is Gear Shift Indicator, but in the instructions it talks about shift threshold settings, meaning RPM settings. As I said, I never bothered to try it out.
Title: Re: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 20, 2014, 11:35:52 AM
You should be able to set up the gear indicator by going through the various screen setting that are available. I can do it on mine. I've just never bothered. Check the manual.

My mistake. I checked the manual...page 65. The title is Gear Shift Indicator, but in the instructions it talks about shift threshold settings, meaning RPM settings. As I said, I never bothered to try it out.
Was that a programmable shift light?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: bad Chad on December 20, 2014, 01:16:39 PM
Kev, as the saying goes, I can lead a horse to water..., 

I understand your reluctance to give to much credit to a tech, as it is only a machine after all.  Yet, I am telling you, I have seen him work on bikes that have been wrenched on by other highly respected Guzzi wrenches from around the country.  And have had on a couple occasions talked to the riders of those bikes after they took delivery, and in each case the rider was completely happy with what he got back.   What does that mean, I take it to mean he can and often does figure out aspects of operation that others miss, do I think he is a demigod, hell no, but he is a dam good tech.

Title: Re: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Kev m on December 20, 2014, 01:20:40 PM
Kev, as the saying goes, I can lead a horse to water...,  

I understand your reluctance to give to much credit to a tech, as it is only a machine after all.  Yet, I am telling you, I have seen him work on bikes that have been wrenched on by other highly respected Guzzi wrenches from around the country.  And have had on a couple occasions talked to the riders of those bikes after they took delivery, and in each case the rider was completely happy with what he got back.   What does that mean, I take it to mean he can and often does figure out aspects of operation that others miss, do I think he is a demigod, hell no, but he is a dam good tech.
That has nothing to do with simple physics.

Used to be a tech could make significant differences in running with a few jets.

But these days it takes more.

Note maybe he IS messing with maps and that would explain it.

But I'm telling you it's not body his ability to perform basic maintenance.

And it's not just voodoo.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: sono on December 20, 2014, 01:47:02 PM
All great advice here. For the map, definitely contact Molly here on the forum. His map is great. It still pops on decel, but seriously, what bike doesn't do that occasionally? It will change your bull train into the lead bull train.

You can go with the PCV + Autotune as well. I actually had it on my bike for about 6 months and it did work well with a decent map. It costs a butt load to Dyno and I didn't want to keep doing that if I wanted to switch maps. If you or anyone else wants the PCV modules, I'll sell them cheap.

What exhaust do you have? I ended up going with a full carbon fiber Mistral. It sounds awesome.

For the helmet locks, I went with really great bar end locks. They look great and easily detach with a barrel key on either end. Easy and works great.

All of these can be found online or call Moto International. I'm lucky that they are close to me in Seattle - Dave and Micha are great and will help you out for sure.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Blueboarhound on December 20, 2014, 03:53:54 PM
After 1 year and 5,400 enjoyable miles ridden, I’m thrilled with the bike and the wildguzzi forum members!  Thanks for passing along so much interesting and valuable information. Her's to warm weather!!!

Happy to hear you've enjoyed your first year of ownership!  :)

Now we need to get you out with us on one of the Central PA. Guzzi rides.  8)
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Mal Wright on December 20, 2014, 03:58:59 PM
Its good to read about other 1200 Sport riders appreciating its qualities. I too have a special fondness for this model. I think this bike in particular strikes that harmony of old school tech and good functional design. And I don't mind how it looks with the bikini fairing, a modern version of the original Len Mans if you like. I am 6' 4" and there is a bit of a reach to the bars which is perfect for me. I think this bike suits taller riders in its standard configuration.

And just to back up what Pete was saying about the map from Mark (Beetle), I have applied the map to my 1200 Sport and it has completely solved the pop on decel. Even just under 3000 rpm, my bike will burble rather than pop, and sounds fantastic. If you haven't looked into applying this map then you should.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 20, 2014, 04:05:36 PM
On Tuesday I'm towing a 1200 Sport 8V off to Wagga so Mark can develop a log-built map for it. Only problem is I've just rollerised it so the map he builds won't be any good for the flat tappet models. Hopefully though I'll have an opportunity to fix that in the next couple of weeks too! :D

While I'm no fan of the looks of the 1200 Sport it is a magnificent mile-muncher in both 4 and 8V forms. I have one customer who is rapidly closing in on 200,000km on his!

Pete

PS. For the 2V Sport 12 Molly, Tony and Mark have all put in a heap of work. I know Tony has an openish pipe on his so my guess is what he's running will work with most aftermarket cans sans dBk. Most of Mark's maps are produced for bikes trying to be reasonably quiet fitted with a killer.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Mal Wright on December 20, 2014, 04:18:16 PM
All great advice here. For the map, definitely contact Molly here on the forum. His map is great. It still pops on decel, but seriously, what bike doesn't do that occasionally? It will change your bull train into the lead bull train.

You can go with the PCV + Autotune as well. I actually had it on my bike for about 6 months and it did work well with a decent map. It costs a butt load to Dyno and I didn't want to keep doing that if I wanted to switch maps. If you or anyone else wants the PCV modules, I'll sell them cheap.

sono, my bike doesn't pop on decel. You should check in with Molly and get him to review Petes comments about cutting the fuel at low throttle settings. I believe this solves the problem completely.

Also I am running the PCV and autotune and use it to fine tune the fueling in Marks map. Looking at the way Marks map works I am probably undoing his magic a little where the fueling is leaned out at cruise speed / throttle settings. I will need to learn how to apply what information I get from the auto-tune and apply that to the map. That way, once setup then the PCV/autotune could be removed or disabled. Personally I wont be removing it in case I do other changes in future.

I am a bit surprised by your comments on the cost of a dyno tune. One of the neat things about the PCV/autotune is that you dont need to dyno the bike to setup the fueling for modifications to the bike. The autotune will get you pretty close. Which should save you money in the long run.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on December 22, 2014, 12:17:57 AM
What's the difference between the 1200 Sport fuel injection which is not cold-blooded as compared to the V7 Special which is cold-blooded? Are there advantages to the cold-blooded fuel injection system used on the V7?
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 22, 2014, 01:19:10 AM
What's the difference between the 1200 Sport fuel injection which is not cold-blooded as compared to the V7 Special which is cold-blooded? Are there advantages to the cold-blooded fuel injection system used on the V7?

There are no advantages. It's just that one is done slightly better than the other but in the overall scheme of things they are both fairly drac.

There are a host of good reasons why we have emissions regulations, the problem is that because they are applied in a 'Blanket' way with a bias towards 'Mainstream' vehicles making oddballs meet the same standards is sometimes not only difficult but also downright silly! Throw in the fact that stuff like mapping will be done as cheaply as possible with a view to getting the engine to meet the regulations and perform *Acceptably* rather than optimally means that you end up with a real pig's breakfast that may in many ways be both less enjoyable and less efficient but does tick all the right boxes.

Once again we get to the perceived wisdom that all 'Modern Bikes' are mapped up really lean 'To meet emissions', this is unfortunately crap. The base maps are all rich. Why? Because the manufacturers know that the first thing most owners will do is fling an aftermarket, (Freer Breathing  ::)) pipe on it which will in most ranges lean the fueling out. In the closed loop area this doesn't make a lot of difference becaus the narrow band O2 sensor input will crudely trim the fuel back, as long as it isn't too far outside accepted parameters. In the open loop area though it HAS to be richer otherwise you'll end up holing a piston or some such so the maps are rich. What other excuse can there be for a more modern motor with an exceptionally good combustion chamber design getting such lousy fuel economy coupled with less than scintillating performance?

Unfortunately this idea that all the maps are lean has got traction and most, if not all, of the aftermarket tuning options work on the principle that the first thing you do is turn the lambda input off, (Good, of you are planing for optimum performance and fuel economy.) but then throw more fuel at the engine, (Bad! The un-corrected map is already rich, in some places VERY rich!) so you end up with an extremely rich condition. How many people who are running aftermarket mapping systems or add ons say there bikes are really smooth and feel great but drink fuel?

More in a bit, beer beckons!

Pete
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Scott of the Sahara on December 22, 2014, 08:57:38 AM
Pete, thanks for that explaination. My '08 Norge is completely stock. When I pull the spark plugs they are quite black.
My fuel economy is pretty much what others get 45 to 48mpg on the road and about 40mpg around town.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Vasco DG on December 22, 2014, 10:11:55 AM
When I get a moment I'll expand a bit further but please be patient, I have to drive to Wagga in the 'Serial Killer Van' with a 1200 Sport in the back today. The pre-Christmas road insanity and crashfest is in full swing and part of the trip is on the Hume Highway, the busiest arterial route in Oz which will be nose-to-tail morons who only usually drive twenty kilometers from home but twice a year rush lemming like to visit distant relatives. They'll be tired, texting, drunk, exhausted and just plain incompetent! Let the joy be unconfined! I'll return to this subject when I've recovered and the twitching stops........... :D

Pete
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: sono on January 05, 2015, 01:04:39 PM
sono, my bike doesn't pop on decel. You should check in with Molly and get him to review Petes comments about cutting the fuel at low throttle settings. I believe this solves the problem completely.

Also I am running the PCV and autotune and use it to fine tune the fueling in Marks map. Looking at the way Marks map works I am probably undoing his magic a little where the fueling is leaned out at cruise speed / throttle settings. I will need to learn how to apply what information I get from the auto-tune and apply that to the map. That way, once setup then the PCV/autotune could be removed or disabled. Personally I wont be removing it in case I do other changes in future.

I am a bit surprised by your comments on the cost of a dyno tune. One of the neat things about the PCV/autotune is that you dont need to dyno the bike to setup the fueling for modifications to the bike. The autotune will get you pretty close. Which should save you money in the long run.

When I say that my bike pops on decal, I want to clarify that this is not a common occurrence. It really only happens when I accelerate quickly and come off the throttle...

I removed the PCV/Autotune because it is suggested that you dyno the bike when first installed, then adjust with the autotune. I never felt like the shop, or I got it right. I was always running so rich and my fuel economy was always right around 30-32mpg. I didn't want to have to dyno it again to get it closer to start over... Molly's map is terrific compared to what I was running on the PCV/A.
Title: Re: One Year Ownership Report - '08 1200 Sport
Post by: Stormtruck2 on January 05, 2015, 01:47:49 PM
I know there are many VERY satisfied customers of Jim Barron at Rose Farms.  So I know my experience was not typical from what I have heard. I took my Centauro over to him since it was only hitting on one cylinder.  This was the Centauro I bought for $2,000.  One day short of a year I got it back.  It ran good, but still did not like to idle very well.  I also owned Chucks Centauro so I know it can be made to idle very well. Chuck used a Power Commander, which Jim said was not necessary.  On the ride home from Woodstock IL, after a stop at Dave Swanson's in Rockford, the bike ran great, except at low idle.  Also found out the low fuel light didn't work, not Jim's fault or problem. I bought a Power Commander from Leafman on here, installed it and had it dynoed, and it now runs well at low RPM and runs well too.  Chucks Centauro is still the best tuned bike I have ever ridden. After the ordeal with my Centy, I have no done further business with Jim. I did get the feeling that I would have had better service if I had bought the bike from Jim. I got the impression that Jim didn't really want to work on the bike, or my business.   I am not inferring that Jim is not a tremendous tech on BMW and Guzzi's, I know he is.  I have heard of too many great results from his touching problem bikes to doubt his skill. I am merely saying that I had a less than great experience with him.  I am not stating that I will never do business again with him, nor am I saying I will, merely stating my experience thus far. Merely Caveat Emptor.