Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: AH Fan on September 16, 2015, 10:50:43 PM
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so ............ just for kicks anyone out there in the process of finding the best fix for the Cali 14 exhaust cross over failure issue and or the front brake rotor issues that they might want to share?
PM me if needed :popcorn:
Ciao
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Guzzitech has a replacement crossover. I have installed one. It is beautifully made and strong. Fits perfectly.
Stephen
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Shim your calipers to center them over the swept area of the rotor. If the pads overhang the inner diameter of the swept area, once worn, they overhanging part of the pad will strike the support webs and simulate a warped feeling. the rotors are not that expensive if you really have warped rotors. I bought a pair, and found I didn't need them after I discovered the radial caliper centering issue.
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look here, if you see that the pad is working the web to the floating spool, then you know you need to recenter the caliper over the swept area. It is easy to do. Guzzi made precision caliper shimming washers back in the 70's these were for centering calipers over rotors horizontally. Same washer works for this purpose.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/10099673523_9a92ca1ccb_b.jpg)
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Guzzitech has a replacement crossover. I have installed one. It is beautifully made and strong. Fits perfectly.
Stephen
http://www.guzzitech.com/store/product/california-1400-gt-rx-h-pipe/
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Thankyou Gentlemen.
So once calipers shimmed........ can I proceed with existing rotors or are you guys starting out with a new set? ( I have about 5000 miles on these being the second set )
Also...... as far as the GTX crossover is concerned. What makes it so superior over OEM component? Looks like it is more or less the same design :undecided:......... It looks like the problem may lie in the fact the engine is floating and the exhaust system is mounted hard........... just a thought is all.
Ciao
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I'd imagine the GTx crossover is made with much heavier materials. But, you could email todd@guzzitech.com and he'll answer pretty quickly.
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If you have the older crossover, listen through a hose to the areas where the crossover attaches while the bike idles. Can hear the puff puff if there's a leak starting. The old crossover and pipe area are not impressively thick, saw one that cracked off yesterday in a shop.
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other than the crossover the 14 seems to be a pretty solid bike. I wish they had a version with standard riding position.
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other than the crossover the 14 seems to be a pretty solid bike. I wish they had a version with standard riding position.
And a full-sized fuel tank !!!
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It looks like the problem may lie in the fact the engine is floating and the exhaust system is mounted hard........... just a thought is all.
Ciao
Hence the two flex couplings, many out there have yet to crack. Mines at 10,000 miles and counting.
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>>Also...... as far as the GTX crossover is concerned. What makes it so superior over OEM component? Looks like it is more or less the same design<<
The GT-Rx Crossover is 1.5mm wall thickness.
The welding is even and properly filleted to avoid fatigue focus points.
Stock is 1mm.
The weld runs starts cold and lumpy, with fatigue points apparent.
Stephen
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Thankyou Gentlemen.
So once calipers shimmed........ can I proceed with existing rotors or are you guys starting out with a new set? ( I have about 5000 miles on these being the second set )
Also...... as far as the GTX crossover is concerned. What makes it so superior over OEM component? Looks like it is more or less the same design :undecided:......... It looks like the problem may lie in the fact the engine is floating and the exhaust system is mounted hard........... just a thought is all.
Ciao
Just reuse old.
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Anyone have the part number for the shims?
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Yes please on the part # for the shims and yes Rocker on the full size fuel tank ........... The old range anxiety really started to set in blasting across parts of Nevada last Sunday!!!!! :shocked: Spectacular trip... all 6000 klms of it.
Sent Todd an email....... hopefully he responds.
Thx to all so far for the advise.
Ciao
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>>Also...... as far as the GTX crossover is concerned. What makes it so superior over OEM component? Looks like it is more or less the same design<<
The GT-Rx Crossover is 1.5mm wall thickness.
The welding is even and properly filleted to avoid fatigue focus points.
Stock is 1mm.
The weld runs starts cold and lumpy, with fatigue points apparent.
Stephen
Also, the crossover on the GT-Rx is not clamped, and is allowed to float. The center pipe is a snug fit on each of the crossover stubs attached to the headers, no exhaust gas can escape.
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And a full-sized fuel tank !!!
The range is an interesting issue. 5.4 gallon with a 1.3 gallon reserve = 6.7. 6.7 x 35 mpg = 235 miles. subtract a gallon, = 200 miles. But my fuel light comes on with about 2.9 gallons left = 100 miles. And that's what I end up with - at 130 miles I don't like the light and put 3.8 gallons in. I could really without worry ride another hour after the light comes on. So the range may technically be there. I don't see room for a fuel cell in the frame, but there's certainly carrying capacity for more fuel. 1.5 gallons in each bag and there would be another 100 miles.
I'm sure mine would do better than 35 to 38 mpg were I in the midwest. Out here I have good motorcycle roads immediately, with turns. I live about 2 miles from one of the old Honda Hoot routes, and can't escape without going on it.
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The range is an interesting issue. 5.4 gallon with a 1.3 gallon reserve = 6.7. 6.7 x 35 mpg = 235 miles. subtract a gallon, = 200 miles.
That's not quite right. 5.4 gallons, of which 1.3 is reserve. 5.4 x 35 = 189 (if you're brave).
3.7 - 3.8 gallons consumed is pretty common for Guzzi low fuel lights. If you're travelling 130 miles, that's 34 mpg.
Round numbers, 35 mpg and using 5-gallons is 175 miles for a critical fuel stop.
I suffered that for nine years with my Nero Corsa. I don't want another bike with only five usable gallons to return less than 40 mpg and have a range of less than 180 miles. But that's just me.
Guzzi's competition in the segment, Harley specifically, has gone to 6-gallon tanks, and they return 10mpg better than Guzzi.
It's just a niggle, but I figured with the Stelvio upgrade to 8+ gallons, and the V7 upgrade to 5.8 gallons, all future Guzzis would be seeing bigger tanks and longer ranges. That would be a nice selling point, especially on a touring motorcycle. I was disappointed when I saw the specs on the Cal 14, and all the air space they left behind the tank covers...
With the recent incentives on leftovers, I was very close to buying a 2014 Cal 14 Custom. I really love the power of the engine, and riding the Californias is fun. I decided I could live with the seating of the Cal 14 Custom with the addition of the Corbin seat, but I just couldn't get past the relatively short range, and 700+ lbs weight wasn't appealing either. If I'd bought it, I'd have put a hitch on the bike to pull my fridge trailer (and a passenger). Fuel economy would surely suffer, lowering range even farther. In the end, I opted for a leftover V7 Special to use as a commuter and light tourer for a few years. Hopefully my complaints will be addressed on future Californias, or even future Guzzi models. We'll see. A bike like the Cal 14 would be awesome with seven or eight gallons capacity. A 250 mile range on internal fuel would be perfect for the type of riding I would do with the bike, were I to buy a California 1400.
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if you want good gas mileage, go with a water cooled engine. Gives good power too.
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if you want good gas mileage, go with a water cooled engine. Gives good power too.
Which ones? There are a lot of them with poor mileage in the 30s.
And, a lot of long-stroke air-cooled big twins with 45-50 mpg.
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I can vouch for better gas consumption than the figures mentioned here. On a recent tour of California I would regularly get an average for the tank full of 5.0-5.2 L/100kM (= 45-47 mpg (US) or 54-56 mpg (UK)). The best average I achieved was 4.5 L/100kM (= 52 mpg (US) or 63 mpg (UK)). My readings were metric because I had the speedo changed over by Munroe Motors in San Francisco.
Admittedly, these figures were achieved on very hot days, and some were at elevation. But I was running a motor with the Gt-RX reflashed ECU with a Power Commander and Autotune, as well as exhaust and airbox mods plus I was loaded with panniers and a topbox (and a fat rider!).
This combination has the undeserved reputation of running too rich on many posts I've observed on this forum. All I can say is that if and when I get it to run correctly, I'll achieve even better gas consumption figures.
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Other than riding in areas where there is 175 miles or more between gas stations, I cannot imagine that stopping for gas at that interval is really such an unacceptable inconvenience that I would not buy a bike as awesome as a Cali 1400. (Shameless admission, I have a 1400 Eldo).
I mean, really!
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arent all the Cali 14 still under warranty? why would you buy a x-over isnt that a warranty issue?
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Coming home from the finger lakes I got 45.5 on the Eldo 1400. That was GPS miles against fuel reading on the pump. The dash said less.
ZZ
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arent all the Cali 14 still under warranty? why would you buy a x-over isnt that a warranty issue?
So it wouldn't happen again when the dealer replaces it with another OEM piece?
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So it wouldn't happen again when the dealer replaces it with another OEM piece?
My thoughts as well at this point ........ :undecided:
Ciao
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My only thought might be that the part would never be improved if people don't submit a claim. If they need to replace enough of them, they'll have to make it better.
Anyway, just a thought.
ZZ
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So it wouldn't happen again when the dealer replaces it with another OEM piece?
I would submit a claim... could be a running change to the design once they start seeing claims... perhaps your replacement would be a better one? If not, you could always then get the aftermarket one, and save the warranty replacement item??
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My only thought might be that the part would never be improved if people don't submit a claim. If they need to replace enough of them, they'll have to make it better.
Anyway, just a thought.
ZZ
You guys do realize this is Piaggio Guzzi we're talking about, right?
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Pete's Cali 1400 had the exhaust crossover break at 12,000 Miles, local dealer fixed it under warranty. Said it was a better design, and installation included hooking everything up loosely and gradually tightening down things with a few taps from a rubber mallet to assure things are in their least stressed position. Seemed to work, this bike has not had issues in a long time.
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Thanks for all that you guys ............... still poken around for a fix on both of the issues mentioned.
After conversation with others about the front rotor/braking system pulsation.... I was advised to maybe check for run out then if within acceptable range to refit new/ softer compound pads and realign both cal. correctly......... Thoughts... has anyone had success with that procedure?
Turns out that other advise on NOT trying to shim calipers as they are not aware of any fine shims like that used for that purpose?? Hmmmmm.
Also was wondering if there are any shots available of the replacement cross over pipes and assembly.......... just to see the difference/if any is all.
Ciao
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Saw broken pipes, had been replaced with better under warranty. I don't know what the better were.
I've got that rotor issue on the front. Sad.
Thanks for explaining the reserve is part of the overall tank volume. Range does kind of suck, but eventually I'll get the box ECU etc through exhaust on there, and I expect to do much better.
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Other than riding in areas where there is 175 miles or more between gas stations, I cannot imagine that stopping for gas at that interval is really such an unacceptable inconvenience that I would not buy a bike as awesome as a Cali 1400. (Shameless admission, I have a 1400 Eldo).
I mean, really!
Nevada in particular can have very long stretches between gas stations (or anything really). I went through Vegas instead of Tonopah from Ely because I was not sure the Quota could make it. After gassing up - twice - on the way to Vegas I determined I made the right decision. Nevada is not a place to be stranded.
Nevada is not unique in this regard, but it probably is the worst.
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Shim washer? http://www.hrpworld.com/store/default/brembo-shim-10mm-0-75mm-thick.html
Gas: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rotopax-gasoline-pack
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So is the rotor issue fix really as simple as it seems - just adding the shims between the caliper and the mounting surface until the brake pads only contact the swept area?
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Shim washer? http://www.hrpworld.com/store/default/brembo-shim-10mm-0-75mm-thick.html
Gas: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rotopax-gasoline-pack
Thank you sir................ ... :thumb:
Ciao
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So is the rotor issue fix really as simple as it seems - just adding the shims between the caliper and the mounting surface until the brake pads only contact the swept area?
Yes, ideally to maximally use the swept area of the rotor. I haven't done it, but will either order the ones I linked to or find some nice proper machined ones locally. Perhaps in my unsorted 30 lbs of "I can't throw this away I might need it" box with 40 years worth of cool junk. I imagine I'll find three that work, but will need four! I wouldn't use a normal soft washer. One of those safety class items!!!
I don't like external gas because of danger, but the gas tanks on motorcycles are already armed bombs, so it doesn't make much difference!!! I could see setting the 1400 up with giant box bags, a big box trunk, tack on holders for everything including gas cans. Would be quite a sight. The only thing else I'd need would be knobbies for the off road parts!
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For a long time, I had used an MSR fuel bottle to carry extra fuel. Actually two at one point. 33 ounces isn't much, but it helped me out once, and a few other riders I found stranded during my travels, getting us where we needed. That was with my first EV. This 1400 gets better economy than my EV ever did with a bit more fuel in the tank, albeit slightly. Anyway, these MSR bottles are made for fuel and I have never had one leak for any reason. It is the size of a small kitchen fire extinguisher and fits nicely in the bottom of the bag where it is out of the way. For LD travel, I will probably throw one on my bike for good measure.
RBOE, you are very right about places where civilization is few and far between. My feeling is that you can never have too much fuel, only not enough. I can always stop for relief if you know what I mean. Well, at least partial. :evil:
John Henry
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. My feeling is that you can never have too much fuel, only not enough.
In the aviation world, the only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.. :smiley: