1987 california II range to reserve

[snobear]

I am new to the Moto Guzzi world with a recent 1987 California II.
I consistently hit reserve at 200-210 kms (128 miles) but only put about 11 to 11.5 liters  (3 US gal) in to refill.
Everything I read says about 21 liters (5.55 gal) fuel capacity.
Is it normal to hit the reserve that early or do some have smaller than the 21 liter (5.55 US gal)tanks?
It is hard to see in the tank cap exactly how much is left.

[pehayes]

Snobear:  Neither  your member profile  nor your signature line give any hint as to where you are located.  I recommend you correct that.  Since you are asking in liters and kilometers, I have to suppose you are in Europe somewhere.  I think you will find that the majority of most active members on this forum are USA located.  Hence, the translation of units might lead to some problems.

I have experience with 1973 Eldorado, 1987 SPII, and 1998 V11EV.  I have found all of them very conservative as to when they go on reserve or ignite a low fuel light.  As an example, my 98EV will ignite a low fuel light and then accept only 3.6 gallons meaning a full gallon of reserve fuel.  I have driven as far as 55 miles on reserve before actually running out of fuel.  I'm speaking of USA gallons which are quite different from British Imperial gallons.

Combine that confusion with the modern anti-pollution efforts to produce differing fuel mixtures for different seasons of the year.  Here in California is the worst.  My 'winter' fuel easily produces more than 10% reduction in distance as compared to my 'summer' fuel.

If I converted correctly, it sounds like you are getting mid-40s fuel mileage per USA gallon and going on reserve only after consuming 3 USA gallons.  Sounds about normal for your version of Guzzi.  I recommend  you carry spare fuel can and drive until you actually run dry of fuel.  What is  your distance before reserve?  How much more distance once you are on reserve?  Every bike is going to report different numbers.  Document yours and then you will be comfortable with future travel.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[bigbikerrick]

I had an 84 Cal II and I would hit reserve at about 130 miles, if i remember correctly. Something to consider, is if the petcocks have ever been replaced. The height of the standpipe for "On" determines when you hit reserve.  Most can be adjusted by varying the length.  If its taller, it will hit reserve sooner, with alot of fuel still left. I like it to where there is about 1 gallon left on reserve. Once you select reserve, the petcock should drain fuel from the bottom of the tank.
Rick.

[brider]

I have a Cal 2 Auto and although I have never gotten  more than 36 mpg consistently on it (or ~15km/liter?), my reserve kicks in @ 160-180 mi (258-290 km) from a full tank. The only way I ever know if I'm about to run out on the regular tank and have to go to reserve is to re-set the odometer at EVERY fill-up, and either re-fill as I approach 160 mi, or wait for it to run while riding and quickly reach down and flick petcocks to reserve (try to avoid that).

I always fill mine to about .75" (20 mm?) below the filler neck to avoid expansion sloshing, and it always takes about 5 gal. This tells me my reserve is about ~ 1 gal.

[snobear]

Thanks for the info.  I think I will need to drain the tank completely and refill to get the true capacity and then as suggested modify the stand height of the petcock tubes to get longer runs prior to hitting reserve.

[guzzisteve]

The tank holds 61/2 gal, my reserve is about 11/2 gal. Stock petcocks that came new w/bike. Strap on a gal and go run out.
Mine is a 86