Dim Display - Cali 1400

[Guzziman22]

Tried all 3 settings, but in the shade display is unreadable.  Anyone else have this problem?  Cure?

[rtbickel]

Could it have been left in direct sunlight too log and damaged the display?   I think they had a sticker on the windshield with that caution.  Can you see it in sunlight and is the backlight working at night?

[TN Mark]

It would be hard to believe Guzzi told owners not to leave your bike out in the sun too long for fear of damaging the LCD display. Are they supposed to ride on mostly overcast and rainy days or at night?

Guzziman22, any chance your bike is still under warranty? 

[Dave_NWTrophy]

This was in the earlier (pre Euro4) California 1400 owner's manual:

"CAUTION
PROLONGED EXPOSURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS STATIONARY MAY CAUSE A TEMPORARY RE-
DUCTION IN CONTRAST OF THE DIGITAL DISPLAY. THE DISPLAY WILL RE-
TURN TO NORMAL ONCE IT HAS COOLED."

I have had this happen, even in relatively cool weather (65 deg F). It only happens when the sun directly hits the display while parked.  Basically the LCD blacks out.  Once underway for a while it cools down and things are back to normal, so no permanent damage.  I am looking to fashion a cover at some point so I don't have to ride for several miles without a speedometer and such.

Dave

[Dave_NWTrophy]

Tried all 3 settings, but in the shade display is unreadable.  Anyone else have this problem?  Cure?

One note - the backlight is not on if the headlight switch is in the DRL position.

Dave

[TN Mark]

This was in the earlier (pre Euro4) California 1400 owner's manual:

"CAUTION
PROLONGED EXPOSURE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS STATIONARY MAY CAUSE A TEMPORARY RE-
DUCTION IN CONTRAST OF THE DIGITAL DISPLAY. THE DISPLAY WILL RE-
TURN TO NORMAL ONCE IT HAS COOLED."

I have had this happen, even in relatively cool weather (65 deg F). It only happens when the sun directly hits the display while parked.  Basically the LCD blacks out.  Once underway for a while it cools down and things are back to normal, so no permanent damage.  I am looking to fashion a cover at some point so I don't have to ride for several miles without a speedometer and such.

Dave

Thank you for that clarification. As well as when you can adjust the backlight display.

[Bulldog9]

On my MGX-21, the Backlighting on the left gauge became noticeably 'dimmer' than the right, making it almost unreadable even on the highest setting.

[kballowe]

Not on a 1400 - but I DID have an issue with another brand.  Melted thru part of the plastic instrument panel.  Every since then, I cover the instrument cluster when parked - or slide a tshirt over the windshield.

[Tom]

Any LCD left in direct sunlight for a period of time will blank out. 

[DougG]

Hi Gman,                                                                                                          10-11-21

I have a '15 and a '17 Cali 1400 and picked up the warning in the manual about direct sunlight when stopped.  And yes, all (smectic) liquid crystals are sensitive to IR and long UV radiation that is abundant in normal sunlight.  I carry a small drawstring bag and cover my speedo if it is going to be parked for an extended period of time in the sun.  I also bring a helmet bag for my helmet if it is parked in the sun.  It can get very hot and uncomfortable when stationary in the sun.

Be well, stay well,
DougG