Author Topic: Noob with a Cali III CI (Read 4758 times)

CanyonRider · « **on:** February 24, 2016, 10:01:48 AM »

I figured there is no better way to jump into the Guzzi World than with a 25yr old bike. Great opportunity to tinker and learn. After acquiring the bike, I rode it for a summer to decide if I liked it (I do!) while making a list of things it needs or mods I'd like. It is generally in good shape, runs well, starts easily. It has been converted to electronic ignition. I've picked up the Guzziology book and from that my to-do list has grown. The biggest problems have been electrical - I am currently working on that as you can see:

One burning question is - what da heck is the thing behind the front wheel that looks like a stand?

It is intregal to the hwy pegs - which I like, but the legs that swing down look awful to me. The bike has a normal center stand - not sure what this front one is all about. You can't use them both at the same time because they swing in opposite directions. Thoughts?

I'm sure I'll have more technical questions later.
Thanks!
CR

Charles in Lake Charles · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2016, 10:06:06 AM »

It's called a Bates Ride-off stand. Check Google

Two Checks · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2016, 10:23:27 AM »

That must be an 89 model as the 90s came with the Motosplat electronic ignition....which has to be switched to points.
Yep, Bates ride off stand.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2016, 11:46:57 AM »

Welcome . One question , is Norse Cackalcky Norse of Souse Cackackalacky ?

Dusty

Two Checks · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2016, 12:26:47 PM »

I always thought it was Nawf and Sowf.

CanyonRider · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2016, 01:55:30 PM »

Thanks for the info on the stand. I'll have to try it some and see if I like it. It seems like it might reduce my lean angle some - not that this is a knee-dragging machine.

Yeah, I've heard it both ways - Nawf & Norse. You say tomato, I say potato.

CR

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2016, 02:09:51 PM »

That's a mile muncher for sure! Those fairings were great! I used to ride with a dude from st joe mo that had one of those. Fix her up and ride the hell out of that thang!

Two Checks · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2016, 03:21:23 PM »

It dang sure will munch miles and will put quite a few folks to shame in the twisties.
I've run the tires to the edge and didn't touch a thing on the pavement.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2016, 06:37:46 PM »

what are your electrical problems?

If it has Siemens relays I suggest you replace them with new ones from DPGuzzi.com

Tobit · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2016, 09:31:25 AM »

I had one. A '90 I think, which I bought in '95. Good bike but a little underpowered two up on the interstate. Handling was typical Tonti. Great. Check the fork legs for flaking, I had to replace mine and the fork seals. I don't know if Forking by Frank is still around but that's who I bought replacements from. MG Cycle might have them too.

Tobit.

CanyonRider · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2016, 08:51:42 PM »

Quote from: fotoguzzi on February 24, 2016, 06:37:46 PM

what are your electrical problems?

If it has Siemens relays I suggest you replace them with new ones from DPGuzzi.com

The main problem appears to be lots of corroded, dirt and high resistance connections. There is a 10% voltage drop from the battery to the starter solenoid (via the ignition switch and several plug connectors). It seems every plug I disconnect is corroded. There are lots of taps into the wiring harness and lots of wires just hanging in mid-air. The PO's solution was to straight wire the starter solenoid from the battery so the start switch would spin the starter even if the ignition switch was off. I'm trying to decide if I should try to clean this wiring harness up or if I'm better off making a new harness. Thoughts?

CR

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2016, 09:16:52 PM »

Quote from: CanyonRider on February 26, 2016, 08:51:42 PM

The main problem appears to be lots of corroded, dirt and high resistance connections. There is a 10% voltage drop from the battery to the starter solenoid (via the ignition switch and several plug connectors). It seems every plug I disconnect is corroded. There are lots of taps into the wiring harness and lots of wires just hanging in mid-air. The PO's solution was to straight wire the starter solenoid from the battery so the start switch would spin the starter even if the ignition switch was off. I'm trying to decide if I should try to clean this wiring harness up or if I'm better off making a new harness. Thoughts?

CR

Greg Bender at Thisoldtractor.com offers new wiring harness product at very reasonable price.. not sure he has the cal3 but worth a look at his site anyway..

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/for_sale_wiring_harness.html

CanyonRider · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2016, 09:28:00 PM »

Yeah, I've been looking on his site. I don't see my bike listed so I sent him an email. Waiting to hear back.
Thanks!
CR

ccoli · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2016, 09:16:46 PM »

Just put one of those fairings on my 03 Cal. Hopefully it's as good as the similar one on my SPIII.

CanyonRider · « **Reply #14 on:** March 06, 2016, 10:47:02 AM »

Making good progress on the old Guzzi.

Fixed the starter circuit & relay.
Replaced the fuse box with modern fuses.
Fixed the low fuel light.
Added a USB port.
Replaced 5yr old battery.
Generally cleaned up the wiring - removed a bunch of mess.

I decided the wiring harness is not THAT bad, so I've been cleaning it up as I go. Now that it starts right up and runs good, next is:

Replace the leaking petcock.
Replace missing flywheel inspection plug.
Replace leaky oilpan gasket.

Looking forward to riding this thing!
CR

dl.allen · « **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2016, 11:03:14 AM »

is that a fire extinguisher mounted on the back? Maybe a new harness could eliminate that mod?

CanyonRider · « **Reply #16 on:** March 07, 2016, 02:33:46 PM »

Yeah, that's an extinguisher installed by a PO. I assume it is there for the fuel leak.

Maybe after I get the new petcock installed I can remove it.

CR

CanyonRider · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2016, 03:20:45 PM »

Got the fuel & oil leaks under control and took her out for a 150mi ride. About half way, I noticed the rear caliper was hanging up. Got it home, pulled the caliper, cleaned it up, bled the line, works like a charm!

Took it back out the next day for another long ride: 8am to 2pm. Ran flawless, super comfy, Love it! Here's a quick pic I snapped along the way:

The 80s color scheme and Battlestar Galactica styling isn't for everyone, but I like it.

CR

Two Checks · « **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2016, 03:49:28 PM »

I wish the seat on mine was like that. Mine has upholstery by Hefty.

My petcock leaked, too, so I removed the remote flex cable, fashioned a block off plate and sealed it with Sikaflex. Then installed an inline Brigs & Stratton fuel shutoff. EZ access on the fly. (Frugal and cheap Guzzi content-cost $3.50)
I can remove the tank without having to putz with the side cover and knob. BTW, the knob is glued to the cove in the OFF position.

My paint has faded and cracked badly.
Oh yeah-keep an eye on the front brake hose where it passes the rear edge of the fender. Definite wear point. Tie wrapped a piece of fuel line around it.

Tom · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2016, 07:22:07 PM »

You'll love it in tight turns.

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Author Topic: Noob with a Cali III CI (Read 4758 times)

CanyonRider

oldbike54

CanyonRider

CanyonRider

CanyonRider

CanyonRider

CanyonRider

CanyonRider