1100 EV Efi - Whats "wrong" with it

[Bexupnorth]

Hi All,

I have a Cali Vintage, which has never fuelled terribly well and has only got worse as I've tweaked things. You guys seem to be pretty expert when it comes to the use of Guzzi Diag and knowledgeable with other tuning strategies so I'm hoping you can help me work this out.

I'm getting really bad vibration (it feels like the crank is coming through the cases with every firing stroke) when the engine is under load at all rev ranges. I've done the basics in terms of servicing and engine tune up, but have been advised this is likely a fuelling issue. I currently have:

• A decat crossover "H" pipe
• Thinner walled headers
• Less restrictive K&N filter (and would like to remove the airbox lid, but this is just too much for the Engine Management to deal with)
• I'd also like to replace the mufflers with something less restrictive (and a bit lighter!)

Can the Guzzi diag tool deal with this level of change?
Am I better off with a different cam?
Is there anything else I can do to improve the 1100 EV engine?

Thanks in advance for any help,

Ade.

[nsmith]

What year are we looking at? Always start with valve adjustment, check compression, are both throttle bodies opening equally? If it's vibrating that bad I'm thinking lets look at the big stuff before we think fine tuning will set things right.

[Doug McLaren]

I reckon I'd be looking at engine mounts too, make sure everythings nice and tight.

[OldMojo]

What year are we looking at? Always start with valve adjustment, check compression, are both throttle bodies opening equally? If it's vibrating that bad I'm thinking lets look at the big stuff before we think fine tuning will set things right.

Agreed. The description almost suggests a miss under load.

Plug caps and wires!

[Huzo]

If it’s rich mixture, the engine will give black smoke and a pipe like a “coal burning locomotive...” (Roper..)
Too lean it will possibly fart then ultimately stop.
Is your bike running on both cylinders when under load and producing expected power levels ?
Is it advancing and retarding as it should ?
Is there a mechanical/ metallic “thunk” or rattling sound under load ? (If so, don’t ride it until diagnosed, possible severe detonation).
Do you get a deep clunking sound in unison with the rough running ? (Big end/s or main/s)
These are generic type backyard diagnostic techniques that may or may not be applicable to your bike, but just trying to get a handle..

[Murray]

I'll add check the condition of the intake rubbers and ask at what rpm to you typically shift?

[guzzisteve]

Cal Vintage is a Breva engine in a Cali block. Sounds like TB balance and tune, Beetle here has a CalVin map as a base to start. You'll need fueling if you open anything up, intake or exhaust.

[beetle]

What Steve said.

The Marelli 15x ECU has no way to compensate for the K&N rock strainer. Do yourself a favour, install a stock filter and balance the throttle bodies. Check & adjust TPS if necessary.

[fotoguzzi]

What are the revs when under this load? These motors like to rev up, not like a Harley if that's where your coming from. So you could be lugging it?

[Wayne Orwig]

Fix it before you go making mods.

That motor should be pretty smooth at modest revs.

Make 100% sure the throttles are properly balanced.

[s1120]

Before you jump in with new mods, really think what you will be left with.. I got my stone pre modded, and have the same issues as you. Ill tell you that I ditched the open air box. Went back to stock lid. I really didn't need the extra noise, and tuning issues. I have a crossover, and free flowing mufflers, and it does sound AMAZING, but it does wear on you when you go far, or just trying to buzz around town. I find my self running way to low RPM on the motor to tone it down some. With some map changes ive got it to the point that its rideable.... but still not right. So as was said, go through it all.... Tune up, plugs wires, intake rubbers. Make sure the crossover is sealing, then get a baseline. At that point you know your chasing fueling issues, and can work with that. Not trying to adjust a motor issue with fuel.

[Bexupnorth]

Wow! thanks for the responses guys.

I'm definitely not lugging the engine... honest
I've had this issue on and off since I first got the bike in it's unmodified form
- It's always been a challenge at walking pace or at round town speeds the throttle feels more like a switch and always has
- I had the TPS set professionally and it was definitely better, but not cured
- It's OK one up (apart from the low speed stuff)
- Open the throttle at motorway speeds in 4th or 5th and nothing happens very quickly, never has. I wouldn't expect to have to drop an 1100 twin a gear to get some go? Maybe that's just me? In third at the same revs and she's off like a scalded cat by comparison.
- Get up to 60mph or so and any hill, additional luggage, passenger, wind etc. and I start to feel the vibration, I had this before I started with the mods.
- Last winter I gave her a full fluid and filter change, adjusted the tappets and generally went through everything including the in-tank filter (Now that made a significant difference to the performance!). Being honest I haven't touched the TB's or TPI as I don't trust myself that far, so I will look at this.
- It doesn't feel like there's anything loose or broken inside.
- I do get a little detonation, but not at the same time as the annoying vibration

The bike is off the road for winter now, but I'll ensure I get the throttle bodies properly setup before I go looking at anything else. Thanks again.

Regards,

Ade.

[Sheepdog]

I used three filtered airbox vents (made by UNI) in my airbox lid. A little more flow and a throaty intake honk; it is a good compromise. Use a 1” hole saw to make the holes and the vents snap right in. 

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/uni-filter-air-box-vents-p

[80CX100]

     I've got a CalVin as well so I've read this a few times with interest.

     My bike has the stock fuel map and it does run a little hot, a little snatchy on the bottom end and if I don't pay attention to the power band and roll the throttle on in 5th or going up hills I can get it pinging the odd time.

     It used to feel somewhat "raggedy" but after valves, tps and throttle balance it's smoothed up quite a bit, I think the next time I tune it, I might go with a higher TPS setting just for fun to see if it richens up a bit(if I don't have a Beetle map by then)

     I noticed that you changed the in take fuel filter, but did you also address or was it previously, the decomposing in take fuel line that were an issue on that bike (mine was done by the PO).

     Your bike sounds like it may be starving for fuel, faulty fuel lines in the tank could cause that, fwiw ymmv

     Good luck

     Kelly