Late To The Eldorado 1400 Party

[TN Mark]

So, as I posted in an older thread, I’m seriously considering purchasing an all black Eldorado 1400. I’ve been up way too late, on way too many nights, reading way, way too many posts here and at the other Guzzi technical website. Whew. Maybe I’m off for still even considering this. Yes, I know, 90% of forum posts seem to be about issues and problems. But, ‘hand built Italian motorcycle art’ is quite different after all that reading. luster, yea, not so much.

Things like ignition switch failures, greased bearings, what grease, tank whale sounds, cut an alternator wire, demand sensor/tps issues etc etc etc. Whew!

And that side stand interlock switch that needs to be bypassed so the bike can be started on the side stand and allowed to warm up as I pull my boots on and such.

I know the 2016 and earlier 1400’s are/were somewhat prone to Demand Sensor/TPS problems. But, I’m reading where the design change and the firmware upgrade in 2017 mostly (completely) removed that concern.

Question: can the 2017 firmware update be downloaded to the 2016 ECU? If so, does it mostly take care of the Demand Sensor/TPS problem?
Even though the 2016 and 2017 systems remain mechanically quite different. Or, is overfilling the engine crankcase a major contributing factor?

I did look at a 2016 model this week. It has all of the GT go faster stuff a person could want. But, it needs a lot of “sorting out”. The brand new battery is only charging with the bike running at 13.0 to 13.5, not enough it seems because the battery won’t hold a charge. Then again, the battery was not put into service correctly. The acid was added, and then it was immediately charged. That typically equates to very poor battery performance and a shortened battery life. The acid, after it’s been poured in, needs to be allowed to sit and get absorbed by the glass mat for at least an hour and a half before it gets charged.

Plus, the owner only has one key and doesn’t know the security code. He was told by the selling dealer the factory preserves 00000. But, who knows if that’s true or if it’s changed at the initial setup. He bought the bike with only 300 miles on it.

After some sorting out, about the only thing this particular bike may need are the factory heated grips. Are those even still available?

One more note on the demand sensor. Piaggio is ridiculously proud of that particular item. Then I also read instead of a $500+ Guzzi ‘factory’ part, a $40 Fiat part is the exact same sensor.

The 2016 model I looked at this week does have new tires, which is nice.

Let me know what you think please. In the end, I can see one in my garage along side my Victory.

[aklawok]

 I have always thought the 1400 Cali was gorgeous, would jump on one in a heartbeat. In my search for all thing Guzzi stumbled upon this video:
https://youtu.be/kdeS-UOgq4I?si=riNt9QhmmWX04SrE
Unexpected source, almost painful to watch, but don't let it discourage you. And this was just changing the alt. Belt!

[guzzisteve]

I would keep looking at least till Victory sells. Then get in a hurry. Soon as you get one w/issues the one you want will appear.

[TN Mark]

Way too late last night I was reading about changing the alternator belt. Someone posted links to the German videos. Then someone else said you don’t ’have to’ remove all that stuff. He described a way to loosen things and move them ‘just enough’. It saved him a ton of time and work.

[Ncdan]

Way too late last night I was reading about changing the alternator belt. Someone posted links to the German videos. Then someone else said you don’t ’have to’ remove all that stuff. He described a way to loosen things and move them ‘just enough’. It saved him a ton of time and work.

Hey mark.
I had a 2015 and within 12k miles I had to replace the TPS twice.
After extensive research I found that the company who produced the sensors released a bad batch and neither that company or Guzzi bothered to offer a recall.
Hopefully now one could get a good sensor with no issues.
That being said the 1400 was the best all around performing motorcycle I’ve ever owned, I loved the bike but lost faith in her. I’d say go for it, you’ll love it👍

[LowRyter]

I always thought the 1400 had lots of potential.  It was pretty nice ride, good power, better handling.  Wrong format, or perhaps they should've done more models.  There were some reliability glitches.   And it was gone almost before it was started.  I'm afraid they're doing the same with the V100 which is a pretty nice bike too. 

[TN Mark]

I have always thought the 1400 Cali was gorgeous, would jump on one in a heartbeat. In my search for all thing Guzzi stumbled upon this video:
https://youtu.be/kdeS-UOgq4I?si=riNt9QhmmWX04SrE
Unexpected source, almost painful to watch, but don't let it discourage you. And this was just changing the alt. Belt!

Bummer that after all that work the initial not charging issue remained. I watched to the last bit of episode 3 anticipating they found the non charging culprit. Nope.
I’m guessing someone, someway was watching these videos and telling their tv what the actual solution is.

I was surprised they bought another alternator instead of having the original one checked out and repaired locally, if it needed it. There’s a chance the one they installed was a failed unit from another bike. It’s also quite likely the original alternator was fine since a replacement improved nothing.

Quite a depressing scenario all around.

[aklawok]

 As is the case with many newer vehicles, they are not meant to be worked on! Let alone by a non dealer mech. In some respects this is acceptable in the automotive industry, but is it really tolerable on a bike? So used to being able to take the tank off and have everything accessible, this is not the case with a 1400!

[TN Mark]

Basic troubleshooting is still basic troubleshooting. Did they measure the output of the suspect alternator? If so, I missed it.

Did they confirm the replacement alternator was actually good? Again, if so, they didn’t show that.

[TN Mark]

I always thought the 1400 had lots of potential.  It was pretty nice ride, good power, better handling.  Wrong format, or perhaps they should've done more models.  There were some reliability glitches.   And it was gone almost before it was started.  I'm afraid they're doing the same with the V100 which is a pretty nice bike too.

I think they made enough models in the 1400 line. CA Touring, California, Audace, Carbon sub models, MGX-21 and the Eldorado. That’s actually quite a lot for a bike line that only lasted about 5 years.

In typical Moto Guzzi fashion, the line seemed 80% to 90% developed. Things like showing an Eldorado passenger backrest with luggage rack and never actually making one is ridiculously ignorant. Accessories were crazy expensive and hard to get. Etc, etc, etc.

I wouldn’t even consider an Eldorado if I didn’t have a 100% reliable 100% of the time Victory. I haven’t been on the Victory since last Sunday and due to my work travel schedule I won’t throw a leg over it again until tomorrow morning. I need and expect my motorcycles to be that dependable. Therefore, an Eldorado is an extra bike, not one I’d depend on 100% of the time until it proved itself worthy.

The CA Touring was coming out about the time I bought my Victory CCT. I was talking to Jim at Rosefarm Clasdics at the time. I previously bought a Griso from him. I told him I was seriously considering the Victory. I told him the Victory has and does everything I wanted. So, I asked him if he thought the new 1400 CA Touring would further develop into an actual two-up touring bike. He said no, it is what it is and I’d be better off with the Victory. Jim was, as always, spot on.

Before I took my 1999 Bassa on a trip from Chicago to New Orleans with two of my brothers, I bought the AAA RV Plus package ‘just in case’. Both of my Bassa’s were 100% reliable 100% of the time.

[TN Mark]

I finally get to pick up my new to me 2016 black Eldorado this week. It’s in St. Louis and only has 1342 miles on it. I’ll be the 3rd owner. The first owner put 300 miles on it and returned it. Saying he’s too old and the bike is too heavy. I’m buying it from the second owner who spent a lot of money making it his ‘pride & joy’. He’s only put about 1000 miles on it due to back surgeries and vertigo.

Tonight I ordered it a personalized Tennessee license plate: 1BELLA.

[nc43bsa]

How much does TN charge for personalized plates these days?

[TN Mark]

$35 annually.

[blu guzz]

It sounds like a real time capsule.  My first one had 500 on it when I got it.  Don't be surprised or disappointed if it still needs to break in a little.  At 5,000 that bike ran like a top.
My present one had 18,000 when I got it and ran and continues to run perfectly at 32,000, but it is definitely a 10 footer. 
Once you have it home, just start piling on the miles.
One last thing.  The stock Dunlap tires will last pretty well, but they are hard.  My bike had a new set when I bought it.  I was never completely comfortable in the rain with those.  Current set are Metzler 880s and while they are more confidence inspiring, I am pretty sure they will be spent by 6,000 miles or so.  Can't have it both ways it seems.  I have heard that Avon makes that size, I will try that next.  BTW, if those tires are original, even with very low miles, I would get rid of them.

[TN Mark]

The Avon white wall tires are 2 or 3 years old with only 500 miles on them. Which is great. Once I get it home I’ll address the tip over valve whale moaning device, check to see if the alternator wire has been cut as well as disconnect the side stand switch.
Currently you have to raise the side stand to start the bike and then you can re deploy it to let the bike warm up on the side stand.
I’ll put a new battery into service tomorrow so it’s ready for it as well.
It has the CA touring windshield, winglets and driving lights. I’ll replace the 35W halogen driving lights with the same Cree double LED driving lights I have on my Victory bikes.
The current owner also installed front and rear Guzzi comfort cell seats, the heavy duty rear rack, a GIVI trunk which I’ll remove right away. The full GTM fueling system, a full GTM exhaust system, Matris fork intervals, Matris rear shocks as well as a few other Guzzi goodies. All original items also come with the bike which is great.

Why such poor tire mileage on these bikes though? My Victory Cross bikes are a bit heavier and with more rear tire Hp and Trq. But I consistently get 17k+ miles on the back tire. Bridgestone 704R or Dunlop E4. Both ride well but I prefer the Bridgestone in the rain.
30k, yes 30k miles on a 160/60 Bridgestone T32 rear tire mounted up front on the Victory.

[blu guzz]

Different asphalt?  I have never gotten high mileage on any tires.  But, some people might say I change them too soon but then, I am careful about tires.  I don't think I leave over 1,000 miles on the table.  I have a comfort seat I don't use, basically brand new because it was not that comfortable for me.  I had my old one customized and use that.  Sounds like you have lots of goodies.