New To Me 2016 Eldorado 1400

[TN Mark]

Gotta love a matched set:

[blu guzz]

that's pretty trick.  your bike is really taking shape.  mine is a 10 footer in comparison.

[TN Mark]

The rear passenger peg top, the ‘swingarm’ cover rosette, the floorboard, lever cover, brake pad, head heat shield and the brake reservoir cover make a nice ensemble.

DPM/Moto Guzzi did a great job on these accessories.






I also installed the DPM trapezoid shaped mirrors. They’re quite attractive but I bought them in black so as not to add glare to my forward vision. Same for the DPM clutch and brake reservoir covers. In black, but so far, those covers are not installed yet. I won’t install the DPM front wheel hub trim until I need to remove the wheel for a new front tire.

[TN Mark]

We picked up the fender from the painter, Colors on Parade on Friday. It looks stunning, perfect, beautiful. Technically, clear coat takes two weeks to ‘fully’ cure when indoors. So, I left it out on the deck on Friday and Saturday to soak up that wonderful Tennessee sunshine. On Saturday evening I reinstalled the inner frame assembly brace that also holds the turn signals and the license bracket. The whole assembly looks nice and clean without the US DOT red reflector assemblies.

After church today we installed the fender. We first slid the fender snaps into the shock tower trim and loosely fit the three top mounting bolts. Then we connected all three wire harnesses and ensured they were in the fender clips and out of the way of the tire travel. Sweet. Everything was going fine.

Next up, install the two rear most mounting bolts from below. These two go through the horizontal rear fender/frame and into the inner fender brace assembly.

This is where all forward progress was frustratingly stopped. The issue is it’s difficult enough to see the correct frame hole with the fender installed. It’s even more difficult to get it threaded into the inner fender bracket. The saddlebag bracketry is simply in the way. We’ll take another run at it next weekend.






I wonder how many  Eldorado owners who complained about a ‘bouncy’ or a ‘shaky’ rear fender also had Eldorado saddlebags installed. I also wonder how many dealers simply didn’t reinstall those two bolts that secure the inner fender brace to the frame. Yes, they’re that difficult to install. Especially working off the garage floor.

An 8mm open end wrench can fit between the head of the bolt and the bracket. There isn’t enough room to turn/swing the bolt with an open end wrench though.

The ratcheting end of an 8mm wrench is too thick. It can’t mount onto the bolt head as there’s not enough room/thickness.

I also don’t see a way to mount the saddlebag bracket with the fender installed.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome and greatly appreciated.

[TN Mark]

I’ll try to replace the stock M6x20 bolt (M8 head) with an M6x20 SHCS and an oversize washer.
Yes, Blue or maybe even Orange LockTite. Using a ball end hex key just ‘may’ work.

[TN Mark]

There just wasn’t a way to secure the rear fender inner brace side bolts with it mounted in the rear fender. So, I removed the brace from the rear fender and installed it alone.





So close now. The SHCS idea simply didn’t work. There just wasn’t enough room to tighten up the SHCS, even using a ball end Allen wrench. So, we went back to OEM bolts. We mounted the two outer OEM bolts as well as the top center bolt for centering. We couldn’t use a standard 8mm wrench though as the saddlebag bracket takes up too much space between the bolt head and the bracket. Thankfully, I bought a tiny 8mm wrench. As without it, we still couldn’t have tightened it up.







After getting the fender brace mounted, we then installed the rear fender, the luggage rack and the seats.





Next up: install the turn signal assembly, the license plate light and wire them up. Then, finally, install those beautiful saddlebags and the matching trunk.

Woo Hoo

[TN Mark]

I definitely like the uncluttered look without the US DOT mandated red side facing reflectors.









Fortunately, these reflector assemblies are very easy to remove. Just loosen the turn stalk mounting nut from the inside of the rear fender and they come right out. The mount under the nut has a slot so no wiring needs to be messed with. Nice.

Yea, I know. I also remove the US mandated mattress tag. Just because, it’s a silly ‘rule’.

Only thing left now is to insert the license plate light and the turn signal wiring looms into the clips near the top inside of the fender. Plus add a couple wire ties for good measure. Then, of course, mount the right side saddlebag.

Yesterday I also put the matching leather trunk bag on. It looks very nice. I’ll post additional pictures with that as well. I need to put some car wrap on the center section of the gas tank before I’ll install the tank bag and its mount. That day is coming as well. Bella, is nearly ready for The Ball.

[TN Mark]

WooHoo


















I’ll get some nicer, outdoor pictures over the next couple of days.

[TN Mark]

I was able to spend some much needed time on Bella last night. What was immediately apparent is the stock forward lighting is quite poor. The driving lights are barely effective at doing anything and the headlight Low beam is nearly useless.

I’ll definitely get some LED upgrades for all three. The High beam is almost what I’d expect from a decent Low beam regarding light output. I drove several miles with my High beam on. Passing several oncoming vehicles on two lane roads and not a single vehicle ever flashed their High beams in a message to turn my High beam off.

So, more searching through posts to determine the best options to get some decent forward lighting on Bella is in order.

[TN Mark]

To get useable forward lighting on the Eldo I’m considering something like this:

•  Low beam (H3): Osram Night Breaker Laser H3 halogen (pair recommended — one bulb needed, spare is handy)
Up to 150% brighter than standard, ~3400-4200K whiter light, excellent beam pattern in the stock reflector, fully street-legal, and proven vibration/heat tolerant in sealed housings like yours. Many California 1400/Eldorado owners specifically choose this for low beam for the same legality and pattern reasons.

•  High beam (H7): Ledperf SimplyFit H7 LED (motorcycle version, 6000K, 1:1 Plug & Play)
Passive-cooled, vibration-resistant design built for motorcycles, compact size that fits the tight Eldorado headlight bucket.

•  Auxiliary driving lights (H8): Ledperf SimplyFit H8 LED pair (motorcycle version, 6000K, 1:1 Plug & Play)
Same fanless, vibration-resistant family — perfect match for the small sealed plastic pods with limited airflow.

There are certainly LED options that offer more light output. They have a built in fan to keep the LED array cooled. The ‘problem’ is the cheap plastic components (reflectors and housings) Piaggio used limit what can be done.

I suspect distortion and damage from heat of the plastic components with more powerful options could be a real concern.

That being said, I have additional reading to do from others who have already gone down this path.

[blu guzz]

I get what you are saying about the lighting. For me, it didn't matter as I live in a rural area and gave up night riding years ago.  I really loved it too and felt it was very special to be out on a hot, humid night with the wind in your face, but too many deer where I live.  In my county there are probably more deer than humans.

[TN Mark]

I lived in Upper Michigan for a couple of years. The deer population easily outstrips the people by 3 or 4 to one. Terribly short summers, beautiful riding except way too many deer.

But, for me, good forward lighting is a must have much more than a strong desire.

[TN Mark]

I ordered all four replacement lights as outlined above today from Ledperf.us. When they come in, I’ll install the driving lights first. To get the easy win right off the bat. I’ll report back here how it goes and the difference.

Then I’ll tackle the two in the headlight assembly. Everything I’ve read about that says it’s a pita. So, yea, go for the easier win with the driving lights first.

[TN Mark]

A couple other observations that will likely surprise no one familiar with the 1400’s.

The speedometer reads about 4mph high at an indicated 80mph. The phone map program reads 76.
At an indicated 40, actual is about 38.
At an indicated 60, actual is about 57.

Secondly: mpg isn’t impressive. 4000 to 4600 rpm speeds average 32-35mpg.

Yes, I miss a +, - and a Resume function on the cruise control.

So far, I find the riders Comfort Seat fine.

All in all, I really love the bike. The GuzziTech full exhaust and the GuzziTech fuel management systems are really quite impressive.

From every aesthetic angle: she’s beautiful.

[Bill W]

Don't go by your GPS speed unless your on a long flat road. I get between 36-38mpg with my Cali 1400 and GTM kit with airbox mod and Agostini slip ons. I got 40mpg coming back from Bike Week on flat Florida Interstate. My Touring seat is/was super comfortable but I wanted back support also hence the Corbin. I have about a half dozen deer in my backyard every night to which they are my biggest fear traveling at night in my area.

[Skysailor64]

I ordered all four replacement lights as outlined above today from Ledperf.us. When they come in, I’ll install the driving lights first. To get the easy win right off the bat. I’ll report back here how it goes and the difference.

Then I’ll tackle the two in the headlight assembly. Everything I’ve read about that says it’s a pita. So, yea, go for the easier win with the driving lights first.

Mark, My experience with the driving/fog lights was that there is a skinny little o-ring gasket around the front edge of the glass and in my case it was broken either before-hand or by me.  In any case without that gasket the glass rattles a bit.  I have not been successful finding that part.  At that point I decided not to open the other light and left them both with stock bulbs for now. Let us know how you make out with yours.

[Moparnut72]

My 1400, Audace, got 40 mpg on the highway at fairly higher speeds. My speedo was worse, roughly 9% high across the range. I usually ran with a speedometer app on my phone.
kk

[TN Mark]

Mark, My experience with the driving/fog lights was that there is a skinny little o-ring gasket around the front edge of the glass and in my case it was broken either before-hand or by me.  In any case without that gasket the glass rattles a bit.  I have not been successful finding that part.  At that point I decided not to open the other light and left them both with stock bulbs for now. Let us know how you make out with yours.

Good tip and information, thank you! If the new led bulbs aren't a significant improvement, I'll replace the cheap plastic oem driving lights with a set of Show Chrome, real metal chrome, 3.5" LED driving lights I have on my Parts Shelf. These have a Cree LED and they're well beyond impressive. I mounted a set of these on each of my Victory bikes. 

[TN Mark]

Don't go by your GPS speed unless your on a long flat road. I get between 36-38mpg with my Cali 1400 and GTM kit with airbox mod and Agostini slip ons. I got 40mpg coming back from Bike Week on flat Florida Interstate. My Touring seat is/was super comfortable but I wanted back support also hence the Corbin. I have about a half dozen deer in my backyard every night to which they are my biggest fear traveling at night in my area.

Thank you for that information and tip! There certainly aren't a lot of long flat roads around southern Tennessee. Your MPG is much more acceptable. The new airbox filter cover I ordered came in recently. So, I'll likely cut the opening for the BMC air filter I have on the parts shelf.

But, before I can install it, I'll need to send Todd the current base map that's in the PCV. I didn't buy the GT fuel system from Todd, the guy I bought the bike from did. Very sad for him, he only managed a few hundred miles on the bike after the GT exhaust and fuel system upgrades until I bought the bike from him.

My issue with the air box mod is I don't own a Windows based computer which I 'think' I need to use to get and send the current PCV info to Todd. Maybe, just maybe, opening the air filter cover would lean out the base map enough to get better fuel mileage without being too lean. But, I don't want to risk that. I do however, like a little intake roar. 

[TN Mark]

The LedPerf bulbs came in today. I’ll try to get the driving lights replaced/updated to the LEDs this week.

I bought a nos headlight assembly from Hamlin Cycles on eBay. Therefore, I may replace the Low and High beam lights on the dining room table with that unit and then swap out the whole assembly. Instead of trying to change the bulbs with the headlight still attached to the bike. Everything I’ve read by people who have changed bulbs on this assembly have complained about it being a PITA.

This weekend I found some very nice and somewhat unexpected performance gains from Bella. Third gear at 4500 to over 5500 is a real hoot. In a ‘better hang on tight’ situation.

When I went out to start Bella Saturday morning the URGENT SERVICE warning and flashing red triangle came on. At only 2,240 miles. I’ve reset the Service system with 34534 a few times already. I entered the Service code and it went from URGENT SERVICE with a flashing red triangle to SERVICE with a solid red triangle.

I tried the Service code a few more times without success. Then I tried turning the key on, without starting the engine. That time entering 34535 worked at turning off the SERVICE message and the solid red triangle.

I’ll change the oil and filter at 2500 miles as well as also check the valve clearances. Since the engine is 10 years old and not broken in yet, I changed the engine oil at 2000 miles. After the 2,500 mile service, I’ll change it again st 5,000 miles.

I’ve read where only using 3.5 liters with an oil filter change is better than using all 4 liters. The suggestion being that keeping the oil level at the midpoint between Add and Max is preferable. That way oil won’t, or shouldn’t, find its way to the airbox and then it can’t foul the demand sensor assembly.

Does that ring true to you other 1400 owners?

[TN Mark]

Wow, what a difference an LED makes. The actual road test will be tomorrow evening. But, yea, these look they could actually help light my path.

LedPerf.com direct replacement led for the OEM halogen.

Guess which is which:






Both LEDs installed now:






I think I was right to go for the ‘easy’ win before changing the headlight bulbs. These driving lights were easy peasy. Two Phillips head screws at 5 and 7 along the bottom. Thankfully there wasn’t even a rubber gasket to mess with. The light assembly fits nice a tight into the housing. The housing does have a small drain hole just in front of the post mount.

Is it a ‘rule’ that the driving lights won’t function with the LED DRLs turned on? They only come on when the Low beam is on. I think the driving lights also turn off if the High beam is selected.

[TN Mark]

The nos 1400 headlight assembly I bought from a Hamlin Cycles eBay auction came in this morning. It’s exactly as described, brand new having never been mounted on a bike. IMHO, the whole assembly is quite elegant and beautiful. I actually didn’t notice the Moto Guzzi eagle molded into the mount around the Low beam. Well done Moto Guzzi, well done indeed.

Anyway, I installed the LedPerf LED SimplyFit direct replacement High beam. As expected, it only fit one way, with the LED array going side to side as required.

As has been posted by just about anyone who’s replaced a headlight bulb in the unique 1400 headlight assembly. What a PITA. No way to do this without removing the assembly from the bike. Which, is actually to be expected on many motorcycles. But, it would have been nice if the four Phillips screws were SHCS instead. Likely not an option since the screws are going into the plastic shell instead of a metal insert.

My #0 Craftsman Phillips screwdriver fit fine. Definitely need to push in a bit while turning the screws out. That, and keeping the screwdriver aligned straight onto the screws is needed to keep them from stripping out.

When the matching LedPerf SimplyFit LED Low beam light comes in I’ll install that as well. I’m looking forward to having decent forward lighting on Bella.

The OEM forward lighting is as ineffective as the headlight and the driving lights are good looking. All form, poor function. Thankfully LedPerf LED upgrades are easy. All four LedPerf LED upgraded bulbs are just under $200 delivered.

I still believe there’s no better way to know your motorcycle than to work on it yourself.

[TN Mark]

Tonight’s ride with the LedPerf LEDs in the driving lights was: F A N T A S T I C
Literally the difference is the OEM 35W halogens were: useless.
The LedPerf LEDs are: very useful.

I’m thrilled with the performance of them. I rode on the interstate, secondary and back road two lane roads. In every situation, the LedPerf LEDs made a marked improvement. I don’t even think I need to readjust the driving lights. They don’t shine into the back windows of cars or into the outside rear view mirrors of trucks etc.

Not a single oncoming vehicle flashed their high beams at me either.

Now I’m even more anxious to get the LedPerf LED Low and High beam bulbs mounted in the headlight assembly.

I absolutely love the improvement with the LedPerf LEDs in the driving lights.

[TN Mark]

This H3 Low beam showed up this morning:









The LedPerf LED High beam is already installed in the nos headlight assembly. I’ll get this Low beam LedPerf LED installed into it today.

Soon, nighttime forward lighting will be LedPerf LED upgrades in all four places. Loving it.

[TN Mark]

Slight change of plans. Instead of using the nos headlight assembly I just bought for the two LED bulbs, I installed them both in my original headlight assembly. May as well keep the nos headlight assembly nos and in its original box.

This evening I first removed the windshield winglets and then the windshield itself. Moto Guzzi engineers seemed to find one of the most complicated ways to mount some of these items.

Case in point: the two lower windshield frame mounting screws under the headlight into the driving lights bar. You can only use the short end of a 4mm Allen wrench and only get a 30 degree arc to tighten or loosen them. Seriously, an ‘engineer’ came up with that system?

Anyway, I got the headlight assembly out and changed the OEM halogens for the LedPerf LEDs. They both went in fairly easy and I was able to get the LED arrays correctly positioned Left and Right. The Low beam being a bit more challenging than the easy peasy High beam.

Tomorrow sometime I’ll get the upgraded original headlight assembly re-mounted and hopefully, get out for a nighttime test ride.

Now, all four forward lights are LedPerf LEDs and even the OEM taillight bulb is an intense red LED.
I love this stuff! Even with the goofy Italian ‘engineering’.

[Skysailor64]

Anxiously awaiting a nighttime ride report!!

[TN Mark]

Anxiously awaiting a nighttime ride report!!

Me too. But the forecast is for rain after it gets dark.
Bummer.

On the positive side if the ledger:
I’m getting a big leaf pile burned and weed whacking the ‘back forty’.

[TN Mark]

Bummer.

About 15 minutes before I finished up it started raining. And should continue raining until about 5:00am.

So, no night ride to test out the four LedPerf LEDs for a few days.

Yes, I know, these inside the garage pictures don’t tell the story, but, they’re all I have at the moment.

Low Beam with driving lights:





High beam with driving lights:






I really do love having this work stand:

[Bill W]

So tell me about that stand...

[TN Mark]

https://shop.becker-technik.de/en/products/moto-guzzi-cali-1400-lifter-154

This is the lift I bought. It’s mentioned on this starting in page 2. There are also videos showing how to use it. When I tried to order it off their website there wasn’t an option to ship into the US. I sent them an email and then I was able to order it using PayPal.

I don’t know if their are because I didn’t find any US company selling these lifts. It’s excellent in quality, design and use.