New CalVin owner

[magge52]

Hi Folks,
My first Guzzi arrived yesterday, an 09 CalVin from Minnesota. And my Guzzi learning curve begins. I've owned European twins- Ducati, BMW, Triumph, Norton going back to '74 but i'm sure there's plenty to pick up with the CalVin. So here I go...

For starters I need a front tire. The rear tire is a brand new Metzler Roadtec-1 however there isn't a 110/90-18 to match up but the M888 Marathon Ultra has 110/90-18. A good match? Good tires for the CalVin? (not trying to start a tire war) I had planned on a set of Michelin Road Classics before I found out the rear was brand new.

2nd issue is the H4 headlamp, it works fine but it's cloudy inside. Any tips on cleaning it out or better/easier to just replace? Funny I haven't seen this with any of the beemers I've owned.

I guess that's it for now. Any and all advice/comments are welcomed. I look forward to hanging out here, getting to know folks and rolling many miles on the CalVin.

Thanks,
George

[larrys]

I successfully cleaned the inside of the headlight lens on my Cal through the headlamp socket with a piece of bent coat hanger wire, a piece of cloth, and denatured alcohol. Don't know what caused the deposit but it hasn't clouded back up in the 25 years I've owned the bike. I did change the H4 bulb to an LED 5 years ago.
Larry

[scra99tch]

Got 46K on mine now.  Don't think I'll get rid of it. 

I certainly need a larger taller windshield as the buffeting for me is too much.

I went with a new map eliminated the 02 sensor, richen up the fuel map on coasting to eliminate popping. 

No major issues.  I believe my rear main might be leaking slightly or the seals on the push rod on the transmission need to be replaced.  Already did the o-ring fix so possibly not that.

I can't help with tires, its always a little bit of a chore to track down the right size as its metric. 

Believe the 09 does not suffer from the taillight bracket breaking.  If it did then it would of broke in the first 20-30k and they sold a beefier version after that.  Not sure you'll find that bracket these days so I just 3d printed one and have had no issues except for a little bit of white leeching from the plastic. 

[guzzisteve]

Try 110/80 for Metz on front, you may have better luck.

[magge52]

Thanks for the replies gents.

The rear tire is a brand new Metzler Roadtec-01 so I got the ME888 Ultra 110/90 to match up. Only have a few hundred miles but all's good so far.

Ran into the charging problem with the driving lights. Yup killed the brand new battery after only 3-4 hrs so advice on LED conversions is needed.

Don't have keys for the panniers or a spare ignition so looking for more advice on replacements.

Other than that the bike is great. Handles well, has plenty of power (for me). PO hadn't ridden it for several years and has a mile-long dirt driveway so the bike was dirty as heck. I've spent most of my time cleaning, removing surface rust on some chrome and cleaning. ;-)  It will need a little work in the tune up department as well.

Planning to get to the IMOC event in MA this month and maybe other events before the season ends. Looking forward to meeting other Guzzi owners.

Cheers and thanks for any and all advice.

George

[TN Mark]

Cree LED upgrades get my vote, and have gotten my money.

[scra99tch]

Hey Magge,

I won't have my Cal-Vin but will possibly be weather permitting setup with a table selling off some parts.  Stop by or I may end up seeing ya there.