My little electrical lesson and why I own a Guzzi

[dlapierre]

This is essentially a note of appreciation.

Three days ago I posted a query about testing the fuel pump on a California Vintage.  I got two helpful responses right away. One came with a pm containing a sketch.

I've looked at electrical schematics before, but not with a specific need in mind. This time there was a need. The bike had faltered a few times, then just quit. My guess was that it was a fuel problem.

This led to my electrical lesson.

I both traced the wires ( 1 blue, 1 red) from the fuel pump (Rodekyl) to the relay and took Roy's instruction (Kiwi Roy) to short terminals 30 and 87 on relay 6. Either way the pump should work if it was going to work at all. No joy until, that is, I made a direct connection from the positive terminal on the battery to 87. Then the pump worked. So,where was the problem if there is no 30 to 87 contact possible?

Maybe the sidestand switch. Check that, says Roy. I did, and did find a  poor connection, but that wasn't the problem.

Turns out it was a broken lead right at the positive terminal at the battery...inside the rubber cover.

I only found that by mulling over the schematics Roy sent and backtracking.

What are the lessons here? First, was the help from two Guzzi friends. Second was the opportunity to actually learn how to make some sense of a wiring schematic and connect that to what wires I'm actually staring at on the bike.

The third is that it reinforces why I own Guzzis (I have three). Occasionally they challenge a person...presenting problems that make owning a bike real....like fixing things, making them run right and, in this case, making them run again by figuring out the problem. It's way more fun than just getting on and riding and/or taking it to a shop and cutting a cheque for a repair.

So, thx for the help, guys. And, now I know a little more yet about what makes my bike tick and how I can keep it ticking.

[lorazepam]

I bought my V7 in part because it is so simple to work on. No frigging canbus, cable to the clutch, and cable to the throttle, and tractor like engine and transmission.
the single throttle body is a plus, and minimal plastic parts to remove when sorting the bike out.
I have yet to tap into the real knowledge here, but have seen many examples like yours where the help is available, and know what to look for. I like this site and plan on hanging around for a while.

[Bjorn Are Stolen]

I've just dismanteled my V65 Lario, and while I'm not excactly looking foreward to put the electrics back in, I hope I will have a similar experience as you have had 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Moto Guzzi, making mechanics and electricians out of riders since 1921.. 

Bjorn, if you search for "Lario Rehab" here, you will find many things including electrical that may be of use to you.

[canuck750]

You nailed it Chuck! :1:

After owning a variety of Japanese bikes from all the big four manufacturers and the Teutonic masters, I hankered for something different and about five years ago stumbled upon an article in a bike magazine on the Loopframe Guzzis. I had never seen one before let alone rode one. The more I dug into Guzzi the more I was drawn in. Then I found Gregory Benders fantastic web site and I was hooked, had to find one.  A suitable Eldorado basket case was located and the journey began.

It is the willingness of the Guzzi community to help out, provide advice, parts, lend tools etc... that has kept me devoted.

Gregory, Charlie, Joe, Mark, Rolf, Curtis, Rick and Gord, Roy, Raymond, and so many, many more good folks out there who willingly offer their help, thanks guys!

I have learned more about motorcycle and the people who love them having owned a Guzzi or two than from any other bike owned or ridden in the past and probably in the future.

Hopelessly smitten,

Jim

[HardAspie]

Simplicity is a large reason for my skulking about waiting for the moment. I've had liquid cooling with it's attendant radiators and fans and pumps and hoses. I have had a plethora of bucket / shim valves and  DOHC. I have had enough of that. I must say that the thought of having things like ABS and ECU and TPS on a bike is a tad scary too. I have dealt with these little gems in cars.

Hey! How hard is rebuilding an olden Goose?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Simplicity is a large reason for my skulking about waiting for the moment. I've had liquid cooling with it's attendant radiators and fans and pumps and hoses. I have had a plethora of bucket / shim valves and  DOHC. I have had enough of that. I must say that the thought of having things like ABS and ECU and TPS on a bike is a tad scary too. I have dealt with these little gems in cars.

Hey! How hard is rebuilding an olden Goose?

Like fallin off a log. Instead of shim and bucket, think bucket of hammers. 

[Kev m]

I bought my V7 in part because it is so simple to work on. No frigging canbus, cable to the clutch, and cable to the throttle, and tractor like engine and transmission.
the single throttle body is a plus, and minimal plastic parts to remove when sorting the bike out.

Sorta true... We're told that it's a modified throttle by wire and the cables only move the throttle plate enough for limp home, the rest is accomplished by the throttle body.

At least that's the explanation Pete has shared. I've not removed mine to investigate.