Author Topic: Calvin just delivered (Read 3827 times)

Ncdan · « **on:** October 01, 2016, 06:02:45 PM »

Hey guys, my 07 Calvin just got here from Idaho after being on the road for 3 weeks. The guy got her out of the trailer and after checking her out for damage and finding all to be great with no issues, I attempted to start her, it only clicked but would not turn over. The driver and my son pushed her off and she fired right up. I took her home a mile away and hooked her up to a charger and charged her for about an hour on what I thought was 6 amps but later realized the setting was two amps. I rode for about 5 miles and when I cut it off for gas it would not start back, just the same clicking. I jumped it off and returned home and that is when I realized I had only charged for 1 hour on the 2 amp setting. I started her up and put a tester on the battery and at 2500 RPMS it showed to be charging at around 13.5 amps. Did I probably just not Charge the battery enough in the first place of do I have a problem. By the way I can't figure out how to turn off the running lights. The few miles I did get to ride out a grin on my face that stayed until she wouldn't start at the gas station, which by the way had 3 or 4 Harley guys sitting close by having a beer. They laughed and said no big deal that IT HAPPENS :( opinions welcome.

guzzisteve · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2016, 06:17:04 PM »

Charging is OK
User Man===http://www.guzzitek.org/utilisation/gb/1100/CalifVintage_012006_Util.pdf
Light switch for spots on RH Switch

Ncdan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2016, 09:38:40 PM »

Thanks for the reply Steve, I had just about came to the same deduction however makes me feel better to have one of you experienced guys confirm.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2016, 09:43:44 PM »

Your battery is toast, and the 50W spots left on don't help.

Yeahoo Whoyah · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2016, 09:50:44 PM »

Quote

grin on my face that stayed until she wouldn't start at the gas station

That will do it every time! Buzz kill for sure.

I agree with Cam, appears the 50W spots sucked the juice out of the battery.

Tom · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2016, 09:57:44 PM »

To be sure. Charge at 10a or higher for gel batteries. Auto charger is best. I have a auto charger that can start at 40a then will work it's way down the scale 20, 10, 4 & 2A. Then load test it. Chances are that your battery is dead but who knows. Maybe a 10+a jolt will wake the battery up. My charger also has a cycle to jolt the sulfate off the plates of a lead acid battery.

scra99tch · « **Reply #6 on:** October 02, 2016, 06:07:04 AM »

Switch out running lights with 35w. I have yet to do that but heard it helps quite a lot with not draining the battery.

Sounds like your battery needs a good charge is all. When you rev and noticed the battery charging at 13 volts your rectifier/regulator is working.

Sheepdog · « **Reply #7 on:** October 02, 2016, 09:37:43 AM »

PIAA SuperWhite 35W H3 bulbs are as bright as the stockers, but won't run down your battery...

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2016, 09:42:53 AM »

I don't think those are H3 bulbs. I may be wrong.
But yes, you can't run those 55 watt bulbs unless the motor is at high revs.

JediMasterII · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2016, 11:25:47 AM »

I took Sheepdog's advice and changed the spotlights to PIAA 35w bulbs and have never had a problem since.

The switch is by the right grip.

Have fun. A great bike!

rocker59 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2016, 11:47:59 AM »

Quote from: Cam3512 on October 01, 2016, 09:43:44 PM

Your battery is toast, and the 50W spots left on don't help.

:1:

Tom · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2016, 12:15:21 PM »

LED's?

Sheepdog · « **Reply #12 on:** October 02, 2016, 01:33:40 PM »

Quote from: Wayne Orwig on October 02, 2016, 09:42:53 AM

I don't think those are H3 bulbs. I may be wrong.
But yes, you can't run those 55 watt bulbs unless the motor is at high revs.

I double-checked to be sure...it is an H3 bulb.

Ncdan · « **Reply #13 on:** October 02, 2016, 06:28:02 PM »

Thanks guys for all the responses and most were spot on. The battery was new the PO said he had changed out the bulbs to 35 watt bulbs. I'm pretty sure the issue was I just didn't change the battery long enough and in mistakenly had the charger on two amps. Also the running lights were on and I couldn't
Figure out how to turn them off, DUH:(. After I got her home and running I put a tester on the battery and it was producing 13.5 amps at 2000 rpm.
I would like to take the time to commend my seller who I met on this form a couple months ago and have got to know pretty well, by phone at least and thank him for his honesty and integrity. It was a pleasure to deal with him and I think most all the guzzi guys have that same integrity. Thanks for all the responses guys and I will probably have to hit y'all up for advise as I am learning how to work on this bird. Thanks again!

drdwb · « **Reply #14 on:** October 03, 2016, 12:56:56 PM »

Ncdan since I didn't see it mentioned I would check the connection of the wire that goes to your starter solenoid, that connector has a history on the older Californias . You may be on the right track with the lights but it doesn't hurt to check the easy stuff also.

elvisboy77 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 03, 2016, 02:03:45 PM »

I would not condemn your battery before charging it overnight as others have stated, and testing it with a load tester (local auto parts places usually will do that for FREE).

Good luck and let us know how it is going ! And send pictures!!

Ncdan · « **Reply #16 on:** October 03, 2016, 03:51:27 PM »

I road her for around 10 miles today to get the inspection did and had no issues. I think the only problem was a discharged due to lack of being ridden over a fairly long period and I failed to charge it properly at first.
The only thing I have found that I don't like about the Calvin at this point is the OEM windshield offers little protection from the elements, including wind. Are there any aftermarket companies that offer a shield that bolts on the OEM bracket that's a larger shield and offers more protection?

Sheepdog · « **Reply #17 on:** October 03, 2016, 05:44:05 PM »

Rifle has a dandy bolt-on shield with options for height, width, and tint...highly recommended.

http://rifle.com/Moto-Guzzi-Vintage-Replacement-Windshield-P2378.aspx

aschem · « **Reply #18 on:** October 15, 2016, 12:07:00 AM »

Quote from: Ncdan on October 02, 2016, 06:28:02 PM

Thanks guys for all the responses and most were spot on. The battery was new the PO said he had changed out the bulbs to 35 watt bulbs. I'm pretty sure the issue was I just didn't change the battery long enough and in mistakenly had the charger on two amps. Also the running lights were on and I couldn't
Figure out how to turn them off, DUH:(. After I got her home and running I put a tester on the battery and it was producing 13.5 amps at 2000 rpm.
I would like to take the time to commend my seller who I met on this form a couple months ago and have got to know pretty well, by phone at least and thank him for his honesty and integrity. It was a pleasure to deal with him and I think most all the guzzi guys have that same integrity. Thanks for all the responses guys and I will probably have to hit y'all up for advise as I am learning how to work on this bird. Thanks again!

Dan, I am glad you enjoy the bike, and I always enjoy talking to you. I am sure you will enjoy the bike. I miss it, but the bike was just too heavy for my bad back and neck. Maybe if I ever get a dealer reasonably close I'll look into a Roamer. For now, I'm sticking to my Buell.

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Author Topic: Calvin just delivered (Read 3827 times)

elvisboy77