This could be a long thread ,, Curing persistant idle hunting on vertical cylinder
- Thread starter jerry
- Start date
) has been heard to say ( ad nauseum) petrol is so last century, ‘lectric is the way forward 
Petrol strimmer is working fine now , just needed the air screw richening by 1 turn , now starts easy and runs nice ,, i have all the attachments , strimmer , hedge cutter and rotary scythe for cutting into brambles and heavy undergrowth etc ... i can do a lot with this machine ....
Also manage another 150 miles on the M750 today but im stupidly wet and cold now LOL
Think i will take the 2 stroke strimmer for a ride in the morning , weeeee..raaaarp WWaaaaaaaah ....
Also manage another 150 miles on the M750 today but im stupidly wet and cold now LOL
Think i will take the 2 stroke strimmer for a ride in the morning , weeeee..raaaarp WWaaaaaaaah ....
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I can do haircuts Darren ......
Well im still waiting for the gasket ,, so im out on the road looking for another bike ,, as i own 3 ducatis its not going to be from Bologna ,, was mulling over another A10 or A65 as its 50 years since I had one ????? but no and I have had so many Commandos i dont want another ,,,,no japs either ,although i nearly sprun for a VFR 800 ,BMWs are so boring and HDs been there done that game , Maybe something else Italiano or Blitish ?????/hmmm i want an old Classico No Tax or MOT and london friendly LOL....and wife friendly she likes comy seats
I think you've just described a Moto Guzzi?
There's a few nice T3's out there if you want to spend about £5k or more and plenty wanting attention for less than that.
California's make a bit more, but you can go up to 1985 models if you're not set on having round barrels and wire wheels and still be tax and MOT free. I've seen some bargains in the '80-'85 age group.
There's a few nice T3's out there if you want to spend about £5k or more and plenty wanting attention for less than that.
California's make a bit more, but you can go up to 1985 models if you're not set on having round barrels and wire wheels and still be tax and MOT free. I've seen some bargains in the '80-'85 age group.
Darren69
Transmaniacon MOC
Sounds like you've talked yourself into a Guzzi then Jerry? 
I love Cali Mk 1 i had one on 1979 -82 and i should not have parted with it .
Although the later Cali 3 is a great bike , i cant get past how ugly they are ......so im looking at T3 T4 or California Mk 1 or Classic 1000,, but they are rare and pricey .... one problem on T3 And T4 is the side stand ,, it flips up and also seems undeployable unless you step off the bike !!!!! but I reckon thats modifiable or could be moved back ???????
yes a guzzi does seem on the cards ,,,?????i have looked at a few ,, trying to do a deal on one and the guy has gone on holiday diiirrrrrr.....
Although the later Cali 3 is a great bike , i cant get past how ugly they are ......so im looking at T3 T4 or California Mk 1 or Classic 1000,, but they are rare and pricey .... one problem on T3 And T4 is the side stand ,, it flips up and also seems undeployable unless you step off the bike !!!!! but I reckon thats modifiable or could be moved back ???????
yes a guzzi does seem on the cards ,,,?????i have looked at a few ,, trying to do a deal on one and the guy has gone on holiday diiirrrrrr.....
Early carbed 2001 - 2006 ish versions of Trumpets T100 make for a decent midweek ride, comfortable, reliable and if the chrome has been looked after a very good looking bike. Suspension is basic but easily and cheaply uprated and with Norman Hyde pipes and cans they make a pleasing noise. The slightly later 840 cc motor is a peach and the gearbox is a delight. Comfortable two-up and 120 mile range before reserve ( remember that?
) Plenty out there from £3k….a grand more will perhaps get you a low mile minter with loads of extras. Very popular with the “born again brigade” who don’t use ‘em and their missus needs the room in the shed so they have to go. 
Mine is 2004 in black and ivory , rear rack and cans, 42 k mls with not a problem…paid £3.4 ish in 2009….16 years later I might even get my money back….but it’s the very essence of a keeper. 
) Plenty out there from £3k….a grand more will perhaps get you a low mile minter with loads of extras. Very popular with the “born again brigade” who don’t use ‘em and their missus needs the room in the shed so they have to go. Mine is 2004 in black and ivory , rear rack and cans, 42 k mls with not a problem…paid £3.4 ish in 2009….16 years later I might even get my money back….but it’s the very essence of a keeper. 
If the Guzzi sidestand is like my LM2, then it's a bit suspect. Too far forward so awkward to operate, short and doesn't appear very stable, not fallen over yet but I mostly use the centrestand because it has one.
Will do 180 miles before reserve though and then go on for another 60 miles on reserve, so very good on fuel.
Not the most comfortable due to low seat and bars plus a long reach so elbows/wrists take the strain and legs are bent to maximum attack - ideal for someone with short legs and long arms - a Gorilla maybe?
But I assume a T/T3 addresses mush of the ergonomics due to it's less 'racey' riding stance.
Will do 180 miles before reserve though and then go on for another 60 miles on reserve, so very good on fuel.
Not the most comfortable due to low seat and bars plus a long reach so elbows/wrists take the strain and legs are bent to maximum attack - ideal for someone with short legs and long arms - a Gorilla maybe?
But I assume a T/T3 addresses mush of the ergonomics due to it's less 'racey' riding stance.
I encountered the short suicide stand on a drop dead gorgeous 750-S3 I looked at.
I swung a leg over and tipped it upright, only for the stand to ping up, which took me by surprise.
I managed to put it down with my foot from seated, but resolved to fit a Cali stand on any Guzzi of mine.
The one I bought already had a Cali stand fitted by the PO and its probably the other way to the original, being very long indeed, but it will never fall off it. It locks when the bike's weight is on it, so would roll forwards with the stand as a skid If were on a steep shiny slope and not fall over.
Ironically its a bit tricky to fold it away from the seated position and returns with a clang on the strong spring.
Hoping to get at least 300 miles on a tank full on mine.
Riding position is very relaxed and comfy and puts my knees a long way from the heads. The Lemon I used to ride would pitch my knees, or at least one, into the heads, especially when braking.
I might put a small screen on when it gets really nippy as I do on the Zero. The riding position would suit that.
Is this now the UKMgOC?
I swung a leg over and tipped it upright, only for the stand to ping up, which took me by surprise.
I managed to put it down with my foot from seated, but resolved to fit a Cali stand on any Guzzi of mine.
The one I bought already had a Cali stand fitted by the PO and its probably the other way to the original, being very long indeed, but it will never fall off it. It locks when the bike's weight is on it, so would roll forwards with the stand as a skid If were on a steep shiny slope and not fall over.
Ironically its a bit tricky to fold it away from the seated position and returns with a clang on the strong spring.
Hoping to get at least 300 miles on a tank full on mine.
Riding position is very relaxed and comfy and puts my knees a long way from the heads. The Lemon I used to ride would pitch my knees, or at least one, into the heads, especially when braking.
I might put a small screen on when it gets really nippy as I do on the Zero. The riding position would suit that.
Is this now the UKMgOC?
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Ive looked at a lovely 1981 guzzi 850 T4 and im going to do a deal ,we have to sort delivery ,,
looking at the side stand , apparently with a bit of grinding it can be made non flip up ,, and it would not be difficult to weld a little extension on to enable it to be easily deployed whilst still on the bike ....
yes a cali 1 side
stand is a solution but they seem Unobtanium ....Others have remove front side stand and mounted one further back ....
yes this is Still UKMOC and we love Monsters and Ducatis but Guzzis and Commandos are fellow bretheren
looking at the side stand , apparently with a bit of grinding it can be made non flip up ,, and it would not be difficult to weld a little extension on to enable it to be easily deployed whilst still on the bike ....
yes a cali 1 side
stand is a solution but they seem Unobtanium ....Others have remove front side stand and mounted one further back ....
yes this is Still UKMOC and we love Monsters and Ducatis but Guzzis and Commandos are fellow bretheren
Good luck with the new bike Jerry, keep us up to date, especially with pictures.
So it seems we have a growing Moto Guzzi splinter group?
We already have a healthy Triumph splinter group in Norfolk.
I understand that what was the Kent section of UKMOC, now all ride modern Triumphs and still meet up and ride out, but no longer post their exploits on here, which is a shame.
Same as the North West section that was once so prolific. As far as I know they still ride Monsters and Ducatis and meet regularly, but no posty posty here!!
Sussed the Cali stand today. I can work it easily now. There's a big rubber knob about halfway down which I can get my boot fully onto.
If I push it down to release the lock and then back, it parks up nicely without too much of a clang.
So it seems we have a growing Moto Guzzi splinter group?
We already have a healthy Triumph splinter group in Norfolk.
I understand that what was the Kent section of UKMOC, now all ride modern Triumphs and still meet up and ride out, but no longer post their exploits on here, which is a shame.
Same as the North West section that was once so prolific. As far as I know they still ride Monsters and Ducatis and meet regularly, but no posty posty here!!
Sussed the Cali stand today. I can work it easily now. There's a big rubber knob about halfway down which I can get my boot fully onto.
If I push it down to release the lock and then back, it parks up nicely without too much of a clang.
Well got home late last night after my Guzzi hunting trip 890 miles Cricklade , leeds , newcastle, Carlisle , Seascale Lancaster and back home 3 days on the road in Moho ,, the gasket had arrived but it does not fit 1991 750ss but it will be useful for the 2000 M750 and 2001 S4 so i will keep it .
So looking at the 750ss today ,, i found another naughty that i had neve rnoticed before ,,,,,, the 2 x 6mm hex bolts holding the alternator in the side case were missing , and instead someone in the distant past pre 2009 when i got the bike had put 2 plastic 8mm x20mm spacers in to hold the alternator in place and stop it spinning ?????Why wtf !!!!! anyways , no damage done and its worked fine for 16 years ....So put in 2 correct 6mm hex xbolts and a tad of loctite....
fitted it all back together with blue hylomar on the case filled it with oil, and ran the engine ...... but dissapointinly ,,,, its not running any better ,,,,,
so i got the Gunson timing light out and its seems a little retarded on rear cylinder ,,???? hmm so i opened it all up again and checked the timing the rear was a few degrees out about 3mm , front was spot on ,, also checked the pickups again , they are my new set that i had in stock ....and they are all good and in spec with 0.7mm airgap on the magnet timing mark when raised bit on flywheel comes round
had to go out so will continue tommorow .........
So looking at the 750ss today ,, i found another naughty that i had neve rnoticed before ,,,,,, the 2 x 6mm hex bolts holding the alternator in the side case were missing , and instead someone in the distant past pre 2009 when i got the bike had put 2 plastic 8mm x20mm spacers in to hold the alternator in place and stop it spinning ?????Why wtf !!!!! anyways , no damage done and its worked fine for 16 years ....So put in 2 correct 6mm hex xbolts and a tad of loctite....
fitted it all back together with blue hylomar on the case filled it with oil, and ran the engine ...... but dissapointinly ,,,, its not running any better ,,,,,
so i got the Gunson timing light out and its seems a little retarded on rear cylinder ,,???? hmm so i opened it all up again and checked the timing the rear was a few degrees out about 3mm , front was spot on ,, also checked the pickups again , they are my new set that i had in stock ....and they are all good and in spec with 0.7mm airgap on the magnet timing mark when raised bit on flywheel comes round
had to go out so will continue tommorow .........
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cant get in garage today , Builders repointing a wall and digging out my patio ,,,, but been mulling the 750ss over ,,
Investigations
Its not the timing or the pickups or plugs and HT leads
its not the coils
its not an air leak at manifold or rubbers to carb .
its not compression or valves thats all in spec .
carbs both balance on carbtune ok .
Horizontal cylinder will run on its own at idle when engine hot and Vertical HT lead removed
Vertical cylinder will not run on its own at idle when engine is hot and Horizontal HT lead removed ????
When both cylinders run together at idle both are firing but Vertical is hunting and causing the lumpiness ...
Conclusion
BUT could be a weak ignighter at idle ?????
Still could be an issue in pilot circuit in carb but Unlikely after all the refurbishments , checking & cleaning and how well it runs above 1500rpm
Could be something unforseen????? Unlikey
Could just be how it is , a character of this bike ,,,,and one has to live with it like I HAVE FOR 16 YEARS ???lol
Investigations
Its not the timing or the pickups or plugs and HT leads
its not the coils
its not an air leak at manifold or rubbers to carb .
its not compression or valves thats all in spec .
carbs both balance on carbtune ok .
Horizontal cylinder will run on its own at idle when engine hot and Vertical HT lead removed
Vertical cylinder will not run on its own at idle when engine is hot and Horizontal HT lead removed ????
When both cylinders run together at idle both are firing but Vertical is hunting and causing the lumpiness ...
Conclusion
BUT could be a weak ignighter at idle ?????
Still could be an issue in pilot circuit in carb but Unlikely after all the refurbishments , checking & cleaning and how well it runs above 1500rpm
Could be something unforseen????? Unlikey
Could just be how it is , a character of this bike ,,,,and one has to live with it like I HAVE FOR 16 YEARS ???lol
Darren69
Transmaniacon MOC
Maybe switch out the Kokusan boxes or there is some other electrical issue on the low tension side between pickups and coils? I thought maybe you may have already tried this but can't remember.
I probably have tried swopping the Kokusans Darren but I cant remember , and its not in my notes so I will swop one over from the monster and see what happens . im trying to be very methodical and scientific about this ... All the low tension cables and connections buzz out fine and ohm good , no shorts or leak downs ...
OK switched out the kokusan boxes by putting them on the M750 and i found an anomaly ... one of the 750ss kokusans makes the tachometer go to 2000k revs whilst the other is at tickover 1100 rpm ?????? as soon as you come of tickover both cylinders are fine up to 8k revs .... put the M750 boxes back and bike is fine again .....
So conclusion is 1 out of the 4 Kokusans is out of specification somehow only at low revs ????
but before i spend money on expensive kokusan boxes , I need to get the 750ss back together and put the Kokusans boxes from the monster on the 750ss and see how it runs ??? but that may be a few days away . To confirm things ????.
So conclusion is 1 out of the 4 Kokusans is out of specification somehow only at low revs ????
but before i spend money on expensive kokusan boxes , I need to get the 750ss back together and put the Kokusans boxes from the monster on the 750ss and see how it runs ??? but that may be a few days away . To confirm things ????.
Darren69
Transmaniacon MOC
If you can find a set s/hand for reasonable ££ then maybe but the Ignitech or similar programable box would probably be the way to go.
Darren69
Transmaniacon MOC
If you switch the SS Kokusans around does the problem move to the front cylinder instead?