Comments on: Moto Guzzi California oil change

By: Peter Ramsbottom

Peter Ramsbottom — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 22:20:58 +0000

Paragraph 3, “plain sight” is the term you’re looking for.., easily seen.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 15:13:01 +0000

Have 2000 Jackell. Break lights mentioned in your commentary, but I need to know how to fix them. Any info will be appreciated. Thank you.

By: murdock

murdock — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:35:24 +0000

No doubt that I lost <2" of ground clearance – can't argue that physics issue – but they're tall on the bottom anyway. This is from someone who grew up on "choppers" that hugged the ground w/96" wheelbases and "jockey shifts" with no front brakes. Think about that on a hill with a stoplight! Anyway, the only issue I ever had with the exposed filter stemmed from operator error; came off a sidewalk onto the street a little quick and put a dent in the filter that produced a small leak. The contact point was at the rear of the filter. Wipe oil off w/rag, apply duct tape and put to the nearest O'Reilly's. I've been in the saddle 45+ years so my left Hepco & Becker bag carries plugs, bulbs, fuses, an oil change, a first aid kit (large/complete), tool bag (SAE & metric), and the essential duct tape. I have wrenched on way more HD's on the side of the road than I have my Goose, but you never know. I still have two HD's: 120" Blockhead Softail and a Shovelhead Hardtail with a 92" balanced motor. Balancing a HD makes it sit idling like a Honda, instead of some jack in the box. If I want to go a long way in a short time it will always be the Goose that gets the nod; and I love it more every time I ride it. Nothing is perfect, but it will flat haul the mail. Shiny side up!!!

By: John

John — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:11:34 +0000

In reply to murdock. I did consider installing an outsider when I bought my bike new, but changed my mind about it. I like the idea; however, I decided that the additional potential leak points, the lower ground clearance (not that I am doing any off-roading) and positioning the oil filter in front of the rear tire were just not worth the added convenience that it would provide once a year for me. Not knocking the product, it is very clever and I am sure many enjoy having it on their Guzzi.

By: murdock

murdock — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:44:49 +0000

I have a 2000 Jackal w/151k on it right now. Contact Harper’s Moto Guzzi on the net (they’ve been at this 40+ yrs.) and buy a “outsider” for your v-11. Spendy – but you now have an outside, spin-on, oil filter. Forget 14 bolts; that’s dumb. The piece comes complete with gaskets and is machined from stainless if I remember right – mines worked for 10+ yrs. and 140k without a hitch. Also pays to buy their replacement “dipstick” that bolts right into the stock fill plug; idiot lights will fail – that’s why they’re called such names. I run 50# Valvoline Racing oil from the start – always will. If it works on the dragstrip it’ll do what I need. Shiny side up!!!!!!

By: John

John — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:40:57 +0000

In reply to Randy Hooker. Randy, no different pan, I just failed to mention those 4 bolts, thanks for pointing that out. The article is now updated and I added 2 new photos taken from underneath my California Vintage to show the front pair and rear pair of bolts that also must be removed. It is time for me to change my oil again, your comment is perfectly timed! John