Riders that never owned a Moto Guzzi often ask what’s it like to do routine service on a Moto Guzzi. The usual questions are: How do you change the oil? Where is the oil filter? How easy is it to get to the air filter?
Here in part one of a special series on Moto Guzzi California maintenance, we explain how to change the engine oil and oil filter on a late model Moto Guzzi California that has a V11 (1064cc) engine. On some types of motorcycles, everything is hanging out there in plain site with easy access. Moto Guzzi motorcycles, in general, are often described as “quirky”. That description might, at least partially, come from the not-so-obvious locations and methods for servicing oil, oil filter and air filter.
Changing the oil and filter on the Guzzi California is a bit more involved than on some other brands of motorcycles. This is nothing to be afraid of, but it may scare away some non-mechanical types from doing it themselves. The issue is that the oil filter is actually located inside the oil pan. Yes, inside it.
After the first 300-1000 miles, and then every 6000 miles per the owner’s manual, you must change the oil and oil filter. Before you start, get yourself a new oil pan gasket and filter. The engine oil is specified in my 2007 California Vintage user and maintenance book is 3 liters of Agip 4T Racing SAE 10W60.
According to American Agip , 4T Racing is 100% synthetic oil and meets API SG; ACEA A3; JASO MA standards. Agip describes this four-stroke engine oil as “specially designed for use in highly modified multi-valve engines”. This may seem a bit extreme for use in the California’s 2 valve pushrod v-twin, but keep in mind that the Guzzi engine is air cooled and has no oil cooler.
In the US, it is practically impossible to find Agip oil in the usual auto parts stores. You should be able to buy it or an equivalent from your local Guzzi dealer when you buy your new oil pan gasket and oil filter. If you don’t have a local Guzzi dealer, you can order Moto Guzzi gaskets and filters online from places such as MG Cycle . Another popular place to order Moto Guzzi parts from is Harper’s .
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