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Thanks to Derrick Jack for sending me this information. In Derrick's own words and photos:
Thanks to all who reached out to help me get my 2006 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 started without the dash!!! I am not exactly sure how I was successful, but here we are!! I wanted to do something in return so I typed a list of all the ideas people provided and I am hoping someone else might save their engine too!!
The list below provides guidance and advice on how to save a Moto Guzzi motorcycle engine that won't start due to immobilizer software issues. My issue was a shorted and burned dash board. This list includes things I tried and others I did not try, but which I received from people who said it worked for them. I'm sure other ideas could be added to this list, and some ideas I list might not work... but hopefully someone will find it helpful!!
This list is in no particular order and I cannot vouch for any of it so please use this information at your own discretion and risk.
Suggestion 1: How Derrick bypassed the immobilizer on his 2006 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100
I posted how I bypassed the immobilizer on my 2006 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 using an additional relay as shown in the hand drawn schematic. One person suggested I pass it on to you so it might be helpful to others. It worked for me but I dont know if it would work on a different bike. Additionally, I typed up all the advice I received while trying to get my bike running and pasted it below in the same way I shared it with the Facebook group.
Like I said, I dont know if it would help someone else, but you are welcome to it as much as you think best!!
Try unplugging the dash completely (all connectors going into dash) then try to start the engine. Some data suggests an error handling code in the ECU will allow the engine to start if the dash is unplugged after forming an initial connection with the dash.
Unplug dash (ensure trans in neutral)
With one hand at rear of gas tank near fuel pump, turn key to on position. If you feel the fuel pump kick on for two seconds, the ECU will probably work!
If fuel pump does not come on then run a jumper wire via a fuse to the HOT terminal of the battery so you can run the fuel pump manually then skip to step 3.2 below.
With one hand on starter relay (under seat and is only one with a yellow wire and red wire next to each other), click start-engine button. If you feel the relay click, the ECU may work!!
If relay no-clicks then cut both yellow and red wire and connect both cut relay wires to the HOT terminal of battery via a fuse. Then try starting the engine again. Some literature suggests the ECU only prevents the starter from spinning and the fuel pump from pumping if immobilizer activated, so jumping both may allow the engine to start.
If fuel pump runs and start solenoid clicks, but engine doesn't start, listen for a clunk noise from starter. If clunk sound is present, try running a long heavy duty jumper wire from the single small wire connector on the starter (the one that just pushes on) such that you can run the starter by touching the jumper to the HOT side of the battery.
If the above works to start the engine, use a multimeter to verify battery is charging. Some literature suggests an alternative exciter method may be needed to get the alternator to work if it is not charging.
Suggestion 3: Try getting dash fixed if electrical damage is minimal
Several people recommended this company for fixing damaged circuit boards. My board had a hole burned in it so I couldn't try this.
Carmo Electronics
(Netherlands): Widely regarded by the Moto Guzzi community as the premier expert for dash repairs, including LCD issues, sensor errors, and moisture damage. They also handle key and immobilizer coding if your dash replacement requires it.
Address: 702 Mangrove Ave, Unit 140, Chico, CA 95926, USA
Suggestion 4: Try buying another OEM dash
Has to be exact same part number as your dash (according to some)... or a similar part number from same/similar model(s) (according to others)... or you have to purchase two keys, dash, and ECU from same doner bike (according to yet more others...)
Two keys or one key + dash pin code will be required to get the ECU to accept the new dash... (New keys can be ordered from the factory for the vin# of the dash if pockets are deep).
Suggestion 5: Try Jail-breaking the ECU!
This option seeks to modify ECU programming so it functions normally without the dash. This is sometimes called Virginizing, Flashing, Race, or lmmo-OFF. In this method the ECU programming is edited to remove immobilizer code so the ECU doesn't need the dash.
Easy but costly way: Send ECU to a company that specializes in reprogramming ECUs. Cost is USD $100.00+...
Motoza Performance
526 S College Ave, Ste B, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA
Many ECU options exist for those willing to give it a go!!
Buy an ECU for your bike off eBay then send it to get jailbroken (option 4 above) if your ECU is damaged or bricked.
MyECU made by Cliff Jefferys in Sydney Australia is available for all 3 early ECU types (with only one connector), but sadly does not have an ECU for the 4th generation which has two connectors. He also warns that USA Shipments are extremely expensive due to tariffs. BUT, if a MyECU is available for your application, he is highly recommended!!
MicroSquirt and MegaSquirt are common choices that are fully supported but expensive
Suggestion 7: Swap for Carburetors and Electronic Ignition
There are numerous carburetor options and several people told me they have seen these engines run awesome that way. There are also numerous electronic ignition options that are plug-and-play with the sensors already on the engine!
Moral of the story
NEVER waste one of these amazing engines!! Especially for a crappy dashboard fail...
