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7K views 46 replies 9 participants last post by  po18guy 
#1 ·
I realize that Guzzis are not motorcycles, but rather projects that involve a motorcycle, but have always wanted one. This private museum example is not the finest of the Le Mans series, but can there be a better example anywhere on plant earth? And, the pics of the seller's museum associated with the eBay listing have caused me to drool on my keyboard.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1987-Moto-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
 

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#2 ·
I've often entertained the idea of owning a Guzzi, ever since I saw my first one as a youngster. The engines are well known for their durability and they have a unique character. The only problem is, you'd better be ready for a lifetime commitment, because you'll never be able to sell it.
 
#3 ·
At age 66 and three cancers, I'd better buy one already modded, as I might not live long enough to do the mods myself. This particular LeMans is interesting and so far affordable, as some original V7s and an older 850 LeMans are all in the18-25K bracket :surprise:

Where's ducatiman? Some mighty fine Ducs and Bimotas, Laverdas and others in that collection. Smokes, some dudes have the LIFE!
 
#5 ·
OMG..a cherry! But starting bid of $8750, wow.

Hey, these Guzzi's were rocks, contrary to the typical "made in Italy" bashing were actually quite reliable.

Old Sal (the legendary owner of) Ghost MC here in NY had a ton of Guzzi's, a longtime authorized dealer. An old, used, affordable V7 caught my eyes as a youngster...but uncontrollable Ducati Montjuich LUST stole me away.

Hey, if this is over and above financially and you are so inclined.... keep on the lookout for Duc 900SS....a very fair example sold on the Duc forum for just $1500 yesterday. That low buy-in a bit rare, but they are out there and being snatched up left and right.

At 66 make a move...make it (something exotic) happen!
 
#6 · (Edited)
BUY IT, BUY IT NOW.
That bike for that price is no brainer, it will only appreciate.
Guzzis are pretty much bullet proof.
Wasn't it California Highway Patrol (either CHP or LAPD) that used them for years and years and years, till the parts stream fell apart.
The papal guard still use them.
I have always thought of Guzzi's as Italian cop bikes, or an Italian Harley.

These bikes now have GREAT parts support, better than Ducati and a LOT cheaper. Point in case: The old Tonti Guzzi's have the same Ceva tail light bezel as Ducati's of the era. With a Ducati part number the part is about $120 USD, same part with a Guzzi part number, about $15.
or
You can buy a complete round head top end (the motor before the motor in the LeMans) top end; pistons, rings, wrist pins, nikosil cylinders and gaskets for about $800. Two Ducati pistons cost about the same.


Watch out for the switch gear on a old Guzzi. They're flakey and hard to find and VERY spendy, but simple to substitute.

Great bikes, easy to ride, easy to fix... not very fast (out of the box).


If you don't buy a Guzzi how are you ever going to learn you REALLY wanted a Laverda.
 
#7 ·
Stupid me passed up a locally owned 1100 Sport with mods for $5500 about 15 years ago. Asked the seller (old guy with bad back and wrists) if it had any mods. His reply, "It's a Guzzi. Of course it has mods!"
 

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#8 · (Edited)
Well, you're in luck if you really want that 1100i Sport. There is currently one for sale on Bay Area Craigslist in near mint condition for the paltry sum of $5451.


https://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/d/rare-moto-guzzi-1100i-sport/6763587389.html



And if that is not exactly what you'd like, there is a later V11 LeMans for sale too.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/d/2002-moto-guzzi-v11-lemans/6764991907.html



I'd absolutely love to grab that 1100i. I've lusted after one for a very long time. Not as long as I did for a 900 Super Sport but lust I did.


We're close enough to Washington....fly down, ride home. Weather is supposed to be okay for a few days. :grin2:
I don't think one this good will come along again for a very long time.......sean
 
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#9 · (Edited)
Thanks! Dunno if the carbed or injected ones are the most desirable. Hmmmm... almost sounds too good to be true. Will have to investigate. I sent an email. The CL is really sparse on info, so I asked for that. And the price is an odd number.

We'll see!
 
#12 ·
Thanks! Dunno if the carbed or injected ones are the most desirable. Hmmmm... almost sounds too good to be true. Will have to investigate. I sent an email. The CL is really sparse on info, so I asked for that. And the price is an odd number.

We'll see!

Did you get a reply? The odd price sorta makes one wonder. Not necessarily a deal breaker though.



Personally, injected is the way to go. Fewer issues to deal with.....sean
 
#11 ·
Parts guy for one of the other shops my company owns used to daily an original and unrestored 1969 Ambassador. He got it for something like 200 bucks and had to retrieve it from under the lean-to it was under. Once the carbs were squared away and fresh fluids, it ran silky smooth.
That is until he got into a nasty accident last year which completely mangled the bike and the rider. Took him a few weeks to get out of the hospital, so he's fine now, but the bike is gone forever. It sure was a good example of an all original bike.
 
#13 ·
I did!
Hi 28k miles about 120 a month, had 10 years


Runs well, I am a bike collector, upgrades remus grand prix exhaust and cans $1800, see Ebay, only 150 brought to USA, dry clutch and amazing sound, touch base if you want to see
And then I stumble onto this one for probably $5,500.... 13K miles and supposedly just serviced by the Ducati dealer.

Crap!
 

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#14 ·
I did!
And then I stumble onto this one for probably $5,500.... 13K miles and supposedly just serviced by the Ducati dealer.

Crap!



OOooooohhhhh......tough call there.



I only regret not buying my 996 sooner than I did. What a great bike. Easy to work on, built to be worked on at the race track so everything....well...most everything is easy to get to. 10 Dzus fasteners, click click click and all the major body work is off.



Handling is excellent...kinda like a 250 stroker road bike. Obviously more inertia to deal with but just as sharp as the last 250 I rode.



Tough call on that. The Guzzi....well.....I've not ridden one and while that is the case, I'm relatively sure, the 996 is far superior in horsepower and handling. Character wise, I'm not certain they're equal....the Guzzi might have a little on the 996 in that respect.



Certainly the 1100i Sport is a much more difficult bike to find. I searched for over a year before I finally decided I'd just get a 900SS instead and wait to see if I could find a Guzzi later. Had I just waited a few more months, I'd have been in the position to buy the one in the ad.



I couldn't in good conscience tell you to not get the 996. Keep in mind it is a tiny motorcycle. I'm a relatively short 5'9" and it's a bit cramped for me. I couldn't imagine it for someone taller than 6'.



The Guzzi "seems" bigger but again, I've not ridden one so my opinion is solely based on pictures...and occasionally seeing one in person. It really is a tough call between the two. If I could I'd own both...AND the 900SS.



I'll see how that goes over with Missus Apriliarider once I finish the project 900SS. She's not fond of the Guzzi but she puts up with my moto addiction.....sean
 
#15 ·
Well, someone else noted the great deal on the 996 - it's gone. At 6-02, It'd be like a monkey bike for me, I guess. I wish I was closer so I could go and have a gander at the 1100i. Santa Cruz is a bit of a drive for me! They are an acquired taste, rather rangy and a good GT bike. A big gal that can dance OK, but prefers the open road. On a Guzzi forum, someone mentioned that 25K is just broken in.
 
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#16 ·
The Guzzi is still listed, and dropped $300 from the October listing. I searched the other listings and came up with a V11 Sport - pretty cool, but not an 1100 Sport. Still, at 4K asking, it would be a nice, classic ride. Has the WP USD forks and WP shock. Fast by Feracci pipes with a sound clip:

https://soundcloud.com/anromllouez/150504_0002-wav
 

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#17 ·
So, I decided to search the Seattle area CL and found the grail Guzzi: MGS-01 Less than 5 miles. Problem 1: It's a race bike only. Problem 2: It's....




$55,000 Makes the 1100i Sport a stone deal.
 

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#18 · (Edited)
A while back in the BOD thread there was discussion about the MGS-01. I did not know they actually made some. I'd thought for a number of years there was just the one.



Since then (that discussion) I've seen a half dozen up for sale in various places around the net.This is the first one I've seen for sale in the Western US.



There was a Daytona for sale in Denver on the Denver CL a number of months back. I don't know if it is still for sale though. I want one, or a Sport 1100i.



I'm just not sure about the Daytona. I like that it has the 4V heads. I don't like that it is carbureted. I much prefer the injected versions of the 1100i over the carbed 1000.


I also find the visual impact of the Sport 1100i more pleasing to the eye. Just something about the way the fairing lines flow that appeal to me.



The Daytona has most of those same lines but the tail just sort of doesn't flow as well. Nit picking, I know.



The Ballabio though....that's actually on my list also. I have an idea of what I'd like to do with it though...I would not leave it as is.



Ghezzi and Brian offer a full kit for the Ballabio. That or you can just buy portions of the kit. IE, I don't think I'd need a performance upgrade to the engine.



I'm fine with whatever it makes stock. (I already have a couple of superbikes, more power is not what I'm after) So I'm more inclined to go with the more symmetrical and visually minimalist body kit. Maybe the suspension upgrade too.



http://www.ghezzi-brian.com/en/modelli/v11-trofeo/








That's the "Trofeo" kit. I like it. There is also a Dr. John Tribute kit that can be had for any model MotoGuzzi from the 1100 to the Centauro.

There are other kits available. Some I find cool and others...well...not so much. I really like the Sport Monza too. The three I've mentioned by name are the most visually pleasing to me. Others may have a different reaction.

If I could find a Ballabio for the right price....well, at the right time too, I'd go that route if I could not find a Sport 1100i.
 
#19 · (Edited)
Jeebus @po18guy will you pull the trigger already? Many *affordable* Ducs out there...both older 2v and 4v.

I'm not sure of the parts support on Guzzi? Is it ok? I know they reliable, never requiring all but normal service parts. Is the oil filter still a wacky design and location on the Guzzi's...or did they finally upgrade to easy access spin-ons from the factory?

To be honest, Ducati parts availability not bad at all, I purchase from Ducati Omaha online, I have a PDF parts book for the '95, they have online for the '07...I pick my own part numbers and find availability not bad, an occasional discontinued part on the older model...but nothing has stuck me yet in my from new, 24 year ownership. Certainly not living up to the legend of impossible, terrible parts availability that folks bash the Ducati brand with.

Actually, aside from normal service parts and a broken shift return spring (bought online, cheap, in my hands within a couple of days) ...the 900SS is so reliable..I've never needed "hard parts" at all, NO failures whatsoever. Belts, oil filters, plugs/wires, tires, chains, sprockets..oh my...just the usual stuff. Add EMS valve shims (sold individual or in kit) and you are golden. Convert to MBP collets to extend the need for shim changes. After 15,000 the desmo valve train stabilizes, converting the collets moreso.

An upgrade to a Mosfet rr may be justified, depending on model. At 18 years old...I proactively changed my still working, but hot old shunt rr to the FH010 Zx1000 Mosfet based on age. Now going into its 9th season, though I created a grounding issue years ago...long resolved and solid as a rock since.

@Apriliarider will be able to comment further on hard parts availability as his restoration will have deeper requirements going forward, no doubt.

There's a massive used parts market out there, too.

Just .02 cents and heavily biased opinion from a satisfied, long time multiple Ducati owner.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I'm not sure of the parts support on Guzzi? Is it ok? I know they reliable, never requiring all but normal service parts.
Of this, I am not certain. I know Aprilia bought out Moto Guzzi a decade or so ago. Aprilia was then bought out by Piaggio. Aprilia already had an established dealer network then.



Since then, a number of new models have been launched and parts availability is probably better than it has ever been.



The internet has made parts support that much easier. While many of us use Ducati Omaha there are a number of other online Ducati specific parts houses.



For Guzzi, I don't know about the older models. AF1 Racing in Austin, Texas is the premier Aprilia parts source in the US. They handle Moto Guzzi also.



The AF1 online store has a parts fische for Aprilia models, but I have not searched it for Guzzi parts. Then there is also Guzzi Power on eBay. Ed Millich is a Bay Area local who races vintage Guzzis and deals Guzzi and Ducati parts under the eBay store fronts DucPowered and GuzziPower.



I guess my point is, these days it is no more difficult to source Guzzi parts than it is vintage Ducati parts.....sean
 
#20 ·
I realize that Guzzis are not motorcycles, but rather projects that involve a motorcycle, but have always wanted one.

So this might be out of left field but I have a possible solution to your Guzzi "project". It is definitely a Guzzi. But it is most definitely a project. A rather extensive one from what I can see.



It is also but budget friendly and closer to your neck of the woods than Santa Cruz.



Found on Portland CL:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/d/2007-moto-guzzi-norge-1200/6768704659.html


It is actually in Seattle...well, Bellingham but close enough.



$2K nets you a Moto Guzzi Norge. A touring rig but one that you can either restore to that or go a more sporting route if that is what moves you.



I'm certain you could do what ever you want to this thing. It was dropped and it appears the sub frame is bent. No one, not even a Guzzi purist would care what you did so long as it was made road worthy again.



Lemme know what you think.....sean
 
#22 ·
Here is another....less work involved seemingly but rarer than either the Ballabio or Norge:
https://kpr.craigslist.org/mcy/d/2002-moto-guzzi-v11-scura/6761909748.html


Located just south of Portland. $1700 gets you a Scura. From the image, it looks to be a Sport Scura. That is excellent news if it is in fact, a sport.



That means Öhlins suspension :grin2:


At $1700 you could just pop on to the Ghezzi and Brian website and load up on some sleek bodywork to complement the Scura in the looks department....sean
 
#23 ·
You guys are not making it easy! The house is alllllllmost paid off and with Christmas coming - bad timing. Dang, that Scura is awfully tempting. If it has Öhlins, the forks and shock cost more than the purchase price. And that would be Brembo radials w/floating 320s. I'm rambling now, but MG's biggest mistake was not producing an MGS-01 street bike.
 
#25 ·
Dang, that Scura is awfully tempting. If it has Öhlins, the forks and shock cost more than the purchase price. And that would be Brembo radials w/floating 320s.
I looked again, and zoomed in on the pic. If the ad is legit, the Scura is indeed a Sport. However, it has the same Brembo gold line calipers that adorn both my Ducatis and my Aprilia. IOW, not the radial ones.....sean
 
#24 ·
Just to put it into perspective, I paid more for my project 900 SS than is being asked for that fully functional Scura. Just sayin' :grin2:
 
#27 ·
True, but with 25º steering and good suspension, what's better for an old guy? I rode a ZX14. Close to 600 pounds. Power, sure, but no Öhlins or Brembo gold lines. And, my '82 650 Seca is 489. Got a '75 RD350 too if I want flickable.

On the good side, all Scuras had the upgrades and the FI was sorted. Only problem was the dry clutch, but those have almost certainly been fixed by now. I emailed the guy. If it's not a salvage title or some other woe, I'll take a drive. A pic of a new example and link to a riding impression.
https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto guzzi/moto_guzzi_v11_sport_scura 01.htm
 

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#32 · (Edited)
And it was apparently fake. Gone and no word from the listing person. As the house payoff draws nearer, I am looking more seriously. Just had the chemotherapy port pulled from my chest today, so a bit of a transition there, too.

Here's a really nice 2003 (ser. #1 of that year) V11 with a ton of upgrades and spares in AZ. No bids at $7500.

Would also strongly consider the Aprilia 900 Shiver, but the weight! No excuse for that, especially if Yammie can do a 900 triple at 60-75 pounds less.
 

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#29 ·
Note...the oil filter is housed within the oil pan, requiring dropping pan to change out. I had remembrance of this long ago, they never did relocate it to a more forgiving, serviceable location.

Guzzi requiring some "dedication" ....meanwhile having an oil pan gasket or 2 on hand.

It also uses a Magneti Marelli IAW 15M ECU, same guzzidiag software as I use on my SS800 for tuning, requiring special cabling to adapt laptop to bikes diagnostic connector.

Some googling, if you're interested, may be called for on the guzzidiag stuff. As I've posted in my Winter project 18-19 thread, a lot to learn in "tuning via keyboard". I'm just getting started myself.

Undeniably a killer buy-in price for the bike. Good to know some unique service/tuning requirements BEFORE buying, though. It ain't no EX...but nothing you can't handle @po18guy
 
#35 · (Edited)
Back to the Guzzis, the 1100 Sport looks (and is somewhat) primitive compared to either the Aprilia or Paiggio Guzzis, which had new frames, better brakes, sorted injection - but all started to look rather porky. Something between the Daytona 1000 and Sport Scura V11 would be great. But, I am searching for another Scura, as they are (except for the early dry clutches) fully sorted. Cantilever shaft for no rise and fall, lots better FI, Brembo Gold Lines, Mille or RSV wheels I've heard - good stuff. Problem is that Guzzi is a family and it's hard to break in without talking to everyone.

Then, I remembered that Buell XB9Rs and XB12Rs really fit me nice. Another quirky bike, but with Italian content in the swinger and frame, IIRC. "Currently" Buell parts are cheap. This one is enticeing...for 5K asking, and its close enough to take a drive. Then, I'd have to join the buell familiy though... :|
 

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#36 ·

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#37 ·
So, as I cough and hack my lungs up, went on CL and found a 2004 Guzzi Cafe Sport in Tacoma. $3800 asking.
Checked that out....great deal at $3800. BTW...that Sport 1100i is still on CL in Santa Cruz......just sayin' :grin2:
 
#38 ·
Time for a bump. After trailering the 2004 V11 Sport "Ballabio" home, started the spiffing up process and put a few miles on it. Real torque. You can feel each pulse as you throttle up. Roll-ons are a hoot. Really sweet sound. Dry clutch rattle! Aprilia cash really fixed the shifting and some other issues. Real brakes. Real tires - 120/180 radials. Real suspension that actually responds and you can feel the difference that damping adjustments make - a revelation to an EX rider. Adjustable reach levers, but also adjustable "take up" points on both front brakes and clutch. First seems really high and 6th seems on the short side - a pure close ration trans. But, I'm still afraid to thrash it like the EX, so no 80-90 cruising on the freeway. Yet. She weighs 100 pounds more than the EX but carries it low. Naturally a huge change, and the EX will feel like a scooter by comparison. But, I'm blessed to have both.
 
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