V65 Lario for sale

[Chesterfield]

What do you guys think about this? It`s close to me and looks nice. Even the price seems reasonable. What would be the things to be aware of?  Thanks!
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcd/d/1986-moto-guzzi-v65-lario-red/6220248591.html

[cruzziguzzi]

Seems damn nice at a great price.

I wonder if the history of these is such now that a fella can predict and stay ahead of them grenading?


Todd.

[Chuck in Indiana]

The main thing to be aware of is the valve train. At 17K miles, it's either already blown or ready to.  That will require new valves and springs at the very least. It looks like quite a bit of new paint, for whatever reason. The right carb is tilted weirdly for whatever reason, and is leaking fuel. That fuel stain probably won't clean up. It'll need the rear drive mod and the transmission breather mod. If the transmission was run low on oil per Guzzi's recommendation, (because it didn't have the breather mod) 5th gear will probably whine. If it does, it won't get any better.
That's the worst of it.  It has the very desirable Euro turnsignals, and generally the antique parts are there.

[cruzziguzzi]

The main thing to be aware of is the valve train. At 17K miles, it's either already blown or ready to.  That will require new valves and springs at the very least. It looks like quite a bit of new paint, for whatever reason. The right carb is tilted weirdly for whatever reason, and is leaking fuel. That fuel stain probably won't clean up. It'll need the rear drive mod and the transmission breather mod. If the transmission was run low on oil per Guzzi's recommendation, (because it didn't have the breather mod) 5th gear will probably whine. If it does, it won't get any better.
That's the worst of it.  It has the very desirable Euro turnsignals, and generally the antique parts are there.

Looks like fuel on the starter too now that you mention it.


Todd.

[Chesterfield]

Thanks, looks like the last time it was licensed was 2010, so it`s been sitting a few years.

[danomar]

The same Lario was discussed in a different thread a few months ago when it came up. There are several obvious signs that this is one to slowly back away from. It might be perfectly fine, but the assortment of different parts and questionable modifications (plus the fact that it has not sold after several months) suggest it is one to look at but not own.

[not-fishing]

Hey, Stay away from my possible Lario!

Once I sell my house and move to something cheaper forced retirement I can actually buy it.

As my son say's you have to be "All In" for the Lario.  I fully expect to pull the heads first thing and find someone who can flow & redo the valves with something that lasts longer than 15,000 miles.

Then there's the cam.

Also the small block Bevel Box should be rebuilt.  I've had a bad experience

Then there's the ignition upgrade.  more bad experience

Carburation.

Bearings.

And get rid of those God forsaken APES.

If I wasn't such an idiot I'd just get a newer V7 racer to renovate.  reshock, respring, big bore, 4 valve???

Actually you'd probably be doing me a favor by taking it off the market.

Mark

[cwiseman]

My friend Jesse here in Southern Illinois has a nice Lario that has fresh heads that were completely reworked by Ace Malott, rev limiter and the thing is quite impressive to ride. He's been toying with the idea of selling it to buy a loop from me & he threw out a very nice price he had in mind.

[Chuck in Indiana]

A Lario that has had some lovin is a fine thing.. as Mark says, you need to be all in. Mine was much worse than this one when I found it.
This is when it was still a 4 valve..
003 by Charles Stottlemyer, on Flickr

[Matteo]

Hey, Stay away from my possible Lario!

 I fully expect to pull the heads first thing and find someone who can flow & redo the valves with something that lasts longer than 15,000 miles.

Mark

Ed Milich in SanFran / guzzipower.com

[Chuck in Indiana]

Ace Mallot. He has a *lot* of experience with the Lario from back when he was a dealer.
Or.. do it yourself. Flowing isn't necessary, the heads actually flow well enough to need bigger carbs. Nevada springs, good valves, don't run it past the redline no matter how good it feels up there. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Duh. Just remembered that Todd at GuzziTech and Mike Wrenn have been collaborating on putting 4V heads on the new V7s. They would probably be the go to guys for the latest on Lario heads.

[danomar]

Also the small block Bevel Box should be rebuilt.  I've had a bad experience

At the other end, the u-joint in my old V50III let go one day as I was coming home from a romp in the mountains. Forget the cardan shaft, rebuilding the transmission (because the tunnel in which the joint fits was torn apart) was the FUN part. No, wait, PAYING for it all was the fun part.

That experience lead me to buy my first new Ducati. But I still love small-block Guzzis.

If I wasn't such an idiot I'd just get a newer V7 racer to renovate.

You and me both. I keep wondering it the new V7 motor would fit in the the Lario's frame...

Something to consider: The trapezoidal brake master cylinder on the Lario and LMIV is no longer available in any form. No rebuild kit, no replacement brake cylinder, nada. No worries, you think, just replace it with a round or square master cylinder. Hm, nope, that part of the handlebar is integrated with the throttle assembly and switchgear.

I love my Larios past and present, but it is a commitment to own one.

[not-fishing]

At the other end, the u-joint in my old V50III let go one day as I was coming home from a romp in the mountains. Forget the cardan shaft, rebuilding the transmission (because the tunnel in which the joint fits was torn apart) was the FUN part. No, wait, PAYING for it all was the fun part.

OK -- I get the hint.  note to self, purchase a new u-joint and have the boy replace it.  heck of a lot better than buying another case

A 2013 or new V7 racer just keeps looking better and better.

Mark

[jas67]

OK -- I get the hint.  note to self, purchase a new u-joint and have the boy replace it.  heck of a lot better than buying another case

A 2013 or new V7 racer just keeps looking better and better.

Mark

Yep.

Cue Perazzimx14's plug for his 2012 Racer with the Breva 750 wheels....

[Chuck in Indiana]

OK -- I get the hint.  note to self, purchase a new u-joint and have the boy replace it.  heck of a lot better than buying another case

A 2013 or new V7 racer just keeps looking better and better.

Mark

I did a tutorial on making a steel sleeve for the u joint tunnel on the Lario Rehab thread, but PhotoBlockit is doing that..
Yes, a Lario is a labor of love. Casual owners need not apply.