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Going backwards in time - 03 Cali

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SemperVee:
  My GF thinks I am a bit round the bend wanting to get an (another even older Guzzi)  EVEN older 2003 Cali touring after all the work I put in on my 07 Norge.  I know little to nothing about the Tonti world.  Looking at picking up 03 Cali touring with floor boards and bags from Original owner that has been sitting unused for 7-8 years with about 25K miles.  Speedo is broke as is the norm from what i understand.  ** Easier to work on then Norge?   How is overall reliability compared to the CARC models?  I am a GuzziDiag kinda guy and love the idea of FI, tubeless tires and floorboards again for comfort.  My Norge is not as comfy as I once was with this "older" body of mine.  I asked for service records and proof of the recall on Hydro valve.  I know little else at the moment.









TN Mark:
Sounds like your girlfriend is spot on.

From memory, the Moto Guzzi Hydro motor was an unmitigated disaster. I think there was more than a couple, maybe three different 'kits' offered to 'fix' it. If it wasn't done correctly, with the correct kit, you could never be assured the motor wouldn't consume itself.

That being said, a correctly upgraded Hydro motor is said to be very nice indeed. But for many Guzzi owners, Guzzi was 'fixing' a valve adjustment 'issue' with the Hydro motor that was never an 'issue' to begin with. Adjusting the valves on a Moto Guzzi V11 is about as easy and fool proof as it could be.

I've had over a dozen Tonti frame Moto Guzzis years ago. Each and every one was an excellent motorcycle with one exception. The V11 Sport Naked was, to me, an awful motorcycle. I've only had one CARC Moto Guzzi. A 2009 Griso 8v I bought brand new. Thankfully, I traded that bike away before realizing that motor also had 'issues'.

If it were me, I'd run, not walk away from a 2003 Hydro V11 EV with, as yet, unverified upgrade status. Especially since it's been sitting unused for the last 7-8 years with a broken speedo. Unless you're looking to get it for $500 because you have 500 dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you're prepared to exchange the hydro motor with a good motor if need be.

By today's standard, a 1064cc V11 Moto Guzzi EV is a very clunky and under powered motorcycle. Especually considering some of the bikes you've owned previously.

YMMV

SemperVee:

--- Quote from: TN Mark on October 11, 2024, 02:02:40 PM ---Sounds like your girlfriend is spot on.

From memory, the Moto Guzzi Hydro motor was an unmitigated disaster. I think there was more than a couple, maybe three different 'kits' offered to 'fix' it. If it wasn't done correctly, with the correct kit, you could never be assured the motor wouldn't consume itself.

That being said, a correctly upgraded Hydro motor is said to be very nice indeed. But for many Guzzi owners, Guzzi was 'fixing' a valve adjustment 'issue' with the Hydro motor that was never an 'issue' to begin with. Adjusting the valves on a Moto Guzzi V11 is about as easy and fool proof as it could be.

I've had over a dozen Tonti frame Moto Guzzis years ago. Each and every one was an excellent motorcycle with one exception. The V11 Sport Naked was, to me, an awful motorcycle. I've only had one CARC Moto Guzzi. A 2009 Griso 8v I bought brand new. Thankfully, I traded that bike away before realizing that motor also had 'issues'.

If it were me, I'd run, not walk away from a 2003 Hydro V11 EV with, as yet, unverified upgrade status. Especially since it's been sitting unused for the last 7-8 years with a broken speedo. Unless you're looking to get it for $500 because you have 500 dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you're prepared to exchange the hydro motor with a good motor if need be.

By today's standard, a 1064cc V11 Moto Guzzi EV is a very clunky and under powered motorcycle. Especually considering some of the bikes you've owned previously.

YMMV

--- End quote ---

Thanks Mark.  They did fix a problem that did not exist with the valves.. simple indeed to adjust.   You gave me pause to re think my excitement.

kingoffleece:
It's an older bike to begin with.  Sitting does no good to a machine at all.
If you're not prepared to go thru it top to bottom then it's a big risk IMO.
I bought a very well cared for 2001 that was ridden regularly and spent 2500 just getting the charging system and all rubber bits and brake lines, etc back to new.

personally I'd never buy a 20 plus year old bike and not do that.  Guzzi character is wonderful.  A bike puking on the side of the road 300 miles away is not. At that age it would be time to renew ALL rubber and I'd want the entire brake system pulled and renewed.  Fluid sitting that long does all kinds of horrendous things.
The fork oil will be shiny with scraped aluminum shavings and need a complete renew at least-and that's assuming the calipers are not toast.
Just be ready.  I love my Jackal.  Simply great to ride.

johnwesley:
Hi, I’m in here with a bit of different opinion. I have a 2003 EV that now has 80,000 miles on it. The recalls were done and I bought it from a know Guzzisti. I’ve only had it for a few years and put roughly 30,000 miles on it. I have had a few issues such as pushrod sale going out a few other minor things. I paid top dollar for the bike, but it was in excellent condition. If he would allow you to take a valve cover off is very easy to tell if the update is done. Other than that, they are great motorcycles. A friend of mine just bought a 2003 touring edition and it runs like a top. All things considered there great Motorcycles. I would not be scared of one if I could check it out. I presently have four Tonie frame Guzzis and my 03 is my favorite.

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