Making my 96 Guzzi the way I want it

[Babookie]

Hi all; first post
I've bought a very rough 96 Cali and come back to Guzzi after a decade.
As it's rough and I'm on a very skinny budget, I'm trying to make it passable looks wise while keeping low cost.
Questions;
Does a Jackal single saddle fit straight on a Cali?
What's the best sites to go to for second hand parts?
Is there such a thing as aftermarket exhaust headers that are cost effective?
I used to have a Mk4 Le Mans for many years and over 200K, and I could always hear the tappets. I can hear them on the Cali too but its a 10 year younger model, this is still normal right? Or should I be taking the rocker covers off and checking my cams?
I'm not the world's best home mechanic, but I'm methodical with direction....

[oldbike54]

 Moved this to General Discussion , it will get more attention that way .

 Dusty

[Turin]

My favorite sources for parts.
http://www.harpermoto.com/ - new and used parts
http://www.mgcycle.com/

[Charles in Lake Charles]

Try eBay for both new and used parts.

Watch the prices. They go from very reasonable to ridiculously high.

[Kev m]

Can't say if the Jackal seat will fit, but ugh, you might want to look for other options. The stock Jackal seat might have been the single worst OEM seat I've ever had the displeasure to sit upon. I mean, so uncomfortable it literally made my nether region go numb at times.... that's just wrong. Even before I broke my tailbone snowboarding I didn't like it, but after I did the bike literally had to go. Of course you could use the pan and have someone rebuild the foam bla bla bla... but a better option has to be out there.

Headers? really, the pipes themselves. I don't think I've ever seen an aftermarket exhaust header pipe for a Cali. What's wrong with yours? You can get aftermarket mufflers and a crossover. Honestly the stock mufflers on my Jackal sounded and worked fine. They got a little throaty when I replaced the crossover (but I'm not sure if the crossover is as bad on the 96 I can't picture it).

Used parts - maybe Pinwall cycle, or as stated Ebay (you'll likely run into Pinwall there). Again, not many used parts sources, unless (and you said a budget but I'll mention it, but sometimes used Cali's are so cheap these days a PARTS BIKE might not be out of the question).

Tappets - "A tappy valve is a happy valve" - but yes, you should hear them. That said, I mean, if they ridiculous then by all means check them. It's not like it's difficult and it's something you're supposed to do at each service right?

Have fun.

[Zoom Zoom]

Hi all; first post
I've bought a very rough 96 Cali and come back to Guzzi after a decade.
As it's rough and I'm on a very skinny budget, I'm trying to make it passable looks wise while keeping low cost.
Questions;
Does a Jackal single saddle fit straight on a Cali?
What's the best sites to go to for second hand parts?
Is there such a thing as aftermarket exhaust headers that are cost effective?
I used to have a Mk4 Le Mans for many years and over 200K, and I could always hear the tappets. I can hear them on the Cali too but its a 10 year younger model, this is still normal right? Or should I be taking the rocker covers off and checking my cams?
I'm not the world's best home mechanic, but I'm methodical with direction....

First, welcome back.

I cannot speak to the saddle. I might suggest that you get in contact with some local Guzzisti, (if there are any), and if possible, try the seat on yours.

As for parts, two have already been mentioned. Also check out the classified section of this board as well. If you're looking for something in particular, someone may have stuff used. (Like the headers you mentioned.) If you want "cost effective", used will be the best way to go. There are aftermarket headers out there but there is no significant savings.

Yes, this bike will have solid lifters and will make noise. They still may be out of adjustment so checking them would still be a good idea. I would suggest you obtain a set of valve cover gaskets before you pull a valve cover. You may not need them, but you might.

Along the same line, I would get an oil pan gasket and oil filter so that can get changed as well.

John Henry

[s1120]

Any reason you want aftermarket headers?.  I just ask because the head pipes are just headpipes...  Not much to change. options for crossover pipe, and muffles are aplenty, if your looking for a little boost in power, and sound. Yes valves still adjust, and make noise... and yes you should check the adjustment on them.  Enjoy the project!

[Chuck in Indiana]

The stock Jackal seat might have been the single worst OEM seat I've ever had the displeasure to sit upon. I mean, so uncomfortable it literally made my nether region go numb at times.... that's just wrong.

Brother Kev  is right. Rich Maund changed my 15 minute Jackal seat to an all day all night (Mary Anne) seat. I don't think he's doing them any more, though.
Yes, you should hear the valves, but you need to set them in a normal tuneup. You Shirley know all this stuff if you've ran an LM 4 for 200K? The 96 isn't really all that different..

[kidsmoke]

third Jackal owner to chime in here, with the same experience. Stock seat was not agreeable for extended periods. MG and Harper's, both linked above, do often sell used parts, and may even be worth a call if you don't see something available.

I have the seat shown in this pic. Can be used as a solo or with pillion. It's available.

[Babookie]

Awesome, thank you for all the assistance. Have set the tappets and starting to get the ground in gunge off the engine. Proving to be mechanically really good but butt ugly.
Fixed rust in tank, stops leaking on my thigh now...
Header question was just based around the fact the headers are heavily corroded as is the crossover. Getting parts here in smalltown New Zealand isn't easy for Guzzi. I suspect the mufflers have been replaced recently as they are surprisingly very good.
Thank you for the assurances that the LM4 I had has no significant difference internally. We have no Guzzi dealership nearby and the closest only knows the newer models so I couldn't verify this easily. Google was useless too in this question.
Noted on the jackal seat comfort, will try a 'planB' with the current seat pan and a local upholsterer first.

Again, thanks everyone, I'm new to the site and it's excellent.
Cheers

[Diploman]

Reboot Guzzi Spares has been a reliable source for used Guzzi spares for decades.   They are a salvage "bike breaker" outfit, a British couple resident in rural France.  Shipping costs France > New Zealand would likely be similar to US > NZ.

They have a large stock of parts for most Guzzi models, accumulated over years of breaking.

http://www.rebootguzzispares.com/index.html

[Guzzistajohn]

I've gotten more sweet deals on parts just by asking on this forum than anywhere else. Most of us have crap lying around, if we can just find it 

[MGrego]

Header question was just based around the fact the headers are heavily corroded as is the crossover.....

I'm having the headers on my California EV ceramic coated for the same reason (@$100 USD),  haven't gotten them back yet, but seemed a better option than buying new ones... I'll let you know how they turn out.