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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Luap McKeever on December 27, 2023, 10:31:34 AM

Title: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Luap McKeever on December 27, 2023, 10:31:34 AM
I have a lead on a 2000 Quota that has only 7K miles on it. But, like the title says, it hasn't been started in 17 years.  So, I know I'd need to change all fluids, do full service, battery, plugs, probably tires, etc. The main question I have is the EFI system. Would that need rebuilt or re-serviced? Maybe just clean the throttle bodies and give it a shot?

I'm a little nervous about the lack of miles. The guy says it ran perfect but he lost track of time and had too many other bikes to tend to. Evidently he bought it in 2003 or so and rode it about 1000 miles before parking. It's supposedly under a carport (not inside).

Would you run to it, or away from it?
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: kingoffleece on December 27, 2023, 11:05:35 AM
It would be reasonable to assume all rubber bits need renewing from age/rot, forks will be ugly inside, both brakes and related components will be needing at the least a renew and possible rebuilding.  I'd sure inspect the tank for rust, and that's just for starters.

Deal breakers?  No.  But I know I'd go thru the bike from top to bottom before I'd ride it more than around the block.  I've seen plenty of 4-5 year old motorcycles at Hamlin's shop need a lot of TLC before returning to a serviceable condition after neglect.  17 years is a lot.  I'd be prepared to spend some to get it correct.  And don't forget to check the inside of the steel wheels for corrosion.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: RinkRat II on December 27, 2023, 11:26:05 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/NLhHMVc/20231011-134759.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NLhHMVc)

 
    I picked this up last month after sitting under a tarp for 14 years. Fresh gas, oil air and a good once over and fired on the third kick. Go for it Luap,
  I think you'll know once you see it in person  how much it's gonna  take to save it.

    Paul B :boozing:
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Moparnut72 on December 27, 2023, 11:32:27 AM
Depends on price, have to have some room to put money into it to correct neglected items. That model is a really good looking bike in my opinion and would love to have one of those in my shed.
kk
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: StuCorpe on December 27, 2023, 01:06:30 PM
I'm not sure what I'm missing but how can a 2020 Quota have been sitting for 17 years?  Something doesn't add up.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 27, 2023, 01:37:17 PM
How much is he paying you to haul it away? 
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Vagrant on December 27, 2023, 01:59:49 PM
In a salty or humid climate free is too high. Very dry like Az. Maybe.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Huzo on December 27, 2023, 02:01:48 PM
How much is he paying you to haul it away?
It’s not necessarily about the money.
I dare to imagine that Luap could rely on assistance from the members here… :rolleyes:
If Canuck, Siabed et al got it, there’d be nary an eyebrow raised.
Will make a good thread watching it’s re birth.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Turin on December 27, 2023, 04:50:01 PM
It really depends on how it was left. Was the tank drained ? Chances are a 24 year old motorcycle might need fork seals if it has 7,000 or 70,000 miles. 
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: blackcat on December 27, 2023, 04:54:55 PM
In a salty or humid climate free is too high. Very dry like Az. Maybe.

My 76 Lemans sat apart in south Florida for an untold amount of years:

Final drive:
(https://i.ibb.co/DVF5JbX/B6-B2-C480-0335-4-D20-A3-B9-068-F483830-CA.jpg)

Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: slopokes on December 27, 2023, 05:13:51 PM
StuCorpe—that’s the new math they are teaching in school now…
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: blackcat on December 27, 2023, 05:55:47 PM
I'm not sure what I'm missing but how can a 2020 Quota have been sitting for 17 years?  Something doesn't add up.

It’s a 2000 Quota, purchased by the owner in 2003 and it sat for 17 years. He must have stopped ridding it around 2006.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Bulldog9 on December 27, 2023, 06:09:27 PM
Depends on entry price, and how much time and coin you want to put into it. Having rescued many I wouldn't turn it down, out of hand unless it was a rusty mess. Pics?
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: John A on December 27, 2023, 07:08:24 PM
I’d be most concerned about corrosion on gears not covered in oil. Heartbreaking on a low mileage deal sometimes
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: John Croucher on December 27, 2023, 08:19:00 PM
I bought a 37,000 mile Quota last August. $1,000.  After loading in the truck  the seller said he had another one behind the shop.  I should have bought it, but it was a 2,000 mile round trip.  It was missing 1 part, a 1/4 turn side panel screw.  $2,000 and over 200 hours later, I have a Guzzi I wish I had bought in 2000 when I first saw a Moto Guzzi in a dealership. 

The bike set for 3 years in Florida under a tarp.  It had fresh fluids throughout.  The  fuel system needed some work. Both electric petcocks were locked and bad orings. I got them to work and new O rings.  The f.i. was flushed, back flowed fuel filter and very little debris came out, so I reused it.  Cleaned the t.b's good, lubed, and left the balance as previously set. 

Replaced all bearings in wheels, steering  swingarm, rebuilt brakes.  Used Goofoff on paint, There was sand in everything.  Wiring was perfect.  No splices or cut up.  The ignition switch was very corroded on contacts.  Cleaned the heads and pistons.  Clutch was new, but Replaced with a sureflex I had. 

I did not shim the shift drum, I should have. It has a little play.  Airbox is cut out on top with a KN filter and dyna fi controller.  It gets 30mpg.  Charging light doesn't go out until 3500 rpm.  But I added a digital readout and it charges good.  And replaced a Valtek cam chain tensioner.

The front rim has been replaced with a 19 inch and fender lowered.  I made both wheels tubeless wit 3m marine sealant.  The rear shows signs of cracking around some spoke holes.  There was a recall on the rims.  I am sure it has expired.

The muffler is a Amazon $45 unit.  Pulled the end cap out.  Crossover is a Price Sloan

it does not have the kick in the pants seat feel my 2003 hydro has.
(https://i.ibb.co/SXthZH9/20230920-123200.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SXthZH9)
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Wayne Orwig on December 27, 2023, 08:33:00 PM
Just a point of reference....

My 1999 Miata with over 100,000 miles was totaled last March when a young girl ran a red light. That car, getting near 25 years old, had few issues. Every couple of years I would have to spray carb cleaner in the EGR passage when the check engine light would come on. Somewhere in those 20 some years, I had to replace the clutch slave cylinder for $15 or so, when it started to leak. The rest was normal oil changes and such.

So, after looking for weeks and weeks, I found a 2000 Miata to replace it. It has about 20,000 miles less. And it LITERALLY was driven by an old lady to church on Sunday. Due to vision loss, she had to sell it. But the PREVIOUS owner was a moron, and I assume her mechanic was worse. Getting this thing in a reliable running state has been non-stop work. Some of the issue has nearly resulted in tow trucks to get home. The TPS failed. The coil pack failed. Radiator fan failed. One year newer. Fewer miles. Yet it is a mess.

My point is, it is a crap shoot. You may simply invest some time getting it road worthy and get a great return on that investment. Or if may be a headache for months getting it road worthy. If you do not have the time (and money), that it may or may NOT need, move on. If you have some time, it may be a fun ride, or fun to maintain. Only you can decide.

As for the Quota. Well, I met a few people that were frustrated with the mapping of the fuel injection, and that odd single throttle barrel setup. Or that constant cracking exhaust system. And I met those that had no idea that there were such issues. I only know that when it first came on the market, I really wanted one. For various reasons I was unable to get it at the time and ended up later on a Stevio.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: JoeB on December 28, 2023, 07:13:00 AM
I'd be crazy enough to get it if it was in decent shape. However I'm retired and could spend however much time I wanted on it any time I want. Having a 98EV I'm kinda familiar with that era.
Have a couple thoughts on what hasn't been mentioned yet.
Didn't say how it was stored but would be on the look out, especially from the air box down for mice nests and such....don't ask me how I know.  :wink:
I'd add to the list some maintenance or preventative maintenance on the electrical system.
Would get a couple cans of DeoxIT and clean every connection on it, change relay's and so on.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Luap McKeever on December 28, 2023, 07:26:00 AM
Thanks all for the input. The bike's in Georgia and evidently under a roof, but not enclosed. I'm probably going to have to sit this one out due to the neglect of it and what it will probably take to get right.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Scout63 on December 28, 2023, 07:40:43 AM
Thanks all for the input. The bike's in Georgia and evidently under a roof, but not enclosed. I'm probably going to have to sit this one out due to the neglect of it and what it will probably take to get right.

That’s a long way to go for an unknown. There are probably quite a few older bikes in your area for a song.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 28, 2023, 07:53:49 AM
Thanks all for the input. The bike's in Georgia and evidently under a roof, but not enclosed. I'm probably going to have to sit this one out due to the neglect of it and what it will probably take to get right.

Georgia is a state that is on an ocean, but also in the mountains as well as swamps.  Really depends on where in GA the bike is.  If it is in western GA it is probably good that it is under a roof but not enclosed.  Less chance of sitting with condensation all over it like it would in a shed. 

How much is he asking for it? 

Lately I have come across running motorcycles for $500 with major cosmetic issues and have been thinking about a Mad Max bike build when I retire. 
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: brider on December 28, 2023, 06:01:25 PM
Guess I'm late to this discussion, but I wouldn't be 'fraid of the bike if the price was right. Sure, you'd have to strip every system down to dial it back in but that's why we like Guzzis; they're super-simple, and new gaskets/o-rings/bearings are cheap.

My biggest question is why you'd let a bike like that (or any bike) sit motionless for 17 yrs. Seems like at year 5 you'd say "maybe I'd better get rid of it...".
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 28, 2023, 07:31:18 PM
Guess I'm late to this discussion, but I wouldn't be 'fraid of the bike if the price was right. Sure, you'd have to strip every system down to dial it back in but that's why we like Guzzis; they're super-simple, and new gaskets/o-rings/bearings are cheap.

My biggest question is why you'd let a bike like that (or any bike) sit motionless for 17 yrs. Seems like at year 5 you'd say "maybe I'd better get rid of it...".

All types.  Riders, wrenchers, owners, hoarders, etc.

I am approached quite regularly by older guys who have their college bike sitting in the basement, barn, shed, porch, and even under a tarp in the yard.  They like to be able to say they rode and still own the bike.  When you ask if they would part with it the answer is always no.  One day, someday, keeping the dream alive.

Have a coworker who must have 30 or more non running cars bought at their lowest value.  Z cars, muscle cars, sport cars, and vintage trucks.  All up in value even in the shap they are in.  some day one day he will get that hemi cuda going again.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Huzo on December 29, 2023, 07:28:02 AM
I'm looking for a late 70's to 80's 850/1000 Moto Guzzi to fix up, but the ones I find are always 5+ hours away.
Just so I know I understand what you’re saying.
There’s a bike you really want, but you won’t spend 5 hrs going to get it…?
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: brider on December 29, 2023, 09:31:43 AM
All types.  Riders, wrenchers, owners, hoarders, etc.

 some day one day he will get that hemi cuda going again.

Yes, I've recognized this phenomenon, but it still baffles me. I've posted here before about the uber-rare early 60's GMC stepside with a 9-ft bed and 17 in (?) factory wheels I've seen sitting uncovered for the past 20 yrs in a driveway on a high-traveled road under trees, tires all flat now, covered in awful moss, and the owner told me once many years ago that his grandpa used it on a tree farm and restored it ~25 yrs ago, and no, he wasn't interested in selling. I guess if grandpa would really be shattered if the truck left the family is good justification for keeping it, but letting it fester and rot is beyond my comprehension.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Moparnut72 on December 29, 2023, 11:04:29 AM
Is there not someone here who is close by that could go and check it out? I would for a Guzzisti but it almost clear across the country.
kk
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Sprouty115 on December 29, 2023, 11:22:07 AM
Yes, I've recognized this phenomenon, but it still baffles me. I've posted here before about the uber-rare early 60's GMC stepside with a 9-ft bed and 17 in (?) factory wheels I've seen sitting uncovered for the past 20 yrs in a driveway on a high-traveled road under trees, tires all flat now, covered in awful moss, and the owner told me once many years ago that his grandpa used it on a tree farm and restored it ~25 yrs ago, and no, he wasn't interested in selling. I guess if grandpa would really be shattered if the truck left the family is good justification for keeping it, but letting it fester and rot is beyond my comprehension.
Yep, baffles me too.  Growing up in rural Maine, most of the kids who cared about cars/motorcycles/snowmobiles, etc. knew of the guy with the 1969 Super Bee behind his house.  Just sitting in the grass, rotting away.  Anyone who knocked on the door got told the same thing - not for sale, get off my lawn.  And believe me we all tried.  Eventually, he died, house was demolished, and the car was hauled off to the junkyard, it was completely rusted.  Just a stubborn old swamp Yankee, that didn't give a f***.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Huzo on December 29, 2023, 12:49:00 PM
10+ hours round trip...  Long time to spend just to find out it was not as described.
It’s the lure of the unknown that makes it worth the effort.
I’ve wasted longer than that getting past a hangover.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 29, 2023, 12:56:48 PM
It’s the lure of the unknown that makes it worth the effort.
I’ve wasted longer than that getting past a hangover.

And even better if you make an adventure out of it. 

Take extra days and haul a running motorcycle there with you and ride some new roads.  If the deal works out, then great, but if not, then at least you did something fun. 
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Huzo on December 29, 2023, 01:01:12 PM
And even better if you make an adventure out of it. 

Take extra days and haul a running motorcycle there with you and ride some new roads.  If the deal works out, then great, but if not, then at least you did something fun.
Could not have put it better TWA.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: John Croucher on December 30, 2023, 11:07:39 AM
PM me some details.  I would be interested in this bike.  As a restoration or just a parts bike to keep My Restoration on the road.  The Quota I restored will never be worth the investment I have in it.  But it is mine and I like it. 
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 02, 2024, 05:53:47 PM
Well, worked on it 3 times now ready to start. Was supposed to be today but owner got wrong batt.
This Blue & Sand colored bike has an ECU that say's V11Sport, bike originally bought used from Harpers.
Owner is in no hurry, I do believe it'll start right up unless pump don't work. No corrosion on any wiring or pins, I pulled all relays & added DeOxit but were clean. Full of red dust & mud needs a good wash & not by me.
I'll ride it next time, brakes still work ok. Unbelievable, it's been in a real dry open sided hay barn.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: cliffrod on May 02, 2024, 06:36:00 PM
Hot damn, Steve.  Have a good ride.   
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 02, 2024, 07:20:25 PM
There's a 77 T3 sitting on other side of the shop, been sitting real long time. He bought it new from dealer in Athens.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Walter on May 02, 2024, 07:30:05 PM
Vehicle hoarders drive me crazy.  They seem to love telling people that are asking about their stuff that it is not for sale, as they let it all rot into the ground.  The worst case of this I ever encountered was just a few years ago when I came across a family in Houston that had been parking cars in a field on their ranch when done with them for the past 50 years.  The best of them was a low mileage loaded 1970 RT Charger, and a 1966 Mustang fastback with 22,000 miles.  I tried to salvage them but they had rusted at what appeared to be an atomic level.  At the moment I have a V50ii with 700 original miles.  It was used for 6 months and then left in a shed for 44 years.  I have no idea yet whether it will be viable to get back on the road.  For now it is garage art until I get to it.  Some people are nuts!
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: Huzo on May 02, 2024, 08:51:06 PM
Just go and get the damn thing.
When it works out, everyone’ll tell you what a good idea it was.
Remember fence post Guzzi guy ?
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: nsumax on May 02, 2024, 09:55:39 PM
My 75 convert taught me a lesson, don't save receipts. It sat in a damp cement block garage for 22 years or so it cost me a ton to recomishon it. Any and every piece of rubber new timing chain tensioner, all new gaskets, of course tires and tunes you name it plus I paid $1,200 to much. But I had been jonesing for a Guzzi since before my HD days. That was in 2005. Fast forward to 2009 and my brother found a 75 850 T, one of the very early ones with the Intercepter logo that had been sitting in a basement since 1981. Much to my wife's dismay I bought in for $600.00 ,it got head base and sump gaskets a carb rebuild, and new seals in the rear drive along with new rubber. For $1,300 or $1,400 1 have very nice reliable serviver that I ride 10/11 month's out of the year.
 Lesson learned replaced the parts that common sense says could be a problem, keep an eye on the rest and ride it.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 04, 2024, 10:33:09 AM
Just go and get the damn thing.
When it works out, everyone’ll tell you what a good idea it was.
Remember fence post Guzzi guy ?
I don't buy bikes, I have what I like already. I fix them!
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 13, 2024, 03:09:00 PM
Everything works as it should so far cept horn & fuel pump, oh yea needs tail lite bulb. Brake lite works but not run lite.
Looks like a good one.


(https://i.ibb.co/RP81WZ5/IMG-0057.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RP81WZ5)



(https://i.ibb.co/M6BsVtx/IMG-0059.jpg) (https://ibb.co/M6BsVtx)
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: rocker59 on May 13, 2024, 03:52:31 PM
This Blue & Sand colored bike has an ECU that say's V11Sport, 

As I recall, people were installing V11 Sport ECUs to improve performance.

The original ECUs weren't great.  There was an updated ECU that was better.  But, some people found the V11 Sport ECU even better.

My biggest complaints about the Quotas are poor wind management - They're NOISY!  And, the tall gearing.  Taller even than the V11 Californias.  Definitely need 7/33 gearing on the Quota!

The plush, long travel suspension is nice.  They really soak up the road imperfections and provide a smooth, comfortable ride.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 13, 2024, 05:09:29 PM
I looked at both maps and they are similar, fuel might come on a bit sooner but numbers in box's are close.
Owner said it ran great. Looks like it's coming back w/o issues. I don't need one, it's for sale.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: rocker59 on May 14, 2024, 07:45:55 AM

By the way, Buell used the same turn signals, but with a more flexible stem.  That might help simplify the search to replace the broken turn signal.  I used Buell replacements on mine.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 14, 2024, 08:28:09 PM
Yes, I told him about Buell signals.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: guzzisteve on May 29, 2024, 05:53:32 PM
Rode it today, everything works as it should. Weird stuff w/ECU, would not communicate on GuzziDiag at all.
I used my VDSTS that I bought in 09 and it worked fine. Wonder why GuzziDiag didn't hook up but old reliable did.
Bike is for sale, I didn't tune it but checked it & changed engine oil & all filters. Ran well & could hear valves so not tight, runs smooth.
Title: Re: Not ran in 17 years
Post by: twowings on May 29, 2024, 06:45:57 PM
Add Marvel Mystery Oil to oil and fuel.