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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mwether on May 11, 2024, 08:32:49 PM

Title: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 11, 2024, 08:32:49 PM
I may have a pretty hot lead...

Found an '04 EV Touring with 9800 miles. New tires & battery. Private seller asking $2400.

Running the VIN on the Magic Recall Checker (http://static.piaggio.com/recall/form-motoguzzi_en.html)
returns the following:

NO recall campaigns are pending for this vehicle
CALIF.EV PI 02 TOUR USA NERO - EV PI TOU


Picture is from when he bought it about four years ago. (Fork gaiters to hide weeping seals, maybe?!)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-zT8MrH2/0/C8gjKxBhFLtH54cZTtRCPQzqdQxrHXR6TN2FRWhxk/X2/stpaulgoose-X2.jpg)

It's in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and I can fly one-way on Allegiant for $48.

Most comps are just under $4000.
https://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/d/effingham-2003-moto-guzzi/7743874564.html
https://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/d/tullahoma-2004-moto-guzzi-california-ev/7741443548.html

Despite the fact I was leaning midsize, I wonder if this may be a deal I shouldn't pass up? Thoughts?
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: sdcr on May 11, 2024, 08:53:22 PM
“ NO recall campaigns are pending for this vehicle
CALIF.EV PI 02 TOUR USA NERO - EV PI TOU

Help me out here….you say that the $2400 bike is a 2004. But the recall data says that its a 2002, and black.

Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: guzzi4me on May 11, 2024, 09:20:34 PM


I put a lot of trouble free miles on my 2001 and 2002 V11's. One of the best series of Guzzi's in my opinion.

If this is a hydro engine just make sure the hydro fix was done. If so it has MANY more miles left in her and would be a great find.

The only reason I went to a V7II from my V11 was because of a hip issue. Love my V7II but my V11's will always be a fond memory....

Ride safe and often,

Jeff
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 11, 2024, 09:41:08 PM
“ NO recall campaigns are pending for this vehicle
CALIF.EV PI 02 TOUR USA NERO - EV PI TOU

Help me out here….you say that the $2400 bike is a 2004. But the recall data says that its a 2002, and black.

Pretty sure NERO is short for Nero Oyster! Predominately light gray with dark gray tank accent. Here's another angle.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-ZtMtDZB/0/CJphNk7zL7fBhrBMfpBBTBDkzH6dMMbsp6LxGBxVx/X2/MNguzzirearquarter-X2.jpg)

I too thought the "02" was weird in the VIN search results, but I ran other Guzzi VINs through the Piaggio recall site and whether or not the year of manufacture even appears is inconsistent. Does make me wonder about the accuracy of their database...

When I run the VIN through a regular VIN search (not the Guzzi Recall site) it comes back as an '04.



EDITED TO ADD

I'm going to ask the seller for current pics, but I think this is the Nero Oyster paint scheme.

In a perfect world, I'd like to get the proper HB inserts. It also looks like the leg shields have gone missing at some point over the past twenty years.  :grin:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-vKTffB7/0/FSG4rg7nTPdzbjGhFMhsq6ggSGNcM5z5fqqrrgt8F/L/greygoose-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: guzzi4me on May 11, 2024, 10:02:07 PM


After giving it some thought.....

My hip is doing much better....
The V11 series is great....
It IS a great price.....

So exactly where is this listing??

 :evil: :azn: :evil:

Let us know how it turns out!!

Jeff
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Vagrant on May 12, 2024, 06:17:45 AM
If it were me, I'd ask for a real sales receipt and give a $500 deposit based on them pulling the rocker cover and sending Pics so you can be sure. Seeing as it's at a dealer, they might add $2000 in BS fees.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 12, 2024, 07:45:01 AM
If it were me, I'd ask for a real sales receipt and give a $500 deposit based on them pulling the rocker cover and sending Pics so you can be sure. Seeing as it's at a dealer, they might add $2000 in BS fees.

I was thinking about the ol' "what's under the cover?" picture too. Good call!

To be clear, the above photos of the bike were taken at a dealer (when the seller bought the bike), but it's not being sold by a dealer. The negotiated price will be the price.

I certainly will ask for current pictures. The ones I posted are roughly four years old—and probably just after being detailed!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Ncdan on May 12, 2024, 08:11:29 AM
Whatever you do, you had best do it quickly to seal the deal before somebody walks in and hands them the money, and that is a good deal if the recall work has been completed. 
Good luck with your adventure.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Irishflyer on May 12, 2024, 08:57:27 AM
Wow, that is clean.  I just picked up an 04 that's a twin to it.  Like previously mentioned, look to make sure the Hydro upgrade was done, that there isn't a single plate clutch lurking inside, and when you ride it, get to 5th gear above 3300 rpm and see if there is a whine.  If that had an ITI speedometer, that mileage could be off, but for as clean as it looks, maybe not. 

Here is mine.


(https://i.ibb.co/SNp5xn1/PXL-20240506-000539875-MP.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SNp5xn1)



Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: bacongrease on May 12, 2024, 10:06:20 AM


 And what does the whine tell us?  It shifts to 5th?
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: drdwb on May 12, 2024, 10:56:01 AM
The before at the dealer pictures were taken at Mora Mn MotoGuzzi dealer  Les and Kaye Caswell shop 320 679 1383

https://www.caswellcycle.com/  which may / may not be where the bike was originally sold. I would give them a call and see if they know more about its history. 

Some folks put on the fork gaters to prevent future work, some folks put them on cause they look cool. I put a set on my wife’s 04 Stone when I had to replace a fork seal on a bike with less tan 8000 miles on it. It may have been a fluke but something damaged the seal, so since the forks were off I did it to prevent having to do it again.

Nice looking bike, low miles, great shape. Great deal if the recalls have been done. At this few miles the ITI lspeedometer should still be working. My guess it’s an O3-O4 some of those had peacocks that you could turn on /off like my O3 EV, which could produce an intermittent whiny noise also, caused by crud in the gas tank,some off them had dual clutch plates and one of the plates may be defective ( like mine) which shows up around 20,00, and have to be replaced. However, most of the dual clutch plates have no problems. I haven’t experienced or heard of the 5 gear issue yet.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Irishflyer on May 12, 2024, 11:14:33 AM

 And what does the whine tell us?  It shifts to 5th?

Those years had issues with the 5th gear going out, whether by substandard treating or other factors.  A loud whine in 5th could mean the transmission has an issue.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: bacongrease on May 12, 2024, 11:30:38 AM

 Thanks...

 Oh great, my 04 Stone has a slight whine in 5th,   I just thought it was a trait of MG.

 :lipsrsealed: :
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 12, 2024, 01:49:29 PM
...make sure ...that there isn't a single plate clutch lurking inside...

...some off them had dual clutch plates and one of the plates may be defective ( like mine) which shows up around 20,00, and have to be replaced. However, most of the dual clutch plates have no problems. ...

Thanks for this! (And nice bike, Irishflyer.)

Is there any way to tell by external examination whether it has a double or single plate clutch?

It sounds like both could be problematic in their own ways?

Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Bob Wegman on May 12, 2024, 02:24:10 PM
My opinion is; Buy it.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Irishflyer on May 12, 2024, 04:18:52 PM
Thanks for this! (And nice bike, Irishflyer.)

Is there any way to tell by external examination whether it has a double or single plate clutch?

It sounds like both could be problematic in their own ways?

Yep, I just had asked the same question last week:
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=120951.0

And thanks! I am just getting to know it better.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Irishflyer on May 12, 2024, 04:28:11 PM
Thanks...

 Oh great, my 04 Stone has a slight whine in 5th,   I just thought it was a trait of MG.

 :lipsrsealed: :


From what I'm learning it can get pretty loud, not just a slight gesr whine.  Mine was very noticeable at first.  I changed out the trans oil, and noticed there wasn't too much fuzz on my magnetic drain plug.  sSme of the whine has quieted down.  I can hear it more under a load like accelerating.  My 96 Cal110i has absolutely no whine in 5th, even at around 3,000 rpm.  When I first got my 04 fast enough to use 5th, it was very evident, and a surprise since I hadn't heard anything like it before .lol.  With some searching, I found it is more prevalent in the later years of the EV. 
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: elrealistico on May 12, 2024, 08:01:45 PM
I have the same exact bike too. Mine has a VIN/Engine number that is after the cutoff for them manufacturing with the 2 plate clutch and hydraulic lifters. The range escapes me now. I havent noticed a whine in 5th gear either, in the 3K miles (bike now has 19K on it) I have owned it. Ask for more pix and the engine #
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 12, 2024, 08:40:22 PM
Yep, I just had asked the same question last week:
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=120951.0
...

Super helpful, thanks!
Here's the dumbest question yet: Where is the timing inspection hole located? Can't find a picture that isn't a close-up...
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Irishflyer on May 12, 2024, 09:08:05 PM
Super helpful, thanks!
Here's the dumbest question yet: Where is the timing inspection hole located? Can't find a picture that isn't a close-up...
It is on the RH side of the bike, close to where the transmission and engine bolt together. 
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: John A on May 12, 2024, 09:25:24 PM
It appears to be a lot of bike for the money. Might as well buy it….
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: kingoffleece on May 12, 2024, 10:35:34 PM
Just sayin............

I bought a very well kept 2001 Jackal several years ago.  A bike that age, for me, needed: all new lines and rubber bits replaced-they're old and past their service life.
New bearings (wheel), new stator, rotor and Zetner diode, rebuilt brakes, serviced front end and new shocks.  New relays were also added.  Overkill?  Perhaps.  But age can effect any vehicle and I gotta be sure it's 100% before I ride it.  New battery, too.  Point is, I spent almost 1.2K on new parts to be sure the bike was good to go. 

You take it from there.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: s1120 on May 13, 2024, 05:02:11 AM
Am I the only one that thinks its strange that the seller is only showing a picture from 4 years ago when he bought it? A lot can happen on 4 years!! 
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: chuck peterson on May 13, 2024, 05:17:46 AM
On the saddlebags you can rattlecan any color you like…

Plasti-something spray, peelable too
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 06:39:58 AM
Am I the only one that thinks its strange that the seller is only showing a picture from 4 years ago when he bought it? A lot can happen on 4 years!!

Agreed! He's obviously not a guy who photographs his bike much.

He'll send current pictures today or tomorrow, including 1) a head with the valve cover removed and 2) a view into the timing hole to determine dual or single plate clutch.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Don G on May 13, 2024, 09:59:49 AM
I have a 2004 EVT and it has a noisy 5th gear, always has a fuzz on the drainplug magnet, will need to change out the high gear set eventually.  DonG
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Joliet Jim on May 13, 2024, 10:02:53 AM
That's a great price assuming valve recall was done and the single plate clutch and cracking triple tree don't apply to this bike.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 10:36:18 AM
Hello, beautiful!  :thumb:

(We're over the first hurdle...)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-VLCSs8z/0/BCNCWJ5W9pJRF4VCjNc9vmJz4wpwNTf3ntbmHVPg/XL/Resized_20240513_101524_1715614220745-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: decotriumph on May 13, 2024, 11:07:30 AM
That Nashville CL link you referenced is my bike! I also had questions about the recalls, so I asked a Guzzi dealer to check them for me. The Piaggio records showed that mine had already been done on both the valves and the triple tree.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 11:16:34 AM
Two for two!  :thumb:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-MRM8CMd/0/kKQGrdbL8WL3ZgBKdCX7JhnPXLqhnT62gx7pFwCv/X2/Resized_20240513_104138_1715615485995-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 12:11:12 PM
Today's photo essay.  :grin:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-N9zRPXb/0/DPkhMHLvGsqcpKZ4FbpZnzM3hpDGCQGrPw42s54rX/XL/Resized_20240513_104221_1715615175039-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-mXtrxr8/0/j6p4Zhxs6DMwCrV9X8qLK63D2WjQNnxPF9qRTpbb/XL/Resized_20240513_104231_1715615159895-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-5xXzfX3/0/CVZwZLf9Gn89HvKG53tQm7D8d6XhXwG76qDMr6TSB/XL/Resized_20240513_104211_1715615193758-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-S9ksRVJ/0/Ck8cf8nkKfZMWZkKLKwKbPNN2nqnS58jHrc4zxhDz/XL/Resized_20240513_104215_1715615211703-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-qffvNxB/0/SLNcNTCGB7sc9kR9wFgnQC7vRkxjrFn9Z4psPWDf/XL/Resized_20240513_104305_1715615067349-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-sMmdBsv/0/jB9x5kJQctgGNsrgTGCPPKj5rNSrD8QPcRBrnpsh/XL/Resized_20240513_104310_1715615027560-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-tsgpprd/0/gNVFfPd6g8Rx7b3f62LGBPBqq5xDBfhSbvb2WjfM/XL/Resized_20240513_104250_1715615087496-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-jtjMmhr/0/gxLK6XL9WKVDq4L2T2JDMHLnX5xNmb39g47Qjwf8/XL/Resized_20240513_104238_1715615143827-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-w954hnw/0/Cz83Qbd3L3f5jZ3gbvpjMxVH2d6FFCH9n7vVwkfmX/L/Resized_20240513_104243_1715615103774-L.jpg)

Below are the "this-bike-is-twenty-years-old" shots.

If I understand correctly, all occurred as a result of a single loading mishap. (It only takes one!)

"Chrome compromises"

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-bCgfgpN/0/C8hXNpDj4XRtDwq5msB34thctR744sNr9QxSw3jk/XL/Resized_20240513_105218_1715615565208-XL.jpg)

Engine guard dent

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-vZd3RBG/0/2qcPG6mmCnhkZDmXbBqzWvKwqnFn5CjN5ps5kXp9/XL/Resized_20240513_105206_1715615582685-XL.jpg)

Hairline in fairing

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-PVcf8GW/0/CBCLwM9cCSh5ZS3TvCXwTDbqgg3vKZF4kwqZNj4gz/XL/Resized_20240513_104728_1715615272589-XL.jpg)

Mild fender carnage

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-BZHDSXG/0/DwwsdqCQ7zbdKnhCn6KXsPrv5gfPhBBwwK5PqgwPt/XL/Resized_20240513_104720_1715615292200-XL.jpg)

Not too bad, eh? Some oxidation on the valve covers that should clean up okay.

May be on to something here!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: AJ Huff on May 13, 2024, 12:17:41 PM
Looks great! Shinier and cleaner than mine! If it runs....

-AJ
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 02:02:57 PM
...If it runs....


An incredibly kind member of the Wildguzzi tribe (in the MSP area) has offered to go check the bike out in person. He's arranged to visit the seller tomorrow.

I am blown away...
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: AJ Huff on May 13, 2024, 02:13:20 PM
An incredibly kind member of the Wildguzzi tribe (in the MSP area) has offered to go check the bike out in person. He's arranged to visit the seller tomorrow.

I am blown away...

We are like that.

-AJ
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: sdcr on May 13, 2024, 03:22:35 PM
An incredibly kind member of the Wildguzzi tribe (in the MSP area) has offered to go check the bike out in person. He's arranged to visit the seller tomorrow.

I am blown away...

This thread is getting better every day….

Are you planning a fly and drive to get it back to NC?
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 03:27:52 PM
That Nashville CL link you referenced is my bike! ...

That's a beautiful Cali! And I certainly didn't mean to imply it was overpriced!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 13, 2024, 03:38:22 PM
This thread is getting better every day….

Are you planning a fly and drive to get it back to NC?

Agreed!

I was going to do the fly-n-ride thing but try this on for "this thread gets better"...the seller has a buddy whose son-in-law (I think?) is visiting MN but lives in Asheville! He's offered to bring it back with him. Seems the universe may be trying to tell me something...

While I'm seriously gung-ho for a MN to NC adventure/shakedown, it would be considerably less expensive for this guy to throw it in his pickup.

I wasn't going to do the fly-n-ride until mid-June, but the WNC dude leaves Friday, so I need to decide soon...  :clock:


Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: sdcr on May 13, 2024, 04:39:06 PM
The planets are aligning perfect for you.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: chuck peterson on May 14, 2024, 05:40:03 AM
You are still deciding?!?!

Run, don’t walk…

Your ride is finding you!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Vagrant on May 14, 2024, 06:39:07 AM
You could strip it for parts and come out ahead. Buy it before somebody shows up with cash! You snooze, you lose!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Moparnut72 on May 14, 2024, 09:14:03 AM
At that price with transport arranged to your neighborhood, no brainier, snatch it up. Nothing to lose.
kk
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: elrealistico on May 14, 2024, 12:28:56 PM
GET it! See you on Cherohala Skyway in June!
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 14, 2024, 02:31:31 PM
GET it! See you on Cherohala Skyway in June!

Is this a Guzzi event to which you refer?!  :grin:

I found this but don't see one in June...

Aug 2 to Aug 4, 2024
NORTH CAROLINA MOTO GUZZI RALLY - GUZZIS IN THE BLUE RIDGE
High Country Motorcycle Camp
765 Stony Fork Road
Ferguson, North Carolina 28624
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: AJ Huff on May 14, 2024, 03:17:37 PM
Is this a Guzzi event to which you refer?!  :grin:

I found this but don't see one in June...

Aug 2 to Aug 4, 2024
NORTH CAROLINA MOTO GUZZI RALLY - GUZZIS IN THE BLUE RIDGE
High Country Motorcycle Camp
765 Stony Fork Road
Ferguson, North Carolina 28624

That IS a great rally, but the Cherohala is a road, a skyway.

https://cherohala.com/ (https://cherohala.com/)

-AJ

Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 14, 2024, 04:22:26 PM
That IS a great rally, but the Cherohala is a road, a skyway.

https://cherohala.com/ (https://cherohala.com/)

-AJ

Yup. I live about two hours east of the Cherohala.  :thumb:

Since he said "see you...in June," I thought he meant at a specific event up that way. If not, I'll just ride it every day of June and look for guys on Guzzis! :grin:
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 14, 2024, 04:36:05 PM
...I bought a very well kept 2001 Jackal several years ago.  ...I spent almost 1.2K on new parts to be sure the bike was good to go. 

Super important perspective. Thanks.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Tom on May 14, 2024, 05:41:45 PM
🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️  Well?
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: elrealistico on May 14, 2024, 08:06:20 PM
No, I will be in the area on that road on June 12th. Same bike, if you end up buying it! We can do twins pix! :grin:

Also info on the tappet recall and hydro (and probably 2 plate clutch) frame numbers. If the bike has 5W40 oil in the crankcase, it's a hydro. Past a certain frame number it appears to me, anyway-- the factory sent them out with those two fixes and maybe the triple tree fix.  But easy to check by popping a valve cover off, looking in the inspection hole by the flywheel and taking a good look  in good lighting at  the TT

http://www.motoguzzicalifornia.com/2010/02/hydraulic-tappets/



Is this a Guzzi event to which you refer?!  :grin:

I found this but don't see one in June...

Aug 2 to Aug 4, 2024
NORTH CAROLINA MOTO GUZZI RALLY - GUZZIS IN THE BLUE RIDGE
High Country Motorcycle Camp
765 Stony Fork Road
Ferguson, North Carolina 28624
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 15, 2024, 04:31:50 AM
No, I will be in the area on that road on June 12th. Same bike, if you end up buying it! We can do twins pix! :grin:

Also info on the tappet recall and hydro (and probably 2 plate clutch) frame numbers. If the bike has 5W40 oil in the crankcase, it's a hydro. Past a certain frame number it appears to me, anyway-- the factory sent them out with those two fixes and maybe the triple tree fix.  But easy to check by popping a valve cover off, looking in the inspection hole by the flywheel and taking a good look  in good lighting at  the TT

http://www.motoguzzicalifornia.com/2010/02/hydraulic-tappets/

Gotcha on 6/12 and thanks for the link.  :thumb:

If I understand the site correctly, any EV Touring (in the US) with a VIN number HIGHER than ZGUKDD0024M112346 is good to go??

And roger on the valve and timing hole checks. See replies #27 and #29 in this thread.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Tkelly on May 15, 2024, 07:27:14 AM
There is a rally we are attending the first weekend in June at the motorcycle campground in Elk Park.Italian Adventure Bike Weekend.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: bacongrease on May 15, 2024, 10:52:35 AM

What state .... .country?
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 15, 2024, 11:07:12 AM
What state .... .country?

North Cackalacky
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057529086709
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on May 15, 2024, 11:19:44 AM
If you can tolerate those floorboards, GO FOR IT  :thumb:
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2024, 11:25:20 AM
Looking a gift horse in the mouth is a serious faux pas!  Buy it!  If you don't like it (don't think that will happen) sell it next year for a tidy little profit. 
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: kingoffleece on May 15, 2024, 05:52:51 PM
My 2001 was perfect until it wasn't.  Got very hard to start, then wouldn't start at all.
Turned out to be several bad relays.  Easy to fix but took time to track down.  THAT'S why I suggest going over everything-specifically electrical.  Take it for what it's worth.
I had serviced everything except the relays.  You know-"if it's good don't mess with it".

Was THIS CLOSE to being stranded out in the desert 250 miles from home.  Finally got it going and never turned it off until I returned.  Cheap and easy fix.  And I should have known better............. ...............
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 15, 2024, 06:35:16 PM
FINAL UPDATE ON THIS BIKE

First, MANY thanks to Brad (fotoguzzi), who is an utter hero for making a special trip on behalf of a stranger to check the bike out.

And as much as I'd like to be this guy:

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-7tVFrt4/0/FVMr5G4JgfDrXqbhnV8MhqCh36zqRrFCDQQ4zC7hj/S/takemymoney-S.jpg)

I just can't get there.

Unfortunately, the more I sleep on this—and the more I scour ALL the advice I've been given on WG—the more I think I was excited by this bike almost entirely because, "It's a bargain!!"

When I get over the what-a-deal euphoria and focus specifically on WHICH bike we're talking about, I'm reminded of one of Jefferson's Canons of Conduct, which goes, "Never buy a thing you do not want, because it is cheap, it will be dear (expensive) to you."

While I certainly want a Guzzi (generally speaking), if I'm realistic about it—and as we've established in other threads—an '04 EV Touring is probably NOT the best model for my situation. In fact, if I were to buy a Cali, it should really only be a Vintage. That's the one big block I look at with lust. Truth be told, certain bagged Jackals do it for me too, like kidsmoke's and this random one for sale in Idaho. Anything else, and I feel like I'm settling for sub-par aesthetics.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-tsVhTC9/0/FJTqm2XS56vHDg9V8VmmBqtgwJt9dPvjm4JghXF2Z/L/redjackal1-L.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-JrVgPbt/0/hv7JHzWGJJ8QwRsJbTqLXMqgdPLmwJhGhqtKqbjf/L/Black%20Jackal-L.jpg)

I'm still in the weird (ultimately futile?) situation of hunting for a Guzzi while knowing that MG doesn't actually make the model I'm after: namely, something midsize and modern that looks as close to a Loop as possible. Even if I ultimately have to settle for only checking two of those three boxes, buying an EV Touring doesn't truly tick ANY of them.

While I'll probably regret this decision, what's for sure is that Jim in Harris, MN is a very nice guy, a straight shooter, and a motivated seller. If you're interested in his bike, the ad is here: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/mcy/d/harris-good-bike-needs-better-owner/7745960336.html
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: kingoffleece on May 15, 2024, 07:23:21 PM
They are hard to resist, eh?


(https://i.ibb.co/YXHRMFQ/Jackal.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YXHRMFQ)
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Dilliw on May 16, 2024, 11:15:41 AM
5th gear is noisy on that transmission (it was on my '03).  Wayne can tell you why but he's over in Italy drinking wine somewhere. 

Does it have the front crossover?  It doesn't look like it in the picture and it would have had one when new. 
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: AJ Huff on May 16, 2024, 12:42:02 PM
Interesting the subtle nuances between the Californias. For one don't like the profile, seat, and side panels of the Jackal.
Compare to mine, which I of course prefer 😀:


(https://i.ibb.co/HpWP6fJ/PXL-20230604-123120467.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HpWP6fJ)


-AJ
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Mwether on May 16, 2024, 01:25:48 PM
Interesting the subtle nuances between the Californias. ...

AJ, I forgot the Cali Special. D'oh! And it's probably my favorite, after the CalVin.

With a solo seat (and bags), it would be right up my alley!

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/ADVr-photos/i-d8K4x3m/0/CTbQTxvrK2QtbZ7b3nqn4DFfQr6Jn5hTDc8DPMQD7/L/01CaliSpecial-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: Tkelly on May 16, 2024, 04:30:56 PM
Out of your price range.You are looking for a bike with low miles,no inherent issues,good looking ,for under 3000$.
Title: Re: Opinions on a bargain 2004 Cali EV?
Post by: dguzzi on May 17, 2024, 04:36:22 PM
 I hate to think of those prices, it would be like giving mine away when I go to sell it!!