Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: papatom on January 25, 2015, 01:50:28 PM
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I have never owned a Guzzi, and I'm not much of a cruiser fan, but there is a very low mileage [1100] 2000 model year Jackal nearby. I was wondering what a ballpark price would be. He's asking $5500 for it which seems kinda steep. Has a plexiglass fairing, passenger seat, and backrest. I'm only interested because of the low mileage, and I've seen some modified Jackals that seem would make a nice project. Any incite on a fair price would be appreciated.
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That's very steep. I bought a like-new 2000 Jackal over 5 yrs ago for $3000. That was an exceptionally good deal, but I doubt the seller would be able to get much more than that for the bike you're considering.
These are nice bikes.
Rich A
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At $5500 it needs to be something really special, but it's probably just a 15-y-o Jackal. Pics would help. I bought a perfectly good one a few years back for $1500. With nothing but standard maintenance it still works good.
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As mentioned above, they are a solid scooter. I'd think top dollar on it would be 3 ish though. If you aren't much of a cruiser guy, the Jackal can be customized to your heart's content.
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3K seems about right. I recently sold a pretty solid low mileage Griso to a guzzi friend for 3400, so don't buy it for the investment. If you are willing to spend 5K, get an EV with bags, dual front discs and tubeless rims... Cant see a new Jackal being worth that much money, YMMV
Cheers,
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From pics on Craigslist it appears to be clean and unmolested. Can't do pics of it, I'm barely capable of typing a post. I thought somewhere around $3000 would be fair but the low mileage, didn't know if there was any premium on that or not. Thanks for the quick responses.
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From pics on Craigslist it appears to be clean and unmolested. Can't do pics of it, I'm barely capable of typing a post. I thought somewhere around $3000 would be fair but the low mileage, didn't know if there was any premium on that or not. Thanks for the quick responses.
Strangely enough, unless it's extremely high mileage, it doesn't seem to affect Guzzi pricing as much as some makes. When I said 3 ish, I was factoring in the low mileage. I've seen beaters sell for under 2, but that is rare. About any big block Guzzi that is running will bring 2 large ish. ;D
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I looked around to see what my bike was worth, and the impression I got was that $2000 would be fair.
As for opinions of the bike:
1. The side covers are garbage. Expect them to fall off, and fiberglass replacements (if available) will run $180 unpainted.
2. The chrome falls off and rusts.
3. Getting the bike moving from a dead stop is not pleasant because first gear is so high. I have to rev mine up and let the clutch out gradually.
4. Someone here compared the seat to sitting on a log. That's the best description I've seen. After an hour, you will need to get off. I got a quote on redoing mine, and it was over $400 before shipping.
5. The gas cap may get stuck because the plastic swells.
6. Changing the oil is a nightmare unless you have a Harper Outsider. If you buy an Outsider, double-check the length of the bolts they send you with it, because sometimes they send the wrong ones, and they will tear threads out of your engine. The Outsider will not work well with the original crossover, so you will need an H-pipe to go with it.
7. The rear shocks are horrible, so you will want to replace them.
8. Shifting is unbelievable. You will get false neutrals all the time if you don't stomp on it.
Fun bike, though. Great sound. It has a wide torque band (at least compared to my other bike), so it's easy to fall into a habit of shifting too early, but it seems to ride best when you wind it up pretty good.
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If it's red, it's worth that price. ;D
Seriously, what the others said. No way. Well, unless, it's lust at first sight. ;)
Good luck in finding one that isn't so dear. You will if patient, a virtue often missing when looking at motorcycles. OTOH, life is short, and, as that classified I saw in motomag a few days ago pointed out: "You'll Be Dead a Long Time." :o
The dealer will not call the cops and eject you if you make an offer in line with what's been said here. You might ride it home.
Bill
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I paid 3500 for mine but socal pricing is a but higher than most. Also got it at MG Classics so it's a good running one at that. Put about 7k on it since I got it in July. All I did was change tires and oil. It's att 47k now. No issues. Oh, and it's RED.
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/25/31ef299a327c2ad99378ca8095ac233b.jpg)
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Verify the mileage before getting too excited. The Jackal in question has been listed on CL several times. In one of the earlier listings, there was a decent shot of the speedometer, and I'm 99% positive that the mileage showing was ~11000, not the ~1100 the seller has listed in the ad.
This: http://fayar.craigslist.org/mcy/4833637622.html looks like a better deal, to me.
Full disclosure: I also have a Jackal that I'm thinking of selling, but was planning on waiting for better weather.
Jay
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Pasta, something is wrong, or you are not doing it right. First gear is high, but there is no need to rev the bike to get it moving, you either have something out of adjustment, or wore out, or you just are not doing it correctly.
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CJ770 thanks for the heads up. I thought it might have been for sale before. Plan on buying something by spring so I'm not in a hurry. Still doing research. Would like a V11 Sport of the same era, maybe a Quota, or a ... you get the picture. Thanks for all the info. Great site.
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Mmmm a quota. Those are cool. I'm keeping a lookout for those.
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Jackals are very basic. I had a 2004 EV and it is a much better machine for not much more of a premium. Perso.ally, I couldn't get used to the riding position- I like my feet under me, not in front. At 6'- I would also need to get a higher seat. There are many Calu fans here, but I'll tell you the transmission in a 1934 truck is more sophisticated. Drove me nuts. Upshifts not that bad- but downshifting into a corner awful. The heart of the bike- the engine, will be the least of your worries. Personally, I'm sold that the current crop of bikes are the best they've ever made.
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Pasta, something is wrong, or you are not doing it right. First gear is high, but there is no need to rev the bike to get it moving, you either have something out of adjustment, or wore out, or you just are not doing it correctly.
I don't claim to be an expert, but I can relate my experience. My Harley takes off very smoothly from a dead stop. Unless the Jackal has some RPMs going, it stalls or lugs. I have to release the clutch gradually in order to avoid being jerked around or having to restart the engine.
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I don't claim to be an expert, but I can relate my experience. My Harley takes off very smoothly from a dead stop. Unless the Jackal has some RPMs going, it stalls or lugs. I have to release the clutch gradually in order to avoid being jerked around or having to restart the engine.
My jackal zooms like a rocket at take off. I don't know.
I also don't get why everyone has issues with the transmission. My heal toe shifter has very very seldom not gotten into the gear I was aiming for.
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I'm with Chad and Semper on this one. No problems with shifting or transmission. Ride it like you stole it. Go to your local dragstrip and let it rip. I just would like to change out the whole tail light and turnsignal assembly on mine. Any thoughts?
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I installed a Ford Duolamp on a Jackal rear fender using a bit of angle stock for a mount. I twisted off the oem mounting lugs and replaced them with bolts through the fender's bracket. Then I replaced the 1156 bulbs with LEDs. Works good.
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I don't claim to be an expert, but I can relate my experience. My Harley takes off very smoothly from a dead stop. Unless the Jackal has some RPMs going, it stalls or lugs. I have to release the clutch gradually in order to avoid being jerked around or having to restart the engine.
You can't expect a Guzzi to take off from a stop like a Harley. The Guzzi is a higher speed engine, and doesn't have the bottom end torque of a Harley. What you are experiencing is perfectly normal.
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Chuck does have a point >skunk< :D, big HD do have considerably more torque down low than the faster spinning Guzzi, but's it's all relative. With a few rpms the Guzzi will streak off, the old school 5 speed is just that old school and requires an authority figure to make it behave! Rev it up, kick it hard and it will treat you right!
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I usually do not like to divulge how much I have into my motorcycles and I am not even sure why however, for this cause I will tell you that I have less than 3K in this 2001 V11 California Jackal as it sits... A great deal of that figure is due to the excellent price that I paid for it and some good folks here that pay it forward, a trend that I too practice.
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/453x302q90/r/538/rxK4zB.jpg)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/453x302q90/r/540/BY39i6.jpg)
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I'm with Chad and Semper on this one. No problems with shifting or transmission. Ride it like you stole it. Go to your local dragstrip and let it rip. I just would like to change out the whole tail light and turnsignal assembly on mine. Any thoughts?
I just grabbed the first taillight assembly that looked like it would fit with minimal tweaking at the local MC salvage, painted it to match, and added a couple of universal chrome bullet turnsignals. Simple and works great.
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x192/cj750/Guzzi/Red%20Jackal/RedJackal3.jpg)
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I'm with Chad and Semper on this one. No problems with shifting or transmission. Ride it like you stole it. Go to your local dragstrip and let it rip. I just would like to change out the whole tail light and turnsignal assembly on mine. Any thoughts?
:+1
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I looked around to see what my bike was worth, and the impression I got was that $2000 would be fair.
As for opinions of the bike:
1. The side covers are garbage. Expect them to fall off, and fiberglass replacements (if available) will run $180 unpainted.
2. The chrome falls off and rusts.
3. Getting the bike moving from a dead stop is not pleasant because first gear is so high. I have to rev mine up and let the clutch out gradually.
4. Someone here compared the seat to sitting on a log. That's the best description I've seen. After an hour, you will need to get off. I got a quote on redoing mine, and it was over $400 before shipping.
5. The gas cap may get stuck because the plastic swells.
6. Changing the oil is a nightmare unless you have a Harper Outsider. If you buy an Outsider, double-check the length of the bolts they send you with it, because sometimes they send the wrong ones, and they will tear threads out of your engine. The Outsider will not work well with the original crossover, so you will need an H-pipe to go with it.
7. The rear shocks are horrible, so you will want to replace them.
8. Shifting is unbelievable. You will get false neutrals all the time if you don't stomp on it.
Fun bike, though. Great sound. It has a wide torque band (at least compared to my other bike), so it's easy to fall into a habit of shifting too early, but it seems to ride best when you wind it up pretty good.
As horrible as all these sound, for someone who has never ridden an older Guzzi, they are pretty accurate when comparing a 5sp Tonti big block to a more modern bike.
Comparing a sportier bike to a HD is like apples and oranges. Guzzi engines (like many other bike engines) like to be at higher RPMs. Yes, you can force them to lug along at 1500rpm but it is not where they like to be. If you like the lumpy feel of an HD don't get a Guzzi.
#3 does depend on which model you buy. Some have 7:33 gears instead of 8:33's so 1st gear is lower. Mine has both 7:33's and 16" rear wheel so 1st gear is pretty low, but, that comes with a higher RPM at highway speeds.
#6 replacing the oil filter on the older big blocks requires removing the oil pan. Not a horrible nightmare, just takes a bit longer. On mine the factory recommends replacing the filter every third oil change so it really isn't a big deal. The advantage is you get to see if there are any metal bits in the pan.
#8 just use a firm shift movement. I just push and hold the shift lever until I am fully in the next gear. If you try and speed shift with just a jab at it, then you might find yourself in a false neutral. Again, not horrible, just can be embarrassing. If your tranny is especially bad then have a good shop shim it properly.
As far as low mileage, for an over 10 yr old bike, I'd rather have one with more miles than less. Less than 1k miles per year, especially if not ridden much in the last few years, to me is bad. It means you may end up replacing seals and bearings in places you normally would not have to. Cost of parts is not much, but, if you are paying someone to do the work it can be expensive.
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My jackal zooms like a rocket at take off. I don't know.
I also don't get why everyone has issues with the transmission. My heal toe shifter has very very seldom not gotten into the gear I was aiming for.
This is my experience as well.
I'm with Chad and Semper on this one. No problems with shifting or transmission. Ride it like you stole it. Go to your local dragstrip and let it rip. I just would like to change out the whole tail light and turnsignal assembly on mine. Any thoughts?
Rad and cj750...both of you have done great work with your Jackals, love em. And the tailight assembly was a "weakness" I addressed as well.
LED Duolamps are a great solution in my opinion. I made a LP bracket from one of those side mount kits so common these days, found some unobtrusive LED side markers. I like it, but perhaps not as much as what you both (CJ/Rad) have done.
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/20141012_014929_zpsvwtxhqoq.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/20141012_014929_zpsvwtxhqoq.jpg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/newlightangle_zpsc61d1034.jpeg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/newlightangle_zpsc61d1034.jpeg.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/newlightstraight_zps36d384e3.jpeg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/newlightstraight_zps36d384e3.jpeg.html)
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A jackal isn't a Harley
It's a sporty revy cruiser (as sporty & revy as a cruiser can be)... Not a parade duty couch
You simply aren't going to be able to roll off from idle on the Guzzi.. Give it some rpm..
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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****
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/newlightstraight_zps36d384e3.jpeg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/newlightstraight_zps36d384e3.jpeg.html)
Very nice looking machine.
Have to ask, tho, about that blocking out of the tag.
I see that done a bit and have never really understood why folks do that.
At least you used a red marker. ;D
Bill
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Very nice looking machine.
Have to ask, tho, about that blocking out of the tag.
I see that done a bit and have never really understood why folks do that.
At least you used a red marker. ;D
Bill
Ha!! Hey Bill. thank you.
In answer to your question, I confess to being a "sheeple" on this issue, I'm not certain of the damage some very motivated person with too much time on their hands could do, but I also see this done often, and have concluded, less shared info on the interwebs is better than more...so I defer. I suppose if someone had access to a state registry, info such as name address lic. number, social security number etc may be obtained..... In these days of cloned VIN numbers for insurance fraud and such....I suppose some very industrious scumbag may have developed a process, and has people browsing through enthusiast forums, ebay, Craigslist and such culling data???
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To address the OP...I agree mileage that low is for a 15yr old bike is suspect, and if true, not a great sign. That said, my 2000 has 24k on it and runs like hell. Last summer it was gone through and re-mapped by Jim Barron At Rose Farm Classics, an acknowledged guru with guzzi's, and runs flawlessly and is quick as can be. NO mechanical issues whatsoever. (though some may have been addressed before I got a hold of it.)
I ride with the previous owner, who graduated to a Cali 1400, and he kicks himself. the cost:joy ratio is just insane with these bikes, IMHO
My point is that if you can get the seller to a realistic place, you'll have a bike with a ridiculous upside to it. Miles and miles of riding ahead of you for a VERY low cost.
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I looked around to see what my bike was worth, and the impression I got was that $2000 would be fair.
As for opinions of the bike:
1. The side covers are garbage. Expect them to fall off, and fiberglass replacements (if available) will run $180 unpainted.
2. The chrome falls off and rusts.
3. Getting the bike moving from a dead stop is not pleasant because first gear is so high. I have to rev mine up and let the clutch out gradually.
4. Someone here compared the seat to sitting on a log. That's the best description I've seen. After an hour, you will need to get off. I got a quote on redoing mine, and it was over $400 before shipping.
5. The gas cap may get stuck because the plastic swells.
6. Changing the oil is a nightmare unless you have a Harper Outsider. If you buy an Outsider, double-check the length of the bolts they send you with it, because sometimes they send the wrong ones, and they will tear threads out of your engine. The Outsider will not work well with the original crossover, so you will need an H-pipe to go with it.
7. The rear shocks are horrible, so you will want to replace them.
8. Shifting is unbelievable. You will get false neutrals all the time if you don't stomp on it.
Fun bike, though. Great sound. It has a wide torque band (at least compared to my other bike), so it's easy to fall into a habit of shifting too early, but it seems to ride best when you wind it up pretty good.
Did you hear this at the Honda dealer?
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No.
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So, to the OP, you've had considerable and very sage input from not only long term Guzzisti, but Jackal riders. We are frequently chatty, but very focused on helping one another....are you still shopping this over priced Guzzi? If so we'll help you manage pricing expectations and the bike itself.....otherwis e paysome homage and I will encourage you to keep shopping Guzzis. I have much specific advice on Jackals after 6 Years and thousands of reliable miles.......
Just sayin'
Lee
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I was planning on contacting the owner this weekend. If listing is incorrect and price isn't negotiable, I'll pass on this one. Am amazed at response to a non-owners basic question. Figured one or 2 responses but information gleaned has been very useful and entertaining. Like I said in first post I'm not a cruiser type, but I think I've learned I can be happy with about any Guzzi. The only one I've ever ridden was a carbuerated Daytona Sport years ago. When I let out the clutch and torqued away I knew I was on a motor made for me. An hour and a half later when I came to the first stop sign I couldn't feel my hands. Couldn't pull in the clutch or the front brake. That long gas tank and low bars were a killer but new I had to pull the trigger on one someday. May not be today but by spring I'll make a move.
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:bike
Did you hear this at the Honda dealer?
That sums up my experiences. Was my first bike (still own it) can't find myself selling it.
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My two cents, based on Jackal ownership since 2002:
I looked around to see what my bike was worth, and the impression I got was that $2000 would be fair.
As for opinions of the bike:
1. The side covers are garbage. Expect them to fall off, and fiberglass replacements (if available) will run $180 unpainted.
Original side covers are still doing fine after 15 years.
2. The chrome falls off and rusts.
Have not experienced this.
3. Getting the bike moving from a dead stop is not pleasant because first gear is so high. I have to rev mine up and let the clutch out gradually.
Have not experienced this.
4. Someone here compared the seat to sitting on a log. That's the best description I've seen. After an hour, you will need to get off. I got a quote on redoing mine, and it was over $400 before shipping.
Stock seat is, indeed, not very good. I had mine re-shaped to be flatter and higher. I forget the cost, but it was considerably less than $400.00. Of course, it was a dozen+ years ago.
5. The gas cap may get stuck because the plastic swells.
I'd be surprised if there are many Guzzis of that era that haven't had this fixed by now. Anyhow, its been well addressed on this forum and elsewhere. Repair involves dis-assembling the cap and filing down the offending part in a few key spots. Takes a bit of time, but not difficult and costs zero dollars.
6. Changing the oil is a nightmare unless you have a Harper Outsider. If you buy an Outsider, double-check the length of the bolts they send you with it, because sometimes they send the wrong ones, and they will tear threads out of your engine. The Outsider will not work well with the original crossover, so you will need an H-pipe to go with it.
Pan needs to be dropped every 2nd or 3rd change for filter replacement. Not difficult, just takes a while because there are a lot of bolts holding that pan in place. The only remotely tricky part is making sure ALL the bolts have been loosened off. Oil changes not requiring filter replacement are super easy.
7. The rear shocks are horrible, so you will want to replace them.
Not horrible in my experience, but just OK. If original, they're pushing 14-15 years old, probably should be replaced anyway. I put YSS shocks on mine. Very happy with them.
8. Shifting is unbelievable. You will get false neutrals all the time if you don't stomp on it.
Hasn't been a problem. There are some linkage adjustments that can improve shift quality. (Also covered elsewhere on this site.)
Fun bike, though. Great sound. It has a wide torque band (at least compared to my other bike), so it's easy to fall into a habit of shifting too early, but it seems to ride best when you wind it up pretty good.
Agreed.
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:+1 on too much for the price. Rev it. The engine likes rpm's. Compare it to a Sportster. Seats horrible but if you take a break every hour. Shouldn't be a problem.
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I looked around to see what my bike was worth, and the impression I got was that $2000 would be fair.
As for opinions of the bike:
1. The side covers are garbage. Expect them to fall off, and fiberglass replacements (if available) will run $180 unpainted.
Original side covers are still doing fine after 15 years.
2. The chrome falls off and rusts.
Have not experienced this.
3. Getting the bike moving from a dead stop is not pleasant because first gear is so high. I have to rev mine up and let the clutch out gradually.
Have not experienced this.
4. Someone here compared the seat to sitting on a log. That's the best description I've seen. After an hour, you will need to get off. I got a quote on redoing mine, and it was over $400 before shipping.
Stock seat is, indeed, not very good. I had mine re-shaped to be flatter and higher. I forget the cost, but it was considerably less than $400.00. Of course, it was a dozen+ years ago.
5. The gas cap may get stuck because the plastic swells.
I'd be surprised if there are many Guzzis of that era that haven't had this fixed by now. Anyhow, its been well addressed on this forum and elsewhere. Repair involves dis-assembling the cap and filing down the offending part in a few key spots. Takes a bit of time, but not difficult and costs zero dollars.
6. Changing the oil is a nightmare unless you have a Harper Outsider. If you buy an Outsider, double-check the length of the bolts they send you with it, because sometimes they send the wrong ones, and they will tear threads out of your engine. The Outsider will not work well with the original crossover, so you will need an H-pipe to go with it.
Pan needs to be dropped every 2nd or 3rd change for filter replacement. Not difficult, just takes a while because there are a lot of bolts holding that pan in place. The only remotely tricky part is making sure ALL the bolts have been loosened off. Oil changes not requiring filter replacement are super easy.
7. The rear shocks are horrible, so you will want to replace them.
Not horrible in my experience, but just OK. If original, they're pushing 14-15 years old, probably should be replaced anyway. I put YSS shocks on mine. Very happy with them.
8. Shifting is unbelievable. You will get false neutrals all the time if you don't stomp on it.
Hasn't been a problem. There are some linkage adjustments that can improve shift quality. (Also covered elsewhere on this site.)
Fun bike, though. Great sound. It has a wide torque band (at least compared to my other bike), so it's easy to fall into a habit of shifting too early, but it seems to ride best when you wind it up pretty good.
Agreed.
Posted on: January 28, 2015, 08:58:08 PM
Posted by: scra99tch
VEry objective and accurate response, at least my experience is the same. With about 37k on the clock it just seems to get better! Check some of the plumbing, after a decade or so you will probably find some issues. I'm about to change the intake rubbers on mine. A corbin seat bought from someone here was a nice improvement, but truth be told my calloused a$$ didn't really bother me much with th estock seat. I had the TPS changed last year at 36k. Other than that, basic maint.
for $2500 to $3500 bucks, I don't know where you can find such a rewarding, unique motorcycle. Like someone else said, for another g-whiz or so you can find a nice EV with impressive upgrades i.e tubless wheels, adj. suspension, etc.
good luck with your search!
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Original side covers are still doing fine after 15 years.
That's good. But the side cover issue is well known, to the point where MG Classics makes and sells fiberglass replacements. Unless they've stopped, in which case, Harper's charges $114.29 for each one, without decals. Yes, $114.29, for a thin piece of plastic which probably cost a dollar to make. A $3 plastic dog dish from Pet Supermarket is a higher quality product. Literally. As far as I know, Harper's doesn't screw people, so their price must reflect an insane wholesale price.
RE chrome falling off/rusting through:
Have not experienced this.
I have. Maybe this prospective buyer will, too.
RE having to keep revs up to get the bike moving:
Have not experienced this
I have. As others have noted, it's not made to take off from low RPMS.
RE the hard seat:
Stock seat is, indeed, not very good. I had mine re-shaped to be flatter and higher. I forget the cost, but it was considerably less than $400.00
From Rich's Custom seats, earlier this month: "Thank you for your email. Sorry to hear of your troubles. We can help you out and custom build your previously altered seat. It sounds like you just need a solo fitting. Cost for a basic solo fitting runs $450."
Maybe someone else will do it cheaper. A referral would be helpful.
RE laborious oil changes:
Pan needs to be dropped every 2nd or 3rd change for filter replacement. Not difficult, just takes a while because there are a lot of bolts holding that pan in place.
On other bikes, it takes 10 minutes from start to finish. This guy may want to know that he has to take off a whole bunch of Allen screws, remove the pan, find a place to put it, avoid dropping it in the catch basin...
With the Outsider...10 minutes from start to finish. IF you have the right H-pipe and exhausts.
RE the Sachs shocks, which absorb almost no shock:
Not horrible in my experience, but just OK.
Compared to other bikes, it's almost like riding a rigid. The impact from a pothole goes straight into your tailbone. If that's "just OK," then the shocks are just OK. Well-known issue discussed frequently. The hard seat magnifies the impact.
RE shifting problems:
Hasn't been a problem. There are some linkage adjustments that can improve shift quality. (Also covered elsewhere on this site.)
Well known issue discussed frequently here and elsewhere. Glad you haven't dealt with it. This guy probably will.
Forgot to point this out: parts are expensive. The side covers aren't the only pricey items. And you might have a hard time finding anyone who has experience working on these things.
My feeling: better to tell people about the possible problems than to make them think these bikes are trouble-free. I like the bike, but there is no way I would recommend Moto Guzzi to anyone else without warning them about the down side.
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Like it. Don't like it. It's a motorcycle and comes with maintenance issues. Any motorcycle has maintenance issues.
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I agree with pastahog on the merits of ensuring that we are candid with prospective buyers about the foibles of our charming but imperfect (and what motorcycle isn't?) machines.
That said, I have to disagree with several of his calls. Obviously his and YMMV, but I just have had no significant issues with my EV after the original first few miles.
As for the ones that pasta hog specified:
* Side covers. Mine are just fine, tho that may be because of the well-known higher quality of the HDM EV’s. :D
* Rust. I have none of any kind visible; I did replace a few “questionable” fasteners along the way with SS.
* The “rev” concern. I cannot fathom this, and wonder if it’s a one-off issue to PH’s Jackal.
* Oil change challenges. Well, I like that “issue,” as it makes me feel I am actually accomplishing something, and Kathi hasn’t noticed (yet) that it takes me all day to change the oil in winter, but only about 30 minutes in the spring. :wife: 8)
* Shocks. The EV’s stock shocks were, IMO, quite decent, tho they only lasted to c.25K; went to a Progressive (and worthless) set-up; now have a YSS set, which is just fine 60K+ miles later. It is the rare Guzzista who, IME, won’t tweak the suspension and replace shocks at least once.
* Saddle. I love the stock saddle on the 98 EV. Got another when the original stuffing got tired. Yes, I know: the only nerves of steel I have I are in my bottom. ;D
* Shifting. I have to agree that Rubio Goldbergamo designed that shifting linkage set-up, which amplifies the … erm … not quite snick-snick transmission. But, IMO, it’s all a matter of getting used to it, and it sure does make the Norge and Griso seem like Alex Marquez’s MotoGP Honda. ;)
* Parts are expensive. Gotta agree with that, but most parts for most motorcycles are. Besides, there are kids driving in cages now who were in their moms’ wombs when Jackals were in showrooms. Tontis and many our beloved beasts are — well, as are some of us — virtually vintage machines now. That will almost always mean a premium price, especially for a brown egg of a motorcycle marque.
* Experienced wrenches. Ditto, above, but even with other brands having dealers seemingly everywhere, parts availability and expertise on decade-plus models are not givens even for Yamakawsukidas.
Again, lest the foregoing seem to indicate otherwise, I agree with PH that it is "better to tell people about the possible problems than to make them think these bikes are trouble-free.” And, I, too, "like the bike, but there is no way I would recommend Moto Guzzi to anyone else without warning them about the down side.
But, I’d still recommend a Guzzi to anyone who, after understanding all of that, still succumbed to the lust that still stirs most of us.
Bill
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OP asked for opinions, and Pasta Hog has his experience, so you can't fault him for sharing them/it. But it's VERY different than mine. The only items from his outline that resonate with me are the stock seat certainly sucks( fortunately mine also came with a Rich Maund Seat, which is AWESOME, but I really liked the look of the stock seat, and hoped my skinny a** wouldn't have an issue, 150 miles in, I wanted to be standing.), and I do occasionally have to look for neutral. That's diminished rapidly as I put miles on the bike. I'm an urban driver, as well, so I'm really putting the shift through a workout.
15 years in, the overall finish of the bike is amazing, stock plastic covers are there (although I'm not a fan of the "jackal" graphic) Chrome is mirror like, no rust whatsoever (and I'm in the great lakes area, have ridden in snow with this winter).
So suffice to say, Jackal owners have a wide range of experiences with their bikes, and mine really aren't consistent with PH's.
edit to add: I have lost a bit of the powder coating off of the forks and the valve covers
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/Screenshot_2014-10-23-00-42-34_zpsebtlc757.png) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/Screenshot_2014-10-23-00-42-34_zpsebtlc757.png.html)
(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/tiokimo/Jackal/NCM_0015_zpsgd3zoxtg.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/tiokimo/media/Jackal/NCM_0015_zpsgd3zoxtg.jpg.html)
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I suspect what we see is both a variance in perspective and differences in conditions, and perhaps factory quality.
I LOVED my Jackal. It was the bike I kept in the fleet longer than any other in my life.
But I also hated it, cause every time I turned around something else was broken or needed attention.
RUST (now I rode year round and they put nasty stuff on our roads in winter) was BAD on mine. The rear fender rusted clean through by year 5 (I mean like poke my finger through the hole). The chrome flaked off the wheels and they started rusting. I painted and powdercoated a LOT of stuff.
SHOCKS - sucked and were sacked (leaking) by 7k miles. Of course that was easily fixed and the chassis accepted all sorts of shocks. The better the shock, the better the ride.
SHIFTING - you gotta shift like you mean it. And there is a small linkage change that helps to. No big deal.
RPMs - you gotta throttle like you mean it. No big deal.
PARTS - were generally no more expensive than any other brand. And generally readily available. No complaints.
OIL CHANGE - is f'n annoyingly retarded, there's no reason it should be such a relative PIA.
And there were a lot of cheap ancillary parts that died too soon including the starter, regulator, ignition switch, tail light housing, turn signal stalks, electric petcock, etc.
And ya know what, I don't regret a moment of owning it. Like the V7, it was a throwback to a more simple mechanical bike that was fun to ride and easy to work on.
The motor, drive line, and frame were like anvils and would probably last a lifetime.
Always got me home too.
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I've been playing phone tag with the owner. Original listing stated he was selling because of daughter's surgery. Owner left me a message on my answering machine that he tried to contact me but it was late and he was in the ER. I got the feeling he has more going on than just selling a bike. I texted him back that I was in no hurry and to contact me whenever. Gave me time to do some more research found a similar thread on Jackal pricing from a year ago. Very informative and amazingly consistent info. Anyway I'll report back after owner contacts me.
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And ya know what, I don't regret a moment of owning it. Like the V7, it was a throwback to a more simple mechanical bike that was fun to ride and easy to work on.
The motor, drive line, and frame were like anvils and would probably last a lifetime.
Always got me home too.
I bought Kev's Jackal a few years ago. Yes, it took me a little time to adjust to the clunky transmission, and yes, changing the oil/filter was a royal pain-in-the-ass, and yes, minor problems with the bike continued to pop up. However, I really started to bond with the bike. I loved it's simplicity; even a bozo like me could fix/adjust about anything on the bike. For a cruiser it handled incredibly well. I loved the feel of the motor. I was planning to replace stock seat; it was like sitting on a plank. With a good seat, it would have been fine for touring. Unfortunately, it was totaled when a distracted driver rear-ended me.
In the not-too-distant future, I will likely try to purchase another.
Jon
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I bought Kev's Jackal a few years ago. Yes, it took me a little time to adjust to the clunky transmission, and yes, changing the oil/filter was a royal pain-in-the-ass, and yes, minor problems with the bike continued to pop up. However, I really started to bond with the bike. I loved it's simplicity; even a bozo like me could fix/adjust about anything on the bike. For a cruiser it handled incredibly well. I loved the feel of the motor. I was planning to replace stock seat; it was like sitting on a plank. With a good seat, it would have been fine for touring. Unfortunately, it was totaled when a distracted driver rear-ended me.
In the not-too-distant future, I will likely try to purchase another.
Jon
I'm glad you liked it. There was a certain charm to it. I occasionally consider another...
I still think you shoulda bought the Buell though. ::)