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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: John Ulrich on August 02, 2015, 03:30:31 PM

Title: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 02, 2015, 03:30:31 PM
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/5145917718.html

It's in Red Wing, MN no connection etc.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: yogidozer on August 02, 2015, 04:25:18 PM
real purty!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Denis on August 02, 2015, 04:31:28 PM
Wow, that looks great! I love the white ones and they are REALLY rare.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 02, 2015, 05:19:28 PM
Low miles too.

When I was looking for an SPIII the white one was my first choice but it never happened and I ended up the Cadillac gold. Good bikes, hot in the summertime.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 02, 2015, 06:38:26 PM
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/5145917718.html

It's in Red Wing, MN no connection etc.

Did that use the LeMans motor?

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 02, 2015, 06:53:48 PM
It has the same engine as the Strada.  :grin:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 02, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
I know from the guy who did it....this one has a hotter cam in it!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John A on August 02, 2015, 07:29:36 PM
I know him too, John. This bike is in very nice condition both cosmeticly and mechanically. Never abused and well taken care of. No worries on this one!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 02, 2015, 08:41:30 PM
I've emailed the seller.  John U., if you know this fellow, can you let him know I'm not a Nigerian scammer?
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on August 02, 2015, 08:44:54 PM
I've emailed the seller.  John U., if you know this fellow, can you let him know I'm not a Nigerian scammer?

If something suddenly changed to allow my knees to fit behind the fairing, you'd be too late to get this one ....

That's a beautiful example of one of my favorite Guzzis.

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Yukonica on August 02, 2015, 09:01:16 PM
How can anyone own such a nice machine and only put on 13k km in 22 years? I managed that number in the first five months of owning my lowly V7 special.
If that were an 850 LM IV (or III) up for sale with the engine barely seated  I'd be subdividing my property, selling my dogs, hawking my camera's .... every option explored.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 02, 2015, 09:14:39 PM
Could have been his cold weather bike. :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: fotoguzzi on August 02, 2015, 10:04:46 PM
How can anyone own such a nice machine and only put on 13k km in 22 years? I managed that number in the first five months of owning my lowly V7 special.
If that were an 850 LM IV (or III) up for sale with the engine barely seated  I'd be subdividing my property, selling my dogs, hawking my camera's .... every option explored.
I'd have a hard time selling my dog for an overpriced outdated ditch pump on wheels..

(https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-F9vqP5b/0/L/IMG_0729-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-F9vqP5b/A)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 02, 2015, 10:12:56 PM
Great face. :grin:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: canuguzzi on August 02, 2015, 11:41:38 PM
And the dog knows it too.  :grin:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: canuguzzi on August 02, 2015, 11:42:54 PM
That SPIII though, what a looker. Rather a timeless figure.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Yukonica on August 03, 2015, 12:48:34 AM
I'd have a hard time selling my dog for an overpriced outdated ditch pump on wheels..

(https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-F9vqP5b/0/L/IMG_0729-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/Guzzi/i-F9vqP5b/A)

We breed Bernese Mountain Dogs. The very worst day is the day we send a puppy off to their new home. The beautiful part is they remember us years later. 'Baby Huey' is 135 pounds of headstrong love I get to see every couple years. This titled working dog turns himself inside out and drops any pretense of obedience until he gets to greet, cuddle and hug me. It is a special feeling to be the focus of that intense love.
They are never 'for sale' but if you are lucky you may be allowed to adopt one.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Muzz on August 03, 2015, 12:50:30 AM
Every tine I see a white MG I think of Dean's White Magnolia.  Got to be one of the nicest looking bikes ever! :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: leafman60 on August 03, 2015, 06:32:41 AM
I was never attracted to the SP.  Too much plastic covering for my tastes.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Don Ivey on August 03, 2015, 08:28:51 AM
I was never attracted to the SP.  Too much plastic covering for my tastes.

And, it gets very hot in the Southern Summer.  But the other three seasons, total bliss.

Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 03, 2015, 08:40:43 AM
One can buy a Norge for the same price, or close.

Why would you buy the SP3 over a Norge???

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on August 03, 2015, 08:51:33 AM
One can buy a Norge for the same price, or close.

Why would you buy the SP3 over a Norge???

Mike

Older technology - carbs, no ECU, etc.   More likely (possibly perceived, but real enough for me) that a normal shade-tree Guzzi owner could keep it running for many years without a Diagnostic Power Axone Commander Diagnostic Guzziwhiz update for his laptop.

Plus they have a nice "feel" on the road.    If I had the choice for the same money, I'd choose the SP.

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 03, 2015, 11:50:00 AM
The SPIII has mostly unobtainable plastic parts so a drop of any major kind will be a problem unless one is willing to find another bike for parts. A Norge runs cooler which says a lot, performs and handles better plus you don't have to fold your knee's(if possible) behind the fairing and if you ride with a passenger the Norge is far superior to the SPIII.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: canuguzzi on August 03, 2015, 11:53:00 AM
One can buy a Norge for the same price, or close.

Why would you buy the SP3 over a Norge???

Mike

"Buy them all, let the roads sort them out"

by Me.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: ITSec on August 03, 2015, 12:11:11 PM
One can buy a Norge for the same price, or close.

Why would you buy the SP3 over a Norge???

Mike

Not over a Norge - next to a Norge, in the garage!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John in PA on August 03, 2015, 12:14:53 PM
I had a dandy green SPIII in years past.  I agree that they are warm in the summer. And you have to fiddle with bodywork when doing some maintenance.

 But riding one is the  closest thing to piloting a very low altitude aircraft rather than riding a typical motorcycle. I can't explain the sensation, but that's what I felt like when riding it.  And, mine got 55-56 mpg on road trips.  That white one is almost too tempting, but I'm trying to downsize the flock, not build it up.

  Best wishes to the new owner, whoever it is.  That one is a gem.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 03, 2015, 12:39:55 PM
Can you get modern rubber for the 18" rims?

M
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on August 03, 2015, 12:46:22 PM
That looks great. I kind of want it... actually, I want it, no kind-of at all!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on August 03, 2015, 12:52:33 PM
Can you get modern rubber for the 18" rims?

M

Yes, a lot of stuff. Pirelli Sport Demons, Michelin Pilot Activ, pretty much anything you'd want likely.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: flangeman_70 on August 03, 2015, 01:36:08 PM
Anyone that buys this can expect a good deal of work replacing seals and perished rubber items like rear main seal, and the O rings under the rocker gear.
Brakes will need flushing and the lines will likely be suspect.
The fork dust seals need to be upgraded and the oil (ATF) levels adjusted.
Open up the valve covers and remove the mayonnaise. Which leads me to this little gem, check the small cross tube where the head breathers plug into, they rust out and get small pin holes in the bottom and puke oil.
If the cam is 'hot' then it should've had a bow style tensioner installed, if not, it is worth doing.
The charging system is marginal and if you want to run heated grips needs upgrading. Various electrical items need relays installed e.g. Headlights, horns and starter motor if not already done.
I bought mine 5 years back with just on 30000 km and it ran terrible. I got it running and it leaked oil from the heads (those little O rings), rear main and gearbox rear seals. When I removed the heads the first time, I removed a layer of about 1.5 a 3mm of carbon from the head and pistons, needless to say it ran much better after that little procedure.
I am just about to K Line the heads and fit new valves after 80000km, truth is they needed it 15000 back but I couldn't get new valves then.
I run Dunlop Arrowmax Streetsmart 130/80-18 TL 66V and 110/80-18. Lower profile at the front made a huge difference in turn in and the rear lower profile is negated by the oversize width.
I am 187cm tall and I fit the bike perfectly and use it as a daily commute and LOVE IT! This engine loves to rev beyond the 3500 RPM mark.

Adam
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John A on August 03, 2015, 08:23:12 PM
It's always been stored in a climate controlled hanger or shop so the rubber is in good shape but who can tell the actual condition until it's run for a while. It does have a valtech tensioner and a K cam if I remember correctly. Stainless brake lines too. It's just a nice bike, well cared for with low miles. I would already own it if I had the room and you guys would have never known it was for sale. I talked to the owner today, he said he is going to sell it and to tell you guys to make an offer- no reasonable offer refused. I did not ask what a reasonable offer might be so that's up to you. On a scale from 0-10 it's a 9.95
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 03, 2015, 08:29:57 PM
I talked to the owner today, he said he is going to sell it and to tell you guys to make an offer- no reasonable offer refused.

Damm, If I did not have too many unused bikes already.......
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 03, 2015, 09:17:08 PM
We'll see whether my reasonable is the same as the seller's.  I too have more bikes than I need, but I've always wanted to try one of these.  The virtue of SPs compared to Norges is simplicity. 
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 04, 2015, 10:55:50 PM
Has a deal been made?
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 05, 2015, 03:54:28 AM
I shift at 5K and cruise at 4K.  Staintune exhaust sounds great. :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 05, 2015, 09:49:23 AM
No response to my offer. 
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 06, 2015, 05:16:25 PM
Someone buy this cycle and save me.....I've lusted over this one for many years!!!!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 06, 2015, 05:46:29 PM
I've tried.  Sold to someone else, I assume.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: fotoguzzi on August 06, 2015, 05:46:53 PM
Someone buy this cycle and save me.....I've lusted over this one for many years!!!!
you buy it and keep it in my garage.. :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 07, 2015, 10:20:56 PM
The ad is still up.  Anyone going for it?
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Cam3512 on August 07, 2015, 10:30:24 PM
I've tried.  Sold to someone else, I assume.

I'm guessing so low ball it was insulting.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 07, 2015, 10:59:55 PM
Wrong.  He doesn't want to ship.  The offer was more than fair.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 08, 2015, 06:34:03 AM
Our two up long distance travel days are over, or it would already be gone..
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 08, 2015, 07:08:05 PM
"youse guys" are lucky that I still have my SP1000NT as my mainland bike otherwise that would have been gone.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 08, 2015, 11:56:10 PM
"youse guys" are lucky that I still have my SP1000NT as my mainland bike otherwise that would have been gone.

Tom,
Don't you keep "mainland" bikes in every time zone?
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 09, 2015, 06:53:58 AM
Our two up long distance travel days are over, or it would already be gone..

It's not a good two up bike unless you like having the passenger always slide into you at every stop.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on August 10, 2015, 06:41:15 PM
It's not a good two up bike unless you like having the passenger always slide into you at every stop.

Minor issue for me, though.   I wouldn't even consider going "two up" on one of my bikes until I've got a proper "two up" seat on it.    Otherwise, you're constantly banging helmets.

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 11, 2015, 04:05:56 AM
Tom,
Don't you keep "mainland" bikes in every time zone?

Not anymore. :laugh:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 11, 2015, 06:24:58 AM
Minor issue for me, though.   I wouldn't even consider going "two up" on one of my bikes until I've got a proper "two up" seat on it.    Otherwise, you're constantly banging helmets.

Lannis

I had Rich M make a new seat and it was better but it never solved the problem.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: brider on August 11, 2015, 07:24:21 AM
WOW, I can't even imagine the looks you'd get riding that rascal around town. Regardless of any maintenance or performance drawbacks (if any), if I was a rich Guzzisti like one of you guys, I'd snag it first, figure out how to explain it to the wife later (done that before), then just display it in my man-cave as a beautiful object-de-art.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on August 11, 2015, 11:18:47 AM
I had Rich M make a new seat and it was better but it never solved the problem.

Fair enough; I should have mentioned that (these days) when I say "proper two-up seat" I mean Russell Day-Long.   Two separate bucket seats with no sliding around or tilting in the wrong direction.

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on August 11, 2015, 11:55:02 AM
Sounds like this would have been the perfect bike when I was kid giving my first rides to the girls around the neighborhood with my 50cc moped. I swear I had enough tactile sensitivity in my shoulder blades that I might as well been picking the peaches off the tree with them if you know what I mean... :angel:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 11, 2015, 12:28:23 PM
Fair enough; I should have mentioned that (these days) when I say "proper two-up seat" I mean Russell Day-Long.   Two separate bucket seats with no sliding around or tilting in the wrong direction.

Lannis

The problem is the motorcycle frame as it bends up in the back lofting the passenger in the air. I would think that the passenger would be even higher up in the air with a RDL but probably more comfortable.

Anyway, I gave up when someone bought my SP and I purchased the Norge which in my case was a better fit, better comfort and performance. 

I did like the SP as it was basically the same foundation as my 1000S,and of course much slower trying to push that plastic.   
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 11, 2015, 02:23:31 PM
Add a Staintune exhaust and YOWZA!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 12, 2015, 09:57:44 PM
Someone grab this gem!    :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 12, 2015, 10:34:23 PM
If you ride it out here to Denver, I'll cover your flight back to MN.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: frans belgium on August 13, 2015, 01:53:20 AM
What a sweet bike  :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 17, 2015, 01:12:15 PM
The ad is still up.  I figured someone would have it by now?    :popcorn:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 17, 2015, 01:52:13 PM
Does anyone have experience with an SP3 as a 2 up bike?

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 17, 2015, 02:49:09 PM
Does anyone have experience with an SP3 as a 2 up bike?

Mike

It just didn't work for us, as I said earlier in this thread my wife was always sliding into me and I heard similar stories from other SPIII owner's though I did meet a couple at the NY national many years ago who had no problem and with the stock seat.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 17, 2015, 04:41:59 PM
Does anyone have experience with an SP3 as a 2 up bike?

Mike

Check with ccoli. He and Judi just spent 3 weeks touring the northeast from Wisconsin. He has well over 100000 miles on his.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on August 18, 2015, 12:44:28 PM
Do the wheels off the SPIII fit tonti frames, like the T-3 and such? I know there would be a swingarm issue, but if it weren't for that, would the rest of the items fit? (Axles, Disks, Final Drive)

Thinking about buying this one and tearing up to pieces...

(Joking, I love that bike!)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: fotoguzzi on August 18, 2015, 02:14:50 PM
Do the wheels off the SPIII fit tonti frames, like the T-3 and such? I know there would be a swingarm issue, but if it weren't for that, would the rest of the items fit? (Axles, Disks, Final Drive)

Thinking about buying this one and tearing up to pieces...

(Joking, I love that bike!)
MOSTLY YES BECAUSE IT IS A TONTI FRAME.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John A on August 21, 2015, 09:15:52 PM
Sold, a fly and ride from Arizona. Don't know who but he got a nice bike!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 21, 2015, 10:43:30 PM
Sold, a fly and ride from Arizona. Don't know who but he got a nice bike!

Thanks to the new owner  :thumb:
Saved me from myself!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 23, 2015, 03:26:38 PM
Fly and ride. :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 23, 2015, 06:14:20 PM
For me, it turned out for the best.  I ended up buying a '76 R90S this week to fill the last remaining shop space.  I took it into the mountains yesterday and really liked it.  I may be going to the dark side ...
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Scud on August 23, 2015, 06:47:50 PM
I ended up buying a '76 R90S this week to fill the last remaining shop space.  I may be going to the dark side ...

An airhead S-bike is the beginning of the slippery slope... After my R100CS I got an R1100RT. Took me a while, but getting back on a sporty bike (V11) made me wonder why I ever got a big-fairing touring machine.  R90S is a special bike - enjoy it.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 23, 2015, 07:07:50 PM
I'm the lucky guy who purchased the bike.  My intent is to fly to Minnesota and take a 10 day "fall color tour" back to my home in Arizona.
I'll probably head south down the Mississippi River and explore some old river towns and scenic byways.  I love that part of the country.  Then head west to visit my family near Kansas City.  Perhaps stop at Harpers and see if they have any cool stuff.  Then west again across Kansas to Colorado.  Mid-September should be a good time for Aspen Gold and mountain passes.  Then south to Durango and home to The Valley Of The Sun.

But first I'll have my old friend Marty Mataya give the bike a checkup in preparation for the trip.  Mostly make sure all the consumables are fresh: oil, tires, battery etc.  For you old time Minnesota riders, Marty was the Guzzi dealer at his shop in Anoka.  Then service manager at TrackStar when they were the dealer.  I bought a Centauro from them when they were on Bloomington Ave.  He is now the Royal Enfield dealer, but has done service work for me on Guzzi's.  I rode my Scura home from Minnesota several years ago and Marty prepared it for the trip.  The SP3 will be my touring bike and the Scura my hot rod.

In any case, I'm thrilled to get the bike and rest assured it will live a pampered life here in Arizona.   

 Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Irn on August 23, 2015, 07:12:59 PM
What a wonderful adventure, and the perfect trio for your garage.  I looked at the ad before it was posted here, and thought what a special bike. enjoy!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 23, 2015, 07:47:00 PM
Congrats to the SP.. sounds like it has found a good keeper..  :smiley:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: dxhall on August 23, 2015, 08:53:33 PM
Mike, if you come through Denver, send me an email and we can meet for coffee or a beer.  I'd like to see the bike.  Dennis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 23, 2015, 09:48:33 PM
Mike, if you come through Denver, send me an email and we can meet for coffee or a beer.  I'd like to see the bike.  Dennis

Thanks Dennis!  I'll be fleshing out the route in the next week or so.  Love to have some coffee if I end up in your neck of the woods.
(FYI: I lived in Denver for a couple of years.  Near Washington Park.  I hear it's pretty upscale these days.)

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: fotoguzzi on August 23, 2015, 10:08:55 PM
Marty is as good as they get in the motorcycle world!
and he got totally screwed when Trackstar went down..that's a whole nother story..
Have we met?
your a lucky guy, hey I live just a few miles from the MSP if you need a ride somewhere. we could get coffee or drinks.. or do a local shake down ride around the area..
I could even drive you down to Red Wing to pick it up if you don't have a plan yet and the timing works out. send pm for my #

Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: rboe on August 23, 2015, 10:46:12 PM
Cool Mike! Hope to see that bike at breakfast some Sunday, oh man, gotta check it out!

First dibs if you sell!  :grin:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 24, 2015, 08:36:21 AM
Marty is as good as they get in the motorcycle world!
and he got totally screwed when Trackstar went down..that's a whole nother story..
Have we met?
your a lucky guy, hey I live just a few miles from the MSP if you need a ride somewhere. we could get coffee or drinks.. or do a local shake down ride around the area..
I could even drive you down to Red Wing to pick it up if you don't have a plan yet and the timing works out. send pm for my #

I don't know if we have met.  I left Minn. almost 10 years ago.  I had gone to some Guzzi breakfasts when I was there.  George ???? was the president.  I would have been riding a yellow Centauro.  (FYI: I'm still on the email list and love getting the Minn. newsletter.)

I was thinking I might be there for the Guzzi breakfast in Sept.  But it doesn't look like timing will work for that.  As plans develop we'll see if we can do coffee instead.

Mike   
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: blackcat on August 24, 2015, 09:00:24 AM
Mike,

Good luck with the bike. Don't know how long you intend to keep the SP but there are some parts (mostly fairing) that are hard to find if needed. Reboot Guzzi seems to always have a SPIII or two sitting around. The belly pan is one of those parts and it looks like they have a recently acquired bike which might have a pan but its hard to tell from the photo. The lowers are clearly gone but those were available a few years ago from regular sources but who knows now. Having had a SPIII and currently a 1000S and now a Daytona, I tend to keep an eye on parts even if I don't currently need them.

http://www.rebootguzzispares.com/sp3grey.htm

I only had my SPIII for about three or four years and it never gave me any problems.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: jackson on August 24, 2015, 09:11:54 AM
For me, it turned out for the best.  I ended up buying a '76 R90S this week to fill the last remaining shop space.  I took it into the mountains yesterday and really liked it.  I may be going to the dark side ...
Of the many motorcycles that I've owned since 1969, the one that I truly regret selling was my first BMW; a new R90S in Daytona Orange.  It was a great motorcycle.  Enjoy your new Beemer.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: ccoli on August 24, 2015, 10:07:20 AM
A bit late to the party, but I am on my 2nd Rich Mound seat on the SPIII. Over 140k miles a day still lovin' it. I agree that it is not a good hot weather bike, your gonads will bake. Great spring, fall winter though. I have other bikes I can ride when it gets really warm.
Should you ever need spares, I have some.
Judi uses a sheep skin cover on the seat which minimizes her sliding into me.
Enjoy!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on August 24, 2015, 10:32:06 AM
Congrats Travlr. Sounds like the bike has gone to a great owner. It was causing me a lot of stress knowing it was available, so now I can finally relax and stop checking the CL ad daily to see if it's was still up for grabs :boozing:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John Ulrich on August 24, 2015, 09:04:18 PM
Congrats Travlr. Sounds like the bike has gone to a great owner. It was causing me a lot of stress knowing it was available, so now I can finally relax and stop checking the CL ad daily to see if it's was still up for grabs :boozing:

Amen!  I have too much "garage art" as it is but what a sexy beast!   :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 26, 2015, 09:24:25 PM
Is the SPIII going to the Phoenix area?  Yowza hot!!! but great area to ride in.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on August 26, 2015, 10:23:29 PM
Is the SPIII going to the Phoenix area?  Yowza hot!!! but great area to ride in.

>Is the SPIII going to the Phoenix area?  Yowza hot!!!

I do live in the Valley of the Sun.  It's abit toasty right now.  But I did play golf yesterday. Probably play again Friday.
Just start early and be done by noon.  By the time I get back in mid-Sept. it should be getting nice for the next 9 months.

>but great area to ride in.

We've got 2 great Guzzi groups here.  Phoenix and Tucson.  A really nice community. 
We ride year round.  But less in the summer.  In January I can have a nice breakfast ride.
Then drive 3 hours and ski in the afternoon.

The SP3 is headed to a good home.

Mike


Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 27, 2015, 02:14:50 PM
I lived in Mesa for about 10 years.  Know the area well.  I was out there in July and hung out with some friends.  They moved from Hawaii via Texas.  They're old time Guzzi members.  You're probably run into them eventually.  Fay and Richard.  Richard has a 1400 Cali Touring and Fay has an Indian Scout.  Took Richard over to Canyon Lake and South Mountain.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: rboe on August 27, 2015, 05:18:46 PM
They have stopped in for our monthly breakfasts, good people. She rides a very nice Indian Scout (another Guzzi guy has a girl friend that just bought a Scout - in black); if this keeps up the Scouts will be known as ladies bikes. :)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 27, 2015, 08:46:04 PM
The Scout isn't a "Ladies" bike and Fay can push her bike around in turns better than a lot of guys I know.  It's got more hp than a Sporty and will fly through tight turns.   :evil:  The only problem is the angle of the rear shocks.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on August 28, 2015, 09:25:11 AM
The Scout isn't a "Ladies" bike and Fay can push her bike around in turns better than a lot of guys I know.  It's got more hp than a Sporty and will fly through tight turns.   :evil:  The only problem is the angle of the rear shocks.

Well, it'll get known as a "ladies bike" the same way Sportsters have gotten known as "ladies bikes", whether they really are or not.   

How many times do you see a pair of Harleys going down the road, with Buck in the lead on his Big Twin and Momma behind on her Sportster ....?  It's almost a formula these days ....

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on August 29, 2015, 12:13:30 PM
I got the analogy a long time ago.  Looks like we're all riding "Ladies" bikes here with the exception of the Cali 1400.   :grin:  I don't know what that guy was riding at the National.   :rolleyes:  I should have took a picture of it. :grin:  (The U.S Army wannabe with the fake ammo and grenades)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on September 22, 2015, 11:40:35 AM
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k485/drdezmo/0911151157_zpsdo0otb70.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/drdezmo/media/0911151157_zpsdo0otb70.jpg.html)


(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k485/drdezmo/0914151344a_zpsaaebpvvq.jpg) (http://s1112.photobucket.com/user/drdezmo/media/0914151344a_zpsaaebpvvq.jpg.html)


Guzzista: 

The Spada is safely tucked away at my home in Arizona.  After 2,000 miles in temps ranging from the 40’s to the 90’s, in rain, in sun, on interstate highways, lonely back roads, mountain passes and city streets you get a pretty good read on a motorcycle.  As Spadas are somewhat rare, I thought some of you might be interested in how it performs in todays world.

The bike feels like a BMW R100RS.  Short stubby bars and a narrow riding position that tucks you in behind a fairing.  Not the more high and wide riding position of todays touring bikes.  I’d forgotten that “sport touring” style.  But I found it quite comfortable and did several 500+ mile days.

The fairing is excellent.  It provides good protection putting the rider in a fairly large still air pocket.   I’m 5’9” and larger/smaller riders experience will differ.  On a windy day on I-70 the bike remained stable in heavy cross winds.  No doubt the result of good design in Guzzi’s wind tunnel.

The bike hits a real sweet spot at around 4,000 rpm with very little vibration.  That translates to a cruise of 70-80 mph.  I averaged around 50 mpg at those speeds.  The gas tank holds 5.9 gallons.  I usually filled up at about 220-230 miles with a gallon or so left in reserve.

One area in which the SP3 excels over BMW airheads is handling.  The Tonti frame is  superior to BMW’s “hinge in the middle” airheads.  At what I would call a “quick street pace” the SP3 remains composed.  Turning up the pace thru the mountains was fun, not frantic.

The SP3 uses Moto Guzzi’s linked brake system.  It’s capable of some very good performance.  But it was hard for me to learn.  The linked system uses the foot brake, not the hand brake.  The hand brake only operates one front disc.  I had to teach myself to step on the foot brake and not pull the hand lever.  IMHO a system better suited to a California than a sport touring mount.

While I’m gripeing, the other issue I had was the side stand.  It’s long.  To deploy it the bike must be leaned to the right while the left foot pushes the stand.  It was unstable, especially with a loaded top box.

In short, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.  The bike was tougher than the rider.  The only mechanical issue I had was a leaky fork seal.  Probably inevitable on a 20+ year old motorcycle.  Not everyone wants a motorcycle that is run by computers.  With it’s excellent fairing, good brakes and stable handling the SP3 is still capable of continent carving while being serviced in the owners garage.

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Lannis on September 22, 2015, 11:44:15 AM
Sounds like you just described an ideal sport-touring motorcycle.   A reasonable amount of simplicity, excellent real-world performance and comfort.    If my knees only fit behind the fairing .....  :sad:

And there's no reason NOT to use the front lever every time you stop.   I do it on my SP just so that, if I NEED more braking at the last second, my hand's already there ....

Happy trails!

Lannis
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on September 22, 2015, 12:29:19 PM
I pretend that they don't have linked brakes, and use the front normally. It's just a *lot* more powerful when you add the "rear". I transition effortlessly from linked to unlinked that way. No thinking required.. :smiley:

Oh, and you nailed the difference between the tonti and airhead, IMHO, except for the entertainment value of the Guzzi engine.  :cool:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John A on September 22, 2015, 12:40:58 PM
Did Tom give you the original cam with it? If not I'll keep bugging him until he finds it. I'm the one that put in a B10 or K cam so many years ago. Congrats on the bike, it really is a nice machine!
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on September 22, 2015, 01:47:57 PM
Thanks for the as-tested review on the SPIII. Helps that you are the same height as me so helps to know that bike would eventually "fit" me as well if I ever got one like it. As far as the brakes go, I love the linked brakes. Not sure why some get rid of that setup before giving it a chance. I also use the regular front brake how I have always in the past, and that's in harmony with the rear even thought the front is also being applied with the linked system - just makes it better IMO.

From the factory, it's my understanding that the brake pads used for the linked front side are different than the rear and front only. I believe it is a harder blend so that it grips less(er) than the rear, making it not 50/50, maybe more like 70rear/30front (don't quote me on those numbers) - though I think that's the first thing that gets lost is that we all end up using the same pads for all three discs technically messing up the ratio because the factory Brembo numbers are hard to find.

Again, that's how I understand it being that the part number for the linked front pads are different than the other two (rear and solo front) in the parts manual for my 81 G5.

Did I talk too much about the brakes?  (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/Smileys/default/Beating_A_Dead_Horse_by_livius.gif)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: ITSec on September 22, 2015, 02:02:53 PM

From the factory, it's my understanding that the brake pads used for the linked front side are different than the rear and front only. I believe it is a harder blend so that it grips less(er) than the rear, making it not 50/50, maybe more like 70rear/30front (don't quote me on those numbers) - though I think that's the first thing that gets lost is that we all end up using the same pads for all three discs technically messing up the ratio because the factory Brembo numbers are hard to find.

Again, that's how I understand it being that the part number for the linked front pads are different than the other two (rear and solo front) in the parts manual for my 81 G5.

Did I talk too much about the brakes?  (http://wildguzzi.com/forum/Smileys/default/Beating_A_Dead_Horse_by_livius.gif)

That got me curious, so I just checked my EBC reference - it shows the FA18 as the organic choice for all three locations, and the FA18HH as the double-sintered option. I don't know whether the factory did a mix-and-match of types, but there's no notes on the EBC master list for any specific selection...
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on September 22, 2015, 02:11:37 PM
Did you come down through Payson?  Great ride over the Rim.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: ITSec on September 22, 2015, 02:25:03 PM
Did you come down through Payson?  Great ride over the Rim.

It was a nice ride - after lunch at the Owl, I did 12 and 180 from Datil to Eagar, then a detour on 261 to 273 and back to 260, then to Show Low for the night. Next day, Show Low to Payson to Camp Verde to Jerome to Yava to 93 and then a straight shot home.

Probably more curves on those two days than a year in Nevada.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Tom on September 22, 2015, 02:33:10 PM
That's a good route. :thumb:
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Groover on September 22, 2015, 03:43:31 PM
That got me curious, so I just checked my EBC reference - it shows the FA18 as the organic choice for all three locations, and the FA18HH as the double-sintered option. I don't know whether the factory did a mix-and-match of types, but there's no notes on the EBC master list for any specific selection...

Not sure if it applies to all linked Guzzis, I thought it did. The pads are different in the G5 manual, and I think Convert manual as well.

V1000G5 Parts Manual: (http://www.scooteropolis.com/images/guzzi/wg/V1000G_Spare_Parts_Catalog.pdf (http://www.scooteropolis.com/images/guzzi/wg/V1000G_Spare_Parts_Catalog.pdf))

Part# 14654601 Ferit I/D 332 (Drawing 16, PDF Page 44, POS No 24) - This is the Front Only brake

Part# 14654601 Ferit I/D 332 (Drawing 18, PDF Page 49, POS No 64) - This is the Rear Brake

Part# 14654650 Ferit I/D 330 (Drawing 18, PDF Page 50, POS No 75) - This is the Linked Front Brake (see different Ferit I/D)
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: ITSec on September 22, 2015, 04:16:47 PM
Not sure if it applies to all linked Guzzis, I thought it did. The pads are different in the G5 manual, and I think Convert manual as well.

V1000G5 Parts Manual: (http://www.scooteropolis.com/images/guzzi/wg/V1000G_Spare_Parts_Catalog.pdf (http://www.scooteropolis.com/images/guzzi/wg/V1000G_Spare_Parts_Catalog.pdf))

Part# 14654601 Ferit I/D 332 (Drawing 16, PDF Page 44, POS No 24) - This is the Front Only brake

Part# 14654601 Ferit I/D 332 (Drawing 18, PDF Page 49, POS No 64) - This is the Rear Brake

Part# 14654650 Ferit I/D 330 (Drawing 18, PDF Page 50, POS No 75) - This is the Linked Front Brake (see different Ferit I/D)

It may well be that the factory and EBC see things differently for many or all of the linked brake units. I rather expect EBC is leaving it to the owner to decide what mix (or non-mix) of pad compounds they like.
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: Travlr on September 23, 2015, 11:02:45 AM
Did Tom give you the original cam with it? If not I'll keep bugging him until he finds it. I'm the one that put in a B10 or K cam so many years ago. Congrats on the bike, it really is a nice machine!

Hi John,

He did give me the cam.  Thanks for asking.

What can you tell me about the swap?  I'm unfamiliar with either a B10 or K cam.

Mike
Title: Re: Rare White SPIII on Craigslist MN
Post by: John A on September 23, 2015, 02:09:34 PM
The B10 was the factory performance cam, used in big valve LeMans and I don't know what else. Some call em K cams cause they generally have a k stamped in the end. They will wake up most Guzzi engines and still be very drivable. I put it in on the timing marks, Tom didn't want me to spend the time to degree it. The timing chain was retained, I don't like the aluminum gears unless they are in an engine that gets inspected very often, like for racing but not in a street engine.