What to look for with an '04 California

[nwguy]

Hi all, I'm back on Wild Guzzi after trading my 07' Norge for a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 a couple of years ago. I miss riding a Guzzi and have been ogling Bassas. I'm drawn to a more laid back ride at this point but want footpegs rather than floorboards. Anyway, this California with footpegs is on Facebook Marketplace near me:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1055996009246621

He's already dropped the price, and if he's willing to come down a bit more I might be interested. So I've been researching issues to watch out for and I see the following:

- Possible single plate clutch rather than double plate
- Possible hydraulic valve issue if present and recall fix not done
- Possible defective lower triple tee if present and recall fix not done
- Single throttle cable rather than 2 cables

I saw pics on how to check for the valve issue, how to check for the single clutch plate and how to check the stamped date on the triple tee. I've contacted the seller asking about any recall work done that he's aware of, but haven't heard back yet.

Am I missing anything, or am I understanding these potential issues incorrectly? I know fluids would need changing and maybe various rubber bits, and possibly the tires.

Thanks in advance.

[Ncdan]

Welcome back.
I had an 04 hydro and it’s the only motorcycle I’ve ever regretted letting go! It was a fantastic bullet proof machine. As long as the recalls were done your good to go, IMHO.

[rocker59]

You have the four issues correct.  If they're done, then the bikes are good to go.  If not done, probably best to pass on the deal. 

[inditx]

A Guzzi dealer can run the vin and see if recalls/service bulletins were done
Not a sure guarantee on the valves necessarily but……
inditx

[elrealistico]

We were all in a different thread about this a few days ago., Basically if it has valvole idrauliche on the valve cover protector and the engine and frame numbers are above a certain number you should be GTG from factory. The pix dont show that. But you can ask to see the inspection hole plug removed to verify the clutch. If it has 32kmi on it, likely has the 2 plate clutch as the single plates did not last very long, according to those that were aflicted with the issue. If you are tall, you may want to look into getting the seat built up so your legs are not bent too much. The colors are great on those

[bmc5733946]

The information held by Moto Guzzi regarding recall completion is notoriously sketchy. Please do not rely on that. Check yourself that the recalls were done. Motorcycles with this mileage have probably had them done buuuut. The second cable is present on the throttle, so there is that. The throttle may actually have come that way from the factory, I think that recall may have arrived in 2002 but really don't remember.

Brian

[Wayne Orwig]

Look in the timing hole to determine the clutch type.
Pull a valve cover and inspect the spring tops.
Pretty sure the lower triple clamp was resolved by 2004, but maybe not.......
The second throttle cable is easy to check at the grip, and I am very sure was resolve a couple years before 2004.

There was the fuel line in the tank popping off thing.
The original odometer will die.
At this age, the turn signal stalks are toast.

Still have my 2004. A great bike IMHO. Well, it does need a larger fuel tank, but that's another story.

[nwguy]

OK, I've found explanations and photos so I can determine if the valve recall has the "final fix", and if it has a double plate clutch so long as the seller lets me pull a valve cover and the cap for the clutch. One of the FB ad pics shows that this bike has 2 throttle cables, so that's good. Here's how to check the fork triple tee:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2007/RCRIT-07V254-3234.pdf

Any way to determine visually if the in tank fuel line has been replaced?

Thanks for your replies!

[nwguy]

Am I correct in thinking that if I found a 1999 Bassa, there would be no concerns about a single plate clutch, the hydro valves or the lower triple tee?

[antmanbee]

Am I correct in thinking that if I found a 1999 Bassa, there would be no concerns about a single plate clutch, the hydro valves or the lower triple tee?

That is true. None of those issues on a 99 Bassa. Or a 2000-1 Jackal.

[drdwb]

One other mentionable is the speedometer. They go south somewhere after 5-10,000 miles, if you get to a guzzi rally look how many Californias have either bicycle speedo’s or GPS to monitor speed. There are fixes but a lot of  higher mileage Californias are running with this problem. Doesn’t affect the mechanics or drive ability of these great bikes at all. One other minor maintenance issue is the turn signal stem’s especially the rear ones tend to be fragile.
But if you can verify the recalls we’re done properly they are good touring bikes, and you can modify seat height, handle bars, foot pegs vs floor boards to suit you.

[kingoffleece]

Not issues, but..............
It's an older motorcycle.  When I got my 2001 Jackal a few years ago, I went thru every "consumable" item.  All rubber bits, entire brake system, entire charging system, wheel bearings, and all fluids.  I needed to KNOW the bike was tip-top and was gonna run 200 miles out and the 200 back.  My .02 is budget for doing all that if you proceed.
Not all agree with that.

[nwguy]

This the one that made me first aware of Bassas:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/617344737797608

The gal who's selling it for her father says she'll contact me next week. I'd rent a trailer to get it. It's about a 3 hour drive from me.

[Joliet Jim]

This the one that made me first aware of Bassas:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/617344737797608

The gal who's selling it for her father says she'll contact me next week. I'd rent a trailer to get it. It's about a 3 hour drive from me.

The pearl white Bassa may be the most beautiful of all the V11 California variants

[Bob Wegman]

I think you should look forward to some great rides.

[nwguy]

Any thoughts on this Bassa, assuming I'm not looking for a show bike?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1691820651441704

What concerns me most is the loud, tapping noise that seems to be coming from the right side cylinder in the video. He says the valves were just adjusted, so seems like there shouldn't be that loud of a tapping sound. I can't really tell if there are 2 throttle cables, but it looks like no.