850t 20K miles

[sdcr]

Also has a big bore kit. All there, otherwise looks stock.

It’s for sale, and I am wondering what to look for…

[Gliderjohn]

Corrosion and wiring issues at that age. The big bore kit was Nikasil? If so good there. May have to recondition forks and replace shocks. From the pictures it appears to be a solid bike.
GliderJohn

[Gliderjohn]

Corrosion both frame and inside the tank and possible wiring and switch issues at that age. The big bore kit was Nikasil? If so good there. May have to recondition forks and replace shocks. From the pictures it appears to be a solid bike.
GliderJohn

[Tkelly]

Rear brake may lock wheel without warning unless it has been fixed,take a test ride.
 warning

[n3303j]

Worry about things like the relay hanging by the wires near the starter. Looks to be maintained by an owner who didn't care a lot. Did see new starter. I would plan on investing a bit of time and parts into making this bike what it should be. If you aren't supplying free labor the price better be very low and that's assuming it runs without any odd engine noises.

[sdcr]

Thanks guys, I’ve only seen these pics so far.  The engine mod is only listed as a “950 kit”. Rear shocks look new, and the pet cocks look recent. Ad says it runs. I will find out more tomorrow morning. Oh, price is under 3 grand.

[BIF]

I recently purchased one of these, for about 2800 and it runs nicely. Mine has steel sleeves in the barrels, but I would recommend nikasil. I got an email recently saying some were available new if you were not going to the big bore kit. I am a rank amateur but here is what I have found.
Plan on rebuilding the brakes. I was warned about the rear locking up but I really have not had an issue.
The original switches were not that good.
McMaster Carr makes nice universal locks for the side pods.
Replace the tires
I had minimal problems with the electrics but the 50 year old wiring has too many splices and potential failure points. I have ordered Greg Benders replacement wiring kit and I am really replacing everything and upgrading the switches, adding relays ECT. I have had too many Italian cars not to know the advantage of having a good electrical system.
It really does require a fair amount of maintenance, nothing hard just more frequent.
It is lovely to ride, it doesn't do anything fantastic but it does everything good. I enjoy cruising on it.
Good luck
Oh I am currently battling fuel leaks - always something

[sdcr]

BIF,

Good info. Regarding the leaks, are they from the tank itself, or just the fuel lines, petcocks etc?

[n3303j]

$4,500 in Massachusetts VS your T for $2,900 in Tennessee.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/d/raynham-center-1977-moto-guzzi-850-3/7863790822.html

Rather buy something with care in its history. The reduced restoration costs will offset the purchase difference.

[PeteS]

$4,500 in Massachusetts VS your T for $2,900 in Tennessee.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/d/raynham-center-1977-moto-guzzi-850-3/7863790822.html

Rather buy something with care in its history. The reduced restoration costs will offset the purchase difference.

Wow! Very nice and one owner plus closer to you.

Pete

[Turin]

It looks pretty solid from the pictures.( black bike) I restored my T slowly as I drove it, lot's of small upgrades as I went. Very bullet proof machine. If it starts, rides and stops, I'd say you are good for the moment. As others have said, front forks were mediocre from the factory so plan on a front end rebuild at some point, wiring depend on who has been in there. (I still run the original harness on my bike, the only thing that hasn't been upgraded.) The front brake set up will feel wooden. The rear can be an on/off affair. Looks like you have the bap petcocks so no leak issues there... If everything works, I'd buy it.

That Red T-3 is sweet. Don't love floorboards though. I'd take the bike that has gilardoni barrels.

[Dukedesmo]

Looks good and IMO a fair price, assuming it runs and everything works.


Doubt You'd find one looking as nice here (England) for that money.

[Mwether]

That T-3 in MA has been posted for a LONG time.

I can't remember if he's come down to $4500, but I'd bet he'd take less.

[Dave Swanson]

Most (and I suspect this owner) when installing a 950 kit do not take the extra steps to balance the crank.  I would rather see Gilardoni 850s. 

Perhaps the price is negotiable.  It most likely will be a money pit, therefore the lower initial price the better. 

[PeteS]

Regarding the 950 mod it first has be determined if its a Gilardoni kit or Guzzi 949 cylinders. If I recall 949 cylinders will fit if the sleeve is machined down. Gilardonis require the cases to be machined.

Pete

[sdcr]

So, spoke to seller. He bought it as a non runner 3-4 years ago. According to him, the BB kit has iron bores. Rear shocks are IKON, relatively new. Rear tail light is non op. Ignition is non stock, accessory version, hanging on the left handle bar.  New points. He wasn’t sure what caused the non runner status, but says it’s currently running. About an hour and a half away from me, so holding off looking today.

[JJ]

The BEST thing to look for, (IMHO) of any used motorcycle, is one that has a current plate...and one that is ridden on a regular basis...and one that has a honest and up to date maintenance record.

The WORST thing, (IMHO), is a bike that has been sitting for many decades...neglected ...unloved...and NOT ridden or maintained on a regular basis...

As someone else pointed out...pay a little more for a well sorted machine...as you will be far better off in the long run... (...just sayin'  )

[sdcr]

“ As someone else pointed out...pay a little more for a well sorted machine...as you will be far better off in the long run...”

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/d/downingtown-1975-moto-guzzi-850/7869470969.html

JJ, you’re right, it’s better to find a completely sorted machine. From the sellers ad, it was not clear if this bike was road ready or not. It took some conversation to untraveled some of the details. 

I like the T3 platform, as it is somewhat similar to the G5 that I had years ago.  That was one of my favorite Guzzi’s.

[JJ]

“ As someone else pointed out...pay a little more for a well sorted machine...as you will be far better off in the long run...”

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/d/downingtown-1975-moto-guzzi-850/7869470969.html

JJ, you’re right, it’s better to find a completely sorted machine. From the sellers ad, it was not clear if this bike was road ready or not. It took some conversation to untraveled some of the details. 

I like the T3 platform, as it is somewhat similar to the G5 that I had years ago.  That was one of my favorite Guzzi’s.

Agreed sdcr...always liked the "stock" look of the 850-T3...

Here's a couple of nice examples from the Guzzi Rally in Datil, NM, coming up again in a few weeks.  No doubt each was ridden a few hundred miles safely and successfully to the Rally site...

[moto]

I agree with most of the points made previously, but will add that the braking system of the T3 is so superior to that on the T that you should buy it instead. That is assuming that the owner has not de-integrated the front and rear discs.  (The front brake lever is really an emergency brake, by the way.*)

I have never had floorboards, but you can easily swap these with somebody who has the regular foot pegs I think, if you don't decide you prefer them.

I have a T3 that I poured thousands of dollars into. You are better off letting somebody else do that instead of you.

* I will support this statement real soon now.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've said before, that *sometimes* free is too much.  This will be a project. I have done many, and if you like doing projects, fine. Go into it with your eyes open fully knowing you will spend more than you think you will to get it into first class shape. It looks like a good project to me. (shrug)

[PeteS]

One other point, aren’t most T’s lacking an oil filter which all the T3s do have? I know the later T’s do have an oil filter as I have a T block I bought to build into a 992 motor. Another question for the T seller.

Pete

[Gliderjohn]

I have never had floorboards, but you can easily swap these with somebody who has the regular foot bags I think, if you don't decide you prefer them.

Keep in mind you will need the switch out the lower frame rails to.
GliderJohn

[BIF]

BIF,

Good info. Regarding the leaks, are they from the tank itself, or just the fuel lines, petcocks etc?

Not completely sure but I think it is a combination of the lines and a sticking float or bad seat. I need to get it on the lift and check it out.

I am a tinkerer and enjoy this kind of stuff, if you want to get on and ride it is better to buy the t3. You will still have to do maintenance but less of the puzzle.

[Dukedesmo]

Quote from: PeteS on July 31, 2025, 03:39:55 PM

Regarding the 950 mod it first has be determined if its a Gilardoni kit or Guzzi 949 cylinders. If I recall 949 cylinders will fit if the sleeve is machined down. Gilardonis require the cases to be machined.

Pete

___________________ ___________________ ____

Maybe but, I bought the Gilardoni 950cc Le Mans kit from HMB Guzzi in Germany and it was a straight fit into the cases.

IIRC, they told me that they (HMB) modified the cylinders to make this so.

[yackee]

I bought a well-kept 76 t3 with new gilardoni pistons with similar mileage to the one you are looking at, some years ago but it still needed stuff, maybe not immediately but pretty soon after:

1. Changing out rear and front shocks; rear is obviously a lot easier.
2. PO had replaced the u-joint before I bought it; you may be looking at a near-future u-joint replacement
3. Wiring harness: I'd immediately buy a new one from Greg Bender just because the one there is 50 years old and Greg does great work
4. I had the diode board and alternator go out pretty quickly
5. I think it's worthwhile replacing the brake calipers while news are available--but do you have calipers on an 850T?
6. I'd seriously consider a Dyna electronic ignition if available for the 850T
7. I'd think about replacing clutch and throttle cables just to avoid being stuck on the side of the road. When I bought a used SP some years ago the throttle cables, apparently never lubed, immediately snapped.


There's not much involved here, but the ujoint replacement is a bit involved.