buying used small block, mileage upper limit??

[Anomaly]

I realize this may be a totally "it depends..." question, but.... what the hell, it's an internet forum right? So, being far less knowledgeable about MGs than many of you, I wanted to ask is there an upper limit (in mileage terms) that you would consider on a V7 or V9? I ask because in the beginning stages of perusing the ads for used bikes, I see a dichotomy between those with, say, under 4,000 miles and those with over 25,000 miles on the clock. I realize there is a LOT else to consider, but, for the sake of conversation, can you say anything about mileage?

[Sykestone8886]

My 2016 v7 stornello just started running good at 20,000 miles.

[SmithSwede]

My 2013 V7 Stone just passed 150,000 miles this weekend.  It’s fine. 

[stubbie]

I usually buy bikes with less than 30k, but I guess in reality it all depends who had the bike before hand. I have seen bikes up around 150K still working and functioning as normal and then I've seen bikes around 25-30k constantly broken and looking like crap.

[lucky phil]

I usually buy bikes with less than 30k, but I guess in reality it all depends who had the bike before hand. I have seen bikes up around 150K still working and functioning as normal and then I've seen bikes around 25-30k constantly broken and looking like crap.

The perennial question, how many miles is too may miles. I'm sure at 150K miles its still starting running and getting from point A to Point B in a reliable fashion, but it'll be way past it's best by then.

Ciao

[sign216]

A lot depends on the year and model.  Some years/models have known issues.  If this bike doesn't have them, or they've been addressed, then you are all good.

[chuck peterson]

Depends….
(The best kept secret for long distance riding)
 

How many miles are you expecting to be riding?

A 100k bike might do just fine if you’ll be riding it less than 2k a year..a parade or memory bike for old times sake, maybe s starter Guzzi

A zero miles brand new one would fit if your intending to ride all four corners of the US..

Of all the bike manufacturers, Guzzi piles on the most miles by RIDERS loving the 90 degrees single crank cadence

Used high mileage but well cared for bikes are common w Guzzi because the motors can do it and the owner wants to. I’d suggest understanding the enthusiasm level of the owner, the condition of their garage, and their mechanical skill would be a good indicator of the bike’s condition

General Rally conversation..
“How many miles on your 1979?”

“210k…. Never had the motor apart….”

Good luck.

[twowheeladdict]

For me it all comes down to perceived value. 

Obviously with more miles comes the possibility of more things (in addition to the engine) needing repair, replacement, maintenance.

Also, too much sitting without being prepped for storage has its negatives.

If I can afford $6000 for a motorcycle and want a particular bike I am going to buy the best one I can for that $6000.

That might mean the higher mileage well cared for one for $3000 knowing I have another $3000 to keep it running, or it might mean that 2000 mile a year bike that is well cared for.

When you start charting price, year, mileage, you start to notice a point where the value tends towards a horizontal line.  If you buy at that transition point, you can get a decent bike that won't depreciate much during your ownership if resale value is important to you. 

[Dirk_S]

You're getting a lot of very generalized, non-Guzzi-specific responses, and I don't think that's what you're asking for. I'm sure you understand that if you take care of a bike and don't ride it constantly to its limits, that'll last longer than one that's often pushed.

And I'm not sure that I even have a better response. In terms of longevity, I don't know how Guzzi bikes compare to the Japanese bikes or Harleys or other Europeans. I don't know how the small block compares to the big blocks, or the small blocks today versus the ones made in the 70s.

But, I think we're all aware that when performance is pushed, longevity and reliability suffer, and the small blocks aren't performance bikes. They're meant to be comfortable jacks of all trades, commuters, rural road dancers, etc., so I'm willing to bet that as long as one stays up on their maintenance, particularly lubrication and valve checks, these bikes will run and run.

SmithSwede is officially at god-status in my eye, as well as Huzo and these other folks who ride over a hundred thousand miles. But yeah--people usually grow tired of a small vehicle that's often seen as a toy much quicker than a car that's seen as a necessary commuter. Every bike should be able to at least do 50k, IMO. Way back when, 50k was seen as the 100k for cars. Well, Cars are expected to go over 100k now, so maybe motorcycles should be expected to easily do over 50k as well?

Now that I work from home, my mileage will be down slightly, so 100k mi / 160k km might take a while.

[Chuck in Indiana]

The *old* small blocks have a few issues,  but as far as I know.. the new versions are pretty bullet proof.