T3 California check list.

[GuzziNZ]

Hi all, looking at purchasing a T3 Cali. Could google for hours but what should I check out.
Bike has a new Nikasil piston/barrel set, wiring loom and modern switch gear. Cheers.

[pete roper]

And the rest of it is probably close to forty years old and you know nothing about it.

The T3 platform is one of the very best Guzzi ever produced but don't fool yourself that it will be without need for a *Lot* of work unless you have full disclosure of what has been done and by whom.

Pete

[Turin]

I would buy it, change the fluids and ride it until something breaks. If someone has taken the time to swap out the cylinders, then reason holds that they would have kept up on smaller maintenance items.

[Tom]

I removed my earlier comment.  Out of context.  If the price is right, I'd do as Turin suggests.  The major components have been worked on as you have stated.  The rest is easy to work on.  Buy some tech journals.  Study then come back to the forum for details.

[acogoff]

     As long as you are able to do most things mechanical, then I would not be afraid of it. If you need to hire most things done, it could turn into a money pit. Not that I have anything against mechanics making a decent living off the needy.

[Jake]

I enjoyed sorting out the T from the get-go - and now will head back into it again.  Not too hard to work on - lots of help here - and I've also found local wrenches with some great skills.  You got the updated cylinders - so sounds like a good project!

[GuzziNZ]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
No problems working on the mechanicals, I am an engineer and have always worked on my own bikes with only a little help with electrics which are the work of the devil.

I have not seen the bike in the flesh as its at the other end of the Island but looks OK in the pictures. May need the headers rechromed, paint has a few chips but mostly complete and original and includes some spares.   
Was looking at bringing a pre-80s round head in from the the States but would need to find one as nice for $4700 usd or less because of the cost of freight, tax and compliance and still wouldn't know what I was getting until it turned up.

More suggestions gratefully accepted.

[Chuck in Indiana]

electrics which are the work of the devil.

Don't worry.. you'll learn all about electrics. 
As KR sez:
Moto Guzzi, making electricians out of riders since 1921..

[canuck750]

And the rest of it is probably close to forty years old and you know nothing about it.

The T3 platform is one of the very best Guzzi ever produced but don't fool yourself that it will be without need for a *Lot* of work unless you have full disclosure of what has been done and by whom.

Pete

What he said :1:

I would set aside at least $2k for all the other things that should be looked at to make it a safe ride. Wheel bearings, steering bearings, brake hoses and calipers and master cylinders just to get started. Then the rear drive, clutch....... Good think the cylinders have been done but what shape is the crank and main bearings in?