Opinions and advice needed, most definitely guzzi content!

[Ncdan]

So, let’s say that you are a most definitely a dedicated  Moto guzzi owner and rider who loves these bikes. Let’s say this guy has decided that he wants a Moto guzzi that was manufactured before the bikes were controlled by ECU  fuel injection, sensor controlled motorcycles. Let’s go one step further and say however transistorized ignition was preferred over points. What would be the best choice of Moto guzzi bike.
Please this is a serious question and I would like to see responses from folks who has been there and done that.
Thanks guys!

[TN Mark]

IMHO, a 1999 or a 2000 Bassa. Great styling, tubeless wheels and adjustable forks make for a ‘modern classic’. The 1064cc motor is typically bullet proof but also can seem quite under powered, especially in low rpm torque. They’re also typically better suited for one up rather than two riding.

[Canuck750]

850 Eldorado with electronic ignition and disc brakes up front.

Comfortable

Reliable

Will cruise all day long at 75 mph

Will not depreciate in value

Easy to maintain

[Kiwi_Roy]

850 Eldorado with electronic ignition and disc brakes up front.

Comfortable

Reliable

Will cruise all day long at 75 mph

Will not depreciate in value

Easy to maintain

+ 1
But if you want an adventure in stopping keep the original brakes.

[antmanbee]

G5, T3 or a Convert.

[Ncdan]

+ 1
But if you want an adventure in stopping keep the original brakes.

What year model was these

[Canuck750]

What year model was these

1974 Eldorado came with a single front disc brake, pretty easy to changes out the Eldorado front end to a dual disc set up. Several options for electronic ignition for a Loop

Here is a nice dual disc Eldorao on Ebay



https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Moto-Guzzi/164189640932?hash=item263a7718e4:g:xVQAAOSwOoFetFuF

[chuck peterson]

Any guzzi w points, that you put in a dyna electronic ignition..

[Two Checks]

Quote from: TN Mark on Today at 08:44:32 PM

IMHO, a 1999 or a 2000 Bassa. Great styling, tubeless wheels and adjustable forks make for a ‘modern classic’. The 1064cc motor is typically bullet proof but also can seem quite under powered, especially in low rpm torque. They’re also typically better suited for one up rather than two riding.

I think the requirements were no FI or ECU.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Mines a 72 with twin leading shoe front brakes with points its definitely not stock.
I have no desire to upgrade the brakes or points.

Thanks for the nice comments, I can say its better than I found it at least with help from a lot of experts on this forum.
I can highly recommend resurrecting an old loop, it's a very satisfying experience, the 850 motor is not to be sneezed at.
I wish I could say I did the paintwork but this is way beyond my pay grade. I had a friend who's a truck painter spray it the original colour.
I wired it of course, like no other loop out there, all black wires.

[Ncdan]

Mines a 72 with twin leading shoe front brakes with points its definitely not stock.
I have no desire to upgrade the brakes or points.

Nice bike Roy, thanks👍

[SmithSwede]

Mines a 72 with twin leading shoe front brakes with points its definitely not stock.
I have no desire to upgrade the brakes or points.

Wow.  Very nice. 

[TN Mark]

Quote from: TN Mark on Today at 08:44:32 PM

IMHO, a 1999 or a 2000 Bassa. Great styling, tubeless wheels and adjustable forks make for a ‘modern classic’. The 1064cc motor is typically bullet proof but also can seem quite under powered, especially in low rpm torque. They’re also typically better suited for one up rather than two riding.

I think the requirements were no FI or ECU.

True, but I've had plenty of G5's and Converts to the point of having 'my fill.' The ECU and the EFI on the Bassa's were fine plus you get the other benefits I listed. I did start off with IMHO. That's why for me, I'd have no interest in an older loop with potentially dodgy brakes, points and/or carbs. NCDan has certainly had several lifetimes of electronic (Demand Sensor) issues with his CA Touring. I don't recall a single Bassa owner having any of that.

Like Classic cars, for me, Loop frame Guzzis are great fun to look at but to actually use, I'll take a few modern amenities for anything I'd want to put some miles on.

I was Chicago Mark and Bassa Mark on this forum for many years having had a Black 1999 Bassa and a Blue/Silver 2000 Bassa. So, yes, I'm admittedly biased in favor of them. After I modified them to better fit my desires they were far and away my all time favorite Guzzis.
 

[oldbike54]

 Any of the P15 computer models with that generation of Weber Marelli fuel injection and the 4 piston Brembo front brakes are stone ax reliable .

 Dusty

[Murray]

You have a fairly small window in which to shop Guzzi hung onto to twin point setups for a very long time on the big blocks. You will be looking for Cali 1100's not the I's obviously, Sport 1100's the early versions and the last of the 1000s, Strada 950 (or what ever capacity they were) and I'm not sure about the very last of the Lemans MKV's. All will have delorto's if standard which work great... for a 1960's carburetor and by any other measure are garbage. The brakes of the era except maybe the 1100 sport (although really benefits from a master cylinder upgrade) aren't much to write home about either and the electrics will be close to 30 years old along with the rest of the bike with all the joy that entails.

Just how badly do you want to avoid having an ECU? they're pretty good nowadays TBH.

[Cam3512]

1974 Eldorado came with a single front disc brake, pretty easy to changes out the Eldorado front end to a dual disc set up. Several options for electronic ignition for a Loop

Here is a nice dual disc Eldorao on Ebay



https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Moto-Guzzi/164189640932?hash=item263a7718e4:g:xVQAAOSwOoFetFuF

Looks like a good one with all the right pieces.  Especially for a former motor fuzz.  Are you looking to add to, or replace the 1400?

[Ncdan]

Looks like a good one with all the right pieces.  Especially for a former motor fuzz.  Are you looking to add to, or replace the 1400?

Replace and he’s that’s a beautiful bike but I’m not going to put that kind of money in an older bike.

[Furbo]

Well,

What does the guy want to DO with the bike? Canyon carve? Tour? Bar hop?

- The CAL II/Mille GT's are among the finest of the Tonti line up before the CAL look was changes with the CAL III. Dyna ignition and you're set.

- The Carb Sports (I believe) will one day be as desirable as the Early LeMans. They should've been given the name. They have a direct link to Dr. John Whitner. The last or the rough rhorty sportsters, you can (indeed have to) jet it to your tastes, brakes are still good, tons of torque and noise and what I can only deduce is an Allison transmission from a log truck. And electronic ignition.

- SPIII's are nice as well.

Again  - what are you gonna do with it.

[usedtobefast]

I've been thinking the same thing. 

Was thinking 1000S, but they are kind of rare and expensive. 

Currently thinking SP 1000. 

[JJ]

1974 Eldorado came with a single front disc brake, pretty easy to changes out the Eldorado front end to a dual disc set up. Several options for electronic ignition for a Loop

Here is a nice dual disc Eldorao on Ebay



https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Moto-Guzzi/164189640932?hash=item263a7718e4:g:xVQAAOSwOoFetFuF

I like that one...A LOT...$9400, Reserve NOT met..2 days to go! 

Same ol' story...if you want to PLAY...then ya gotta PAY!!

Another option would be a 1975 850-T   Like this one!!

[guzzisteve]

Sounds like you want no more triangle of death, and you had a sorted CalVin. Just go back 1 step.
I would rather do dual points & sync them than a flashing triangle.

[Ncdan]

Sounds like you want no more triangle of death, and you had a sorted CalVin. Just go back 1 step.
I would rather do dual points & sync them than a flashing triangle.

Yea Steve I’m starting to think maybe I should have stuck with the Calvin. Beetle worked with me on the map to perfection. I think I would possibly revisit a CalVin(white one this time) maybe, if I could not find anything older that tripped my trigger.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

There is a beautiful 1000sp/nt (? I think, going from memory) for sale in the swap meet. It’s an ‘84? And looks extremely well sorted.

Found it! https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=105649.0

[Travlr]

Ok, I'll put in my 2 cents worth.

The last of the carb bikes was around 1995 or so.  So the last of much of the Tonti stuff was 1990-1995.  They were pretty well sorted.  For instance my 1991 LeMans has Japanese switch gear, well refined motor.  Just a nice riding bike.  If you don't want a Cal, I'd be looking at a Mille - Spada - Strada - LeMans - 1000S.  I loved my Spada. Man that bike could eat the miles.  And now my LeMans.  I've never had a Strada (my Spada w/o a fairing) or a Mille.  Just really nice and refined motorcycles.

Mike

[lucian]

Dan, this one maybe a good choice. Definitely does not have a throttle demand sensor.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHFp1DjMY4

[Ncdan]

Dan, this one maybe a good choice. Definitely does not have a throttle demand sensor.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffHFp1DjMY4

Lol, you funny😂 I guess you are willing to help me with issues it will probably develop if I owned it🥵

[Ncdan]

Ok, I'll put in my 2 cents worth.

The last of the carb bikes was around 1995 or so.  So the last of much of the Tonti stuff was 1990-1995.  They were pretty well sorted.  For instance my 1991 LeMans has Japanese switch gear, well refined motor.  Just a nice riding bike.  If you don't want a Cal, I'd be looking at a Mille - Spada - Strada - LeMans - 1000S.  I loved my Spada. Man that bike could eat the miles.  And now my LeMans.  I've never had a Strada (my Spada w/o a fairing) or a Mille.  Just really nice and refined motorcycles.

Mike

Good suggestions! I like the white guzzi, what is it?

[guzzisteve]

93 SP3, I had one for 40,000 mi exactly. Was for sale at Speakers in OH last seen w/over 100,000mi. A Gold one(Champagne).

[80CX100]

Hey Dan,     I feel for you going through the TPS nightmares with your bike.

     I'm reluctant to open up a huge ugly can of worms, but iirc, Piaggio a few years back, had numerous defective TPS issues in their Aprillia bikes, and just moved the defective parts over to their guzzi production line.

     They are making money, the more they replace, the higher the price seems to get. 

     They seem to have no end of defective TPS's in their parts supply chain.  I think you're up to 3 now? 

     If I owned a 1400, I would be spending a lot of resources trying to find an alternative substitute part somewhere else, jmho. 

     As far as simpler, more analog bikes, G5's, SP's, Bassa's, Californias etc can all be nice; 

     My CalVin has been very reliable, solid as a rock;other than the tail light, and the slipping clutch from the PO adding too much tranny fluid;  but I recall you found the ergos a bit uncomfortable with the tighter Tonti frame seat/floorboard, I agree with you on that, first ride of the season on that Tonti bike with the lower seat, my hip usually goes out of joint for a few minutes, before it settles in for the season,lol.

     Good luck in your search for the perfect bike, I haven't found it 

     Kelly
     

[Ncdan]

Hey Dan,     I feel for you going through the TPS nightmares with your bike.

     I'm reluctant to open up a huge ugly can of worms, but iirc, Piaggio a few years back, had numerous defective TPS issues in their Aprillia bikes, and just moved the defective parts over to their guzzi production line.

     They are making money, the more they replace, the higher the price seems to get. 

     They seem to have no end of defective TPS's in their parts supply chain.  I think you're up to 3 now? 

     If I owned a 1400, I would be spending a lot of resources trying to find an alternative substitute part somewhere else, jmho. 

     As far as simpler, more analog bikes, G5's, SP's, Bassa's, Californias etc can all be nice; 

     My CalVin has been very reliable, solid as a rock;other than the tail light, and the slipping clutch from the PO adding too much tranny fluid;  but I recall you found the ergos a bit uncomfortable with the tighter Tonti frame seat/floorboard, I agree with you on that, first ride of the season on that Tonti bike with the lower seat, my hip usually goes out of joint for a few minutes, before it settles in for the season,lol.

     Good luck in your search for the perfect bike, I haven't found it 

     Kelly
   

Thanks kelly. My buddy, Lucian, has stuck by me like glue during this whole ordeal from day one with the first TPS issue at 2700 miles, the first month I had the monster. He has been researching that very thing attempting to locate another possible crossover TPS. At this point in would appear that no other vehicle on the planet uses this crappy 4 pole model. I know there are a lot of these 1400s and other Piaggio models using this TPS with no issues, just my bad luck I guess getting two in row with in 7500 miles.
My thought is this. As a consumer of this brand of motorcycle it’s not my place to attempt to fix obvious issues that should have never left the factory and I’m no longer willing to own a motorcycle that I can’t trust. A chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Owning this bike is like being married to a unreliable, cheating woman that you love but can’t no longer trust. So short answer, fire the bitch!😂😂😂