Input request on this MG

[Ncdan]

I’m looking at a 1989 Moto Guzzi Cal 111 in my area.
Any information on this model would be appreciated. 
Anyone who has owned this particular year, make and model and can offer information feel free to foreword, in full detail, any information or advice for

someone’s future ownership.
The only info I have now is what the add says.
The mileage is said to be under 30k (on the odometer) and well maintained, listed for 3,600.00.
Thanks in advance.

[sdcr]

Dan,

I did not own one, but recently looked at one that was advertised on Wild Guzzi last spring. It had about 75000 miles. It ran very well, and the owner said very little went wrong during his ownership. Sorry I cannot add more info.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Missing the fairing lowers, but otherwise looks nice. I've ridden the very similar (chassis-wise) Cal 1100 and hated the seat - not very comfortable for me and locks you into one position.

[fotoguzzi]

How much $'s? I wouldn't give more than 2500 even if in perfect condition. It's over 30 years old.

[Tom]

Missing fairing lowers.  Wants too much.  Bike will go many miles without drivetrain problems.  Seat as stated will need help.  Easy to work on.  Many parts available.  Dependable bike to ride.  I currently own 2 without fairings also a Strada which is also the same with no SPIII fairing.

[Ncdan]

Missing fairing lowers.  Wants too much.  Bike will go many miles without drivetrain problems.  Seat as stated will need help.  Easy to work on.  Many parts available.  Dependable bike to ride.  I currently own 2 without fairings also a Strada which is also the same with no SPIII fairing.

Thanks Tom for the information. I’ve got a couple PMs thus far confirming what you have said.
What do you think is an appropriate value for a bike like this.
By the way, he has the lowers but said one is busted up a bit.
Thanks for the response, Sir!

[sidecarnutz]

If it has the factory electronic ignition with a large vacuum line operating the advance, that is a really cheap piece of rubber and is often rotted with age. That can mean the ignition advance mechanism is seized up too. Mine was like that. I WD40'd the mechanism a few times and replaced the vac line with heater hose and it worked free and then ran fine. It it doesn't advance, it runs like a dog with NO power. But it does idle nice.

Many owners ignore lubing the drivetrain shaft and universal. These can seize up over time if ignored. Really should be checked every couple years IME. Last one of these I owned the Uni was disintegrating on one side and spitting out the molecules of it's needle bearings. Funny thing was it still ran smooth. Found it during my usual annual Fall tear down and inspection!

Great touring bike and 50 mpg out on the road, so great range with that big tank.

[Ncdan]

How much $'s? I wouldn't give more than 2500 even if in perfect condition. It's over 30 years old.

I think you are right, Foto. I only gave 2K for my 02 Stone and that was 500.00 over NADA and it only had 9500 miles and was in really great condition.

[kingoffleece]

Bob Corfield who runs the VA rally put serious miles on a cali III.  Check with him.

[Tom]

Forgot about the electronic ignitions.  I replaced on the 3 bikes w/points & condenser distributors.  I was looking at a Dyna ignition for one of the Cal III's but Curtis at Harpers said that they weren't dependable.  Bad batch.  The one on my SP1000 is from an earlier batch and runs with no problems but I carry the points/condenser plate with me just in case.  Dick Guthrie WA MGNOC State Rep. told me that he'd gone through 3 ignition systems.   Seems the black box would give up the ghost on the same side.  Bad components internally.  Dyna replaced the boxes but he still had to trailer the bike home.

[Stratodisaster]

I’ve never owned one but have looking myself.  It seems odometers we’re prone to breaking so mileage may not be accurate. I don’t know what years that applies to but that’s something I would look into. I’m pretty leary about low mileage bikes in general.

[chuck peterson]

Special paint and stripes..i had one for three years

Its a very heavily built fairing. To me the front end felt too heavy. The cockpit has a covering over the triple that blocks any view of the road below you. I removed that so I could see pavement past the front wheel

Round barrels are smoother

Headlight unit was delicate, awkward..i had cracked broken mounting pieces, nla, that turned into a diy experiment w zip ties

Defective petcock expensive to replace but inline $10 one can bypass

Startus Interuptus cure fixed non starts..

Fairing on off became a bit tedious for maintenance..its a precious heavy piece that almost needs its own parking spot when all the parts are disassembled

One garage drop on the fairing will push the turn signal thru the fiberglass, crunch…

I was seriously thinking of trimming out a piece to finish off just the upper fairing as seen in the foto…some diy panels bits or trim could make it look complete…it’s great all alone

Biggest handlebars of all time.. I’ve seen photos of lower narrower bars that can be used

Rare mufflers if a replacement is needed, unless you use non stock..hanger bracket snapped

6 gallon tank at 50mpg baby!!

Front dampers needed too much attention. I never felt any difference making changes

[twowheeladdict]

Hey Dan, no advice, but I can see why you are attracted to it.  I didn't know Moto Guzzi made a Tour Glide competitor. 

[Two Checks]

I have a 90 model.
Saprisa alternator and ignition. Depending on when they switched the 89 may have it vs the vacuum controlled unit. It will fail. Repeat. It will fail. Mine did at 4k miles. Was headed for Norfolk and had to ride back home on one pot. Switched it to points.
Yes, the remote petcock sucks. Mine failed so I removed the guts and fashioned a block off plate. Installed a Briggs & Stratton shutoff valve. The OEM is on the bottom of the tank between the cylinders. No reserve.
Replaced fork cartridges with FAC and springs with Progressives.
Seat vinyl peeled off from the backing. Now have upholstery by Hefty. Easily replaced and waterproof.
Ditto on the headlight mount/adjusters. I also used zip ties and it works well. Bulb is dim. Upgrade the bulb and the alternator is farther behind the curve until after 3k. IOW if you sit at stoplights the alternator can't keep up. Then when you leave the light you need to spin the snot out of the engine to recharge the battery.
Handlebars. No different than the ones I put on my T (Convert) or the one on a friend's G5. I like em.
Fairing-unobtanium, as are the filler pieces around the bags, gooseneck and dash area. As for seeing the road, IMO ya shouldn't be looking there.
The bags are great!Easy on/off and can lock onto the bike. Standard Givi stuff.
The reason it gets 50mpg is because it is jetted severely lean. Fatten up the jets and it runs much better with more power and mileage drops just a bit. No pinging on hot days.
Other than that it's typical Guzzi. Hmm...some of what I listed is typical.
If the price is right I would buy it.

[Ncdan]

Thanks guys for all the information you have offered, some in great detail!
It’s priced around 1000 dollar+ too much.
I spoke with the owner yesterday who seemed like a honest guy. I did tell him at the price he had it listed would be to high for me.
I’ll probably go look it it in just out of curiosity.
Thanks again for the responses 👍

[blackcat]

Did this bike have a Digiplex ignition?

[Ncdan]

Did this bike have a Digiplex ignition?

A what 😂
I have no idea BC but please educate me if it’s something I need to check on and thanks for the input 👍

[Chuck in Indiana]

A what 😂
I have no idea BC but please educate me if it’s something I need to check on and thanks for the input 👍

Digiplex is basically transistorized points, and I have never heard of a failure. Not a problem. And.. Rodekyll is absolutely on the money on his reply.

[Ncdan]

In the bike's favor, it is complete, and it has the factory accessories.  The owner appears honest, the paperwork is clean, and with the exception of a truly awful ignition, it's one of the most rock-simple, rock solid pieces of machinery ever built by anyone for anything.  It's difficult to find a 30-y-o example of a complete runner, especially a garage-stored one with no miles on it (compared to my 275k Convert).  The Tonti years are behind us now.  They don't make them anymore.  But while Guzzi has plowed past it with a dozen different designs, they haven't made them as pretty, uncomplicated, or reliable as the basic 1100 Cali.

If this era of Tonti appeals to you, why not this one?  Price, you say?  I read a dozen topics every year complaining about how there is no aftermarket for Guzzi.  Yet whenever the purchase side topics appear, people who aren't in the market for that bike and wouldn't buy it anyway make it run the gauntlet of derision and scorn over the price.  Think about it:  It's barstool guzzi "experts" who are stomping the value out of their own used market.

I'm not in the market for it, either.  I'm not done with the one I bought in '78.

$0.02

Thanks RK, simple, honest, knowledgeable response.
All points taken 👍

[Hacksaw]

In the bike's favor, it is complete, and it has the factory accessories.  The owner appears honest, the paperwork is clean, and with the exception of a truly awful ignition, it's one of the most rock-simple, rock solid pieces of machinery ever built by anyone for anything.  It's difficult to find a 30-y-o example of a complete runner, especially a garage-stored one with no miles on it (compared to my 275k Convert).  The Tonti years are behind us now.  They don't make them anymore.  But while Guzzi has plowed past it with a dozen different designs, they haven't made them as pretty, uncomplicated, or reliable as the basic 1100 Cali.

If this era of Tonti appeals to you, why not this one?  Price, you say?  I read a dozen topics every year complaining about how there is no aftermarket for Guzzi.  Yet whenever the purchase side topics appear, people who aren't in the market for that bike and wouldn't buy it anyway make it run the gauntlet of derision and scorn over the price.  Think about it:  It's barstool guzzi "experts" who are stomping the value out of their own used market.

I'm not in the market for it, either.  I'm not done with the one I bought in '78.

$0.02

Thanks RK, simple, honest, knowledgeable response.
All points taken 👍

I echo all the points Rodekyll made.
I purchased a 1990 'Twin' of the same bike in June of 2020 from a gentleman in Mason City, Iowa.
Negotiated a price, Wife, Granddaughter and I drove over on Friday. Rode it around the block a bit, paid the man and off to dinner and an overnight hotel stay.
Saturday consisted of a very enjoyable and uneventful 315ish mile ride back to Lincoln, Nebraska.
We took the wife's truck as the deal included "As many spares as you can carry" and there indeed were a truck bed full of them.



As to the price, I say this: If you ride it, like it and can swing the $$ then BUY IT!!!
What we pay for a bike is neither a "steal" nor a "ripoff" if it is what our budget allows and we are pleased with it, period.

Hacksaw

PS   Check your PMs

[SIR REAL ED]

In the bike's favor, it is complete, and it has the factory accessories.  The owner appears honest, the paperwork is clean, and with the exception of a truly awful ignition, it's one of the most rock-simple, rock solid pieces of machinery ever built by anyone for anything.  It's difficult to find a 30-y-o example of a complete runner, especially a garage-stored one with no miles on it (compared to my 275k Convert).  The Tonti years are behind us now.  They don't make them anymore.  But while Guzzi has plowed past it with a dozen different designs, they haven't made them as pretty, uncomplicated, or reliable as the basic 1100 Cali.

If this era of Tonti appeals to you, why not this one?  Price, you say?  I read a dozen topics every year complaining about how there is no aftermarket for Guzzi.  Yet whenever the purchase side topics appear, people who aren't in the market for that bike and wouldn't buy it anyway make it run the gauntlet of derision and scorn over the price.  Think about it:  It's barstool guzzi "experts" who are stomping the value out of their own used market.

I'm not in the market for it, either.  I'm not done with the one I bought in '78.

$0.02

Excellent advice and IMO, an excellent assessment of human nature.

Looks better with out the lower fairing in place, IMO.  Why hide those beautiful cylinders?

I'm predicting Dan buys this for $3000 and is happy with the purchase!!

Dan's charming personality should net him at least a $600 discount.......

[Ncdan]

Thanks guys for all of the responses, I’ve made notes from them so when I get to actually look at it I’ll have some ideas of what yo pay attention to.

I do have one more issue.
If the Cal 3 is a really nice, then I will have to decide what advantages or disadvantages the Cal3 would have over my 02 cal Stone.
Any thoughts on that issue???

[Rich A]

Does this have a 7/33 rear drive? That'll make a difference in the way it feels compared with the newer 8/33s.

Rich A

[Ncdan]

I see the 1100 Cali's as pretty much all the same, with minor differences in wheels, brakes, seats, bars, swing arm design, and other bolt-on "details."  Under the tinwork, a California, SP, Bassa, Stone, EV, and even the Vintage are the same bike.  The big difference is fuel delivery.  The Stone has the 15M EFI, which I prefer over the P-series ECU's.  The one under discussion has carbs.  Otherewise they're the same basics -- frame, forks, ergos, power and drive train, etc.  What sets the Cali apart from most of the stuff that has come up after it is that it's a full cradle frame and it's not a tupperware bike.

Personally, EFI is the dealmaker for me anymore.  All else being equal, I'll always take the bike with injection.

Thanks RK for the input, it will definitely narrow down any decision I’ll be making.
Who knows, when I do get to see it, it may be a dog👍

[sdcr]

The Cal III’’s had, I believe two iterations, regarding fairings.

 One, is the bike that Dan posted with full Tupperware. The second, and I’ve only seen a handful, are the bikes without a full, frame mounted fairing. These usually have the clear plexiglas shield, or fairing.

 IMO, the second, “ unfaired” version is preferable, for a few reasons. It will be lighter up front, and there is less to break if a tip over occurs. Lastly, the version with just a plexiglass fairing, would be much easier to maintain, due to less body work R&R.

Here is pic of one recently for sale

[GMies]

Front dampers action great!  I drove 185kkm, never problems. Fairing works great.  It is a man's bike.

[wavedog]

 The Cali 3, a heavy bike with less than a thousand cc, with 30mm carbs and small valve motor will not have the get up and go power (such as it is) that an injected 1100 has. My 01 Jackal weighed less, had more power and was more nimble than my Cali3. Of course I had a slightly narrower rear tire and raised the forks a bit on the Jackal.

[bad Chad]

Do you have access to Moto Guzzi Big Twins, by Greg Field?   He has very good info on all the iterations of the Cal III, of which there were many.

[Ncdan]

Does this have a 7/33 rear drive? That'll make a difference in the way it feels compared with the newer 8/33s.

Rich A

Thanks for the question, rich
Short answer is I have no idea.

[Ncdan]

The Cal III’’s had, I believe two iterations, regarding fairings.

 One, is the bike that Dan posted with full Tupperware. The second, and I’ve only seen a handful, are the bikes without a full, frame mounted fairing. These usually have the clear plexiglas shield, or fairing.

 IMO, the second, “ unfaired” version is preferable, for a few reasons. It will be lighter up front, and there is less to break if a tip over occurs. Lastly, the version with just a plexiglass fairing, would be much easier to maintain, due to less body work R&R.

Here is pic of one recently for sale

Do u remember what the asking price was or brought?