V65SP, CList, Saratoga, $2500

[chuck peterson]

Looks like an opportunity….gummy carbs they say….uuuummmm

https://albany.craigslist.org/mcy/d/saratoga-springs-1984-moto-guzzi-sp-65/7471546171.html

[Scout63]

I’d hit that if I was in the market for a small block.

[chuck peterson]

Yeah….Good thing my tax refund hasn’t shown up yet…

[JJ]

Nice looking small block...For only $2500..."Gummy carbs" is an easy and cost effective fix...(IMHO)

[Anomaly]

Do all V65s have the 4 valve heads, or just the Lario version? What is the verdict here on the 4 valve motors?

Edit: a bit of context for the above-- I've been starting to look for my next Guzzi here in Italy. There are so many to choose from that I pondered an alternate search strategy: instead of searching for a specific model (e.g., T5), why not just pick a region or province that we have yet to explore (or one we want to explore more) and see what Guzzis are for sale there? Sardegna (Sardinia) for example. And I ran across this for sale there:




1986 V65 Lario with 40,000 km (24,000 miles) for $1500. The ad says it needs nothing. To be honest, I'm leaning heavily towards big blocks but this did look interesting. And then I read this article:
https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-italian-motorcycles/1985-1987-moto-guzzi-v65-lario-zm0z21mazbut/

Which is what prompted my question above about the 4 valve head motors.

[chuck peterson]

There is a fix for the four valve issues, best to be done on the Lario before it self destructs. Ask the seller if it’s been taken care of.

This v65SP is a 2 valve, but it has borrowed it’s big brother SP fairing as a stock feature

The other V65, was named V65C, w a bit of a California chopper/cruiser sorta kinda sumthing.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Lario was the only 4valve smallblock

[Scout63]

Small blocks are addictive Anomaly.  They just sing, and you have tight roads in Italy.  That being said, a big block will sing louder and carry your pillion better.  I’m not sure about the 4v small block.  Wiser heads will hopefully chime in.

[Chuck in Indiana]

There was a (rare) 750 small block, but they blew up, too. That white Lario for $1500 should be in your shed..*if* you have the time and expertise to deal with the 4 valve engine. It is a stunner, and the 4 valve is a hoot. The rush to red line is addictive.
They are hard to find here. I gave $1800 several years ago for a derelict, but I *wanted* one. 

[s1120]

Looks like a clean bike for a good price. I live in the Albany area, and searched for Guzzis for many years, and finding ANY, much less a clean one does not come around often!!  My guess is the 4 people in the area who know what a Guzzi is will wait a bit till the price drops and sneak in for a good deal.

[FarmallA]

Hi Everyone  First time responder here.

I got a look at this bike last spring when the seller had another Moto Guzzi to sell (which I bought).  The SP in the ad looked very nice, he started it for me, but I didn't ride it as it wasn't for sale at the time.  The seller was very forthcoming and pleasant to deal with.  The pictures in the ad here are from last spring, as the bike I did buy is just visible in the background of picture 3.

Here is the bike I bought:




 
It's a bit of a Frankenbike; a 1981 V50 Monza frame with a V65 motor, a V7 Sport tank and starboard side toolbox.  You can see that toolbox in the image in the ad.

Someone should buy the SP.  I'm having a blast with my Mostly Monza.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

There is a fix for the four valve issues, best to be done on the Lario before it self destructs. Ask the seller if it’s been taken care of.

This v65SP is a 2 valve, but it has borrowed it’s big brother SP fairing as a stock feature

The other V65, was named V65C, w a bit of a California chopper/cruiser sorta kinda sumthing.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Lario was the only 4valve smallblock

The V65SP fairing is totally different than that of the 1000 SP. The most noticeable difference is the rectangular headlight.

[SLDMRossi]

Charlie's right on. And by the way, the beauty of this V65 is that it appears to be quite complete. It's fairly common for the Lowers...in particular...to disappear.

As discussed, in addition to the Lario, the four-valve made it into the 750 Targa, which never came here. But the two-valve is such a civilized, docile engine...that's still quite fun to ride...so you won't be disappointed. Just be aware...all of these small blocks...from V35...to V50...and on to V65...suffered from crappy finishes from the factory. Rusty hardware, oxidized castings, etc. are the norm.

Deal with that...with a little bit of elbow grease... and you'll have a truly sweet ride!

Steven Rossi

[Roebling3]

I've had 3 V65 Lario. I still have SN100057,(at the head stock). Original Silver paint on the engine is peeling - I can't read the #s.

It's the best I've seen. Complete as delivered new - w/2900 miles.

It was stored in a finished basement and it has been in my heated, finished basement since then. Rust free shiny black frame.
Linked brakes, with bad front and rear MC's. Calipers (3) need replacing, as does flex hosing. Typical rusty mess @ the handle bar..
The paint work is original Red, in very good condition;  Front fairing W/wind screen, lower fairing & chin fairing, all in good to excellent condition, as are original 2up seat and battery carrier. Original head light, frt, rear turn & stop light. are in very good condition.

I rode it ~3-400 miles to learn its' condition and knew it would be fun. I'd love to have it restored - I no longer have what it takes to do the work.   R3~

[steven c]

Nice bike for a nice price. Gee I still have the workshop manual from when I owned a V65SP...

[Bazil]

Nice SP. I almost bought one of these new, but decided on the unseen, untested Lario. Great decision ! Sold before the heads self destructed, but great fun for three or four years.

There's another 4 valve too - the V35 Capri. Not sure on the longevity, but they would be rarer than a Lario I'd guess.

[chuck peterson]

Nice SP. I almost bought one of these new, but decided on the unseen, untested Lario. Great decision ! Sold before the heads self destructed, but great fun for three or four years.

There's another 4 valve too - the V35 Capri. Not sure on the longevity, but they would be rarer than a Lario I'd guess.

No kidding! A 350 4 valve! Holy crap