Going backwards in time - 03 Cali

[SemperVee]

  My GF thinks I am a bit round the bend wanting to get an (another even older Guzzi)  EVEN older 2003 Cali touring after all the work I put in on my 07 Norge.  I know little to nothing about the Tonti world.  Looking at picking up 03 Cali touring with floor boards and bags from Original owner that has been sitting unused for 7-8 years with about 25K miles.  Speedo is broke as is the norm from what i understand.  ** Easier to work on then Norge?   How is overall reliability compared to the CARC models?  I am a GuzziDiag kinda guy and love the idea of FI, tubeless tires and floorboards again for comfort.  My Norge is not as comfy as I once was with this "older" body of mine.  I asked for service records and proof of the recall on Hydro valve.  I know little else at the moment.

[TN Mark]

Sounds like your girlfriend is spot on.

From memory, the Moto Guzzi Hydro motor was an unmitigated disaster. I think there was more than a couple, maybe three different 'kits' offered to 'fix' it. If it wasn't done correctly, with the correct kit, you could never be assured the motor wouldn't consume itself.

That being said, a correctly upgraded Hydro motor is said to be very nice indeed. But for many Guzzi owners, Guzzi was 'fixing' a valve adjustment 'issue' with the Hydro motor that was never an 'issue' to begin with. Adjusting the valves on a Moto Guzzi V11 is about as easy and fool proof as it could be.

I've had over a dozen Tonti frame Moto Guzzis years ago. Each and every one was an excellent motorcycle with one exception. The V11 Sport Naked was, to me, an awful motorcycle. I've only had one CARC Moto Guzzi. A 2009 Griso 8v I bought brand new. Thankfully, I traded that bike away before realizing that motor also had 'issues'.

If it were me, I'd run, not walk away from a 2003 Hydro V11 EV with, as yet, unverified upgrade status. Especially since it's been sitting unused for the last 7-8 years with a broken speedo. Unless you're looking to get it for $500 because you have 500 dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you're prepared to exchange the hydro motor with a good motor if need be.

By today's standard, a 1064cc V11 Moto Guzzi EV is a very clunky and under powered motorcycle. Especually considering some of the bikes you've owned previously.

YMMV

[SemperVee]

Sounds like your girlfriend is spot on.

From memory, the Moto Guzzi Hydro motor was an unmitigated disaster. I think there was more than a couple, maybe three different 'kits' offered to 'fix' it. If it wasn't done correctly, with the correct kit, you could never be assured the motor wouldn't consume itself.

That being said, a correctly upgraded Hydro motor is said to be very nice indeed. But for many Guzzi owners, Guzzi was 'fixing' a valve adjustment 'issue' with the Hydro motor that was never an 'issue' to begin with. Adjusting the valves on a Moto Guzzi V11 is about as easy and fool proof as it could be.

I've had over a dozen Tonti frame Moto Guzzis years ago. Each and every one was an excellent motorcycle with one exception. The V11 Sport Naked was, to me, an awful motorcycle. I've only had one CARC Moto Guzzi. A 2009 Griso 8v I bought brand new. Thankfully, I traded that bike away before realizing that motor also had 'issues'.

If it were me, I'd run, not walk away from a 2003 Hydro V11 EV with, as yet, unverified upgrade status. Especially since it's been sitting unused for the last 7-8 years with a broken speedo. Unless you're looking to get it for $500 because you have 500 dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you're prepared to exchange the hydro motor with a good motor if need be.

By today's standard, a 1064cc V11 Moto Guzzi EV is a very clunky and under powered motorcycle. Especually considering some of the bikes you've owned previously.

YMMV

Thanks Mark.  They did fix a problem that did not exist with the valves.. simple indeed to adjust.   You gave me pause to re think my excitement.

[kingoffleece]

It's an older bike to begin with.  Sitting does no good to a machine at all.
If you're not prepared to go thru it top to bottom then it's a big risk IMO.
I bought a very well cared for 2001 that was ridden regularly and spent 2500 just getting the charging system and all rubber bits and brake lines, etc back to new.

personally I'd never buy a 20 plus year old bike and not do that.  Guzzi character is wonderful.  A bike puking on the side of the road 300 miles away is not. At that age it would be time to renew ALL rubber and I'd want the entire brake system pulled and renewed.  Fluid sitting that long does all kinds of horrendous things.
The fork oil will be shiny with scraped aluminum shavings and need a complete renew at least-and that's assuming the calipers are not toast.
Just be ready.  I love my Jackal.  Simply great to ride.

[johnwesley]

Hi, I’m in here with a bit of different opinion. I have a 2003 EV that now has 80,000 miles on it. The recalls were done and I bought it from a know Guzzisti. I’ve only had it for a few years and put roughly 30,000 miles on it. I have had a few issues such as pushrod sale going out a few other minor things. I paid top dollar for the bike, but it was in excellent condition. If he would allow you to take a valve cover off is very easy to tell if the update is done. Other than that, they are great motorcycles. A friend of mine just bought a 2003 touring edition and it runs like a top. All things considered there great Motorcycles. I would not be scared of one if I could check it out. I presently have four Tonie frame Guzzis and my 03 is my favorite.

[rocker59]

Geez guys.  At lunch Sunday there were three owners of hydro Californias.  All of them fixed and reliable with many miles on the clocks...

Mine is a 2004 EVT with about 20,000 miles on it.  I've owned it for two years and it's rock solid.

SemperVee, have the owner pull a valve cover and take some pictures.  Easy to know if the work has been done.  Feel free to post pix here.

If you want good info on the Hydro Californias, talk to people who own them. 

[Wayne Orwig]

I have over 130,000 miles on my 2004.
Still like it, but I am fond of the lighter V85TT, so it doesn't get too many miles on it now.
Other than needing the tires aired up I am sure it would take me across the country today.

 

[elrealistico]

What the last couple posters said--Mine's an 04 hydro, frame number after alll the fixes (dual plate clutch, hydro lifters triple tree (maybe).  were done at the factory. The major concern is it "ran when parked" some time ago, says 7-8 years but who knows. Seems nicely cleaned up, but I'd need to start it or at least hear it crank if its super cheap. 25K miles, I'd think the single plate clutch woulda blown up by then.

[SemperVee]

 Thanks for all the imput on the Cali from the owners of such.  I have admired from afar for years but always leery of wire wheels,  but this with tubeless and floorboards is intriguing to me and a new project.   Will see.  Awaiting info from owner as to the valve recall etc..

[xackley]

If it is running and you can test ride, there is no down side for a distance motorcycle. Very comfortable, and the fairing and foot shield do a good job. On mine I did get a taller windshield (clearshield.com), the original was not good with an open faced helmet.
I like my V7 a lot more than the cali for local riding, but would use the cali for a tour.

Check the gas lines and air intakes for aging.

Don

Edit: If it doesn't have the kit for an outside oil filter you should drop the pan and change it soon.

[John Croucher]

There is another issue with the Hydro engine.  The rocker arms wear flat spots at the contact point with the valve stem.  The valves do still need to be adjusted and can be done after the recall kit is installed.  I have taken three hydro engines apart.  All had worn rockers arms.  I filed a new radius on all of them, re-installed. 

Other than this problems, the Bike is the same as all the other Tonti frame California series.  Parts Bin Bikes built around the Tonti Race Bike frame.  I abuse my bike engine every time I ride it.  I have added a few things that assist in the abuse.  13-1 high compression pistons, Ram light clutch, Power Commander, open pods, 2-1 exhaust. 

The engine likes to be ran at above 3,800 rpm's.  Not chugging along. 

[DonT]

I've had 2 Guzzis - a 2003 EV & an 07 Norge.  I much prefer the seating position of the Norge with your feet more under your hips than the feet forward on the EV. 

[lazlokovacs]

I've done over a hundred thousand miles on a Cali. Amazing bikes. I once rode my friends hydro and it had the best engine of any Cali I ever rode. He was a top guzzi wrench though so obviously knew how to look after his bikes.

If the right recall has been done correctly I'd say the only things to worry about are degrading rubber hoses and the chance that it was parked because the clutch was on it's last legs.

I used to routinely do 3 to 7 hour motorway trips on my cali and I swear I'd often be disappointed that my ride was over by the time I got to my destination!!

[drdwb]

As an owner of a 03 EV I would agree with the last 3-4 posts in favor of the bike. The floor boards tended to bring my knees up to high resulting in hip leg cramps, the fix was a change in seat height. But on long distance rides by my self I tend to ride with my heels resting on the passenger pegs, either position works well. I pulled a pop up camper trailer for 5 years and mine now has a sidecar, the EV has all the power I need and is a nice rider. However, if we’re not bringing the dog,  I prefer my 07 Norge just cus it fits me better and certainly feels/ handles better in hills and twisties. If the price is right it would be a fun addition.

[michaell32]

There is another issue with the Hydro engine.  The rocker arms wear flat spots at the contact point with the valve stem.  The valves do still need to be adjusted and can be done after the recall kit is installed.  I have taken three hydro engines apart.  All had worn rockers arms.  I filed a new radius on all of them, re-installed. 

Other than this problems, the Bike is the same as all the other Tonti frame California series.  Parts Bin Bikes built around the Tonti Race Bike frame.  I abuse my bike engine every time I ride it.  I have added a few things that assist in the abuse.  13-1 high compression pistons, Ram light clutch, Power Commander, open pods, 2-1 exhaust. 

The engine likes to be ran at above 3,800 rpm's.  Not chugging along. 

Thats good to know.  My 2003 is coming up on 50k miles.  Ill pull the rocker arms this winter and inspect them.

[bad Chad]

If I read this right the bike hasn’t run for 8 years?

If so I would be ready to expect lots of fueling issues.

[SemperVee]

If I read this right the bike hasn’t run for 8 years?

If so I would be ready to expect lots of fueling issues.

Yes, I would imagine it would take a bit or sorting out.. thinking that also.

[SemperVee]

  With it sitting still for  8 years and broken speedo, only 1 key,  some cosmetic scrapes and dents and confirmed  Valve recall done - needing tires and (prolly) hoses and possible fueling issues ( I have guzzidiag and can TBS easily)   What might a good price be fair to offer?

[PJPR01]

About 50 bucks…you’ll also probably need a good windshield…the stock barn door creates so much head buffeting it will make you painfully wish you had never looked at it.  In perfect shape with no issues it’s worth 2500-3000…

[SemperVee]

About 50 bucks…you’ll also probably need a good windshield…the stock barn door creates so much head buffeting it will make you painfully wish you had never looked at it.  In perfect shape with no issues it’s worth 2500-3000…

That is what I figured $2500 in reasonable good running condition.  THIS needs sorting and $$ to make reliable.