03 Cali EV - buy recommendation

[SemperVee]

 Greetings, I have located a 03 EV that has had the recalls done.  Have not been able to come to price agreement.  Need insight for those that are in the know.

03 Cali EV   Approx 25,000 miles.  These are the known current issues -  Broken Speedometer,  Sitting unstarted for 8 years,  OLD 13+ year tires,  needs shocks,  Only 1 key,  Swollen gas cap needs replacement, Unable to close safely.  Original fork oil.  Recall has been done for Valves, triple tree and has (I think) dual clutch.  Comes with saddle bags and fairing.  Misc cosmetic damage.  Upgraded seat.  Original owner, left over 03 bought in 05 from MI Seattle.  I figure with me doing all the known work and replacing hoses and I have Guzzidiag about $14-1500 includes F+R tires and shocks. * If all items were in running order and safe to ride Im thinking a deal for me with what I have to spend would be $12-1500 + 1400 = safe and decently reliable (for a Tonti 22 year old expecations)  for $2600-$3000?   *Comments?





 

[kingoffleece]

If I bought that it would be with the understanding that it must be gone thru top to bottom.
Having done that already to a well kept 2001 Jackal that did NOT sit around I spent over 3K to renew the bike.  And I still need to do brake lines.

One thing you can't check if it won't start is the charging system.  I've seen several from 200-04 that needed replacement.  Again, I know some will not agree, but any part of that system is on the way out I'll replace it all.  Done it one time and be DONE.  But I'm that way.  When I'm 200 miles in the southwest desert with no cell I need to KNOW it's all good.  You exceptions may differ.

[SemperVee]

If I bought that it would be with the understanding that it must be gone thru top to bottom.
Having done that already to a well kept 2001 Jackal that did NOT sit around I spent over 3K to renew the bike.  And I still need to do brake lines.

One thing you can't check if it won't start is the charging system.  I've seen several from 200-04 that needed replacement.  Again, I know some will not agree, but any part of that system is on the way out I'll replace it all.  Done it one time and be DONE.  But I'm that way.  When I'm 200 miles in the southwest desert with no cell I need to KNOW it's all good.  You exceptions may differ.

Thanks and I understand what could be a worse case scenario.

[xackley]

That slid down the road sideways. If you want a project, buy it cheap and own a cell phone and trailer. There are californias out there that are ready and dependable for $25oo. Mine has 25k miles, but never set idle for years. I would take it on a tour if I was still tour ready.

Don 

Edit: I bought mine for 2300, We drove 100 miles down into Pennsylvania, rode it home using the sellers plates.

[jcctx]

Trot line weight; many better options out there. Free is waaaaay tooooo much!

[Dilliw]

I sold mine for less than that and the new owner threw a leg over and rode it 1500mi.  Unless you just want a project I'd keep looking

If you do want a project I have a NOS black/chrome tank somewhere.

[SemperVee]

  Thanks for input,  Project = $ project price or walk away. 
 

[Tom H]

In the pic of the fairing. The turn signal is sticking out a bit. Either the stalk is bent or more likely the fairing mount is bent. Check the fork slider for damage/scuffing.

If you can rattle can, then some bondo and paint. Boot guard would need fiberglass at least or just take them and their mount bracket off.

If you really want it I would think from $1000 to $1500. $1500 would be if it runs. If you really really want it, then $2000 and no more.

Tom

[PJPR01]

Run Forest Run....far far away from that heap.

Honestly there are much better deals to be had....and the worst part is you may fix it up and find that you actually don't like the riding position, or the incredible buffeting. 

I would humbly suggest you find a good running one and take it for a test ride to see if you even like riding it.

The shifting on the Cali vs. the Norge is like going back in time about 50 years...honestly if you like your Norge, I don't think you'll like the Cali.

[SemperVee]

In the pic of the fairing. The turn signal is sticking out a bit. Either the stalk is bent or more likely the fairing mount is bent. Check the fork slider for damage/scuffing.

If you can rattle can, then some bondo and paint. Boot guard would need fiberglass at least or just take them and their mount bracket off.

If you really want it I would think from $1000 to $1500. $1500 would be if it runs. If you really really want it, then $2000 and no more.

Tom

Hi Tom, That is what I thought also.  I made a final offer of $1200 after I heard him start it over the phone.  Pending a ride.  Bike is two hours away and we have fast fading winter weather coming quick.

[SemperVee]

Run Forest Run....far far away from that heap.

Honestly there are much better deals to be had....and the worst part is you may fix it up and find that you actually don't like the riding position, or the incredible buffeting. 

I would humbly suggest you find a good running one and take it for a test ride to see if you even like riding it.

The shifting on the Cali vs. the Norge is like going back in time about 50 years...honestly if you like your Norge, I don't think you'll like the Cali.

Hi Paul,   Everything you say might be true.  VroomHilda is about as good a shape as she will ever be and I was looking for a Guzzi project that I could deal with over the winter.  No,  I have never ridden an old Cali but alot of peeps like them and I am FOND of floorboards after have 8 Harley FLHTC tourbikes for many many miles and years.  LOL!!   Thanks for your insight.    Until I get a new rear shock installed the Norge feels like I'm aboard a charging Rhino!
 

[Tom H]

I should have replied in your other thread about the floorboards.

I have not ridden a Touring Harley, my friend (about 6') has one though. When he is riding his thighs look slightly above level. My Loops, my (about 5'8" 32" loose inseam) thighs are about level. My EVT my thighs are above level, almost feels like I'm in a tuck compared to my Loops. Would love to lower the boards about an inch (would be a PITA), but if I did, that would bring my knees too close to the heads. My left knee is already touching the head.

If your looking for a "project" that you can do most of the work yourself, this might not be bad at the right price?

Also while thinking about the price. I think I would throw out the maintenance items like tires and fluids. You could for instance buy a perfect pristine 15 year old 1500 mile bike at a good price. But you know it needs tires and fluids. Would you talk them down because you have to replace those things????

Tom

[kingoffleece]

I would.  To me, shows a lack of attention.  But I'm that way, so there's that.

[SemperVee]

I would.  To me, shows a lack of attention.  But I'm that way, so there's that.

Lack of attention and then ignoring that fact when going to sell is fooling yourself (Seller)  when you encounter a educated buyer.   I am in your end of concern also with experience preparing for the worst but hoping for the best outcome when it is sitting in our own garage.

[elrealistico]

Yeah it slid on the road and has been sitting for who knows how long. Cheap project at most $1k, else wait for a later EV, or CalVin. The latter are coming down to the ~$3K price point for low (<30kmi) mileage, cared for bikes. Over the winter check out Face Book marketplace if you have that and keep refreshing, one will come up

[TPSimmons]

I would pass. I bought a 2005 Calif EV last year for $3000, 5k on odometer. Needed tires, all fluids changed front signal lights replaced, seat foam replaced, lots of tinkering and lubricants, new plugs new fork seals. Chrome on the wheels is shot, most other chrome is ok to good, no cosmetic problems. The bike runs great, I love it. I think if you look further afield you’ll do better.

[Don G]

If you can get it for cheap, just buy it, make it correct and enjoy it for what it is, put your purse down and get on it!  DonG

[fotoguzzi]

It slid down the road as in “crashed”?  I’d inspect the frame very carefully. If the front wheel or fork hit anything it could have wacked out the steering head of the frame and the bearing race area can get ovalized.. that’s a big job to fix. BTDT.  really, I’d keep looking no matter what the price is.

[SemperVee]

 I never said it was crashed or slid down the road.  A previous post made  that comment after seeing the  fairing and lower crash bar scrape.  Seller explained he dropped it at a stop when a dog ran out at him from the street.  Another Guzzisti in the PNW south of me has made a better offer than I did and seller may take him up on it.  Other potential buyer wanted it more than I did for the price, if the seller is being truthful. *And it sounds like I probably dodged a bullet passing that one up. Nonetheless,  It has been an interesting discussion and learning curve for me digging into the  possible ownership of a Tonti California, It's features and workings - and for that I thank you all.  To be continued. 

[michaell32]

How tall are you?  My california came with a seat that had at least 3" of foam and gel pads added.  Unfortunately the shape was awful and the bike became unrideable after an hour due to pain in my tailbone.  I took off all the non factory foam and gel pad and the seat was way too low.  My knees were at a very uncomfortable angle where it was difficult to shift but it fixed my tailbone pain due to the factory shape.  I took the seat to a professional upholstery guy that's local and told him I wanted the same shape but taller.  It's much better now but I should have moved the curve in the seat back some.  I am 5'11" with a 34" inseam.  There is no way I would have kept this bike with the factory seat.

[SemperVee]

How tall are you?  My california came with a seat that had at least 3" of foam and gel pads added.  Unfortunately the shape was awful and the bike became unrideable after an hour due to pain in my tailbone.  I took off all the non factory foam and gel pad and the seat was way too low.  My knees were at a very uncomfortable angle where it was difficult to shift but it fixed my tailbone pain due to the factory shape.  I took the seat to a professional upholstery guy that's local and told him I wanted the same shape but taller.  It's much better now but I should have moved the curve in the seat back some.  I am 5'11" with a 34" inseam.  There is no way I would have kept this bike with the factory seat.

Seller said the same and had seat professionally customized to fit him and I am about that same size. So there is that plus.  Seats and shocks are something the manufacturers often go cheap on providing.

[elrealistico]

A nice looking, if higher mileage CalVin has popped up in the for sale forum here. It's far away, but it's the sort of thing along with later EV you can probably run across where you are at, just keep an eye out

[SemperVee]

A nice looking, if higher mileage CalVin has popped up in the for sale forum here. It's far away, but it's the sort of thing along with later EV you can probably run across where you are at, just keep an eye out

Yes, I scan several places for Guzzi's local to me.

[PJPR01]

I think the poll is missing a few more choices:

1.  $500 or less
2.  $500-$1000.

 

I should dig up the pics of a California I bought a few years ago in perfect shape for $3500 if I recall correctly, had the Hydro recall done and was impeccable aesthetically and mechanically.  The only thing I didn't like was the massive buffeting from the barn door windshield, I took it off when riding around town as it was unbearably painful.  On the highway, it was unrideable with that windshield, but truth be told, I never bonded with the bike enough to want to buy another windshield and then I sold it to some other Guzzisti who wanted that particular model, so it left the fleet.  Nice looking, mechanically sound, very agricultural in its clunkiness, but fun enough for around town.  I know others have set up their Cail's for long distance touring and love them...

[SemperVee]

I think the poll is missing a few more choices:

1.  $500 or less
2.  $500-$1000.

:)

  HEHE....  Maybe out of my decision making process now.  As a "bigger fool"  theory is playing out tween the seller and another (supposed) buyer. 

[Tom H]

Again should have been in the other thread.

Windshield/fairing.....There is the stock EVT fairing with windshield that I believe was on the one your looking at. Then there was the Barndoor that was a huge plexi shield. Also a Barndoor with a fairing and windshield. Can't remember that brand right now.

EDIT: I think it may have been Swanee or something like that.

I have the EVT version. I bought a taller windshield for it from Clearview.  Had to cut it down about an inch to see over it how I like. I am fine with it. I'm not sure what buffeting is supposed to be, but my head is not bouncing all over though my ears get a bit of quiet thumping that does not bother me. BUT.....the stock height sucked. Too much wind.

Find a good one at the right price. They do come up. The Calvin is not a bad option as well, and it's not a Hydro.

Tom

[StuCorpe]

That is what mine started out as.  Bought new in 03.  The gas cap problem is an easy fix that takes 5 minutes and not worth any negative thoughts.  If the valve fix (mine took a new engine) has been done then there are no problems there.  Be sure to check for the front fork problem.  Other than that it is quieter than any of the other earlier engines and quite reliable.  The broken speedometer fix is well documented.  Mine has a sidecar and only 50,000 miles but I like it.