Rescuing a Cali 1100?

[toomanybikes]

I'm toying with the idea of rescuing an '02(?) Cali 1100. Seller says the engine is frozen due to "a rat's nest being sucked into the cyls through the intakes."
which leads me to a few questions ...
1. Is that even possible? I don't see how anything "large" would get past the valves.
2. If so, might it cause serious damage? Possibly a bent valve if the nest caused a valve to stick open.
3. If there was no real damage are parts reasonably available? I've rescued many bikes and have owned three guzzi's, but none that old.


Thanks much. Any other input welcome. Normally I would just do it, but I'm tall and would likely be cramped on the 1100, so would mostly be doing the rescue as a project to flip.

[guzzisteve]

Get & fix it, you'll like it. Most likely bent valves from being stuck open. Lots of parts available, most everything for motor.

[nsmith]

Remove plugs use borescope. If price is very right go for it. They ain't hard to make go again.

[guzzisteve]

blow it out with air

[Tom H]

Thanks much. Any other input welcome. Normally I would just do it, but I'm tall and would likely be cramped on the 1100, so would mostly be doing the rescue as a project to flip.

If the motor is frozen, you'll be into it for way more than it's worth.

JMHO,
Tom

[pehayes]

To reach the valves, the nesting material would have to get past the air filter.  Have to pop off the tank and then the filter box top to inspect that route.  Was he running with no filter????

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Turin]

If you're looking to flip a bike for any kind of profit, look elsewhere.

[toomanybikes]

If you're looking to flip a bike for any kind of profit, look elsewhere.

Yes, I often flip bikes, sometimes for a profit, sometimes not. It's a hobby, not a business. The rescue is the enjoyable part.

[rocker59]

Yes, I often flip bikes, sometimes for a profit, sometimes not. It's a hobby, not a business. The rescue is the enjoyable part.

Just keep in mind that a very good condition '02-'04 California EV can be bought for $3,000 - #3,500.

[kidsmoke]

Not sure how tall is tall, but with saddle manipulation and boards, these can accomodate a leggier rider.

[toomanybikes]

UPDATE - Someone else may have snagged it. Not sure since the ad on FB marketplace is being flaky.

I suspected the "seized" engine wasn't as bad as the seller assumed, but it was too far away (suburban Atlanta) for me to check out easily.

Congrats to whomever got it, maybe someone on here?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1475885013387321?ref=saved&referral_code=null

[Turin]

For what it's worth, I'm 6'3 with a 34" inseam and I fit on my Cali just fine. They are very good bikes.

[toomanybikes]

For what it's worth, I'm 6'3 with a 34" inseam and I fit on my Cali just fine. They are very good bikes.

I already have an Audace, so the rescue project aspect was the interesting part. Bikes already sold so a Cali 1100 is no linger on my radar ... unless another interesting project comes up.