Guzzi doesn't get old, it ages

[Vecchio Lupo]

I believe that a Moto Guzzi is greater than the sum of its parts. That is the quality that cant me measured. In 1990, I purchased a leftover 89 Cal III fully faired from the dealer in Philadelphia PA (My parents lived in Bucks County and I saw th bike while downtown) . I rode it back to New Orleans and then to Key West, Chicago, and eventually to Monterey CA while stationed at Fort Ord.  I sold it for more power and a LeMans V in 1996. Bought it back in 98 and by 2000 had a V11 LeMans and a Quota.

Been missing the old Cal and around 2018 been ear to the ground for a few years. Either absolute junk for stupid money or decent deal on the wrong side of the country, not to mention they dont pop up often. 3 years ago a 90 with a severe case of "POS" Previous Owner Syndrome was on FB about 200 miles away, not a steal but ...OK. I dove into her...clutch, rear main seal, head gaskets plus brakes electrics and servicing everything. Broke a piston ring scarred up the right cyl. tear it down, chase parts, do work, spend money. prep for an 1100 top end.....waiting for back ordered wrist pins, install stock 1000 jugs and button up. test OK...need room in garage, do a cost benefit of everything , 2 Guzzi, 2 Honda, 1 Buell.   I decide the Buell and 1 Honda must stay, other 3 up for sell and last one standing can stay as well.   

1973 Honda CL 350 found a home and 77 Convert will probably go BaT or similar. 

So today I took thee 90 Cal III Fully Faired out on errands and such as a kind of big test to see that all is well.    After 80 miles of highway, downtown, B roads and general hooning round......whats was I thinking? How can I let this bike get away? Yes its 35 years old but it has disc brakes and electronic ignition, it has tubeless tires and great ergonomics, but it also has carburetors, and the small valve heads , it has some scars from previous neglect but still looks good. On paper this bike is not exceptional at all. On paper a 2010 Goldwing far outshines and out performs it at every turn....

Yet, it shutters with tall gearing at takeoff, although it climbs the gears with eagerness, the chassis is composed, the brakes are more than adequate and when it revs to the top and comes down on the over run...that sound...that feeling of skittishness,  this 35 year old carbureted dinosaur has no business being such a complete package...thats when I realize, its the Soul and robustness that cannot be measured. I would be a FOOL to let a Cal III FF slip away from me for a third time.

If you see a 65 year old man on a 35 year old bike this spring somewhere on the East Coast...please remind me how stupid I almost was in November of 25.

[Huzo]

That entire read was worth it all…
For the last two lines

[Bulldog9]

I believe that a Moto Guzzi is greater than the sum of its parts. That is the quality that cant me measured. In 1990, I purchased a leftover 89 Cal III fully faired from the dealer in Philadelphia PA (My parents lived in Bucks County and I saw th bike while downtown) . I rode it back to New Orleans and then to Key West, Chicago, and eventually to Monterey CA while stationed at Fort Ord.  I sold it for more power and a LeMans V in 1996. Bought it back in 98 and by 2000 had a V11 LeMans and a Quota.

Been missing the old Cal and around 2018 been ear to the ground for a few years. Either absolute junk for stupid money or decent deal on the wrong side of the country, not to mention they dont pop up often. 3 years ago a 90 with a severe case of "POS" Previous Owner Syndrome was on FB about 200 miles away, not a steal but ...OK. I dove into her...clutch, rear main seal, head gaskets plus brakes electrics and servicing everything. Broke a piston ring scarred up the right cyl. tear it down, chase parts, do work, spend money. prep for an 1100 top end.....waiting for back ordered wrist pins, install stock 1000 jugs and button up. test OK...need room in garage, do a cost benefit of everything , 2 Guzzi, 2 Honda, 1 Buell.   I decide the Buell and 1 Honda must stay, other 3 up for sell and last one standing can stay as well.   

1973 Honda CL 350 found a home and 77 Convert will probably go BaT or similar. 

So today I took thee 90 Cal III Fully Faired out on errands and such as a kind of big test to see that all is well.    After 80 miles of highway, downtown, B roads and general hooning round......whats was I thinking? How can I let this bike get away? Yes its 35 years old but it has disc brakes and electronic ignition, it has tubeless tires and great ergonomics, but it also has carburetors, and the small valve heads , it has some scars from previous neglect but still looks good. On paper this bike is not exceptional at all. On paper a 2010 Goldwing far outshines and out performs it at every turn....

Yet, it shutters with tall gearing at takeoff, although it climbs the gears with eagerness, the chassis is composed, the brakes are more than adequate and when it revs to the top and comes down on the over run...that sound...that feeling of skittishness,  this 35 year old carbureted dinosaur has no business being such a complete package...thats when I realize, its the Soul and robustness that cannot be measured. I would be a FOOL to let a Cal III FF slip away from me for a third time.

If you see a 65 year old man on a 35 year old bike this spring somewhere on the East Coast...please remind me how stupid I almost was in November of 25.

Vecchio,

I agree. Based on how my 1978 & 1979 Yamahas have aged and compare to the 1976 Convert, the Guzzi has aged better overall. All have been well cared for, but the Guzzi feels more current and is overall in better condition.

BTW, Thanks for your participation, and based on your post count you've been here a while. Snap those suspenders and show appreciation for this resource you took time to make a thoughtful post, and make a donation!

[cliffrod]

Do you look at your love (spouse, lover, partner, whatever) of decades and see the wrinkles or the beauty that overwhelms the imperfections that all have?   My old Guzzi (V7 Sport) is perfect because it isn’t, not because it is.  That’s what makes it right for me.