Foolish idea?

[nwguy]

I'm preparing to do another cross country trip from the Pacific NW to the east coast and back starting in late May. This time on my 99' Bassa that has 67k miles on it. Previously I did a XC trip on my 08 Norge:

http://nwguy.fun/mc/10k/index.html

Reliablility-wise, am I being unrealistic? I've done all the maintenance and replaced parts that I suspected it needed:

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=124196.0

I stay off interstates and my main goal is to ride curvy roads in the Ozarks, KY, TN, NC and especially WV. I carry a map of all the guzzi dealers in the US. Even though I did all this work on my Bassa, I'm open to getting a different bike, new or used. So, I guess I'm asking:

Would you consider doing this on the Bassa?

If so, what else should I do to the Bassa before leaving? Pretty sure I'm going to install a rider's backrest.

Here are a few used bikes that I've been ogling:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcd/d/redmond-2020-moto-guzzi-v85-tt/7907818194.html
I have a 29" inseam and the lowering kits look problematic.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/889155713560657
Don't know the miles on this. Might be too boring.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1427946575412254
Never owned a Harley. Not a fan of all the tech.

[jcctx]

No, not crazy and have a good trip!!!

[Tkelly]

Reliability ,no problem.If it breaks down buy another 1100 for a couple thousand.I put 100000 on a 97 California with no real problems.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you're a member of the MGNOC, there is the "Contact Directory" in case you need help along the way.

In June/July of '24, two friends and I rode from MD to the Oregon coast and back. The oldest was a '71 Ambassador, followed by a '73 Eldo and then my '90 Cal III FF. The Ambo needed a leaky petcock tightened in WY, the Eldo used a bit more oil than normal and my Cally didn't particularly like some of the gasoline out west, but other than that we had no issues.

[nwguy]

Antietam: I'm sending in my MGNOC membership application today.

Perazzimx14: I wonder about this with any bike of a certain age. I assumed people like Jim Hamlin would be willing to work on it, but maybe not. I plan to bring tools for a valve adjust and an oil change.

Based on comments so far, I'll ride the Bassa.

[bad Chad]

Do it.

[Tkelly]

I recommend taking a crank sensor for that bike,if one fails it can be a hassle to get another at short notice.

[nwguy]

I recommend taking a crank sensor for that bike,if one fails it can be a hassle to get another at short notice.

Good to know. Is this that sensor?




I think I have the original rectifier and I don't know how old the battery is, though it seems ok. Wondering if I should proactively replace both before the trip.

[RinkRat II]

       Just a FYI this list has been expanding and shrinking since its inception..........      https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=81314.0

        Paul B   

[n3303j]

Done the cross and back on my '98 V11EV without any concern of failure on about the same mileage on a similar engine. Did oil change mid trip. Bought Amsoil and a funnel at a local motorcycle shop in Washington State. Talked the service department into letting me use a drain pan and accepting my used oil. I gifted the shop with my once used funnel as I didn't want to carry it home. Then I discovered these at NAPA





Fits quarts & gallons. Reaches most fill locations. Packs out of the way.

Now at 98K miles I'd feel comfortable doing it again. You are just FedEx Overnight from any part you really need in an emergency and most places have motels that will serve as shelter until the part arrives.

I've done MA to Florida and return on the '76 850 T3 and wasn't concerned.

Either the bike will stop working or it won't. Doesn't matter how new it is. You correct any obvious defect before departure and trust that you will probably resolve any unexpected issue either by yourself or help from various Moto Guzzi Group resources.

I would never go anywhere without a spare clutch and throttle cable. And a working charge card!

[TN Mark]

I had two Bassa’s. A 1999 black one and a 2000 blue/silver one. About 100k miles combined on them. 100% reliable 100% of the time. I loved that model Guzzi.

If you’re up on regular maintenance, I wouldn’t hesitate to run a four corners tour with a Bassa. That series 1100 bikes were excellent runners.

Take a credit card with a lot of room on it for any long distance bike ride. Because, well, stuff happens.

[Stretch]

No more foolish than what the rest of us do! 

Perform the usual checks, change the oil, and go.

As TN Mark suggested, bring a credit card with some headroom
on it.

Enjoy the trip!   

                                     -Stretch

[Bulldog9]

I'm preparing to do another cross country trip from the Pacific NW to the east coast and back starting in late May. This time on my 99' Bassa that has 67k miles on it. Previously I did a XC trip on my 08 Norge:

http://nwguy.fun/mc/10k/index.html

Reliablility-wise, am I being unrealistic? I've done all the maintenance and replaced parts that I suspected it needed:

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=124196.0

I stay off interstates and my main goal is to ride curvy roads in the Ozarks, KY, TN, NC and especially WV. I carry a map of all the guzzi dealers in the US. Even though I did all this work on my Bassa, I'm open to getting a different bike, new or used. So, I guess I'm asking:

Would you consider doing this on the Bassa?

If so, what else should I do to the Bassa before leaving? Pretty sure I'm going to install a rider's backrest.

Here are a few used bikes that I've been ogling:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcd/d/redmond-2020-moto-guzzi-v85-tt/7907818194.html
I have a 29" inseam and the lowering kits look problematic.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/889155713560657
Don't know the miles on this. Might be too boring.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1427946575412254
Never owned a Harley. Not a fan of all the tech.

My .02, better a used bike you know than a used one you don't.

If the bike has no known or expected issues, I'd do it on the Bassa.

My 1200 Sport is over 70K and Norge 50k and I'd take either without a second thought.

[Tkelly]

I think the photo shows it,be sure to get the one for that bike as they are different depending on the bike.

[Moparnut72]

I would go on the Bassa, would help make for a great adventure. The list of people on the MGNOC help site will bend over backwards in the event of trouble and a lot would put you up for a night or two as well. Go for it. If you decide on a newer bike that Honda is a very underrated model. I think there were a couple of guys from the east coast at the national in Oregon on early Eldos. I wish I could do a trip like that but too many ties to home.
kk

[johnwesley]

I think the Bassa is a good idea. My ev is up to 75ish thousand miles and still take it out on trips. Last big one was to Oregon. I sprung a leak but not a big deal. Everything else was perfect. Great trip about 4,000 miles total.

[nwguy]

Is this the sensor?

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_160&products_id=2450

It says it's for the Bassa, but describes it as the "Phase sensor, timing sensor, revolution sensor, cam wheel sensor,engine position sensor".

I have the clutch and throttle cables that I installed replacements for. Will bring them.

[kingoffleece]

All the relays on my 2001 Jackal went out in the past 8 months or so. I'd replace all of them with good ones from Pryo Dan.
Add an extra ground when you renew the rectifier.  I did the entire charging system-rotor, stator, and rectifier at the same time.  I also removed all fuses, and, at the time relays and cleaned everything real good with DeOxit.

Point is, get all the little crap done at home while it's easy.  I did all new bulbs, too.  Also, have you hooked up a meter to the battery to see how far it drops when starting?

[John A]

Hopefully start with a new back tire and back brake pads. Check wheel bearings for any signs of roughness.Bring a tps and a crank sensor because you won’t need one if you have one. Check the connections on the yellow wires behind the voltage regulator. They get corroded and can take out the voltage regulator. It’ll be a good trip.

[Luap McKeever]

I wouldn't hesitate a second and have done exactly that type of trip a few times on a 98 EV, most pulling a small trailer to boot. The generation of Guzzis from 1998 to 2001 are the most reliable they've ever built IMHO. I'd trust them long before I would the newer setups, just based on my overall experience.

[fotoguzzi]

Is this the sensor?

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_160&products_id=2450

It says it's for the Bassa, but describes it as the "Phase sensor, timing sensor, revolution sensor, cam wheel sensor,engine position sensor".

I have the clutch and throttle cables that I installed replacements for. Will bring them.

yes, that’s it.
Bring spare relays they can all interchange so one or two will suffice.
Bassa’s rock!

[DoubleGuzzi]

At least if it does break down (seriously, hopefully not!), then you can say:
"Ayah Bassa!"
 

[Vagrant]

If yours has the sensor on the flywheel clean it also. Set the valves before you leave. At that mileage mine didn't move anymore with synthetic oil.

[nwguy]

kingoffleece: I did replace all my relays with ones from Dan Prunuske. I'll bring a couple of the old ones that I replaced. I'm going to check the voltage drop when starting today. I'll be installing a volt meter with charging ports today too. What's to be expected when testing the voltage drop?

John A: I have new tires as of last summer. Only a few hundred miles on them. Also new TPS, new wheel bearings, new brake pads, new rear brake disc and new brake fluid.

Vagrant: Where would I see a sensor on the flywheel? I did clean the sensor shown in my picture with the red arrow.

This appears to be a rectifier for my Bassa:

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_161&products_id=1277

Should I consider a different (cheaper) one? If so, any suggestions? I've read forum threads on rectifiers, but I'm fairly ignorant in this area.

[n3303j]

Yup, this one.
https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/product-p/edl450-voltrect.htm

[kingoffleece]

The absolute bottom you should see upon start up is 10v.  At speed (above 3K) you should see 13.8 to 14.1 or VERY close to it. 

When I got my 2001 it was 15.2v at speed.  Too much, much too much.  Rather that just getting part of the system replaced I went ahead and renewed every part.
Pay one time, work one time, be happy a long time.

[Vagrant]

https://cadrecycle.com/california_ev_v11_1997-2000/
item 16 right side of flywheel housing above rubber plug if I remember right.
Every Walmart has a battery that will fit so I'd just load check yours.

[faffi]

In 2014 and in 2016, I did week long tours on my 1977 KZ650 without any worries. It even had the original mechanical voltage regulator. And my brother still do multi-day rides on his 1958 BSA A10, and while it have required some maintenance and minor repairs at the side of the road, it has never failed to bring him home. Bikes can sense fear, so just ride them with confidence 

[nwguy]

https://cadrecycle.com/california_ev_v11_1997-2000/
item 16 right side of flywheel housing above rubber plug if I remember right.
Every Walmart has a battery that will fit so I'd just load check yours.

Item 16 on what page?

"Bikes can sense fear". I like that.

[n3303j]

Bikes also get lazy. If they have finished an adventure on a trailer they will look for the possibility of doing it again. Once trailered it becomes a habit.