New member, new Bassa

[toukow]

Hello All: I've been wanting a Guzzi's for a long time, over 10 years. Not exactly sure why, perhaps the reputation of such a robust engine? My psychiatrist says it's a latent desire to hang out with somewhat quirky type people, go figure. Have a few books including Guzziology, but did I bother to review before shopping at this time- nope. I was trying to bottom feed for a bike on Craigslist, which is perhaps why I didn't study too much in advance. Can't be picky unless you're willing to spend the cash to be model/year specific.

Previously I test rode a $2000 1998 EV11 (I think that was the model) which was ratted out, had Kerker exhaust,  had foot boards, and the toe-heel shifter. I've never used this style of shifter and made lots of mistakes. The feel was all wrong for me, including seat riding position so I passed.   

So I saw an ad on Craigslist three weeks ago for a 1999 California Bassa for again $2000, with 16k miles. Pictures looked good, but weren't the best.  I waited for it to disappear, and it didn't. So I arranged a meeting to go look after a week of listing figuring it's a sign from the Gods. Guy shows up and the bike looks good.

I take it for a test ride and I really liked the handling, very nimble for the size. More importantly, I realize it doesn't have foot boards, so I can use the toe-hill shifter like a standard bike. The seat has just been reupholstered so it looked great, and  more importantly felt good. The chrome looked pitted, and it's obvious the guy hasn't even bothered to wash the bike. I realized that buying a bike that is so different from what you're used to riding makes it somewhat difficult to judge if there something is wrong with it. I hit many false neutrals, but figure that's not unreasonable for a bike brand newbie. That said, the shifting on this bike was far smoother than I had expected from descriptions (industrial, tractorish) I'd read over the years.

As many point out, a bike's worth is what you're willing to pay for it. Typically on CL around here people post their bikes at KBB retail prices, and this guy had listed at under the trade-in value. I didn't even haggle, the bike looked good enough so I just paid the man.




Got her home and put her on the lift and started cleaning her up. I am amazed how well it's cleaning up. There was no pitted chrome, given it's mostly plastic it simply wiped off and was perfect. Paint is pretty much immaculate, with minor scratches on front fender. I'm extremely pleased so far on the deal, and really like how the solid color white makes the bike look compared with the two tone versions.

 I'm do a lot of proactive maintenance on my bikes and tend to go overboard on such things, so have been reading  posts on the various components. Retorqued the heads, valve adjust, new cables for throttle and clutch, new rear brake rotor (required), rear brake pads, new wheel bearings (probably wasting money here, but had them fail on my VFR at 22k miles), fuel and air filter, all fluids, new rear Metzler Lasertec as the existing had lots of tread but was 11 years old. Drained all the gas given the tank was off and intend on running only non-ethanol gasoline in her as I have a nearby source.

 I found two of the valve cover bolts stripped, but I purchased a couple of bolts 5 mm longer and they appear to be holding securely. The electrically operated fuel petcock has been replaced with the screw type offered by MG Cycle. It has a 5 year old Odessy PC680 battery which I had tested and will keep running for now. Front master cyclinder was nearly empty and all the brake fluid looked very dark. I'll have to keep an eye on that to see if there is an issue.

Given I had the rear wheel off for tire replacement, I pulled the swingarm to inspect the cardan joint and grease the swingarm bearings. The cardan joint looked perfect, but was spinning in the carrier bearing. I put it in a vise as suggested in a Guzzitech article and looked for slop and there was some, as it rocked back and forth a bit. Not sure I made the right call, but A. your posts on catastrophic failure tend to put the fear of God in one and B. I have  a tiny bit more money than time (and brains), so I bit the bullet and ordered new.

 So after paying the registration, state sales tax and all the parts mentioned above, I'm at around  $3100.   That said, possible additions are a windscreen, saddle bags, crash bar (dropped my FJR in garage recently so this came to mind), and my kingdom for a center stand,  so the number will climb probably.

Anyway, just introducing myself before hitting you with a few questions. Thanks for the help and reading, and my next posts will be shorter!!  Dean

[John Ulrich]

Congrats, that's one of Guzzi's prettiest bikes and you stole it!!!!   

[Guzzistajohn]

Welcome aboard! Looks like you got yourself a sweet ride, ENJOY!  John in Missouri

[Motogogo]

Nice bike! ... Have a Blast!

Vrooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooo ooommmmmmm

John in MN

 BTW that's 3 Johns offering congratulations in a row hehehee!

[Markcarovilli]

Sounds like your doing the right thing....

You got a great deal and a great bike.

Mark

[fotoguzzi]

Nice, your into it for the right price. Most of the mounting hardware for the center stand should already be in place, get a used stand and I'll send you the springs for free.

[normzone]

Brother ! Good bike, good deal.

Stripped valve cover hardware ? That's odd.

I've the same bike one year older with three times the miles on it - you can follow my adventures as advanced reconnaissance. My current thread regarding my charging woes contains a summary of what the two previous owners put into the bike, so there's a (somewhat) complete history of expected wear, which aligns with some of what you've done.

[fotoguzzi]

Stripped valve cover hardware ? That's odd.

I've the same bike one year older

not really, probably the most common stripped bolt on a guzzi😄

[Dave Bell]

thats a beauty!  welcome

[Kiwi_Roy]

Congratulations on a great looking bike as others have pointed out you stole it, easily worth 3K IMHO
The stripped bolts are not a problem if they let go again just drill them out and use threaded inserts (the right name escapes me) for a permanent fix.

[radguzzi]

Dean,

Welcome to the playground.

You got a killer deal there... good for you.

Ride 'em,
Rob

[mgibson61611]

Nice bike!

I can fully appreciate going though it and renewing anything questionable.  At the least, you have a baseline moving forward.  Always loved the look of the Bassa!

Best of luck

[nunzio]

Congrats!!!

Great first post!!!!!!!


Alan

[toukow]

Thank you all very much for the very warm welcome, as well as the input on pricing.  I've immersed myself so much into the search function on the forum that I feel I know some of you already. The forum has some VERY active members looking at the number of posts by some , which I guess reflects the passion many of you feel for the brand.

I'm breaking my promise of keeping the posts short, so apologize in advance.The current bike conditions is shown below. Just got the swingarm back in yesterday:



As to the comment of the valve cover bolt threads being stripped, I noticed most of the cover bolts had deposits of aluminum on the starting threads. I bought a set of 'thread chasers' and am going to run them through each hole when I pull the cover again.

Nice, your into it for the right price. Most of the mounting hardware for the center stand should already be in place, get a used stand and I'll send you the springs for free.

Thanks, I will keep an eye out for the centerstand and may take you up on the offer of springs. In lieu of that luxury, I saw some great posts on making a lift for bikes without centerstands, including dimensioned drawing by Carl Allison- great job! After I started making the brackets, I found my ATV lift was abused and wouldn't work. It also did not rise straight up, which is desired when using the jack sitting on top of the bike lift.


So I got a $20 scissor jack from Harbor freight, and made the tube/bracket shown in the photo. It worked very well, but I do have the straps on the handlebars for stability while on the lift and blocked under the sump regardless. Glad I did the extra precaustions,  as I was getting a bit physical when installing the swingarm (though it went in relatively smoothly following the comments on the forum). 

Somewhat regretted jumping into buffing out the spoked rims, but given their condition there was little choice.  Man, what a pain if you want to do it well. I'm trying just about everything I can find to make it easier, and will probably post on the matter after I'm done so that  others can learn from my mistake(s). Once I started, I didn't see putting it back together until the buffing was complete, and I haven't even started the front. It wasn't encouraging that everything I've read says it will be constant battle keeping them from corroding henceforth! I'm going to try several applications of Klasse Sealant Glaze in hopes it will help some.

Questions and observations from the uniformed-

OK, I'm an idiot, but the instructions for tank removal do not say make sure the gas is below the level of the valve located near the steering head. I can pull the tanks on my other bikes while full. I thought there was some sort of check valve to stop gas leakage, but that was incorrect.
Heap as much abuse as you wish, but after polishing all the chrome plastic/metal and rims on this bike (I even went ahead and bought a bench top buffing machine from Harbor Freight! Please don't mention it to my riding friends, given my mouthing off on the subject over the years), she is going to be one of the most pampered garage queens you've ever seen, such that it may even make Harley owners envious!! OK, I admit Harley owners don't envy anything without the HD logo as part of their code, but she will be such a queen until the first unexpected rain squall is encountered. Usually takes about two weeks around here.

Would have been nice if  Guzzi  had kept the swingarm cover caps with the holes in them for locking the swingarm bearing pins. Probably because on this bike the pins use a 14mm hex, and there wouldn't have been much meat left in the cap to function as a locking mechanism.
 
Surprised to see that there is no preload adjustment on the rear shocks, given I'm a fat guy. And the fact that changing the shock can affect the linked brakes. I'm not going to worry about it too much. I didn't use OEM rear pads, so I've already changed the relationship given the different coefficient of friction from design. I'll experiment with the length of the  spring to the brake valve to get what I'm comfortable with in the end.

I've found no definitive answer as to the design brake bias percentage for this 'Load Compensating' style of valve actuator. Proportional valve supposedly being  70% Front/30 % Rear (source Guzziology, page 19-54 with lots of caveats saying the percentages are not accurate in many cases/models), but not for the spring actuated valve. I infer that the intent was the same general  70/30 relationship. This system explained why when I got home after the buying it  I said 'this thing has a fantastic rear brake!'. I'm traditionally a front braker, and can understand the concerns of being forced to apply the front brake when unwanted in low traction situations. 

Question: Other than the decal on the side cover, what are the difference between the California Special and the Bassa? I've assumed mechanically that they are identical, with all parts interchangeable. When looking at parts am using the Special listing if Bassa is not shown as well.
 
Question: I don't think I've ever seen a picture of one of these bikes with a tank bag and certainly don't think it would enhance the looks. I don't really want to add saddle bags as I don't think I'll be touring it, but I need to figure out something. Are saddle bags about the only option for minor storage? Don't see anything sitting on the rear seat position like a tail bag given the seat size, but perhaps there is something available that would work there? 

Well thank you all for letting me bore you once again and for the warm welcome. I'll try and post some useful information sooner or later, but really appreciate the resource the forum provides. I'm worried these bikes are somewhat addictive as I'm still looking at Craigslist for others!! Not in front of the wife, of course. So now to finish the buffing, pull the front forks for oil change and new wheel bearings, and then I may actually ride the damn thing!!!!! Thanks again, Dean

[oldbike54]

 Dang , what a strong showing dude  Welcome to the clan .

  Dusty

[Penderic]

Great introductory posting toukow! Welcome to the board!



Drop by for a cappicino and some almond puff cookies! 

[lucydad]

Dang that is a beauty!  Congrats!!

[fotoguzzi]

 

I've found no definitive answer as to the design brake bias percentage for this 'Load Compensating' style of valve actuator.  supposedly less front when applying light pressure as in parking lots and more to the front under agressive pedal.

Question: Other than the decal on the side cover, what are the difference between the California Special and the Bassa? I've assumed mechanically that they are identical, with all parts interchangeable. When looking at parts am using the Special listing if Bassa is not shown as well.
 Most cal SS had steel tube type rims and non adjustable forks, in fact accept for body work the EV etc are also nearly identical parts wise.
Question: I don't think I've ever seen a picture of one of these bikes with a tank bag and certainly don't think it would enhance the looks. I don't really want to add saddle bags as I don't think I'll be touring it, but I need to figure out something. Are saddle bags about the only option for minor storage? Don't see anything sitting on the rear seat position like a tail bag given the seat size, but perhaps there is something available that would work there? 

 

tank bags



 

[Scud]

You asked for a picture with bags and fotoguzzi nailed it.

I have a Great Basin saddle bag by Giant Loop. They also make smaller bags, like the Coyote. Nice thing about these bags - no permanent hardware required. They sit on the bike where a passenger's hips and thighs would be. The bag is secured to the passenger footpegs. I like that I can use the same bag on any bike - could even fly with it if I want to rent a bike where I'm going.

[John Ulrich]

Bassa's came out in 1999 featuring tubeless rims and adjustable forks.  Around 2001 or 2002 they were renamed Specials losing the adjustable forks and going back to tubed wheels. then called Special Sports with a red/black tank and then a Gold/black tank ("Copper top").  Then they were called Aluminum and then Titanium.  I'm not at home to consult my catalogs so a year it two might be off.

[Kev m]

Your posts are too long for even ME to read, which is ironic.

But fire your psychiatrist, you don't need him/her anymore...






















... You're incurable. 

[Scud]

But fire your psychiatrist, you don't need him/her anymore...


... You're incurable. 

LOL.  But who wants to be cured from OMGD (Obsessive Moto Guzzi Disorder) anyway?

[toukow]

tank bags

Thanks for the photos, that tank bag  looks much better than I had hoped. I had pictured it at the highest point on the tank instead of back like that. I'll give that a go and buy a magnetic bag.  Your hard luggage looks great as well! Thanks, Dean

[toukow]

Your posts are too long for even ME to read, which is ironic.

But fire your psychiatrist, you don't need him/her anymore...
... You're incurable. 

While I agree I have easy solution, just skip 'em.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I think your posts are just fine. Pay no attention to Kev..he's a closet knuckle draggin Harley guy, and probably can't read. 
I'm assuming that you *changed* the brake fluid? If so, you're probably the first one to do it to that bike. <shrug>
A bike just like yours (same color even) was my introduction to Guzzi.. a test ride at Bike Week. I bought a Centauro immediately after and have never looked back.
After your labor to go through it, it'll be reliable for years.  Cheap. (Guzzi content) welcome to WG, btw.

[toukow]

I think your posts are just fine. Pay no attention to Kev..he's a closet knuckle draggin Harley guy, and probably can't read. 
I'm assuming that you *changed* the brake fluid? If so, you're probably the first one to do it to that bike. <shrug>
A bike just like yours (same color even) was my introduction to Guzzi.. a test ride at Bike Week. I bought a Centauro immediately after and have never looked back.
After your labor to go through it, it'll be reliable for years.  Cheap. (Guzzi content) welcome to WG, btw.

Thanks Chuck, I even tried not to use big words. Yeah, I changed everything from cables to wheel bearings to cush drive modification to.....well, sort of embarrassing actually. The front brake fluid was very low so I'll keep an eye on it, but I see no evidence of leaking at the calipers or elsewhere.

A few more photos to bore people.....


I'll probably post on my mistakes doing the rims. That was a real pain and I think I have at least 16 hours labor in them. I learned the valuable lesson that a shinny spot in an overall satin finish stands out like a sore thumb. I then gave them 4 coats of Klasse Glaze Sealant. It remains to be seen how that will hold up, but being a garage queen it won't be a real test.


Gave the covers a go, looks better but I'm still learning to polish metal. The Harbor Freight buffer was well worth the $32 with discount coupon. Is that an aftermarket fin guard shown, or did they come from the factory with them?



Very glad to read the thread about the plastic expanding in the gas caps. This thing was a mother and I was worried about breaking the key. The price for a replacement was very high, if I actually found the right unit.  Works well now-that's red synthetic grease in the key hole.

Also appreciated the comments in another thread about the plastic chrome pieces falling off, as one of mine had started to break lose. I siliconed the inside as suggested, so hopefully that will secure them adequately.

Thanks for letting me bore ya..... Dean

[Scud]

The bike is really looking great. Isn't amazing how much some polish or fine touches can improve the overall look -  and then there's the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

I'm not bored. But let's see some pics in in her natural habitat - mountains, curvy roads, expansive views, etc. Time to go riding...

[MGPilot]

Beautiful bike.

Although you can get static shots by the side of the road, we could go riding sometime and I could take some action shots of you riding it. Might be nice to have given the work you put into it.

James

[elvisboy77]

Congrats on a great deal on a beautiful bike!

[John A]

What a pile! You got screwed and not in the fun, happy way. But I'll help you out and give you $3500 for it. I have a black one,everybody knows they are faster! Welcome to the insanity!