Keep or Sell, Opinions on 73 850T

[tbh37620]

Hello everyone, I recently bought a non-running but complete 1973 850T without a title for cheap. The engine does turn over, transmission shifts, brakes work. It last ran in 1994 and has 33k on it. I have always liked Moto Guzzi bikes but I cant really do a multi-thousand dollar rebuild on it. Is it possible for a bike like this that has sat for 10-20 years to run reliably again after some basic maintenance? I understand new tires, fresh fluids, plugs, carb rebuild, maybe some ignition parts, etc. Just wondering what the chances are of it needing a full overhaul of the engine to be road worthy again before I pursue a title and start investing time and money.

I know its a hard to nail down topic/question. Just looking for opinions from people who know a whole lot more than me.

Thanks,

[Groover]

I think those have a chrome pealing issues in the cylinder liners when they sit too long. I think that may be the "big one" as far as expenses go (1k-ish maybe). Everything else, you've mostly narrowed it down. Lots of support here if you do decide to work on it.

Good luck.

[amamet]

at the minimum, chrome lined cylinder would have to be swapped out

[twhitaker]

You will want to get the title issue straightened out first. Depending on your location it could be easy or 'impossible'.

[pehayes]

T3 would need to be 1976.  1973 was a drum brake Eldorado.  1974 was a disc brake Eldorado.  1975 was the single brake disc "T".  1976 was the linked, triple-disc "T3".  Slight variations might occur by date of first sale.  How about a picture for reference?  Does this have 3 brake discs?

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Moto]

I think the T3's in the U.S. were built in 1975 and mostly registered as 1976's.

The cylinders are the one thing that require a dose of money, but it's less than $800 for two Gilardoni piston/cylinder/ring sets and the necessary gaskets (at mgcycle.com). It is easy to take the heads and old cylinder off, take the heads to a machine shop to evaluate or reseat the valves, and reassemble it all with the new pistons and cylinders. You can get guidance on the procedures here if you need it. You can also get a goodish manual, published by Haynes (search for "haynes repair manual moto" on Amazon).

The cognoscenti consider replacing the chrome-lined cylinders a must. However, it is possible yours have already been replaced. If you are interested in how to find out, enter this string in the search box at the upper right of the page you are on: "how check chrome cylinders".

Other than the above, the T3 is a strong bike with few problems, and oil/spark/valve setting/tires are the most likely needed expenses.

But try to look carefully at the bike before you decide. Are the brake discs and pads good? The wheels undented? Do all the electrical components work? Is the brake fluid in good shape? You should really drop the oil pan (14 screws, I recall, including 4 in the middle of the pan that can get overlooked). Then remove and cut open the oil filter (inside the pan). No metal there or in the pan or attached to the magnetic drain plug?

Other things may come up. The universal joint in the driveline is about due to wear out at your mileage, and shows up as a vibration you can feel near your right foot ($240).

You never know. But it's best not to buy it and just run it, for fear of major damage due to flaking chrome from the cylinders.

Moto

[lencap]

I won't presume to tell you what to do, but I'll relate my experience. 

Years ago I bought an older car probably in similar condition to what you describe, even a bit worse.  After fooling with it for a while I realized that it was going to take far more time and likely far more money than I expected it would.  At that point I asked myself what was I trying to accomplish?  Did I want to be a restorer or a driver?  When I figured that out I resold the car, taking a bit of a loss, but found something I could enjoy right away.  I never regretted that decision.

It really depends on what you want out of the experience.  There's no wrong decision, but be aware of the choices and consequences before committing a lot of money or time. 

Good luck regardless of your choice. 

[Groover]

I think this thread is due for some 

[swooshdave]

I think this thread is due for some 

Past due.

[tbh37620]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. From what I can tell the previous owner was a Guzzi guy. He had an older police version also. He passed away and the family is selling his stuff. The back trunk has a Guzzi forum sticker on it so Id assume he was passionate about them. The bike has at some point sat outside for an extended period. It has the normal chrome pitting, peeling and rusting. It appears to be all stock except the air filters from what I can tell.

I will look into checking the cylinders. The bike only has 1 front disc, rear is drum and the panels say "850-T" so I guess its actually a 1975?

I already own almost 20 motorcycles now and have several bikes I race torn down for next season and dont really need another time/money pit although the bike intrigues me and I would love to easily get it running and riding but It seems unlikely.

If I do decide to sell it, any idea what it might be worth? Would it be worth it to spend the $200-300 and wait for a title? I will post pictures tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks again guys!

[Testarossa]

My T is officially an '84 -- no oil filter and it came with a weak 12-amp alternator.  If yours is an '85 it may (or may not) have an oil filter and the more powerful 20-amp alternator.  Whatever you do: don't try to run it until you check the cylinder liners, as everyone has mentioned. If you're luck some PO has relined it with iron sleeves or nikasil. If not it's $750 for Gilardoni cylinders/piston kit plus a $100 in small parts to do the job, and maybe some tools if you haven't swapped out jugs before.

If you decide to get it going, this board has mucho good advice.

[Kentktk]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. From what I can tell the previous owner was a Guzzi guy. He had an older police version also. He passed away and the family is selling his stuff. The back trunk has a Guzzi forum sticker on it so Id assume he was passionate about them. The bike has at some point sat outside for an extended period. It has the normal chrome pitting, peeling and rusting. It appears to be all stock except the air filters from what I can tell.

I will look into checking the cylinders. The bike only has 1 front disc, rear is drum and the panels say "850-T" so I guess its actually a 1975?

I already own almost 20 motorcycles now and have several bikes I race torn down for next season and dont really need another time/money pit although the bike intrigues me and I would love to easily get it running and riding but It seems unlikely.

If I do decide to sell it, any idea what it might be worth? Would it be worth it to spend the $200-300 and wait for a title? I will post pictures tomorrow afternoon.

Thanks again guys!

Good luck posting pics on this website.

[OlDogface]

Where are you? If you are close enough I might be convinced to take it off your hands for a small fee.   

Good luck!

[Testarossa]

On the other hand it might be worth more in parts than as rolling corrosion. The Borrani wheels alone might be worth $300, the instruments another $300 if operating, the stainless fenders, the seat pan if not corroded, etc.

[Turin]

First thing I would do is to see if y get a title for it. You'll get a lot more for it if you decide to sell.

[swooshdave]

What these guys aren't telling you is that an 850T isn't worth that much. If you are intending on making money or breaking even, you've already lost. A really nice 850T might bring $3k. Even if you got the bike for free you can bounce over that number on no time (cylinders, tires, carbs, battery, paint, etc.). Either dump money into it because you love it or bail.

I'm already over my head in my 850T knowing I'll never get above water. And I can almost live with that. 

[tbh37620]

Here are some pictures.




I mainly jumped on the bike because if I didnt it might just get scrapped or left outside and rust away. The people wanted it gone pronto to get it out of a storage unit they needed to vacate.

If anyone is interested in the bike let me know. I am located in Ohio. I would prefer it go to an enthusiast who will use the parts or restore it.

Worst case scenario I can stick it in the corner of the barn and have a retirement project in 30 years hahaha.

[Groover]

How far from Columbus are you? I think what the replies have been so far still stand true. Too bad it doesn't have a Title. Sort of kills that 2% motivation I have right now to take that off your hands 

Too bad it got that way though, I'm sure that bike was well loved at one point. You can tell.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Sometimes, free is too much.  BTDT. No offence intended at all, but the money needed to get it going doesn't equal what it would be worth when it was done. Labor is *always* free, of course. 

[Dick]

Not too bad, really. Doesn't looked butchered. Should polish up pretty well. All rubber pieces will be rotted. See if it has a filtered sump. There will be three plugs at the front of the oil pan. That would make it a later T, which will would also(more than likely) give it the 20 amp alternator. Both a plus. Next thing as mentioned is check for cylinder bore type. Depending on what you paid, you may be able to double your money selling it as is. Good luck

[Chuck in Indiana]

Not too bad, really. Doesn't looked butchered. Should polish up pretty well. All rubber pieces will be rotted. See if it has a filtered sump. There will be three plugs at the front of the oil pan. That would make it a later T, which will would also(more than likely) give it the 20 amp alternator. Both a plus. Next thing as mentioned is check for cylinder bore type. Depending on what you paid, you may be able to double your money selling it as is. Good luck

Well, yeah. That's what I was saying, in a roundabout way. 

[Rich A]

I think you could put $1500 to 2000 in it to get it running decently and then have a bike worth about that much or maybe a little less.

Rich A

[fotoguzzi]

my first Guzzi was an 850T, I was so cool in 1978.. CB radio in the cover of the saddle bag, I modded it w/fiberglass hump for the radio and had in helmet speaker.. solo'd all over the Rockies.

[giusto]

OOO 850 t project

I can't help myself...I've got the jones...lol

please send me your contact info...lets chat...I am interested

[Turin]

That's not bad at all. a day of cleaning will do wonders. I started off with one that was much worse. These are fantastic bikes. Either way, try to get a title.

[JoeW]

An 850T is a great bike stock or custom, I've done a couple and am working on another
I called this the 950S

This is Denise's purple people eater

This one is going to be cool...

[John A]

If you keep it, try to find another in running condition. That way you have spares and always have a runner while you get this one refurbished. I wouldn't ride it until it's had  a complete inspection and servicing, with dissasembly to the level that you are confident it will not strand you or kill you. Don't even start it until the cylinder issue is resolved as others have said. It's not a money maker but it is a way to keep out of the bars, Har, har

[JoeW]

What is the average cost?

$12 to $15k

[Turin]

Here is my T. Under the shiny paint she's more of a beater, but a lot of fun to ride.




free image hosting

[dl.allen]

Here is mine
I have 3500 into it
Major costs were jug and piston kit and ujoint
Rest is elbow grease and knickknacks
I love it but probably not worth much