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  #1  
Old 3 Apr 2008
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Guzzi California ev
Ok so it's not your typical overland bike, but I'm considering one of these for two up touring in the UK and Europe.

I'm going to look at one on Saturday, it seems to have been well looked after but it's done a few miles, 60000 to be precise.

I know Guzzi's have a good rep for longevity but is there anything to look out for? Any reason why this might be a bad idea?

It's a 1998 Cali EV.

Any advice or opinions welcomed.

Cheers.
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Old 4 Apr 2008
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Guzzi ride
Hi,
In 2006 a friend and I rode from Ohio to Alaska and out thought the west and back for a 2 1/2 month trip putting on 13,000 miles. No problems at all, great ride and lots of fun. Were on numerous dirt/gravel roads and lots of rain, sleet and wind at times. We have almost 50 hours of videos and over 1200 pictures for last memories.
He was on late 90's Moto Guzzi California III, I rode a 2003 Guzzi California Aluminum Special Sport that we built into a trike due to past injury that made this trip possible for me.
Frank has almost 90,000 miles on his bike, I have around 50,000 . Last year we were in Money Creek, Minnesota at the National Moto Guzzi Rally which was flooded out. Lots of bikes and property lost or destroyed. I had some water damage but all is cleaned up and running good. Expect and anxiously awaiting this riding season to get here. Sick of winter.
Good luck on your trip with what ever bike you chose.
George Denny
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  #3  
Old 4 Apr 2008
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This is in Italian, but you can look at the pictures...!


http://www.marchetti.ws/cazzivari/IR...OK_(ligth).pdf

This guy went to Iran and back on his Guzzi, only issue seemed to be the voltage regulator (which some guy built for him using bits from hairdryers )

They seem to be good bikes, this isn't the only long journey I've read about on Italian forums, I'd say just go for it....!

Giacomo
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  #4  
Old 4 Apr 2008
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I like Guzzi's in a strange love/hate sort of way. If you've not ridden Guzzi's then you have to be aware that they are unique. Give the bike some time. Take a long test ride. At first you may be put off, but once you adapt to the Guz, it may start to grow on you.

I've tested Guzzi's since the late 90's. Owned a LeMan's lll in 80's. Toured on a friends' Ambassador as well. (borrowed)

In some ways the high mileage can be a plus ..... by this time all the bugs should have be worked out and the owner, if knowledgeable, will have (hopefully) done some mods to the bike. Once sorted Guzzi's go a long time without giving much trouble. Great touring bikes IMO.

I would get onto an active Guzzi board/list and learn as much as you can. Just be aware its a weird bike to ride for the uninitiated.
Good hunting,

Patrick
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Old 4 Apr 2008
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Guzzis I love them.

Went round the world on an 850 T3. 56,000 miles on that trip, 120,000 miles when I sold it.

I would never recommend one to anyone, they really have to be something you want, bit like marmite you either love them or hate them.

They do need a bit more owner input than many makes but if your made of the right stuff they are great bikes to own.

Best to buy one that has not been messed about with too much, they are easy to tune badly, make your own mods.

They last a long time as well, I have owned 3 with over 100,000 miles on them.

Patrick, my favorite was a MK 3 lemon.

Steve
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  #6  
Old 4 Apr 2008
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Cheers everybody, I think the quirkiness is part of the appeal.

There are plenty of comfy, reliable touring bikes around but multi cylinder engines and acres of plastic don't do it for me, I want something with a bit of character!

I do all my own servicing and maintenance so no problem with something that likes a bit of attention. Make a change from the Transalp where there's just not a lot to do once you've changed the oil!

Oh, and the owner is a long time Guzzi freak with two more in the garage, including a T3 with well over 100,000 on the clock.

Test ride tomorrow will tell for sure, I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again folks.
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