Moto guzzi t3
- Thread starter Bubb
- Start date
I’ve never owned an older Guzzi either and probably never will now but I have a 2005 V11 for sale which is the last of the proper bikes they made but with more modern equipment
Love them. Great everyday machines with simple mechanics and a ready supply of spares even plug n play bits from other models.
Once the few achilles heels are sorted they are really reliable. Watch out for chrome cylinder bores and duff electrical connections
But it will a change of pace from modern machines.
Because of a downturn in the classic market decent bikes will now be relatively cheap.
You’ll have to decide whether your focus is in ridability or originality, you’ll pay a premium for the latter.
The Guzzi club and guzziriders forum are your friends .. but I think you already know that.
Once the few achilles heels are sorted they are really reliable. Watch out for chrome cylinder bores and duff electrical connections
But it will a change of pace from modern machines.
Because of a downturn in the classic market decent bikes will now be relatively cheap.
You’ll have to decide whether your focus is in ridability or originality, you’ll pay a premium for the latter.
The Guzzi club and guzziriders forum are your friends .. but I think you already know that.
Lovely bikes, handle surprisingly well and very simple to work on if you get the right components - especially electronic ignition. Parts not a problem. I’m not sure of Wreford on here has sold his T3 Cali that I built over Lock-down - that’s a good one.
But if you’re 6’3” like me, try before you buy …
But if you’re 6’3” like me, try before you buy …
Lovely bike but very uncomfortable to ride for any distance if tall as riding position turns your body into a position like an inverted sail
The small V50 type models are very good but the bigger ones are too heavy for a weakling like me so I can only recommend the make but not the model.
And my V50 Imola* comes back from the mender's later this week.
* I know an Imola should be a V35 but this is an Imola model with a V50 engine.
And my V50 Imola* comes back from the mender's later this week.
* I know an Imola should be a V35 but this is an Imola model with a V50 engine.
totally different animal to the modern ones .
choose carefully , remember they are now 40+ years old , some will have been horribly fucked with .
do not think that you can fix it on the cheap ....you can't.
when you are ready to buy one , PM me.
choose carefully , remember they are now 40+ years old , some will have been horribly fucked with .
do not think that you can fix it on the cheap ....you can't.
when you are ready to buy one , PM me.
I know of a 1977 T3 California that may well be presented for sale soon if you are interested.
I had a 1980 Spada which is similar with a 1000cc engine and a fairing - as someone said doesn’t so much accelerate but gathers speed gently. Brilliant mile eater. If you are long of leg you do get used to your knees resting on the rocker covers although can be a tad uncomfortable on cobbled streets.
Lovely bikes.
*I've fixed a few, helped restore more that one and owned, rebuilt and restored quite a few other Guzzi models
According to the OP I shouldn't really comment as I've never technically owned a T3* but the above is very true.
*I've fixed a few, helped restore more that one and owned, rebuilt and restored quite a few other Guzzi models
It’s the standard T3 , not the California, that interests me.
I’ve read about the chromed cylinder problems, and seen gutsibits sell giardeli ( or whatever that name is) cylinders etc to swap in to prevent the chrome peeling and wrecking the motor.
I also understand the electrics will need looking at….. Luigi never was the best with coloured spaghetti ( I owned a moto Moroni years ago so know what the electrics are like!)
Thanks all.
I’ve read about the chromed cylinder problems, and seen gutsibits sell giardeli ( or whatever that name is) cylinders etc to swap in to prevent the chrome peeling and wrecking the motor.
I also understand the electrics will need looking at….. Luigi never was the best with coloured spaghetti ( I owned a moto Moroni years ago so know what the electrics are like!)
Thanks all.
here is a test of the T3 Cali if you are interested from a riding owning perspective, I havnt owned one but Dave has owned quite a few
I didn’t sell it - It’s been cleaned, had all the oils and filters changed, tank brimmed with high octane and stored in a friends dry garage.
My plan is to sell it as it does not fit with what I now want from bikes - It costs me very little to own and my friend is happy that it says in his garage but it should go to someone who will use it.
I’m 6ft1in and found it a comfortable joy to ride, with plenty of go and great handling.
Happy to take a fair price for it if you’re interested @Bubb
Wreford
Thanks for the offer, but I’m not after a California….its the standard t3 I’m after.
I know there isnt that much difference, but I wouldn’t want to ruin a California by changing it to a roadster t3…. Even if I could get the bits necessary.
Thanks for the offer, but I’m not after a California….its the standard t3 I’m after.
I know there isnt that much difference, but I wouldn’t want to ruin a California by changing it to a roadster t3…. Even if I could get the bits necessary.
Wreford
Cancel my last post. I recon t wouldnt be too much to de-cali a Californian….fit proper footpegs, change bars and get rid of the wheelbarrow ones for normal bars…maybe change seat.
Please send me details of your Californian…
Thanks
Cancel my last post. I recon t wouldnt be too much to de-cali a Californian….fit proper footpegs, change bars and get rid of the wheelbarrow ones for normal bars…maybe change seat.
Please send me details of your Californian…
Thanks
no no no.
you want to take a desirable bike ...and devalue it , don't do it.
i've done a couple of T3's in the last year , by the time you have got one nice , you will have spent , including buying it ...£5k maybe £4.5k if you're lucky with purchase prices dropping a bit.
Definitely do not do it. I did it many years ago and is pretty straightforward. But they were just another bike back then. The Cali is a much sought after bike these days.
Just to mention also you need to change the left lower frame rail as the side stand for the Cali is completely different to the T3, so not quite as simple as would appear.
I have owned a T3 Cali and an 850T. I never found either to feel heavy as the weight is so low down. Handling is way better than you think it is going to be! I preferred the ergonomics of the non Cali version as I really don’t get the footboard set-up. Electrics are likely to be the biggest worry. The original ‘Lego’ switchgear is so pathetic it is almost funny. Rivet counters would want them but I would prefer a bike where they have been changed to something more durable
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