The ‘79 California Rebuild Thread

Nin

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Right then, here we go. Strap yourselves in, this is going to be a long one.

I’ve hankered after one of these since a customer brought one into my Dad’s bike shop (Kawasaki Exeter) back in the early ’80s.

Stupid really, because at 6’3” I’m never going to get too far on it in one go, but it does mark a change in my biking priorities that only a laid back cruiser can do. And apparently there are other makes of cruiser out there, though I’m not sure what they might be.

This is going to be my 5th rebuild, the last one was my 1150 GSA SE a few years ago - which if you’re having trouble sleeping is available here: https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/419570-1150-GS-Adventure-SE-Rebuild.

Lockdown has been great for research, I joined the forums and the Moto Guzzi Club, and with a your help and advice fellas I turned up 4 bikes that could be suitable:

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The first one has had lots of jolly expensive engine work done, but it just looks like a wrong ‘un. Andres and Theoneandonly both spotted it - can you?

The second is a real rarity - a 948cc fuel injected lump in a Tonti frame with some ghastly Rickman lookielikie fairing on it. I quite liked it, and may still pick it up after lock down.

The third is what I went for in the end. It’s in Leeds, and I can’t get it until lockdown ends.

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The fourth came up through the GuzziRiders forum, and is actually a really good option, except it’s just south of Alencon in France. It’s still available if anyone wants the sellers details.





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So let’s have a look at the chosen one, which is not without its issues.

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It’s a 1979 850 T3 California that’s been partially restored and stuck in boxes for the last few years.

First the good bits:

All the black steelwork has been cleaned and professionally two pack painted, but not to concourse standard, which is fine by me.

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The previous owner bought a new seat and grab rail, and it comes with fibreglass panniers and frames.

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Front suspension is useable and in pretty good condition, with a spare set of stanchions.

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But there are some bad bits.

The Nikasil is flaking off the bores:

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So do we replace them? The 88 mm barrel and piston kit from Stein-Dinse is only 295 euros a side ....

Or replate? I cant really tell what’s going on there without holding them in my hand.

The FD has some issues:

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It’s difficult to tell just how bad from the photos, but I suspect that’s going to need some serious attention.


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So until this all lands in Oxfordshire, I’m preparing the space in the garage.

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I’m also looking for a bike lift/ramp if anyone has one - my back and knees wont handle this build without them!


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Oh and if anyone does happen to be making an essential journey from Leeds to Oxfordshire and has space to collect, do get in touch!


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Oh and if anyone does happen to be making an essential journey from Leeds to Oxfordshire and has space to collect, do get in touch!


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Send a bike courier, lockdown could be months and for the sake of £120 - you could be on with it now
 
But there are some bad bits.

The Nikasil is flaking off the bores:

So do we replace them? The 88 mm barrel and piston kit from Stein-Dinse is only 295 euros a side ....

Or replate? I cant really tell what’s going on there without holding them in my hand.

................

FWIW I nipped up the piston in my old 636 Rotax race bike and had it bored and re-plated.........twice.........it was never the same. When I sold it I heard on the grapevine that it had nipped up again half way through the season. Now, I was obviously unlucky as plenty of other folks have done it with no issues but it has rather put me off ever doing it again.........

Nice new bores and pistons would be my choice and I reckon, once you factor in the cost of re-plating, you won't be saving that much money anyway?

Looks a great project BTW, well done for finding that :thumb2

Andres
 
Nice new bores and pistons would be my choice and I reckon, once you factor in the cost of re-plating, you won't be saving that much money anyway?
Andres

My choice as well.
At that price, especially if your going to keep it.
Peace of mind..

We do like a rebuild thread...;)
 
My choice as well.
Especially at that price, especially if your going to keep it.
Peace of mind..

We do like a rebuild thread...

I’m with you fellas. Factor in the cost of a replate, then vapour blast and you’re nearly there for a new set.


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Yep, that’s exactly what I’m expecting!


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The original bores are chrome, and they all fail by flaking or just wearing through. Get a pair of Gilardoni nicasil barrel & piston kits.

I've seen worse final drives that work without problem. Best to replace of course, but...
 
I have a pretty much complete engine gasket set I mistakenly ordered for my square barrel,
Pm your address,I’ll dig it out and donate it to the cause:thumb

Top man, thanks Mikey. I’ll be in touch, have some questions for you ....


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