I would be completely insane to buy an old-ish Moto Guzzi, right? [Archive]

mossy1200

2nd September 2013, 22:33

Like the 85 Le Mans 1000 that I got fix price offered for $5300, or a

V50 Lario http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-634147834.htm

or one of the 750's.

Don't get v50 or 750

Le Mans 1k would be good
I owned a 1100 sport years ago and loved it.
Have ridden a v35 and v50 and they just weigh to much for the power they make.

jasonu

3rd September 2013, 05:54

I question the statement 'collectable' as the seller claims?
I would want to either be good with problem solving (especially with electrical and carb issues) or have deep enough pockets to pay someone who is.

Kickaha

3rd September 2013, 06:32

V50 are a cool little bike, I rode one a bit when one of my mates owned one, probably not so flash as a long distance bike but awesome fun through the likes of the Hundalees or any twisty road, I'd quite happily own one

Parts aren't really that expensive and they're easy enough to work on, pm Voltaire he's got one

nudemetalz

3rd September 2013, 07:54

I agree. V50 and Monza's go well and can be easily tuned to make some hp's.
I wouldn't discount them.

Is the '85 Le-Mans a Mk4 or Mk5? The Mk 4's had 16" front wheels (although a lot of owners converted to 18") and have rather questionable handling. I rode one once...interesting.. Apart from that, as long as the electrics are okay then I say consider it.
But don't discount the small block without riding it first. You may be surprised.

(A Lario is a 650)

Paul in NZ

3rd September 2013, 07:58

The bikes are great although they do involve a lot of hands on time AND you have to learn them. Once you have the feel for them (which some never seem to get) its a great feeling and the Guzzi community is generally supportive and welcoming. Parts are reasonable and can be sourced readily. Guzziology is worth the price....

Mk1 to 3 are very low seat hight which was our biggest problem as it played havoc with my hips / back etc after a while. Eventually its the main reason we sold the Mk2. V50's are fun although a little underwhelming on the open road - great twisty road bike though.

Mk4/5 are 'big valve' engines and run way better than the spec sheets indicate. They are a little hard on valve guides compared to the earlier mid valve LM engines. They do have a lot more leg room but the std 40mm carbs have a ridiculously stiff throttle action (as in insanely tough) but that can be sorted to a great degree. Early Mk4's have a 16" front which requires the right profile tyre or it handles a bit wonky. There was an 18" kit and later ones came that way as the 16" went out of fashion.

Larios are making a comeback and can be made reliable IF you want to spend time and cash and can make lotsa power.... However their reputation is frightening and back in the day mechanics would hide behind scatter shields if some fool ran one in the workshop....

Great bikes - legendary really but be warned. Owners fall into two camps. There are the obsessives who maintain the thing to the nth degree (but may never actually wash it) and thats the one you want. The others are the crusty rat bikers who ride the wheels off the damn things knowing how forgiving they are and rather let the next owner pick up the pieces - you don't want one of these...

Paul in NZ

3rd September 2013, 08:04

I agree. V50 and Monza's go well and can be easily tuned to make some hp's.
I wouldn't discount them.

The only way to get more power from a smallblock is the 4V heads like the factory did with the Lario. Small blocks run a 'Heron' head design and are thus limited in their ability to breathe. Nothing wrong with it - its a good design but not for high HP applications...

Then assuming you do make more power? Hard to change the gear ratio cheaply. The small blocks run a different U/J set up that isnt as robust as the bigger bikes. Blow a U/J on a small block and 50/50 it takes out the rear of the gearbox... Enjoy for what they are...

HenryDorsetCase

3rd September 2013, 08:28

I feel the need the need for speed. Not really. but summer is coming and I would like something a bit quirky and interesting and fun. and I have always liked Guzzis. I vaguely knew someone in the 80's who had a brand new I think V65 and it was a complete lemon straight out of the box.

But I still like them. And airhead BMW's (R65, R80) and such. Although there is a GPz550 on tardme presently also

nudemetalz

3rd September 2013, 08:41

The only way to get more power from a smallblock is the 4V heads like the factory did with the Lario. Small blocks run a 'Heron' head design and are thus limited in their ability to breathe. Nothing wrong with it - its a good design but not for high HP applications...

Then assuming you do make more power? Hard to change the gear ratio cheaply. The small blocks run a different U/J set up that isnt as robust as the bigger bikes. Blow a U/J on a small block and 50/50 it takes out the rear of the gearbox... Enjoy for what they are...

Yeah true , I was more referring to the 65 heads can go on the 50's. Mark from Scooterazzi told me that a common fault that the 4V heads is the valve guides which can be fixed with GN250 ones (of all things!!).

But yes I would have an original non-modified V50 Monza out of all of those small blocks.

(Yup I contradicted myself :facepalm:)

T.W.R

3rd September 2013, 08:54

I vaguely knew someone in the 80's who had a brand new I think V65 and it was a complete lemon straight out of the box.

more likely a V75 Targa :msn-wink: V65 Lario is probably the pick of the light middle weight guzzis. V50 Monza apart form that one at Darfield being pretty bog stock thus collectable it's more suited to a guzzi collector to add to their collection, they're pretty bland performance-wise and if set-up properly handle well but can also tie themselves in knots if pushed hard. MkIV LeMans were Guzzi's downfall with a dubious front end, MkV much better if you can find an unmolested one or a model prior to the MkIV
A Green Frame 1000s would be a nice find if you could :msn-wink:

But I still like them. And airhead BMW's (R65, R80) and such. Although there is a GPz550 on tardme presently also

It'll be interesting to see what that GPZ ends up going for :corn:

This is a interesting bike if it's legit:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-631801124.htm

And this is also as it's actually the LTD model:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-633922141.htm

Paul in NZ

3rd September 2013, 09:54

Yeah true , I was more referring to the 65 heads can go on the 50's. Mark from Scooterazzi told me that a common fault that the 4V heads is the valve guides which can be fixed with GN250 ones (of all things!!).

But yes I would have an original non-modified V50 Monza out of all of those small blocks.

(Yup I contradicted myself :facepalm:)

The 'problem' with the Lario was two piece valves and overly strong valve springs wrongly speced to handle the lumpy cam. That and keepers not up to the job.

GN250 valves and springs plus collets or generally shaking a voodoo stick at it and sacrificing a virgin... Originally Lario owners simply sacrificed bank accounts and sanity... When running well they go great....

I would NOT put a Lario head on a V50. In fact just try and find a spare pair of Lario heads. People have found NOS ones and put them on 750 small blocks and done other silly things but these are serious guzziphiles... Stick with UJM....

Big Dave

3rd September 2013, 09:59

II would like something a bit quirky and interesting and fun.

Then buy a super motard.

Muppet

3rd September 2013, 10:58

Voltaire

3rd September 2013, 11:18

I bought a fixer upper Monza last year....I have learned a lot about small blocks.
I had to get a FD as the ring gear was missing apparently due to hasty exit from Mt Eden Motorcycles.
forks were pitted and they have very expensive steering head bearing that look like they came out of a bicycle.
Now sports 35mm forks, taper head conversion, rebuilt brakes, rebuilt UV joint, wheel bearings.
I've been up and down the road on it and it goes ok, the Nippon Denso coils ( jap rubbish) are dying and I'd like to get rid of the ponts with a Dyno thingy.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/DSC05728_zpsfd9db2a8.jpg
Then its new tyres and Vinning..$$$$.....ah fuck it, back under the blanket.

I've just gone out and bought a Ducati ST4s.http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/IMAG0438_zps0b0355b3.jpg

Its cured my of my Guzzi curious phase, parts for Guzzis seem expensive and less easy to get than BMW's

My pick would be a mid 90s Ducati SS,http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-634066475.htm easy to work on, lots of bits on Ebay or a 70's80's BMW like the one I got in April.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/IMAG0435_zps028dae20.jpg

In the end they are all fun, most of the people who slag Italian bikes off have never ridden one. Me I like Euro and Brit.

HenryDorsetCase

3rd September 2013, 11:18

Then buy a super motard.

28 inch inseam, yo

Its the babyjeezus way of saying "dirt bikes ar not for you, son"

Big Dave

3rd September 2013, 14:41

>> perfick. (http://www.hondamotorbikes.co.nz/bikes/off-road-recreational/kids-fun/crf50f/)

T.W.R

4th September 2013, 22:03

:corn:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-634950487.htm

neels

4th September 2013, 22:28

Do it.

You could buy just another jap bike, and then head out shopping for a toyota camry to go with it, or you're can buy something with character.

Plenty of guzzi freaks to help out when needed,, they seem to enjoy the shared masochism of ownership

Smifffy

4th September 2013, 23:05

Then buy a super motard.

Or a street triple....

TLDV8

4th September 2013, 23:35

That might depend on what old is,when did they stop using the chrome bore cylinders ?

Voltaire

5th September 2013, 08:50

That might depend on what old is,when did they stop using the chrome bore cylinders ?

The 82 Monzas are Guzisil or summit....similar to the BMW Nikasil but probably not as good.

Would be a good idea to replace the valves as I have yet to see pistons for sale.

At $4500 I think its about 1k overpriced for what is basically a Guzzi novelty item.

Quite rare in the States, only about 150 of the Monza sold there, due to price and the Ducati Pantah being more popular/better.

swarfie

5th September 2013, 10:07

I bought a fixer upper Monza last year....I have learned a lot about small blocks.
I had to get a FD as the ring gear was missing apparently due to hasty exit from Mt Eden Motorcycles.
forks were pitted and they have very expensive steering head bearing that look like they came out of a bicycle.
Now sports 35mm forks, taper head conversion, rebuilt brakes, rebuilt UV joint, wheel bearings.
I've been up and down the road on it and it goes ok, the Nippon Denso coils ( jap rubbish) are dying and I'd like to get rid of the ponts with a Dyno thingy.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/DSC05728_zpsfd9db2a8.jpg
Then its new tyres and Vinning..$$$$.....ah fuck it, back under the blanket.

Its cured my of my Guzzi curious phase, parts for Guzzis seem expensive and less easy to get than BMW's

In the end they are all fun, most of the people who slag Italian bikes off have never ridden one. Me I like Euro and Brit.

This one seems more realistic
Listing #: 634950487

swarfie

5th September 2013, 10:16

I bought a fixer upper Monza last year....I have learned a lot about small blocks.
I had to get a FD as the ring gear was missing apparently due to hasty exit from Mt Eden Motorcycles.
forks were pitted and they have very expensive steering head bearing that look like they came out of a bicycle.
Now sports 35mm forks, taper head conversion, rebuilt brakes, rebuilt UV joint, wheel bearings.
I've been up and down the road on it and it goes ok, the Nippon Denso coils ( jap rubbish) are dying and I'd like to get rid of the ponts with a Dyno thingy.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p235/rednzep/DSC05728_zpsfd9db2a8.jpg
Then its new tyres and Vinning..$$$$.....ah fuck it, back under the blanket.

Its cured my of my Guzzi curious phase, parts for Guzzis seem expensive and less easy to get than BMW's

In the end they are all fun, most of the people who slag Italian bikes off have never ridden one. Me I like Euro and Brit.

This one seams more realistic...ooppps dunno how to get that URL copy thingy to work properly
Listing #: 634950487

Paul in NZ

5th September 2013, 10:18

This one seems more realistic
Listing #: 634950487

Yup - thats a great price if its been sorted and looking at it there is no reason to suspect it has not been.

For all their issues - Larios still make the most power for any SB and with the right tyres are a scratchers delight. They will easily stick with an early series LM (standard) on the road.

I was seriously tempted by that one myself but just dont have time to ride what I have...

HenryDorsetCase

5th September 2013, 11:07

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-634371527.htm

This bad boy is local. I have spoken to the guy and seems genuine. I wont get a chance to view it before mid next week is all.

he did pronounce it Moto Goooot zee, so I assume he is an enthusiast

T.W.R

5th September 2013, 11:07

:corn:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-634950487.htm

This one seems more realistic
Listing #: 634950487

bit slow there :wacko:

Voltaire

5th September 2013, 11:27

That V65 looks nice, I must start calling my Duke, Doocaarti like its supposed to be said.

Ah Just do it.

Banditbandit

5th September 2013, 12:45

:corn:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-634950487.htm

I really like the Lario - anyone got any comments on this one? It seems very cheap ??? - sorry - caught up on the other posts .... any reason NOT to buy this?

T.W.R

5th September 2013, 13:26

Paul in NZ

5th September 2013, 13:54

Personally I know which of the two V65s I'd be looking at :msn-wink: The silver one is scruffy for it's age & to have suffered final drive damage isn't good at the amount of kms on it; repaired or not it doesn't bode well for what other things may have been abused. The Lario is tidy and irrespective of kms is a far more desirable model both when they were new bikes & now.

Thats hard to say as sometimes MG have a massive collective brain fart and do daft things like drill all the oil level holes in the diff's in the wrong place... Or run out of cash so they call up Guidos brother at ACME Hardening Co to do a quick (cheap) job on some gears on tick... Its all part of the 'trial' that can be ownership of Italian devices...

Same with paint finishes... You could literally wash the frame and fairing paint off the matte black parts on our Mk2...

They are not all like that... But the trick is knowing which ones are...

If the Leerio has staggered along that far its likely a goodun and looks fantastic. Possibly a bit more fantastic than it ought to? Either way... At that price its a steal...

T.W.R

5th September 2013, 14:29

Thats hard to say as sometimes MG have a massive collective brain fart and do daft things like drill all the oil level holes in the diff's in the wrong place... Or run out of cash so they call up Guidos brother at ACME Hardening Co to do a quick (cheap) job on some gears on tick... Its all part of the 'trial' that can be ownership of Italian devices...

No worse than Ducati or Laverda of the same era...been there done that years ago with both of the priors mentioned and had to see mates go thru the trials of Guzzi ownership :lol:

Same with paint finishes... You could literally wash the frame and fairing paint off the matte black parts on our Mk2...

That could encompass most if not all of the manufacturers of the late 70s early 80s when it comes to matt black finish on parts & engine casings ;)

They are not all like that... But the trick is knowing which ones are...

Depends on which time during the week they rolled of the line :rolleyes:

If the Leerio has staggered along that far its likely a goodun and looks fantastic. Possibly a bit more fantastic than it ought to? Either way... At that price its a steal...

Least the seller is honest enough to admit that it's better going to an enthusiast rather than getting hacked-up into a cafe bitsa ;)

swarfie

5th September 2013, 14:43

Thats hard to say as sometimes MG have a massive collective brain fart and do daft things like drill all the oil level holes in the diff's in the wrong place... Or run out of cash so they call up Guidos brother at ACME Hardening Co to do a quick (cheap) job on some gears on tick... Its all part of the 'trial' that can be ownership of Italian devices...

Same with paint finishes... You could literally wash the frame and fairing paint off the matte black parts on our Mk2...

They are not all like that... But the trick is knowing which ones are...

If the Leerio has staggered along that far its likely a goodun and looks fantastic. Possibly a bit more fantastic than it ought to? Either way... At that price its a steal...

Yep, I hear what your'e saying...a mate of mine in Cambridge was the importer of Ducati's in the early 70's and he was telling me about the first couple of 750's they bought in. One they hung onto and raced in the Castrol six-hour a couple of times, the other went to a customer. Years later they had to rebuild the engine (40,000 odd miles later) and low and behold the big end pin had NEVER been drilled for oil feed to the big-end. :crazy::gob:

TLDV8

5th September 2013, 15:18

The 82 Monzas are Guzisil or summit....similar to the BMW Nikasil but probably not as good.

Would be a good idea to replace the valves as I have yet to see pistons for sale.

At $4500 I think its about 1k overpriced for what is basically a Guzzi novelty item.

Quite rare in the States, only about 150 of the Monza sold there, due to price and the Ducati Pantah being more popular/better.

There was a V50 Monza a while back on US eBay with only around 1800 miles (iirc) on the clock but might have said it had some form of final drive hicup.
Those square head jobbies are far to new anyway.

The Eldorado is down for the count,a service the other week ended up with the crankshaft sitting on the bench,time to fit the Gilardoni cylinders and find a new final drive universal.
Anyone know if there is a New Zealand contact for Maxxis tyres (120/90/18 whitewall) ??

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c345/manurewa/Eldorado/E12.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo E12.jpg"/></a>