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Hello from Bucharest, Romania

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GoodKat View Drop Down
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    Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 08:44
Dear Guzzi riders, 

My name is Vlad, I am a motorcycle enthusiast, had several UJM motorcycles in the last 11 years of license (I bet is still fresh compared to many of you around) and in the last few years, Moto Guzzi earned a special place in my mind and my heart.

The thing is, I do not own a Moto Guzzi...yet. But I am sure that this brand is the one for me. Don't ask me how I know it, I just know it. 

Few years ago, I had a part time job as an editor for an online magazine and the first article I have ever wrote was about the Moto Guzzi V8 Otto Cilindri (short read https://riders.drivemag.com/features/1955-moto-guzzi-v8-ottocilindri-madness/).

 The amazing story behind this bike and behind the small brand from Mandello, lit the spark and brought me in the factory museum of Mandello del Lario. I have good share of photos from that trip and will post them here in the near future.

I am not sold to a certain Guzzi model, but I know what I am aiming for, and this is the part where your comprehensive knowledge as guzzi heads can help me:

- OHV 2 valves per cylinder.
- Tonti frame.
- Preferably big block.
- A model that I can still find consumables for.
- A model that was considered reliable among the Guzzi owners. (I know that all the Guzzis are agricultural and pretty solid, but as far as I know there were certain weak spots among the models - e.g. chromed cylinder models, rocker issues, driveshaft issues etc.)

If you have any suggestions regarding what I am looking for, I am more than glad to hear your opinion!

God bless you all!
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Rushjob View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rushjob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 10:12
Hi Vlad, bienvenue from Central France! 

850 T3, T5, Spada all fit your bill, or if you're a bit more sporty, the Le Mans 1,2,3 

Still loads of spares and more importantly knowledge available for these bikes. 

Happy hunting!
Insert witty signature below............
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GuzziLancs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 10:39
Buna Vlad iar Bin ati venit Smile

Agree with Rushjob, but also maybe one of the early (2 valve) CARC models if you want something more contemporary.
Keep calm and carry on fettlin'
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 10:48
Thank you, sir! I am doing my homework, having a look on subito.it and see what other models are appealing to me. What about the Mille GT or 1000 S models?
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 10:49
Wow, now this is what I call a warm welcome! Thank you sir! :D Warm hugs from over the pond!

Didn't CARC models had some issues with the transmission shaft? Are there any hybrids between Tonti frames and CARC models?
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GuzziLancs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GuzziLancs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 11:39
Hi , not too sure about CARC drive shaft issues but others on the forum may be able to advise. It seems the main issue is the later models had 4v per head and need a roller cam modification. Also some issues with ethanol affecting the fuel tank and plastic parts in the fuel system, otherwise very reliable. 
Keep calm and carry on fettlin'
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Ken-Guzzibear View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 11:50
To be fair the Tonti bikes all share the frame, Gearbox and even the engines are totally interchangeable what differs is the Cycle parts The Fairing, screen and such.

So the T-T3,4 All Roadster styling T5 has smaller wheels and slabby styling except the Police model. 

The 850-1000-1100 California all long distance cruiser style. The V1000 G5 is similar in styling has same screen/panniers as the T3 California, different seat, Instruments and footpegs not boards

The Spada range are basically the Touring Bike with fairing

The Le Mans and earlier V7 Sport were the Sports bike and the early 70's ones were THE fastest road bike faster than the 3 cylinder Kawasakis at the time

There are many books and articles about any given bike. Beware basic bikes made to look like the T3 Californian or Le Mans 


The Older i Get, The Better I Was
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 13:33
Hello @Ken-Guzzibear, thanks for the valuable piece of info.

By the way, is there any clear year differences between round cylinders and square cylinders bikes? I mean, the Guzzi SP1000 3 had round cylinders in the 90's. I thought the round cylinders was a mark of the pre 80's bikes.  
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 13:38
Edit: I stumbled across Moto Guzzi 1000 S - I don't know how expensive they can get in Europe, but it tickles the right sensors in my stomach. Any things good to know about this models or weak spots that I should be aware of?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 14:32
The 1000S is quite sought after in Europe so relatively expensive.  It is very similar to the 1000 SP3 (minus the fairing) and both these have the square cylinders. Round were earlier.



Brian.

Better 5 minutes late in this world than years early in the next.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 15:40
Thank you, Brian! My limit is about 5500 - 6000 Euro...I think I would be able to find a good Guzzi to fit this amount. 
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Ken-Guzzibear View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Ken-Guzzibear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 16:40
To be fair the "square" cylinders were to get better cooling the cross over can be quite a while, certainly in  the UK as a bike could be made in one year then take 3+ months to get here then easily sit in a dealership for months.

Many prefer the look of the round cylinders BUT you can get a sneaky conversion kit that allows you to pop the round rocker covers on a bike with square cylinders and somewhat disguise the cylinders.

The other engine that is unique is the T5 - 850 with square cylinders BUT the only 850 that you can fit straight on 1000 and I think maybe 1100 cylinders and pistons.

Worth looking in the books like "Guzziology" now available on line well worth the investment. Tells you what fits what, the tips and "fixes" it used to take years to figure out.

Thing is you can buy a less expensive model than say a 1000S you can make it look like the 1000S 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Jerry atric Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 16:50
The point is: You will not be disappointed, whichever model you choose. Welcome
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 18:19
Thanks a lot! You guys are a walking Guzzi database! 

As a guideline, as I don't have the money to buy a rare pristine model, I need to buy a cheaper model that I can alter after my own taste. I want to build a tribute bike to the good ol' days of the Endurance Racers in the traditional Guzzi colors. I have it pictured in my mind, there is will, the only thing I am missing for the moment is some cash and a good bike.

I will try to find a bike that has low(ish) mileage. I prefer to pay extra than to invest more in the first year of owning the bike.

By the way, are the 850-1000 Guzzis known oil burners?

Another route would be to find a California 1100 and up it up from there - now I don't know what are the main differences between the FI vs carbed models and which of them were more prone to failure.

I am no stranger to wrenches, I don't mind wrenching on them (hell, I love doing that) but I want to have a solid base where to start.

I tip my hat!
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GoodKat View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GoodKat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2021 at 18:20
Thank you, sir! Big smile
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