Guzzi Curious Seeks Opinion on Used V11 Sport

[gstallons]

Mac , IDK what you have / have not done about this VII . I want you to understand you are buying (first) a project with many things to do to get this roadworthy . 

 After you get this running , you will own a Italian motorcycle w/all it's personality . Mak a good decision and get this bike as cheap as possible . You don't want to buy a $5k motorcycle for $5k and put $1500 in to it.  Good luck on your choice .

[Pressureangle]

18 hours ago, docc said:

Yet, you have an Aermacchi (and an 1100 Sport-i), already?

A.L.F.A. syndrome  . . . "Always Looking For Another" . . .

Well, not actually...*looking*... just sayin'. If'n.

[Scud]

I find that mileage number to be believable. The stator cover, behind the front wheel, shows very little stone damage. I'd also check the date code on the tires - if they were made many years ago, it supports a low-mileage claim. It's likely that you will want to replace the tires due to age and sitting outside - even if there still appears to be good tread. 

If you just want a fun ride, I think getting this bike at a deep discount could be it. But as others have said, it will take some work, starting with a thorough degreasing to see what you've really got to work with/on. So if this is what you want, I agree with the cash-lowball offer suggestions that other have made.

But if you are hoping to make it a real looker, you will be soon frustrated with the crinkle paint on the engine, transmission, and final drive. It is a large and labor-intensive process to strip that off and repaint it. I've done it twice, and I will not get another model with that paint on it (unless it is an otherwise spotless 2002 V11 LeMans-Tenni for a good price).

The community here is also part of the joy (and occasional shared misery) in the ownership experience. 

[audiomick]

1 hour ago, Scud said:

...It's likely that you will want to replace the tires due to age and sitting outside - even if there still appears to be good tread.

Yes, definitely.

The tyres on my Breva 750 had done 800 km when I bought it, after having been mounted ten years previously. They looked, predictably, brand new. Last winter and during the summer I got by with them, albeit aware that they were not really all that good. As this winter started, it was obvious that it was time. Still lots of tread on them, but they were just too old and were not providing any grip in the cooler, damper conditions. At least I got about 2,500 km out of them.

With the new tyres on it, it is not like a new bike, but like the same bike with usable tyres on it.

Edited November 21, 2024 by audiomick

[DucatiGuzziIndian]

Agree with the others here...Theres going to be a lot of work to get that bike into good condition (although we all have different standards so your expectations may be more accommodating).

Interesting that the brake and clutch fluids look new too,... and so with the tires and the other maintenance items you say were done, it seems someone has taken a "little" bit of care with it. Was it the towing company that did this? 

If it were me I would want to get this for less than $4K Canadian because I figure I'll have some expenses in addition to the obvious; new battery, complete service, new relays and voltage regulator, plus what could be quite a few days of fiddling and messing around with stuff. 

As previously stated the seat cowl is missing. The rear needs a repaint as well.

Have you heard it running after it is hot and does it stumble or hesitate? Didn't see whether you have ridden it... (but don't ride it if the tires are more than 5 - 6 years old)

I'd pull both spark plugs and check them out.

Run the VIN number through every data base you can...does it have ownership paperwork?

Either way, the guys here are a fantastic resource and super helpful so you do now have access to a lot of knowledge.

 

Good luck.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

WelL I'm probably being overly cautious, but I'm not feeling it for this particular bike. I'll wait and see what comes up. I passed on a mint Anniversario while trying to decide on this one, but something will turn up. Thanks for the advice.

[LaGrasta]

I have this same bike, same color, slightly more mileage. $3k USD is more than fair. For less than another $1000, you could have new injectors, battery, tires, fluid/filters, etc. And that's if it even needs those items. Get it! Throw some soap on it, a little wax and you'll be riding with a grin for a long, long time!

 

Plus, they are a motivated seller, make an offer.

[Grant]

On 12/1/2024 at 1:09 PM, LaGrasta said:

I have this same bike, same color, slightly more mileage. $3k USD is more than fair. For less than another $1000, you could have new injectors, battery, tires, fluid/filters, etc. And that's if it even needs those items. Get it! Throw some soap on it, a little wax and you'll be riding with a grin for a long, long time!

I bought the bike that started this thread.

It was REALLY heavy to move around when I got it but adding a little air to the 6 psi tires fixed that up.  Oil change got done right away.  A new battery was installed with purchase.

There are oil drips (not up to leaks yet) from the bottom pan and the front pan (I'm not sure what's behind it yet) gaskets.  I started with cleaning the old oil off just to see what was there.  I added a Puig universal wind screen for good wind protection.  I'm part way through painting covers red to match the tank.  New paint is red with silver sparkle underneath.  By the time it's done I expect it will look great (to me any ways).

There is no stuttering or anything suggesting air getting into the fuel delivery system.  Noises are typical for a tractor ;-).  The speedo works well.  I haven't owned a bike with a Veglia since the '71 Ducati Desmo 450 single I had.  The glitter silver was tempting for the Guzzi paint.  I thought glitter purple would be too much.  In the end I stayed with the deep red.

I rode a Yami 600 last year which redlines at 14k.  It was always spinning at high revs.  The Goose doesn't need to rev at all but likes 5 grand better than 4.  90 miles an hour isn't work for this bike.  Suspension is stiff but the bike settles down right away after bumps and feels glued to the road.  Tires are from '21 but only have a couple hundred miles on them.  They aren't sliding at the speeds I ride at.

Plans this year include finishing paint more, checking valves, and changing most oils.  A gasket or 2 might get replaced as well.

Within 10 minutes I get to some of the nicest riding roads in my area.  There is a 60 mile loop that has almost no straight road in it.  Bush all around.  Gravel on the road at times because of people that go off the pavement so isn't for knee draggers but always entertaining.  A ride earlier in the year had deer making me slow down in 2 places. 

Keep the rubber side down.

Grant.