Hi all,
New to Guzzidom so forgive my ignorance. I am 55 years young and have ridden bikes my whole life, but felt the need for a good tourer that came from a marque that had a long history in both road and race with a good background in innovative technology and didn't want a big BMW/Harley/Japanese bike.
After much searching through various makes from 2006 models backwards I could find nothing that appealed to my wife and I, but after a tip from a mate I have just purchased a 1993 1100EFI California T3, one owner and 13,000km's. It looks to my untrained eye very original with basically no wear to brake disks or any other visible normal-wear spots. Having just ridden it for 130kms I find it a very comfortable and user friendly ride, ample and smooth power, easy handling and just the thing for the sort of touring/general use we wanted it for. Although the exhaust note is subdued it still has a healthy deep sound that we like. Everything works properly although not being able to start it on the sidestand is a tad strange. It came with Guzzi panniers and screen. The footboards are great (reminded me of the unrestored 1919 Douglas I just sold) which along with it's general looks (cream and maroon) gives it a bit of a classic bike look which suits us just fine.
The original owner gave it to his Son-in-law 6 months ago after having hardly used it at all over all those years although he stored it very carefully as is evidenced by the perfect condition of the paint and chrome etc. The chap cleaned and polished it, put new tyres on, did a couple of oil changes and had a service done by our local Guzzi guru, new EFI filter and unit, regulator, indicators, battery and other small items that he though may be worth replacing and rode it twice to experience the ride for himself. His Father-in-law has now told him to sell the bike, and as the poor fellow was just in the middle of a house purchase couldn't keep it - hence my purchase of it.
My motorcycling has always consisted of old British bikes (Velocette's mostly), although I have also bought a new Triumph T100 in the last year, so obviously all this modern EFI/linked brakes stuff is new to me. I do all the work on my own machines where it is feasible and within my skill level.
I would appreciate any hints/tips/advice on how to keep this model in good nick, what to watch out for, improvements etc.
If this question has already been answered can someone point me to where I can access it.
Mick from West Oz
New to Guzzidom so forgive my ignorance. I am 55 years young and have ridden bikes my whole life, but felt the need for a good tourer that came from a marque that had a long history in both road and race with a good background in innovative technology and didn't want a big BMW/Harley/Japanese bike.
After much searching through various makes from 2006 models backwards I could find nothing that appealed to my wife and I, but after a tip from a mate I have just purchased a 1993 1100EFI California T3, one owner and 13,000km's. It looks to my untrained eye very original with basically no wear to brake disks or any other visible normal-wear spots. Having just ridden it for 130kms I find it a very comfortable and user friendly ride, ample and smooth power, easy handling and just the thing for the sort of touring/general use we wanted it for. Although the exhaust note is subdued it still has a healthy deep sound that we like. Everything works properly although not being able to start it on the sidestand is a tad strange. It came with Guzzi panniers and screen. The footboards are great (reminded me of the unrestored 1919 Douglas I just sold) which along with it's general looks (cream and maroon) gives it a bit of a classic bike look which suits us just fine.
The original owner gave it to his Son-in-law 6 months ago after having hardly used it at all over all those years although he stored it very carefully as is evidenced by the perfect condition of the paint and chrome etc. The chap cleaned and polished it, put new tyres on, did a couple of oil changes and had a service done by our local Guzzi guru, new EFI filter and unit, regulator, indicators, battery and other small items that he though may be worth replacing and rode it twice to experience the ride for himself. His Father-in-law has now told him to sell the bike, and as the poor fellow was just in the middle of a house purchase couldn't keep it - hence my purchase of it.
My motorcycling has always consisted of old British bikes (Velocette's mostly), although I have also bought a new Triumph T100 in the last year, so obviously all this modern EFI/linked brakes stuff is new to me. I do all the work on my own machines where it is feasible and within my skill level.
I would appreciate any hints/tips/advice on how to keep this model in good nick, what to watch out for, improvements etc.
If this question has already been answered can someone point me to where I can access it.
Mick from West Oz
