I rode my 1978 T3 from New York to California in the 90s. Great bike. Great ride. Wish I still had it. Now I ride a 97 1100 California fuel injected. Love that bike. Guzzis are special. Lots of compliments all the time in Southern California no less!
Had one of these 25 years ago , best bike I'd owned up to that point . Sold it for some reason regretted it ever since. Got another Guzzi 6 months ago, 2001 California jackal. Bare bones bike , everything you need nothing you don't . Its a keeper
Just had an '03 Cali Stone stolen from me about 4 months ago. Great strippo factory low end Cali that as you say was all i needed and nothing i didn't. 1100cc (1064) 5 speed, great handler for a cruiser i have ever owned. Most stable of any bike period that i have ever owned and it never gave me A SINGLE PROBLEM.
Had a 79 model.Had the upgraded switchgear. Best bike I've ever had, always regretted selling it. Bought it in '86 from a Kawasaki dealer who had taken it as a part ex. and wanted shut of it. Still had the original Lanfranconi pipes on it which were a bit rotten so they came off for a pair of Goldstar replicas . Rear shocks were seized so a set of Girlings went on. Kept it for 4 years and sold it for more than I paid for it. It would be worth a fortune now. Mine had bolt holes in the crash bars for air deflectors. Only ever seen 1 with them fitted. Presume they were an optional extra. A couple of local lads had Guzzi's and took them to over 100k. Would love one now but prices are through the roof.
These ‘round-cilinder-head’ (the barrels) engines are really beautiful. I own 2 Guzzi’s. One cali 3 and 1 cali 1100i. Never ever did I ride on more enjoyable bikes. Really good and easy to maintain. Always bring you home. They are beautiful. Not a high top speed, but tremendous torque. Loads of cargo isn’t a problem and quite easy to ad a sidecar to it. These bikes make me smile! Thanks 4 posting this!!! 👍👍👍
We are all Guzzi owners (or have been) and totally agree with you, there are a few Guzzi videos on the channel I am on the lookout for a Le Mans mk1 to video We are doing a V11 sport as soon as the weather bucks up
Moto Guzzi motorcycles are wonderful things. Thanks for the video! Right nowI have a 1400 California, so not old but it has the genes for sure and I think its one of the most satisfying bikes I have had. Ever. At least as forever as since 1968 when I started having bikes. I’ve had (very) many others. Anyway, the t3 in this video is just brilliant. Thanks for the look.
Wow! Had a ‘73 T3. Hearing this bike run dredges up visceral memories of 25 year old me touring the American southwest 40 years ago. That sound! Thank you.
For a Marque that wasn't particular common in the late seventies amazingly enough there were two in the small Essex village where I then lived. The local doctors son owned a Californian, I had the original (and the most iconic) Le Mans 850...they were the only Guzzis for miles around, in a sea of Japanese bikes. it gave us an air of exclusivity...Forty two years latter all I have now is a couple of photo's and the memories of riding the Italian Stallion around the Essex countryside..Great days.
I also grew up in Essex but now living in Norfolk. Got chatting to an old fella about my Leman 850 and he had a T3 ex police bike - they were issued to Norfolk police .
I really enjoy seeing and hearing the Lemon Drizzle gang's love for motorcycles, and with Dave's collection we never know what bike will be next. The country side you ride is also beautiful. My wife and I live in SE Ohio (USA) but we never knew just how pretty our area was until we started traveling by bike. After a trip to the mountains of Virginia (Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive) we returned home and realized just how pretty our own area is. I've always had a love for ALL motorcycles and the Guzzi is one I'm drawn to even though I've never owned one. My mother was full blooded Italian (the first of her family to be born in the states) which makes me a little closer to anything Italian. She was also born in 1921 which is the first hear for the Moto Guzzi. I started riding in 1964, but my wife hated it until 1993. Since then we've rode well over 300,000 miles. I think she enjoys it more than I do. It is good for a man and wife to do things together. We started dating in 1970 when she was 14 years old and married one week after she graduated high school in 1974. Stay safe and enjoy every journey.
Thanks for sharing Gene - my wife also loves to ride along as well we are hoping to take the ladies with us next time we go to the classic TT at the Isle of Man - Regards mike
Got the Cali EV 1100 from 2005 with the huge fairing, and I simply love it, especially the comfort, the center of gravity and the roaring sound. Being 175cm tall some bikes are simply to big for me, and despite some back issues, I enjoy riding this classic bike so much.
I remember buying my T3 from an Italian bike specialist in Colliers Wood, London in about 1986. I went to look at a Le Mans but couldn't afford it so got the T3, a great bike and never let me down.
Very nice bike. I had the later model 1000 square head Cali. Excellent out on an open road and distance touring. It's a much better handler than you'd think. Back in the mountains and the good stuff she'd go good. Anybody can make a fast bike go fast I enjoyed the challenge. I really appreciate these vintage bikes thank you
I remember the T3 Cali being one of my favourite bikes in my pack of Top Trumps: Motorcycles when I was at school. In over 40 years, it's lost none of its charm or character for me and that's a lovely example. Nice video, thanks. BTW @19:00 "I'm riding it like an old lady" ...there's no need to share your other passions with us on this channel thanks! 😊
I’ve had a guzzi cali2 for 6 years, it’s a very useable old bike. Took it to Mandello 3 years ago never missed a beat through all the passes over the alps. Linked brakes really work well and handles surprisingly well.
I’ve had one of these for 12 years and can attest that they are such classy motorcycles. Extremely good looking and performance in all respects is excellent. Grab one if you get a chance.
Super bike, well kept!! Love the Calis...had a 75 myself...loved it, traveled lots with it...love the video...ecept you guys riding on the WRONG side of the road!!!???!!! All the Love to GUZZI, Well done!!
I looked after a T3 Cali for someone who was posted abroad for 6 months. It was a gorgeous, gorgeous thing. It was not a slow bike, but looked and sounded slow. With the screen on, there was a lovely tickle on the nape at higher speeds. Footboards were excellent. Massive brake pedal was good and heel/toe gear change straight off a Honda C90 was brilliant. The gear change was positive and reliable but very slow. There was no rushing it. I have always enjoyed linked brakes on Guzzis and these were excellent. A lovely, lovely lorry.
Still one of the coolest bikes out there. And a good windscreen is a blessing when it's cold and on long, high speed high way trips. Form follows function.
I’ve had several Guzzis over the last 35 years and still have the LeMans IV bought new in 1986. Wonderful bikes but this looks like the worst place for the uninitiated to start out trying a Guzzi. Once out of town my nerves calmed down. Great channel!
My first "large bike" as they were considered back then, upgraded with V1000 barrels and heads and LeMans carbs before I bought it. One of those bikes " I wish I'd never sold " It took me all around europe as a 23 year old new teacher with a fellow ex student mate on the back. That buddy seat wasn't very roomy for two but allowed us to strap a lot on the back. it did great mileage, the mudguards were stainless, and rims were lovely alloy it had the linked brakes and made a lovely quality touring bike. I rode it with an open face helmet CHiPs style and one particular emergency stop when a volvo slammed the anchors on in front of me resulted in the top of the screen hitting me just below the mouth and splitting the skin which from that point healed up a bit every night but opened up again dthe first time I tried to eat anything.
Great to see a T3 Cali on the road. I bought a 1978 Cali in 1989 which had the CHIPs look all of which hastily removed. The original switch gear was replaced with stuff that actually worked although the wiring was (and is) dreadful. Rumour has it that Guzzi used a “protective” spray that actually rotted the wiring. I gave it a mild renovation back then and went to Spain (via Santander and a ditch) to the Costa Blanka two up with the standard panniers. It took us home through France without incident. The speedo cable had been kinked when I put back the massive battery back so didn’t work for much of the trip. A smooth engine for sure with the massive flywheel making gear changes ponderous but once learned absolutely fine. My only issue was the throttle action which is very heavy and tiring on a long run. It’s been garaged for many years pending much attention which your video has inspired me to do. I’ve sold an old R100RS and will soon have room to get to work. Thanks to you all!
if you want a good home for it and it will be very good being taking care of it on the beautifull roads of thailand i will keep u jthe memories and report back on how she is going to live a life in a beautifull country i am your man
Well, just chipping in to thank you guys for a great channel, this episode in particular made me drive 2000km's to pick up a T3 Cali which is now residing behind the couch in the lounge. :-) Atb, ride safe and keep em coming. Best subscribe then ;-)
These bikes are absolute mile eaters. They weren't without a few issues (eg, clutch hub splines would get worn, alternator rotor would go open circuit and the stock oil feed hoses to the heads weren't robust), but super easy to work on, easy to tune and are future proof machines. The round barrel engines definitely looked nicer than the newer 'square' barrel/head shape. The stock seat on these (and the California II) were really good. I'd love to own one of these bikes, especially with a set of modern day Metzelers fitted. A magnificent machine to own, or even daydream about.
looks like a nice bike to own. Italian cars and bikes of the 70/80s were always designed for people with long arms and short legs - the Italianate seating position no less:-)
@@LemonDrizzleGang Drilled out Keihin stainless replicas of the originals. They are quite restrictive as standard. i don't actually like really noisy bikes but have these just right I think!
Living in Mountainview, CA, I had an 850 T3 FB (FB for floorboards) in 1982. I bought it used for 600 bucks which was a bargain even back then. I loved that bike but the but the crank bearing gave out after a year so I sold it on. If I were to buy another classic today it would likely be the Moto Guzzi Ambassador which is kind of the father of the California. It had drum brakes but otherwise just a beautiful big Guzzi with lots of tasteful chrome accents.
Beautiful bikes - used to have one. Electrics are made of canvas and string though. Linked brakes are excellent, great noise off those pipes too. Sad that emissions controls in London and soon other cities are stopping people riding them as they should be used.
Owned a V50 mk2 and that was a lovely lovely bike to ride. Went well too…good for a genuine ton. Handled well and was all day comfy. Rebuilt it from the ground up. Had Harleys too and the little V50 was much better to ride. Mates had other Guzzi’s including T3’s an S7 and a Le Mans mk2. All were less refined than the little V50 which I preferred as an every day rider as it was so light and nimble. All the Guzzis were far better to ride than harley sportsters or larger cruisers. T3 was sublimely comfy and out handled any Harley you care to mention. I’d have another in a heart beat. They needed a lot of fettling as build quality wasn’t much to write home about. I had to helicoil loads of threads on mine as the casing screws were straight into aluminium and galvanic corrosion, resulting in seizing or thread stripping was common. Final drive shims needed careful servicing on crown pinion and seals could blow. Rear swinging arms would seize if not well lubed and rust snd rot on frames and brackets was common. For all that they were easy to work on and a pleasure to ride. Economical too and great touring machines.
They do seem to run better with petrol! I just "accidentally" bought a 2000 sportster when I went to eat breakfast with my son in law. It had handlebars in an awkward position as well, 30 miles coming home. I could easily be "a vicarious lemon drizzle cake" gang member, as long as chocolate cake was also an option. Thanks for showing all these bikes off. I think there were just "a lot of weird handlebars" back in the seventies.
Thanks for doing this. I've had my '78 Cali since 1984. Had various second bikes as well, but they all get moved on and the Guzzi stays. I've already got the LeMans carbs, maybe I should go for the big bore now.
@@LemonDrizzleGang Indeedy, although the 750S3 in black and red is one of my all time most beautiful bikes???? I remember BIKE doing an early comparison test of the 850 Cali and a Harley Something..........and they were very enthusiastic about the Guzzis (then) unparalleled mile munching capabilities...... 😃
@@lauriebloggs8391 I also think the S3 is a superb looking bike I would love a 1000S in the same colours, Rich who is the owner of the Trophy in this series has a V7 in the same colours ( i think you see it in the BSA rocket 3 video Big Guzzi fans here
Nice Bike that GOOTZI, I have had a couple El Dorado and a Commander Both Great tyhey came after all my English Bikes. Now I'm going to go see if you have a Sunbeam or two with Lemon Drizzled over them, I have not yet found a Nice sunbeam to buy. Best Regards Gent's. From Oregon.
As an avid moto guzzi enthusiast I'm pretty biased. I love my California, and what I love most about it,...despite its age, weight,.and antiquated brakes keeping up with modern bikes isn't a prob. The super stiff frame, and flexible powerplant makes it easy to drive fast once you get used to the bikes idiosyncrasies.
The engine would have similar engine performance as my 1990 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkV, although my Le Mans has 40mm Dellorto pumpers. The Le Mans would carry less mass. Don't be afraid to rev Guzzis, especially those with Le Mans based engines. Their power comes on at the top end of the rev range. I used to get the best performance keeping the engine spinning between 5000rpm and 7000rpm. Maximum torque comes in at around 6000rpm and maximum HP at around 7000rpm. Redline at 8000rpm. Top gear was tall. 30klms/1000rpm. At maximum torque, the engine spinning at 6000rpm, you'll be doing 180kph in top gear. At that RPM and speed, the engine felt incredibly strong and would burst through brick walls.
I had a 1980 T3 California some years ago. It was in atrocious crusty condition, so I made it into a 750 S3 lookalike. it had the swan neck clipons and rearsets etc. She was a beauty but was the most uncomfortable bike I've ever owned! I probably should have just kept it stock.
Can you tell me how tall you are? I want to buy an early 80’s Guzzi but I’m too tall and too old for a Lemans. I see from 8:17 how you sit on it and I think I’d fit the same
@@LemonDrizzleGang thanks for your reply, who is the rider at 8:17? I’m too tall at 6’2” for a lemans with Tarozzi rearsets, I know there is a Spada for sale locally and some T3’s and California’s not so far away so I can try them all for size
Those seats are very uncomfortable, I have a single police spec seat its fantastic! people seem to not understand these old flat tappet cam motors need an old spec oil with high zinc content, I use a 20/50 classic oil in mine. If you only ride in nice weather, before the first start of the summer pop the rocker covers off & give the push rods a shot of oil to pre lube the cam, your engine with thank you with a long life if you do!
Memories. Had a 70's Spada back in the day. And one day back in the day, the elctrics fried on me. A common issue it was. And still is. I know a guy who's modern Guzzi electrics just fried ...
along with the other upgrades mentioned, what ignition system does this particular cali run? is it still on points with one plug per cylinder, is it twin plugged? is it with a later after market electronic ignition system and if so which one. it does sound nice. mine is still on points but thinking of trying the ignitech system in the dizzy body.
Ion, I originally ran it on a Dyna 3 system which ran well but malfunctioned and burnt out two very expensive Dyna coils. After a period on points I went with a silent hektik setup . Two reasons, I retained the points in the dizzy so I could swap back to points in about 5 minutes should it ever fail and I wanted to optimise the advance curve and messing with dizzy springs felt a bit arcane? It definitely ran better on the silent hektik. I'm a big fan of programmable advance curves, on the Laverda too! Cheers, Dave. P.s single plug
Cheers Dave, yes i have heard of a lot of people having trouble with Dyna 3, apparently they are especially prone to burning out if the ignition is left on with the engine not running, along with just other malfunction. I've looked at silent hectic and Sachse Electronic, that fit over the alternator, both seem reliable and have multiple curve options but both are very expensive and one of the reasons i could decide on which of those two to go for is i wasn't sure if i might later upgrade the alternator from the original Bosch one and then have to change the ignition mounting again. I'm also familiar with the old Pirana now Newtronics ignition that replaces the points in the dizzy but does still rely on the bob weights for advance, so to recurve for twin plugging you need to alter the amount the bob weights can travel mechanically, which i have done before and it works well but i can't really be arsed doing that again on another motor/dizzy when there are other options. the ignitech looks like a nice compromise for older motors that had the dizzy, as it sits in the dizzy body so is cam driven which obviously will be very slightly less precise than crank drive S.H. or S.E. ones if using cam chain, but as my motors have timing gears the dizzy drive should still be very precise but for about a third of the price of the two afore mentioned crank front ones, but the ignitech does away with the bob weights mech' advance completely and is fully programmable. anyway, i have too much work on the house to do for now, so not sure when i will get round to these bike upgrades but have a look on the ignitech website, looks interesting and the guy seems very helpful and approachable. they are very popular ignitions in the Ducati world, replacing the old Kokusan units that give troubles to the old 2 valve 900 belt drive motors like the carb'd monster and SS, not so well known in the Guzzi community yet but i reckon they will be. if and when i get round to installing one on one of my twin plugged Guzzi motors i'll let you know how it works out. Cheers, Ion. @@waveydavey750
Just change the exhaust on the Griso and the character will come out. I have a v11 and I adore riding it. The noise and the torque are addictive. Mine has megaphone mufflers and though being younger than the cali and older than the Griso I can say the character is there
My Griso had (now sold on) a Termignoni and a Beetle map it has plenty of character but compared to the the older big block it Didnt quite have the charm although I loved it to bits - thanks for watching 👍
I don't understand why Moto Guzzi doesn't make a new California 850 based on the V7/V9 platform. It would be extremely easy, just a few details: a different fuel tank, handlebars, fenders-really just four things. They already have the perfect base to do it. It would be a beautiful "mini" Road King.
@@LemonDrizzleGang Yes, they will undoubtedly release more classic models (I hope ) with the V100 engine, but I believe that a California on the V7/V9 platform would better respect the proportions of the more classic models. The larger displacement models recently have been excessively large for my taste. Regards.
Those handlebars are nearly like the old "buckhorn" bars the Harleys used to come with, particularly the early Dyna models. Actually, overall that bike makes me think of the early standard Goldwings, the flat 4 cylinder models without fairings. I kinda like it.
A decent one in the UK (very rare) is around the same but in pounds so £7000+. I had no trouble selling mine for a bit more due to the recent work, it really was in top condition.
@@waveydavey750 thank you very much for your reply.This bike is on my wish list, but i am presently at the search of the second "zero" of the 7000 quids/euros pricetag,hehehe...
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 ธันวาคม 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dNTiBBthKgQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I rode my 1978 T3 from New York to California in the 90s. Great bike. Great ride. Wish I still had it. Now I ride a 97 1100 California fuel injected. Love that bike. Guzzis are special. Lots of compliments all the time in Southern California no less!
The Italians know how to touch the emotions. Well done, thanks gang.
I have owned Harleys (1937 thru 1980) and two Guzzi Californias and the Guzzis are more refined.
You dont say....
Had one of these 25 years ago , best bike I'd owned up to that point . Sold it for some reason regretted it ever since. Got another Guzzi 6 months ago, 2001 California jackal. Bare bones bike , everything you need nothing you don't . Its a keeper
Just had an '03 Cali Stone stolen from me about 4 months ago. Great strippo factory low end Cali that as you say was all i needed and nothing i didn't. 1100cc (1064) 5 speed, great handler for a cruiser i have ever owned. Most stable of any bike period that i have ever owned and it never gave me A SINGLE PROBLEM.
Had a 79 model.Had the upgraded switchgear. Best bike I've ever had, always regretted selling it. Bought it in '86 from a Kawasaki dealer who had taken it as a part ex. and wanted shut of it. Still had the original Lanfranconi pipes on it which were a bit rotten so they came off for a pair of Goldstar replicas . Rear shocks were seized so a set of Girlings went on. Kept it for 4 years and sold it for more than I paid for it. It would be worth a fortune now. Mine had bolt holes in the crash bars for air deflectors. Only ever seen 1 with them fitted. Presume they were an optional extra. A couple of local lads had Guzzi's and took them to over 100k. Would love one now but prices are through the roof.
@@gregorytimmons4777 man thats a bummer . Nothing lower than a thief
Guzzi sound is hard to beat!
These ‘round-cilinder-head’ (the barrels) engines are really beautiful. I own 2 Guzzi’s. One cali 3 and 1 cali 1100i. Never ever did I ride on more enjoyable bikes. Really good and easy to maintain. Always bring you home. They are beautiful. Not a high top speed, but tremendous torque. Loads of cargo isn’t a problem and quite easy to ad a sidecar to it. These bikes make me smile! Thanks 4 posting this!!! 👍👍👍
We are all Guzzi owners (or have been) and totally agree with you, there are a few Guzzi videos on the channel I am on the lookout for a Le Mans mk1 to video
We are doing a V11 sport as soon as the weather bucks up
Moto Guzzi motorcycles are wonderful things. Thanks for the video! Right nowI have a 1400 California, so not old but it has the genes for sure and I think its one of the most satisfying bikes I have had. Ever. At least as forever as since 1968 when I started having bikes. I’ve had (very) many others. Anyway, the t3 in this video is just brilliant. Thanks for the look.
Wow! Had a ‘73 T3. Hearing this bike run dredges up visceral memories of 25 year old me touring the American southwest 40 years ago. That sound! Thank you.
For a Marque that wasn't particular common in the late seventies amazingly enough there were two in the small Essex village where I then lived. The local doctors son owned a Californian, I had the original (and the most iconic) Le Mans 850...they were the only Guzzis for miles around, in a sea of Japanese bikes. it gave us an air of exclusivity...Forty two years latter all I have now is a couple of photo's and the memories of riding the Italian Stallion around the Essex countryside..Great days.
I also grew up in Essex but now living in Norfolk. Got chatting to an old fella about my Leman 850 and he had a T3 ex police bike - they were issued to Norfolk police .
We are working on sourcing an original LeMans (or Mk1) to film, it is my all time favourite bike.
I owned a 1000S , Guzzi’s are as cool as they come 👌🏻😎
Lovely bike, riding a Guzzi is always an experience..
I really enjoy seeing and hearing the Lemon Drizzle gang's love for motorcycles, and with Dave's collection we never know what bike will be next.
The country side you ride is also beautiful. My wife and I live in SE Ohio (USA) but we never knew just how pretty our area was until we started traveling by bike. After a trip to the mountains of Virginia (Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive) we returned home and realized just how pretty our own area is.
I've always had a love for ALL motorcycles and the Guzzi is one I'm drawn to even though I've never owned one. My mother was full blooded Italian (the first of her family to be born in the states) which makes me a little closer to anything Italian. She was also born in 1921 which is the first hear for the Moto Guzzi.
I started riding in 1964, but my wife hated it until 1993. Since then we've rode well over 300,000 miles. I think she enjoys it more than I do. It is good for a man and wife to do things together. We started dating in 1970 when she was 14 years old and married one week after she graduated high school in 1974.
Stay safe and enjoy every journey.
Thanks for sharing Gene - my wife also loves to ride along as well we are hoping to take the ladies with us next time we go to the classic TT at the Isle of Man - Regards mike
Herrlich. Die Guzzis haben das beste Motorrad Geräusch überhaupt😂❤❤❤
Got the Cali EV 1100 from 2005 with the huge fairing, and I simply love it, especially the comfort, the center of gravity and the roaring sound. Being 175cm tall some bikes are simply to big for me, and despite some back issues, I enjoy riding this classic bike so much.
I remember buying my T3 from an Italian bike specialist in Colliers Wood, London in about 1986. I went to look at a Le Mans but couldn't afford it so got the T3, a great bike and never let me down.
Thanks for this nice video and comment. Reminds me to my Moto Guzzi 850 T in the early '70 s. Same sound and it brought back good memories to me.
Very nice bike. I had the later model
1000 square head Cali. Excellent out
on an open road and distance touring. It's a much better handler
than you'd think. Back in the mountains and the good stuff
she'd go good. Anybody can make a fast bike go fast I enjoyed the challenge.
I really appreciate these vintage bikes thank you
Hi! I drive the same bike since 1985. And I enjoy ever when I ride this!! The Guzzi was built in 1978. See you! Thomas from Germany.
I remember the T3 Cali being one of my favourite bikes in my pack of Top Trumps: Motorcycles when I was at school. In over 40 years, it's lost none of its charm or character for me and that's a lovely example. Nice video, thanks.
BTW @19:00 "I'm riding it like an old lady" ...there's no need to share your other passions with us on this channel thanks! 😊
😆
Next I will be showing you all my high heels collection 🤣
I’ve had a guzzi cali2 for 6 years, it’s a very useable old bike. Took it to Mandello 3 years ago never missed a beat through all the passes over the alps. Linked brakes really work well and handles surprisingly well.
I’ve had one of these for 12 years and can attest that they are such classy motorcycles. Extremely good looking and performance in all respects is excellent. Grab one if you get a chance.
Don’t Believe Harley was ever quite this nice 😊
I own a 2017 V9 and love it! I will own an old Moto Guzzi soon! 🇮🇹
What a beauty. Funky, chunky and a blast to ride.
Funky chunky and a blast to ride ? ....... sounds ... no I wont go there !!!
Great review. Thanks from Down Under 🇦🇺
Super bike, well kept!! Love the Calis...had a 75 myself...loved it, traveled lots with it...love the video...ecept you guys riding on the WRONG side of the road!!!???!!!
All the Love to GUZZI, Well done!!
Mamma mia! such a sound! 👂🏻 🤩
11/10 for coolness. beautiful.
I looked after a T3 Cali for someone who was posted abroad for 6 months. It was a gorgeous, gorgeous thing. It was not a slow bike, but looked and sounded slow. With the screen on, there was a lovely tickle on the nape at higher speeds. Footboards were excellent. Massive brake pedal was good and heel/toe gear change straight off a Honda C90 was brilliant.
The gear change was positive and reliable but very slow. There was no rushing it. I have always enjoyed linked brakes on Guzzis and these were excellent. A lovely, lovely lorry.
Still one of the coolest bikes out there. And a good windscreen is a blessing when it's cold and on long, high speed high way trips. Form follows function.
A mate had two of these. Great bikes to cover the miles on. Surprisingly good to punt along.
Thank you for the memories of the A5. I used to do the run between London and Holyhead 6 times a year. I miss it greatly since moving to the States.
Glad you enjoyed it
We are releasing another video in a couple of hours on a Triumph Trophy from 71
Oh I lived in Australia for 25 yrs but came home so understand how you feel
Hope these videos help the homesickness
Bought one these new in 1979 wish I still had it
Great to see a UK vid on this bike. Might even buy one myself now maybe the 1100 cali as they are giving them away now., Thanks fellas.
super sound and very nice bike
Great channel.
Just found it.
Brilliant.
Always loved the California
Lots of US police used them over the Harleys.
Then they went to 1000cc Kawasakis---Trouble free.
I’ve had several Guzzis over the last 35 years and still have the LeMans IV bought new in 1986. Wonderful bikes but this looks like the worst place for the uninitiated to start out trying a Guzzi. Once out of town my nerves calmed down. Great channel!
My first "large bike" as they were considered back then, upgraded with V1000 barrels and heads and LeMans carbs before I bought it. One of those bikes " I wish I'd never sold " It took me all around europe as a 23 year old new teacher with a fellow ex student mate on the back. That buddy seat wasn't very roomy for two but allowed us to strap a lot on the back. it did great mileage, the mudguards were stainless, and rims were lovely alloy it had the linked brakes and made a lovely quality touring bike. I rode it with an open face helmet CHiPs style and one particular emergency stop when a volvo slammed the anchors on in front of me resulted in the top of the screen hitting me just below the mouth and splitting the skin which from that point healed up a bit every night but opened up again dthe first time I tried to eat anything.
Great to see a T3 Cali on the road. I bought a 1978 Cali in 1989 which had the CHIPs look all of which hastily removed. The original switch gear was replaced with stuff that actually worked although the wiring was (and is) dreadful. Rumour has it that Guzzi used a “protective” spray that actually rotted the wiring. I gave it a mild renovation back then and went to Spain (via Santander and a ditch) to the Costa Blanka two up with the standard panniers. It took us home through France without incident. The speedo cable had been kinked when I put back the massive battery back so didn’t work for much of the trip. A smooth engine for sure with the massive flywheel making gear changes ponderous but once learned absolutely fine. My only issue was the throttle action which is very heavy and tiring on a long run. It’s been garaged for many years pending much attention which your video has inspired me to do. I’ve sold an old R100RS and will soon have room to get to work. Thanks to you all!
if you want a good home for it and it will be very good being taking care of it on the beautifull roads of thailand i will keep u jthe memories and report back on how she is going to live a life in a beautifull country i am your man
Well, just chipping in to thank you guys for a great channel, this episode in particular made me drive 2000km's to pick up a T3 Cali which is now residing behind the couch in the lounge. :-) Atb, ride safe and keep em coming. Best subscribe then ;-)
+WAY Ta GO great choice congratulations on your purchase
Mighty strong right leg, mighty fine machine! 👍
Yep he is a talented guy that Dave
Good review, nice bikes, brilliant music. More please
These bikes are absolute mile eaters. They weren't without a few issues (eg, clutch hub splines would get worn, alternator rotor would go open circuit and the stock oil feed hoses to the heads weren't robust), but super easy to work on, easy to tune and are future proof machines. The round barrel engines definitely looked nicer than the newer 'square' barrel/head shape. The stock seat on these (and the California II) were really good. I'd love to own one of these bikes, especially with a set of modern day Metzelers fitted. A magnificent machine to own, or even daydream about.
Get a 1400 california then! Wonderful bike, all the important design genes are there. They’re around for sale.
@@Simulera Good advice Simulera ... such a desirable machine indeed. It's one bike that I'd aspire to owning for sure.
Wow that was very enjoyable viewing and somewhat amusing Mike😂I haven’t seen you concentrate that much in previous videos. Well done fella’s 👍🏼
Thanks for watching - yes that ride was from a while ago before we even thought of this channel so it is a bit more informal (hence the bleeps)
Great video. Still have every Guzzi I have bought.
+Randy Roy I wish I did …. have you seen our other Guzzi videos, we are big Guzzi fans
looks like a nice bike to own. Italian cars and bikes of the 70/80s were always designed for people with long arms and short legs - the Italianate seating position no less:-)
Great video. What make are the silencers. They have a nice tone.
I will ask Dave to respond
@@LemonDrizzleGang Drilled out Keihin stainless replicas of the originals. They are quite restrictive as standard. i don't actually like really noisy bikes but have these just right I think!
Living in Mountainview, CA, I had an 850 T3 FB (FB for floorboards) in 1982. I bought it used for 600 bucks which was a bargain even back then. I loved that bike but the but the crank bearing gave out after a year so I sold it on.
If I were to buy another classic today it would likely be the Moto Guzzi Ambassador which is kind of the father of the California. It had drum brakes but otherwise just a beautiful big Guzzi with lots of tasteful chrome accents.
Beautiful bikes - used to have one. Electrics are made of canvas and string though. Linked brakes are excellent, great noise off those pipes too. Sad that emissions controls in London and soon other cities are stopping people riding them as they should be used.
Wow ! This Cali sounds awesome.
My Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans 2 is also from 1980 and white black version and other carburaters !
Owned a V50 mk2 and that was a lovely lovely bike to ride. Went well too…good for a genuine ton. Handled well and was all day comfy. Rebuilt it from the ground up. Had Harleys too and the little V50 was much better to ride. Mates had other Guzzi’s including T3’s an S7 and a Le Mans mk2. All were less refined than the little V50 which I preferred as an every day rider as it was so light and nimble. All the Guzzis were far better to ride than harley sportsters or larger cruisers. T3 was sublimely comfy and out handled any Harley you care to mention. I’d have another in a heart beat. They needed a lot of fettling as build quality wasn’t much to write home about. I had to helicoil loads of threads on mine as the casing screws were straight into aluminium and galvanic corrosion, resulting in seizing or thread stripping was common.
Final drive shims needed careful servicing on crown pinion and seals could blow. Rear swinging arms would seize if not well lubed and rust snd rot on frames and brackets was common.
For all that they were easy to work on and a pleasure to ride. Economical too and great touring machines.
They do seem to run better with petrol! I just "accidentally" bought a 2000 sportster when I went to eat breakfast with my son in law. It had handlebars in an awkward position as well, 30 miles coming home. I could easily be "a vicarious lemon drizzle cake" gang member, as long as chocolate cake was also an option. Thanks for showing all these bikes off. I think there were just "a lot of weird handlebars" back in the seventies.
I love the Griso,I nearly bought one.Great Vid lads,the comedy double act is getting honed🤩
Thanks for doing this. I've had my '78 Cali since 1984. Had various second bikes as well, but they all get moved on and the Guzzi stays. I've already got the LeMans carbs, maybe I should go for the big bore now.
😂😂 had the same experience when I borrowed my brothers Cali while my trident t160v was in for even more warranty work. 👍
Wow, sounds better than the modern Guzzi’s.
Great video guys. I didn't quite catch the name of the exhausts you mentioned shortly after start up.
Keihan, very good quality albeit probably a bit restrictive.
@@waveydavey750 thanks Dave. Lovely sound though 👍
Aaaah, Bisto.......where is my Spada..........? Lovely machine, thank you
Thanks for watching spada is a lovely bike as are all old guzzis
Dave used to have a Mk1 Le Mans in ice blue probably my all time favourite bike
@@LemonDrizzleGang Indeedy, although the 750S3 in black and red is one of my all time most beautiful bikes????
I remember BIKE doing an early comparison test of the 850 Cali and a Harley Something..........and they were very enthusiastic about the Guzzis (then) unparalleled mile munching capabilities...... 😃
@@lauriebloggs8391 I also think the S3 is a superb looking bike I would love a 1000S in the same colours, Rich who is the owner of the Trophy in this series has a V7 in the same colours ( i think you see it in the BSA rocket 3 video
Big Guzzi fans here
Love your channel, subscribed! Lovely Cali
Nice Bike that GOOTZI, I have had a couple El Dorado and a Commander Both Great tyhey came after all my English Bikes. Now I'm going to go see if you have a Sunbeam or two with Lemon Drizzled over them, I have not yet found a Nice sunbeam to buy. Best Regards Gent's. From Oregon.
That's bloody lovely that is.
I miss my V11 Sport. Ate relays for breakfast but a beautiful machine. Could be persuaded by a Cali.
We have a v 11 review coming
If you lot are middle aged, I’m flipping ancient. Love me Guzzis….and Beezas and Enfields etc
As an avid moto guzzi enthusiast I'm pretty biased.
I love my California, and what I love most about it,...despite its age, weight,.and antiquated brakes keeping up with modern bikes isn't a prob.
The super stiff frame, and flexible powerplant makes it easy to drive fast once you get used to the bikes idiosyncrasies.
Dziekuje 😂❤ best regards from Poland ❤
Lovely piece of iron.
The engine would have similar engine performance as my 1990 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkV, although my Le Mans has 40mm Dellorto pumpers. The Le Mans would carry less mass.
Don't be afraid to rev Guzzis, especially those with Le Mans based engines. Their power comes on at the top end of the rev range. I used to get the best performance keeping the engine spinning between 5000rpm and 7000rpm. Maximum torque comes in at around 6000rpm and maximum HP at around 7000rpm. Redline at 8000rpm.
Top gear was tall. 30klms/1000rpm. At maximum torque, the engine spinning at 6000rpm, you'll be doing 180kph in top gear. At that RPM and speed, the engine felt incredibly strong and would burst through brick walls.
one of the finest bikes i've had the privileged to ride.....and now own
Must have original Guzzz switchgear - indicators did not seem to work when you were overtaking…. ;-)
There is a crystal ball on the back so people can see his intentions 👍
Es una hermosa hermosa Motocicleta me alegro haya disfrutado de ella !!!
I had a 1980 T3 California some years ago. It was in atrocious crusty condition, so I made it into a 750 S3 lookalike. it had the swan neck clipons and rearsets etc. She was a beauty but was the most uncomfortable bike I've ever owned! I probably should have just kept it stock.
There is no suck silly thing as a ”italian Harley”! Guzzi is on it’s own!
We realise that it’s just a silly title if you watch it we are all huge Moto Guzzis fans 👍
Gawd, Guzzi newbies. What a laugh. I wish I was there.😁
You would never know it but we have both been riding guzzis since the 70s tho recently I had my Griso and hadnt ridden a bigblock for about 20yrs
Can you tell me how tall you are?
I want to buy an early 80’s Guzzi but I’m too tall and too old for a Lemans.
I see from 8:17 how you sit on it and I think I’d fit the same
+Jabba I am 5 11 Dave is about 5 9 Stew is 6ft
@@LemonDrizzleGang thanks for your reply, who is the rider at 8:17?
I’m too tall at 6’2” for a lemans with Tarozzi rearsets, I know there is a Spada for sale locally and some T3’s and California’s not so far away so I can try them all for size
+Lemon Drizzle Gang that is Dave
nice sound
I just can't get over how dangerous it must be riding a motorcycle in England. Here in Wisconsin we can see the farm tractor 1/2 mile down the road.
You just ride to the conditions we have been doing it for 50 years - the only injuries I have had were on the racetrack
awesome bike
My 78 reg is called " Il Mio Trattore Nero " ( my black tractor )
Oh dear, having a nostalgia attack. These have proved expensive in the past.
Those seats are very uncomfortable, I have a single police spec seat its fantastic! people seem to not understand these old flat tappet cam motors need an old spec oil with high zinc content, I use a 20/50 classic oil in mine. If you only ride in nice weather, before the first start of the summer pop the rocker covers off & give the push rods a shot of oil to pre lube the cam, your engine with thank you with a long life if you do!
Memories. Had a 70's Spada back in the day. And one day back in the day, the elctrics fried on me. A common issue it was. And still is. I know a guy who's modern Guzzi electrics just fried ...
WONDERFUL!
Bit of an insult calling it the"Italian harley " 😅🤣 Awesome bike the T3 Cali.
+Wedge 850t3 but we also love Harleys as well 👍
along with the other upgrades mentioned, what ignition system does this particular cali run? is it still on points with one plug per cylinder, is it twin plugged? is it with a later after market electronic ignition system and if so which one. it does sound nice. mine is still on points but thinking of trying the ignitech system in the dizzy body.
Ion, I originally ran it on a Dyna 3 system which ran well but malfunctioned and burnt out two very expensive Dyna coils. After a period on points I went with a silent hektik setup . Two reasons, I retained the points in the dizzy so I could swap back to points in about 5 minutes should it ever fail and I wanted to optimise the advance curve and messing with dizzy springs felt a bit arcane? It definitely ran better on the silent hektik. I'm a big fan of programmable advance curves, on the Laverda too! Cheers, Dave. P.s single plug
Cheers Dave, yes i have heard of a lot of people having trouble with Dyna 3, apparently they are especially prone to burning out if the ignition is left on with the engine not running, along with just other malfunction. I've looked at silent hectic and Sachse Electronic, that fit over the alternator, both seem reliable and have multiple curve options but both are very expensive and one of the reasons i could decide on which of those two to go for is i wasn't sure if i might later upgrade the alternator from the original Bosch one and then have to change the ignition mounting again. I'm also familiar with the old Pirana now Newtronics ignition that replaces the points in the dizzy but does still rely on the bob weights for advance, so to recurve for twin plugging you need to alter the amount the bob weights can travel mechanically, which i have done before and it works well but i can't really be arsed doing that again on another motor/dizzy when there are other options. the ignitech looks like a nice compromise for older motors that had the dizzy, as it sits in the dizzy body so is cam driven which obviously will be very slightly less precise than crank drive S.H. or S.E. ones if using cam chain, but as my motors have timing gears the dizzy drive should still be very precise but for about a third of the price of the two afore mentioned crank front ones, but the ignitech does away with the bob weights mech' advance completely and is fully programmable. anyway, i have too much work on the house to do for now, so not sure when i will get round to these bike upgrades but have a look on the ignitech website, looks interesting and the guy seems very helpful and approachable. they are very popular ignitions in the Ducati world, replacing the old Kokusan units that give troubles to the old 2 valve 900 belt drive motors like the carb'd monster and SS, not so well known in the Guzzi community yet but i reckon they will be. if and when i get round to installing one on one of my twin plugged Guzzi motors i'll let you know how it works out. Cheers, Ion. @@waveydavey750
Just change the exhaust on the Griso and the character will come out. I have a v11 and I adore riding it. The noise and the torque are addictive. Mine has megaphone mufflers and though being younger than the cali and older than the Griso I can say the character is there
My Griso had (now sold on) a Termignoni and a Beetle map it has plenty of character but compared to the the older big block it Didnt quite have the charm although I loved it to bits - thanks for watching 👍
@@LemonDrizzleGang Never tried an old guzzi v twin, only my father's old Superalce. Definitely need to try one then. Cheers
Waiting for the Griso review !
Loads of Griso videos on my personal channel just have a look, this is one that will take you to the channel
th-cam.com/video/MWREr72oisM/w-d-xo.html
@@LemonDrizzleGang Thanks lots of Griso rides there
Used to see one regularly in the late seventies I thought it looked fantastic I still do tho one they replaced it with never had the looks
I have a 1996 California 1100. The Harley is an American Guzzi.
Rock on Tommy!!!!!
I don't understand why Moto Guzzi doesn't make a new California 850 based on the V7/V9 platform. It would be extremely easy, just a few details: a different fuel tank, handlebars, fenders-really just four things. They already have the perfect base to do it. It would be a beautiful "mini" Road King.
I could see them doing a tourer with the V100 platform but a V7 Cali would be cool
@@LemonDrizzleGang Yes, they will undoubtedly release more classic models (I hope ) with the V100 engine, but I believe that a California on the V7/V9 platform would better respect the proportions of the more classic models. The larger displacement models recently have been excessively large for my taste. Regards.
Noting beats the idle run of the 850. I have a Cali2 1000 but the 850 runs smoother.
I was smaller in the seventies.
weren't we all :-)
Those handlebars are nearly like the old "buckhorn" bars the Harleys used to come with, particularly the early Dyna models.
Actually, overall that bike makes me think of the early standard Goldwings, the flat 4 cylinder models without fairings. I kinda like it.
Thanks for watching, the Guzzi is known as the Italian Harley - I have never ridden a Gold Wing would love to try and early model.
Fabulous bike, it sounds so refined when it gets going. BUT but but, THAT screen - what a horror!!
I know apparently it works really well but I agree on the looks - Thanks for watching
That screen is ugly.
But it’s a pleasure to sit behind. And that must be the most important?
After all it’s about riding the thing.
Thanks
I've had a lemans 4 for years now and gets getting cramped. I think I'm due for a Cali
7.57 : "SLOW"
ME: " FAST" !
Excuse my french.
"Putain!!!!Ce bruit !!!!" Gorgeous!!
A decent one here, in Frog's land , turns around 7000 euros. And in the UK?
Dave recently sold this I will ask him
@@LemonDrizzleGang Thank you!
A decent one in the UK (very rare) is around the same but in pounds so £7000+. I had no trouble selling mine for a bit more due to the recent work, it really was in top condition.
@@waveydavey750 thank you very much for your reply.This bike is on my wish list, but i am presently at the search of the second "zero" of the 7000 quids/euros pricetag,hehehe...
@@MrSebfrench76 :o) Bon chance!
Lovely bike. As a spotty youth I would've gladly killed for one of these. Or a Benelli Sei. Instead I ended up with a Jota, which was pretty nippy.
+David Franks Dave had a Benelli sei 900 as well
@@LemonDrizzleGangHe's a lucky boy. Mind you, I wouldn't fancy keeping all 3 Dell'Ortos in tune!
@@DavidMFranks as I remember the clutch cause a few issues as well
Have you seen our test on the 3C/SFC rep ?
@@LemonDrizzleGang Oooooh, am stopping work right now and finding it. Thanks!