What about the Stones?

[Rincewind]

I have seen quite a few reasonably priced Moto Guzzi Stones, California Stones, and Stone Tourings for sale in the used market.  At first glance it seems like a pretty nice bike, despite being a cruiser.  They've got some nice, classic lines visually, and seem likely to be comfy for passengers and touring.

I found one dedicated site for them, with some common issues.  Some of the later models have self-adjusting hydraulic valves, which seems like a good feature to me.  

I'm curious what the STN-Guzzisti opinion is on these bikes.

[Orson]

just my opinion...

you won't be happy "cruising" with a Guzzi. The motors love to be wrung out   Third gear sweepers at 5000 to 6000 rpms...woo hoo!  

I believe it was a Guzzi Stone that wuz involved in that infamous incident in which an FJR rider crashed while trying to catch up to a Guzzi. I think it was a Stone owned by a Guzzi shop owner who had breathed on it and maybe had some lower, sportier handlebars installed.

Lesson learned. Just cuz its a Guzzi, don't think yer just gonna reel him in  

[garry]

I think "Some Girls" was their last great album :-)

[County Tar]

If you get a hydro model make sure all the recalls are done.  Depends on the year.  Roper should be chiming in shortly assuming he didn't get blown out to sea by the cyclone.  

[sagerat]

Test rode an '02 and almost bought it.  Very nice handling bike the Touring models have a loyal following.  Beware of valve issues on the early runs of the hydraulic lifters.  

"Tattoo You" was their last decent albumn

[Dean]

If you don't want to mess with the recalls stick with something like a 2002 model they have the solid lifters. I have a 2002 EV Handles like it's on rails, pulls like a freight train.
They have what is called a Tonti Frame, not really a cruiser just looks like one with that tank on them.


Dean

[atadaskew]

 At first glance it seems like a pretty nice bike, despite being a cruiser.  

It's not a cruiser in as much as the fact that they handle well, have nice brakes, great suspension, lots of cornering clearance and a motor that wants to be revved.

[kendenton]

Had a stone for an hour -long demo once.  Loved the sound, really enjoyed the ride.  Tranny was terrible though.

[Rincewind]

I meant no offense in the term cruiser.  I'm happy to hear it handles better than one - that's what I'd want!

Thanks for the info. The wiki is pretty good to give me a better sense of the line.  http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_Guzzi_California

I saw the Jackals have tube tires - are the Stones also tubed?

If the recalls are done on a hydra model, does this make the valves pretty much maintenance free afterward?

Thanks

[Dean]

I meant no offense in the term cruiser.  I'm happy to hear it handles better than one - that's what I'd want!

Thanks for the info. The wiki is pretty good to give me a better sense of the line.  http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moto_Guzzi_California

I saw the Jackals have tube tires - are the Stones also tubed?

If the recalls are done on a hydra model, does this make the valves pretty much maintenance free afterward?

Thanks

I wouldn't worry about the valves there are NO shims needed. You can adjust the valves on one in NO time at all, once their broken in they hardly ever need adjusting anyway just need to be checked.


Dean

[sagerat]

IIRC the EV Touring has tubeless tires with spokes as the spokes went to the outside of the rim like on a GS.  I don't think it was because they ran a liner on the inside of the wheel to cover the spokeheads, but it's been nearly eight years since I was looking at one.

I just remember the price on an EV Touring was about $1,000 less than an ST1300 at my then Honda-Yamaha-Guzzi dealer and I thought to myself "why wouldn't you pay the slight extra and get the Honda?"  I know, I am a heretic.  

[Biking Sailor]

If you get a hydro model make sure all the recalls are done.  Depends on the year.  Roper should be chiming in shortly assuming he didn't get blown out to sea by the cyclone.  

Speaking of Roper, haven't heard from him in a bit.  Hope he survived the floods and storm OK.  What part of Oz does he live in?

[Dean]

Speaking of Roper, haven't heard from him in a bit.  Hope he survived the floods and storm OK.  What part of Oz does he live in?

The old fart is probably playing with some sheep down there, or telling some BMW rider to switch thumbs.


Dean

[Biking Sailor]

The old fart is probably playing with some sheep down there, or telling some BMW rider to switch thumbs.


Dean

[Pete Roper]

Nah, I've just been a bit busy chasing down a few parts for some of the old shitheaps I've foolishly taken on in the last couple of weeks and trying to prevent myself from inflicting serious injury on the retards at the local VW dealership who seem to be incapable of understanding or coping with the laws of physics governing refrigeration and can't fix the A/C on the missus Eos! I Mean????? If the bloody thing has dumped its gas because of a fractured AAM pipe that was damaged the last time it was run into by ANOTHER retard, (Don't buy an Eos! Not only do they make you look like a bloody hairdresser but they're a ' Fuckwit Magnet'!  Idiots can't see you so they just drive into you.) and it has to sit with the AC system OPEN for two months while they get the part in extraordinarily humid weather you REPLACE the reciever/drier BEFORE you purge and refill it! It's not THAT sodding hard!!!!! If you don't the compressor will go tits! Surely anyone with half a nano-brain knows that!!!!

WRT the floods and cyclones? We've copped a lot of rain but I live on the top of the Dividing Range way down in the south of NSW. I'me 2,500 Kms from the main 'Action' with Yasi and 1,000Kms+ from the flooding in the SE of Queensland.

I'll add a bit moreto the advice on Calis when I can in the next couple of days. Generally they are a happy thing though.

Incidentally you don't need to tell BMW owners to switch thumbs. It's one of those few things they seem to be capable of working out for themselves!!!!

Pete

[Biking Sailor]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, Pete.  My Son has got his eye on a 2003 California EV, low miles (11,000) and decently priced, asking just under $5k.  Looks real clean in the pictures.  Wants me to go with him this weekend and check it out.  Tellin' Mama to bring the checkbook!  

[Rincewind]

Don't forget to bring a camera as well.  

Back to the Stones - is the 2011 Guzzi California Black Eagle the modern interpretation of the Stones?  This is a great looking bike - although a black engine, black wheels, and less chrome would be better, imo.

Edit to add: this appears to be the only California model for 2011 in the US, so I guess it's not really a "stripped Cali" like the Stone/Jackals.

[velofishy]

All the later "cruiser" Geese are pretty similar.  Hard to go wrong.

I have a V11Sport and a Jackal.  Bought the Jackal on a lark because it was local and cheap.  Fully expected to hate it because of the cruiserishness of it.  Couldn't have been more wrong, it's now my go-to bike.  Simple, strong with stable handling.

As befits their military/police heritage, the Guzzis seem to have three speeds-- Patrol, Fast Patrol, and Pursuit.  The V11s is happiest in pursuit mode, the Jackal is built for fast patrol.  Spin the motor up and you will cover an amazing amount of ground comfortably.

fish

[theoneandonly]

   I've got a stone metal ( chrome tank) , done 65,000 mls on it , tyres wear out every 6k mls front and rear , 35 mpg to 60ish mpg depending on how fast you go (av =40-42mpg) ! big screen so you can sit there @ 100mph , go faster camshaft , mistral "legal" silencers, h pipe, v11 ecu, hid front headlight kit ( like a searchlight)  needs a bigger fuel tank, has a  cali vintage seat cos the original one is s**t,hepco-becker panniers,givi top box.
  does just about everything i need from a bike except 60mpg all the time. has even done track days ...much to the amazement of other people, as you leave them coming out of the corners.

   hydro ones if they have had ALL ( clutch, cams/followers/v-springs) recalls done should be ok.