Guzzi expert advice needed

[Stripes]

Recently a customer called me & wanted me to come back & do some more work at their house. They are not motorcycle people but know that I am an avid enthusiast so when I went over to measure & give them a price they said they had something in the garage that they wanted me to look at. Recently the gentlemans father had passed & left him a motorcycle in the will. The new owner has never been on a bike & doesn't have the desire to start now. He originally asked me if I wanted it since he's heard me talk about liking Guzzis before. It is super clean w/ a moderate amount of mileage on it but it's not my style of motorcycle. I've never wanted a cruiser before, but maybe I should try it out. I originally thought I would take it off of his hands & flip it but I don't want to rip him off either. If I pass on it he's going to put it on EBay or Craigslist & start off asking NADA book value for it. So Guzzi Experts, what is this thing worth? What would you offer him if you wanted it? Should I keep it for awhile & try it out or immediately flip it? Or should I just steer him in the right direction? Part of me wants it only because I have a sickness & want one of everything! It's a 2001 V11 Bassa which I believe is the same thing as a California w/ 20,000+ miles on it. Here is a pic that I quickly took of it before I left. What should I do? Thanks!

[Oxman]

Well i own a 01 California jackal which was my first Guzzi . They are a nice handling bike that will leave the harleys behind in the twistys . After putting a Corbin saddle on mine she is a great long distance cruiser and is always a conversation piece no matter where you go .   As for what its worth i would think that in my neck of the woods it would fetch around $3500  If you can buy it Right i say go for it ....its a classic

[coho]

What Ox said.
Buy low, ride for however long it entertains you, sell high.  

[Daniel Kalal]

Of you took all the bodywork off that V11 Bassa California, and you did the same for this Lemans, you'd be hard-pressed to tell them apart at first look.  The Guzzi California series is derived from this bike--well before the word "cruiser" was in use.  Guzzi simply took the quickest route to turn a sportbike into a touring bike (which is what the first Californias were sold as).  As the years  went by, they gave it the 'look' that people wanted in what has come to be known as cruisers; but, at it's core, it's still a really nice handling motorcycle.

somewhere around $3,500 seems right.

[Stripes]

Would it be possible to customize it? Maybe not go full out cafe racer, but at least get rid of that cruiser look... More rearward controls, different seat, change the bars, etc.. $3500 was a whole lot more than he said he wanted from me for it, but if I pass on it that's what I'll tell him he should ask for at the least.

[Daniel Kalal]

Would it be possible to customize it? Maybe not go full out cafe racer, but at least get rid of that cruiser look... More rearward controls, different seat, change the bars, etc..

I suppose you could, but my guess is that you'd be better off finding one of these (more recent model), which is a mild, but sportish Guzzi (this is one I rode in New Zealand)

[falconati]

I would buy it, and if it doesn't work out, sell it and give the profit back to them (cash or work equivalent).  Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will drive tremendous loyalty and they're likely to speak highly of your character to others.

[Oxman]

You could transform it into the Titanium style with drag bars and cafe fairing for not too much cash outflow
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_california_titanium%2003.htm

[Virginian]

I would buy it, and if it doesn't work out, sell it and give the profit back to them (cash or work equivalent).  Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will drive tremendous loyalty and they're likely to speak highly of your character to others.

I agree with falconati here. I agree the styling is not my cup of tea but I would buy it and see how you like the power train since you have an itch to scratch. Sell it and any profit turn it over to the seller. However, I wouldn't go over $3,000 to start and use $500 for general maintenance, battery is probably shot, etc.

[Stripes]

You could transform it into the Titanium style with drag bars and cafe fairing for not too much cash outflow
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/moto%20guzzi/moto_guzzi_california_titanium%2003.htm

Now there's an idea! I like the styling of that. It kind of reminds me of my 1st ever motorcycle, a 1999 Triumph Thunderbird Sport... kind of.

[Stripes]

I would buy it, and if it doesn't work out, sell it and give the profit back to them (cash or work equivalent).  Not only is it the right thing to do, but it will drive tremendous loyalty and they're likely to speak highly of your character to others.

I agree with falconati here. I agree the styling is not my cup of tea but I would buy it and see how you like the power train since you have an itch to scratch. Sell it and any profit turn it over to the seller. However, I wouldn't go over $3,000 to start and use $500 for general maintenance, battery is probably shot, etc.

I agree w/ you guys! Thanks!

[rocker59]

The conversion can be done.  Pictured is a 2000 model California Jackal with 1970s clothing.  (The Jackal and the Bassa differ only in wheels, suspension spec, and seating).

[rocker59]

$3500 - $4000 is the current market for a clean, good condition Califorina Bassa.