Goosed Again

Well, the 2000 Naked I bought is still over at Werkstatt in SF getting sorted out, I think and hope it's going well. One thing that apparently isn't is the ignition switch. It came without the switch installed and when they put it in it wouldn't start except in locked position and then (my understanding) once started it wouldn't unlock. It may be the wrong switch entirely, any ideas where I can get the correct one for that year and model?

Just what I was after, thanks!

Think that bike was on FleaBay and sold for around $5 or $6K. Looks like someone has stolen the pix and is running a scam. Didn't read the ad, is it being sold by a Nigerian prince who no longer has time to ride?

Thanks Rookie, I'm sure more will chime in and at some point we'll be able to widdle the valid issues into one comprehensive list.

I haven't seen this on the board and I'm not really sure where to start but I'm sure there are a few wizened souls here that can come up with a basic checklist of what a newbie should be concerned with when looking at used bikes. As I've read in multiple posts, there are quirks and upgrades that should be preformed. The list may be appropriate to certain models as well but just the same the more knowledge a person has when shopping the better armed they are for their final purchase. If there is a purchase checklist already dedicated to the V11 please post the link.

When I saw the Billybob I was at work checking it out on FleaBay Classifieds. After the input from here I thought it was still worth looking into but couldn't seem to locate it that weekend via my phone which is my only source of Internet while I'm in LA on a job. It probably was a really nice bike but the owner was very firm on price as well which I considered a bit steep if it did indeed have to have a lot of rubber replaced.

Well, even if it requires some extra cash it's just too nice of a bike to plant in the weedpatch. I'll post pix when I can, it's sweet!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Is there a grammar check program in addition to my excellent friend spellcheck? Just the same, bike goes to the shop tomorrow, find out if I've made a brilliant investment or blew a few thousand.

[sorry for the gratuitous spelling flame, but I can't resist] Piqued your interest. Sounds spiffy! Looking forward to pics! I kint hep it, I is produck of Merican edge a macation system

8700 miles on it. Supposed to have a little trickery already though I'm not sure what exactly other then exhaust. Oh, and the guy selling said it had the engine "balanced" by Desmotosports in SF. I know they're a Duc shop but maybe they did something beneficial. I am pretty much getting the bike sight unseen but am getting it for a pretty incredible price. First things first - get it checked, dialed in, and then use as prescribed.

After looking around for bit, reading the board, and lots of hemming and hawing, I came across a bike on CL that peeked my interest: 2001 Naked, black with red frame. If you search CL in San Francisco the guy has delisted the ad with SOLD in the heading. I'm down in L.A. For another month before heading home to southern Oregon. With that in mind, this week I'm gonna have it dropped at Werkstat in SF and let them go through it. Hopefully I won't have to sell the farm to pay that bill but I am getting it for an excellent price already. When they're done I'll just have it shipped north to my place outside Medford. Looking forward to taking some nice rides up there this spring, the roads are in great shape and lots of nice twisties! Have any of you dealt with Werkstat? I know Ed Milich is conected to it so I'm hoping for a real good experience.

I think it's the one in this discussion, belongs to Ed at Guzzitech. I think it's mentioned about the 5 post down. http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17827

"I wouldn't be too concerned with low miles but it is a legitimate question about seals.the main question would be what kind of environment was it stored in." Southern California, my guess is a non insulated garage - summer time interior temp 120* +/-? Probably gonna look this weekend and try to get a feel for the condition of things.

OK, still haven't picked up a bike, should I change my name from Goosed Again to Tire Kicker? Now there a Ballabio in town with super low miles, 461 I believe, on a 2004. Can get it for a respectable price but the concern I have on this one is with the low mileage, what seals have dried and cracked? Is it gonna be worth the hassle to save money on a low mile bike or better off looking for one that's been sorted? Thanks to all who have put up with me!

Sweet looking ride! I had called them about it but you beat me to the punch so I'm still looking!

Not seeing that one, got a link? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-2002-V11-Lemans-Sport-Tourer-Ducati-Cagiva-Laverda-ST1300-Monster-ADV-/321033082084?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4abf1014e4&vxp=mtr It's Ed's bike. I see it now, it's listed under "parts" not motorcycles, that's why it was not visible to me. I'll look into it, thanks!

Not seeing that one, got a link?

Anybody know of or where I can get the cut off numbers of year made? Yea, if it's an '02 I may want to stay away, no offense to owners of earlier models, I just don't want to deal with some of the headaches you've gone through.

Gonna try to look this weekend. He states that he's only put 100 miles on it, might be true, might not. Duck in the background makes me think he has a preference on what he takes out for a daily rip. This is L.A. and it's all about image. Besides the usual tires, leaks, plugs, etc. what should I look for on THIS bike in particular. PS: Decided against the purple naked, didn't want to be owner 4 in such a short period. But it isn't totally out of the picture yet.

Saw this on Ebay, here in L.A. and since I'm down in L.A. on a job wanted to look at it, the guy is out of town through the weekend though. Price attractive, low miles, what should I be looking for or concerned about? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-Moto-Guzzi-V11-Le-Mans-Gold-and-Dark-Grey-Carbon-Fiber-Trim-/290841524885?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item43b7817a95#ht_500wt_1182

Great, thanks all! I think I'll contact the guy again when I get back to the states, still in Canada for the holidays for a couple of more days and if the weather is good, may head over to look at it at least. The only other hiccup is I would be #4 on the pink slip which seems like a lot of owners that didn't fall in love. I know we've gone through bad economy and all but I can lean toward the superstitious side.

I think you should, I think you should, I know you should. what color? It's a Naked Sport with a Burgundy tank and Grey fenders / tail. The "Barney" purple mufflers are a bit much, otherwise it looks very nice.

My guess is your height won't matter very much and probably your lighter weight will be an asset! It is probably no different than any of the other bikes you have ridden. Thanks HJ. I did a pretty extensive search here at V11 and read some comments about some of the shorter riders getting a Corbin Street Fighter so they get more then the balls of their feet on the ground. I guess I could do that if need be which means now I just have to commit which also means looking at my checking account and saying "I think I can I think I can". And in reality, I think I can as long as the tax man doesn't want me to finance some 3rd world country.

One of the things I've alway appreciated is that on a Guzzi I can usually get both feet on the ground. In the past I've had a couple of Eldo's, 1 Ambo, a '78 LeMans, and a '73 V7 Sport. I'm currently looking at a '03 Naked online about 150 miles from me. The bike is fairly low miles at just under 12K, priced nicely, full documentation, etc. My question is before I go running out there to at least look at it, me being short at 5'5" with a 29" inseam, how is this bike for shorter riders?