Sannyasin

Hi Michael: Thanks for tip on ebay Guzzi. I did make my final offer for the bike here in Michigan earlier this week. I have not heard back, so I can only assume one of two possibilities. 1) Owner is willing to hold-out on his $6k price, waiting for Spring-like weather, or that "greater fool" to show up---that's not going to be me. 2) Dealer has $money in it for him also, and my hunch is, that this is the case. Either way, I'm not waiting around for anything! Back at the ranch er, shop, I have everything I need, to build a very nice performance engine for my Honda. Wiseco 836 big bore kit, Mikuni smooth-bore carbs, and a really Kick-Ass fully ported cylinder head. (I guess I can say that here on this Guzzi site huh?) But then, it won't be a Guzzi, now will it? Once again, let's see what happens. Paul

Michael, Joining the loony bin, huh? Well, I accept with deep gratitude, 'cause I have a bit of my own madness, from time to time---hee hee, ha ha. Now, here's what I'm really wanting to say, just as an afterthought: I'm thinking there must be some money here for the dealer, which is why the initial price was $6500. Everyone today, including the butcher, baker and that candle-stick maker, has internet access to used bike prices. And the dealer certainly knows this! K.B.B. was $4850 suggested retail NADA was $4678 average retail Motorcycle Consumer News was $4655 So, that's where that average of $4700 came from. Now, as noted in the beginning of this topic (sigh), owner has a tab to the dealer of $600 for new skins (nice ones, btw) AND, a set of new brake pads, which had yet to be installed. (something is itching my butt, wondering why a bike with only 4917 miles, would even need a new set) Now, in addition to all of this, suggested prices were for average miles, 35K-40K, depending on the source, which is certainly not the case with this particular bike. About that dealer: This is a reputable dealer with a long-standing history in the area. Selling Ducati, MV Agusta, Aprilla, Moto Guzzi & Vespa scooters. Father of the dealer's owner once had a dealership of his own, selling Triumph's. On Sundays during Summer months, usually a nice bunch of guys leave here for rides on twisty roads. What I am trying to say here, is that if dealer wasn't honest, no possibility of staying in business in this shitty economy we all find ourselves in today. I did make an initial offer of $5300, which was rejected, but anticipated that anyway. Just now thinking owner is most likely reading all of this: Hi there! So, off we go. And those afterthoughs? They certainly keep coming in the Mind, always one more, until one just gets tired of listening to them and drops the whole damn thing, OR, you decide to move into one's Heart, where there is either yes or no. Hey guys, my little two brain-celled mind has been in overtime, just thinking 'bout this today. I think I'll relax and go sit on my electric chair.

Michael, So, seems I've found not only a very knowledgeable person, but a kindred spirit who enjoys writing. The first improvement I'll make, is to know when to stop typing, so as to avoid what you see above. Isn't some of what you've just mentioned, come down to one's personality and temperament? In my work I was so good at crossing the t's and dotting the i's, but then when applying that attribute to my personal life? Gosh, what a mess sometimes, and missed oportunities also. I've had to chuckle to myself when reading: "but there's always that special one, around the corner" Sure, been there myself, and have my own stories 'bout the one that got away. Also have had some not so memorable times when I haggled the guy down to the last damn dime. At first feeling so smug and "smart" inside, having done so, but then?-- later just feeling rather shitty inside, because that's just not who I am. I'd like to have this bike, but am not a collector per se. I have two of my own, as you can see here, and they are both classics in their own right. In these days of Craigslist and "fleabay", and the mentality that goes along with it, perhaps I'll miss this one also. I agree with you Michael, that a suspension upgrade is the best investment I could ever make. I enjoy long trips also, and these Ohlins would be on my wish list. Like many my age, I do have a wee bit of arthritis in my shoulders, so that more comfortable riding position is a big +. The bike is already set-up for this, and oh, btw, no longer have a chain to contend with, a first for me. Once again this is getting long in the tooth, so just want to say how nice it is to have this very pleasant chat with you. Let's see what happens Bye Paul

mznyc: Thank you for your precise and very detailed description of the Roper Plate, I really appreciate it! If I do, purchase this bike, the very first thing I'll do, is to find a suitable oil gallery location and pipe in a Stewart Warner (or similar quality) oil pressure gage. That would suit my analog nature anyway, which is why this particular Moto Guzzi model appeals to me. I do make informed decisions and I'm well aware that this topic (and other concerns) can be found elsewhere in this forum, so thank you for that also. Now, since the Ohlins have already been mentioned twice in this topic, perhaps I get a sense of where more replies could lead, so I want to cut-to-the-chase in this discussion. For sure, Ohlins and fancy pipes, with or without crossover, or expensive slip-ons would certainly be "eye candy" to someone else, that is not why I'm interested in this particular bike. Except for slightly taller windscreen, and the repositioned handle bars and foot rests, already mentioned earlier, this bike is bone stock! That is what appeals to me, having owned various motorcycles since 1969, and knowing my way around the block, so to speak in these matters. Owners who add on this type of equipment are not just interested in having it look pretty sitting in their garage, and we all know it! My Norton Commando sure knows the corners along with the best of them even though technically, it's out of date. So I already have that, if this was my intention here. Just a little about me: I was a supervisor in a design engineering environment, and quickly came to know who was telling me the truth or who was bullshiting me. I'm fortunate, actually, in having the opportunity to talk to the owner over the phone while in the dealership looking at his bike, so I believe him when he gave me his very valid reason for selling. He's just the type of guy you'd want to invite over after the sale to drink some beers with. This in itself is a big + with me. Hell, the bike may very well be listed here in the members gallery, and owner maybe following this discussion for all I know. Enough said. So pile it on guys, I'm all ears.

fotoguzzi: What is a Roper plate? I did say that I paid for oil analysis. My cost?---$30, and well worth it, for a bike sitting in a dealership without the possibility for test ride in these freezing temps. So, the negotiations have begun. He's down to $6,000.

Hi Everyone: I need some help in making a good offer on a 2002 V11. Stats & current situation as follows: 2nd owner, dealer maintained with records, 4,917 miles Fairing, gastank and body panels in flawless condition except for one small blemish on RR panel. Seat & cover in flawless condition. New battery in 2008. Shift spring snafu taken care of. Typical crummy paint flaking on engine cases, which I am not complaining about. Owner took bike into dealer for new skins + minor adjustments. His tab to dealer is $600. Owner is an older man like myself, replaced handle bars and foot rests for more comfortable ride, still has the original parts + factory issued repair/maintenance printed manual. Has legitimate reason for selling. I paid for an oil analysis. Report shows use of Synthetic oil. Detected that copper was on the high side, but not a major concern. Possibly residual from the wear-in process. His asking price is $6500 which is a little high I think. I checked (3) different websites for retail prices on this model. Average between the three is $4700. So I want to make offer of $5300 to $5500 which I think would be a good price considering the low millage and condition. I would appreciate any comments/suggestions from members here. I do want the bike, and if I get it, you can be sure that I'll be an active participant on this forum. Thanks in advance