Hello all,
My name is John, I live in Kent and a long time ago owned a California 3. I have seen a few for sale recently and am planning to view some in the next couple of weeks. Can anyone please direct me to any forum posts, publications or any other resources that would detail what to look for when looking to buy a California 3.
TIA
John
Hi John, welcome!
We have a small but friendly bunch in Kent and we meet on last Wednesday of the month at the Wagon and Horses in Charing. (Apparantly its the epicentre of Kent).
Ill have a look to see if I can find a buying guide and failing that put a list of things to look out for. It might help if you can tell me what your level of mechanical process is.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew,
Charing is not very far away - around a 20 minute journey. iId be grateful for any pointers regarding buying a Cali 3. I’m a reasonably competent DIY mechanic.
John
There aren’t any specific checks for the Cali 3 beyond those for all big block, tonti framed Guzzis and for these I would check the following.
Oil leak coming from bell housing just behind sump indicates the main bearing oil seal has failed, surprisingly common but means an engine out fix.
Seals can also fail on final drive check after test drive for oil dripping from bottom of drive, There can be oil around spindle on right side which means the smaller oil seal has gone, trickier to fix but not insurmountable.
Check any weeping around rocker covers is not because they have taken a bump when dropped and are cracked.
When running, expect the tappets to be noisy if they’re quiet the valve gaps are too tight.
Any noise from the bottom left side of the timing chest could be the timing chain sawing its way through the cover because the adjuster has worn (and although the original is automatic, it is often replaced for something better).
On a test ride check for vibration through your right foot, it can indicate a worn universal joint. Expensive and requires the swinging arm out.
If the bike pops on overrun it may be a worn distributor or more likely a cam shaft bush which wears and no one checks. The dizzy is driven off the cam shaft and if worn the cam moves back and forth and timing changes.
Electrics can be a problem so do a thorough check of lights etc. And check for bodges.
Then there’s the usual stuff fork oil seals, head bearings, brake discs etc
Has it got to be a cali 3 ?
I’ve got an ev for sale ..
Not necessarily, it’s just that I have seen one for sale that is just like the one I used to own 30 years ago.
(Does anyone know why does the post need to be at least 10 characters?)
Where can I see some details of your EV please?
I love that colour scheme. Shame we live so far apart.
I’m not sure
