Yet Another 850-T3 Project Bike
Yet another 850-T3 floor board model came my in May of 2000, this one was $600 at a swap meet in Illinois. Everyone thought it was overpriced, in fact, it went unsold at the same swap meet the year before, but I bought it regardless, and I'm glad I did. T3s are really sweet machines. Power and braking and handling are all well matched and the scale of the bike and its' characteristics make them real comfortable. They are fun bikes to ride and this one is no different. In December 2003 I broke this one down for a resurrection. The engine, transmission and rear drive were disassembled and reassembled with fresh seals and gaskets and any replacement parts that were needed, which luckily weren't many. Whatever paint that remained was removed and fresh paint applied.
Lots of used parts were utilized to keep costs down, but it did get new pistons and cylinders, a new exhaust system, a new windshield, new control cables, a new seat, some new brake parts, and new suspension. Several ebay scores (a handlebar switch, a fender, a chrome seat rail, a headlight, and a couple of side covers) completed the package. I recycled a tail light from a Convert because I had it, and because I wanted to use that chrome seat rail. Along with the seat rail, a set of thermos style Guzzi saddlebags gives it a bit of a Convert appearance and improves utility tremendously. These bags are a bolt on accessory. The mufflers are the Lafranconi Competizione for California models, to fit them all that was needed were two small brackets made with a few hand tools, a drill and a bench vise. They have an excellent deep sound.
The overall effect is one of a very nice, complete motorcycle. Considering the prices that comparable non-Guzzi motorcycles are going for these days, a well sorted T3 is an outstanding value that with a little care can be passed on to your heirs one day. There are so many of these bikes and the parts are so interchangeable there's no reason for one to ever die. They can always be resurrected to suit their current owner.
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Page created November 10, 2004