Update 01/21/26: New horn assemblies have been fitted. Horn works as intended.
Please Note: Thanks to “milar” for pointing out that this bike had some differences from a stock S3. The seller was able to put Iconic in touch with the previous owner, who was able to share more history on the bike and add additional details. We will summarize the highlights but this bike was also featured in an April 2015 issue of RealClassic Magazine, we will share the article below.
Known history for this bike starts with Emiliano Ballejos in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Emiliano acquired it out of England in pieces as it had previously been crashed and dismantled. The bike came with a replacement 850 T3 frame and engine block and Emiliano ordered several parts from Agostini’s to “build a better Moto Guzzi twin.” The engine now displaces 949cc and has later 88mm cylinders, it also has Agostini gear drive and the more aggressive camshaft from a V7 Sport. Other upgrades include a deep sump with external filter, Dyna electronic ignition, and a polished alloy Ago breather.
Bill Ross (who we spoke to for this update) is the named owner of the bike in the RealClassic article, he acquired it from a private party in Oklahoma City in 2013. He rode it for two years but took it off the road in 2015 as the riding position was too aggressive. In 2020 he traded it to the current owner/seller as part of a 4 bike swap. At some point in the past the bike got a reproduction VIN tag based off the engine number and the bike is titled based on the VIN of 100034.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us: auctions@iconicmotorbikes.com. Thanks!
Here is the RealClassic article:
Please Note #2: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
An evolution of the 750 S (itself an evolution of the legendary 750 Sport), Moto Guzzi’s S3 got its name from the triple-disc linked braking system that simultaneously introduced in this model and the 850 T3 touring bike – apply solely the rear pedal and the system would activate both the rear disc as well as one of the front discs. Utilizing the brake lever only activates the other front disc.
Period reviews typically emphasized three things: the gorgeous styling, the excellent brakes, and a torquey engine that might not have been as powerful as Moto Guzzi claimed – the Italians said that the 500 pound (wet) bike was motivated by 72 horsepower, enough for a top speed of 127 miles per hour.
Per The Classic MotorCycle, Moto Guzzi made just 900 examples of the S3 and it was soon succeeded by the 850 Le Mans.
Manufactured in March 1975, this example is VIN: 100034, Engine #: VD*100034*.
The odometer shows 9,454 kilometers (5,874 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, install a new battery, new horn assembly, clean/sync the carbs, replace the petcocks, change the oil/filter, change the transmission oil, repair the horn switch and rear lights, rebuild all three calipers, change the air filter, check the valves, rebuild the master cylinders, and have our usual tank repair professional remove the old liner and install a new liner. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Good New Liner
Engine Oil Level: Good
Engine Oil Quality: New
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: New
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: New assemblies fitted
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 41/13
Tire Date Code Rear: 45/13
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 38 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 40 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.68V New
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.5V
Running Condition: Runs on bench, Runs well on test ride
Test Ride Completed: Completed
Test Ride Distance: 3 KM
Tires Installed:
-Front: 100/90-18 (56H)
-Rear: 120/90-18 (65V)
Carb Installed:
VHB30C(D) Square Bore Carbs
Recommended Service:
-Tires Replacement
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Sport Demon tires with date codes of 4113 and 4513.
The sale includes one ignition key and one tank key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Moto Guzzi is offered on a clean California title on Planned Non Operation (PNO) registration.
Have any 750 S3 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
