The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => Discussion about "Lesser" makes, er, Non-BMW ;-) => Topic started by: Bill Conquest on April 10, 2012, 01:17:34 AM

Title: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: Bill Conquest on April 10, 2012, 01:17:34 AM

Hi - I'm considering buying a '71 ambassador, very clean & would like some feedback from anyone about the quality & maintanance of these bikes,,sure looks like fun!
Thanks, Bill

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: montmil on April 10, 2012, 05:18:52 AM

Wait for Bengt Phorqs to check in. He rides a Guzzi and is pretty knowledgeable about the marque.

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: Bengt_Phorqs on April 10, 2012, 05:49:31 AM

Bill, actually there are a few of us Guzzisti on the R65 forum.  I believe DeeGee has a couple, Bob Roller has a V65 Lario and a few others.  Check out the Wild Goose Chase forum.  Guzzis are quite robust in their engineering, most often compared to tractors in that regard.  Usually pretty easy to work on, parts are readily available, at least the mechanical kind.  Body parts can sometimes be difficult for certain models.  

Loop frame models like the Ambassador seem to last forever and can be a joy.  What are you waiting for?  Go ahead and buy, you know you want to.

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 10, 2012, 09:19:54 AM

I'm just getting started working on my Guzzi, I've got the manufacturers shop manual and from what I can see, the same basic theory of airhead bikes applies here, uncomplicated and easily maintainable by it's owner .

I've owned an Italian 4 wheel vehicle before, a '76 Fiat X1/9, trust me, there will be some things you'll find, that just don't make any sense what so ever .

In case you don't know what F I A T stands for, it's Fix It Again Tony !

Harper's Moto Guzzi in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area, is probably one of the best Guzzi dealers in the US .

I've gotten some parts from them and quite inpressed with their service, they came highly recommended from other Guzzi owners .

http://www.harpermoto.com/

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: nhmaf on April 10, 2012, 11:02:22 PM

The loop frame Guzzis are also considered to be excellent "tugs" for hauling a sidecar, if you should decide to go that way.   They are among the very few bikes that don't actually require a reinforcing subframe in sidecar applications.

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: Bill Conquest on April 11, 2012, 01:07:07 AM

Thanks guys, Bengt's got me pegged! It's the logistics of getting to the bike & all thats tough...but i'll work it out & will be asking lots of questions in the future.
Thanks, Bill

Title: Re: Guzzi mabe?
Post by: Olliepup on April 16, 2012, 06:23:11 AM

I have a couple of items if you're interested: An original V7 700cc owner's manual w/750cc Ambassador insert, a B&W V7 750 Ambassador dealer brochure, and a full color V7 750 Ambassador dealer brochure. Brochures are mint, owner's manual is excellent.
Dave