Recent Posts

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General Discussion / Re: Why Do We Buy a Guzzi?

« Last post by coast range rider on Today at 11:21:40 AM »

I suspect that some of the Moto Guzzi appeal is the engine vibration frequency. 

Similar to the purring of a cat, some frequencies are naturally soothing.

Not all that different for Harley riders.

The appeal is the engine vibration frequency, plus the big block torque curve, plus the sound. Soothing, fun, mood lifting.
(The exact opposite of an inline 4)

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General Discussion / Re: Anyone removed/replaced V7 III wiring loom?

« Last post by DoubleGuzzi on Today at 11:08:33 AM »

At least you won't have all the additional connections for 'modern' stuff. The main problem is that the harness on these later bikes are contained within a plastic structure, that has various protrusions, for attaching 'things' too.

The one below (not mine) shows the kinda thing - this one has been opened up for some reason..


 

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General Discussion / Re: Best looking motorcycle

« Last post by johnwesley on Today at 10:40:01 AM »

I know we all have different taste, but I find the T3 California a handsome machine. Love the seat, chrome rails, handlebars and the flow of the lines. Great looking machine while still very practical.

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General Discussion / Re: V100 for Speed Twin 1200

« Last post by Huzo on Today at 10:28:53 AM »

I understand what you are saying about wear. Situational awareness is key. When it comes to situations where fractions of a second might make a big difference, I don't want to have to compound reaction time + pull in the clutch + shift into first + go to the equation in an emergency. I'll take the little extra wear that might happen when I hold the clutch in for a minute at a light, if it gives me a the chance for quicker reactions if/when I need it.

That’s fair.

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General Discussion / Re: Best looking motorcycle

« Last post by jcctx on Today at 10:25:32 AM »

And the only one, apart from the XS1100, that I prefer in black.

I always thought the early 60's BSA were tops!!!

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General Discussion / Re: Urals

« Last post by Dirk_S on Today at 10:18:16 AM »

The Ural company’s own take on their history, pulled from their webpage found here:

https://www.imz-ural.com/the-company

PRE-WAR AND THE NAZI INVASION

Ural's origins are linked to developments in the Eastern Front during World War II. Mobility was especially stressed after the Soviet Union had witnessed the effect of the blitzkrieg on Poland, and a small, rugged, multi-purpose vehicle that could handle Russia's underdeveloped road network and pockmarked battlefields was a priority.

A meeting was held at the People's Commissariat of Defense of the USSR at the end of 30s to devise a motorcycle that would be suitable for the Red Army, and BMW R71 motorcycle was found to closely match the Red Army's requirements. Five units were covertly purchased through Sweden and handed over to Moscow Motorcycle Plant, recently organized in a retooled bicycle factory. Soviet engineers dismantled the BMWs and reverse engineered the bike's design in every detail. Molds and dies were made to produce engines, gearboxes and other components. The production of these new military sidecar motorcycles, designated M-72 by the Red Army, started in August 1941.

The opening stages of Operation Barbarossa, the Nazis invasion of the Soviet Union in summer of 1941, were so swift and effective that Soviet strategists worried that Moscow would quickly be in range of Luftwaffe bombers. On October 21, 1941, the decision was made to move the motorcycle plant east, out of bombing range and into the resource-rich Ural mountain region. The site chosen was the town of Irbit, located on the fringes of Siberia in the Ural Mountains.

But I had also read of this account, mentioned by Destination Cycles—

A more likely story is that the BMW factory supplied the construction drawings and casting molds. As a result of the Molotov / Ribbentrop Pact, transfers of technology had taken place in support of their Soviet “friends” in different areas. Soviet engineers toured German aircraft factories and brought back complete cannons as samples. The OPEL Kadett was given to the Soviets just prior to the war; however, it commenced series production only toward the end of the war as the Moskvitch 400. In 1941, BMW began series production of R75, and did not resume production of R71.

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General Discussion / Re: Urals

« Last post by Dr. Enzo Toma on Today at 10:18:06 AM »

Yep, and the Harley-Davidson model was the XA.

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General Discussion / Re: Best looking motorcycle

« Last post by TN Mark on Today at 10:14:32 AM »

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General Discussion / Re: Urals

« Last post by Clifton on Today at 10:07:51 AM »

I thought the Soviets just reversed engineered BMW's R71?

Harley did the same I think, making a handful, but the Army wasn't interested in them after they were shown the Jeep.

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General Discussion / Re: Anyone removed/replaced V7 III wiring loom?

« Last post by Moparnut72 on Today at 10:02:18 AM »

With my semi basket case T3 I am looking at the same problem that I am not looking forward to. Very far from one of strong points. The original was all hacked to death, the back up parts bike is even worse what if left of it. I am going to rewire the whole thing and considering a lot of aftermarket that I am going to use probably the best way. Good luck.
kk