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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JC85 on March 23, 2019, 12:15:53 PM

Title: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on March 23, 2019, 12:15:53 PM
I recently purchased Dave Richardson's Guzziology on amazon (the physical book, not the Kindle version.) I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in it. From the description (and the $50 price tag,) I expected it to be a full on technical manual with detailed instructions and illustrations. Instead, most of it seems to be just general information on parts and engine configurations, and the few maintenance instructions are written, only, with no photos or illustrations. Granted, there is still a LOT of information in there, and a good number of tips, but I was hoping for a book that would walk me through procedures like adjusting valves, disassembling the top end of the engine, replacing my clutch, etc. Maybe I need to give it some more time and reading, but so far, it's a lot less useful than I'd hoped.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 23, 2019, 12:34:48 PM
It was never meant to be that type of a manual, but rather to supplement the factory manual.

Have you seen these? They'll probably be more help (as would joining the Loopframe Guzzi Yahoo group
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Loopframe_Guzzi/info).

http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_workshop_manuals___shop_manuals___service_manuals.html
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: oldbike54 on March 23, 2019, 12:36:41 PM
 It was never intended to be a repair or service manual , more of a *what fits what* general reference , along with some basic history . Keep digging , it contains lots of interesting details . After reading it , if it doesn't give you the desired info , someone will buy it .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on March 23, 2019, 12:39:53 PM
It was never intended to be a repair or service manual , more of a *what fits what* general reference , along with some basic history . Keep digging , it contains lots of interesting details . After reading it , if it doesn't give you the desired info , someone will buy it .

 Dusty

Yea, I completely misunderstood what us was supposed to be. I'm sure I'll still hang on to it, though, as it does still seem to be really interesting and have a lot of good general tips. Is there a "best" repair/service manual you'd recommend for the old Eldorados?
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on March 23, 2019, 12:41:27 PM
It was never meant to be that type of a manual, but rather to supplement the factory manual.

Have you seen these? They'll probably be more help (as would joining the Loopframe Guzzi Yahoo group
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Loopframe_Guzzi/info).

http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_workshop_manuals___shop_manuals___service_manuals.html

Thanks!
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: leafman60 on March 23, 2019, 12:48:56 PM
The purpose and benefit of Guzziology is that it contains a lifetime of hands-on experience to provide a lot of information not found in a how-to shop manual.  Guzzi is a quirky machine.  You cannot always go by the official "book" when dealing with one. 

.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: SED on March 23, 2019, 12:53:13 PM
As soon as you start doing the work it will become the go-to.  It fills in the holes in the shop manuals and parts books.  For all the maintenance stuff - oil changes to tire changes - I only ever grab Guzziology because it contains all the little details and tricks that are not in the factory manual or I forgot.  You'll like it.

Download a PDF copy of the factory shop manual from This Old Tractor, print it and put the pages in plastic sleeves in a binder and you have a durable shop copy for about $25.

(https://i.ibb.co/yy3sjBx/IMG-6206.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yy3sjBx)
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: s1120 on March 23, 2019, 01:13:08 PM
The purpose and benefit of Guzziology is that it contains a lifetime of hands-on experience to provide a lot of information not found in a how-to shop manual.  Guzzi is a quirky machine.  You cannot always go by the official "book" when dealing with one. 

.

Sorry to bust in here...  But I was thinking of getting it, but kinda wondering if there is useful info on some of the newer machines?  Wondering if its worth the buy for my 02 California stone.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 23, 2019, 01:54:17 PM
Yes it contains updates covering 2002 models and newer small blocks maybe not the latest single TB models.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: chuck peterson on March 23, 2019, 02:27:40 PM
makes a really great winter read... :thumb: When I had dragged a Convert home that was leaking from every seal, I knew what I needed to keep and maintain it because of that book...fascinating from a model development point of view and 500 pages of fix it tutorials, ...parts number replacements...etc. ..kept me riding for a decade or more. Thanks Dave!
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on March 23, 2019, 03:44:54 PM
Gotta say, thanks for all of the input and advice. Also, since I'm fairly new to this board/group, glad that I could get a good conversation going! This is a great community.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: DAMMAG on March 23, 2019, 07:05:48 PM
Maybe it had more relevance in the pre internet forum days. Before you could do a Google search or ask a question on a forum.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kev m on March 23, 2019, 07:35:08 PM
I can imagine it was a great reference once... Especially for those restoring bikes.

As some one who has spent a lifetime in the technical publishing industry I shared the OP's opinion.

Though I still understand how it might have a bunch of hidden pearls, there didn't seem to be anything relevant to me.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Ncdan on March 23, 2019, 07:59:13 PM
I bet there ain't nothing in the book I can't get from asking a question here and a quick response from the guys on this forum:)
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kristian on March 24, 2019, 02:45:59 AM
Did you read the inside title page before you bought it?

Did you consider the incredible amount of knowledge and experience you're getting for a measly $50, which barely buys dinner for two or 1/2 hour of mechanic's time?
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Huzo on March 24, 2019, 03:27:25 AM
Jeez that’s gotta be a pain.
If Roper and Beetle jointly wrote a book I’d pay twice that, especially if it focussed on stuff we have around these days. Would sell a lot I’d imagine.
Entertaining too..
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Rough Edge racing on March 24, 2019, 07:06:43 AM
 I bought Guzziology and liked reading all the info on carbs, jetting ,gearing and so on...Moto Guzzi's ,especially push  rod engines, are actually quite simple machines.Disassembl y in the proper order is not difficult. About the same complexity as a 70's Chevy truck...What is quirky is some of the engineering used but certainly not worse that other European machines.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 24, 2019, 08:12:22 AM
I bet there ain't nothing in the book I can't get from asking a question here and a quick response from the guys on this forum:)
from people who have read Guzziology and committed it to memory.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: jwinwi on March 24, 2019, 10:18:32 AM
from people who have read Guzziology and committed it to memory.

And if they don't have it committed to memory they can go look it up! :thumb: Admittedly, lots more info on big blocks and early small blocks but priceless to me. 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Ncdan on March 24, 2019, 11:04:16 AM
from people who have read Guzziology and committed it to memory.
Mostly from folks who have hands on experience, as well as book learning.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: mtiberio on March 25, 2019, 09:26:05 AM
OMG, the amount of product knowledge and what fits what in Guzziology is simply not repeated anywhere else. You too could learn it independently, but like I always say, any education cost money. $50 is cheap.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kev m on March 25, 2019, 09:30:23 AM
OMG, the amount of product knowledge and what fits what in Guzziology is simply not repeated anywhere else. You too could learn it independently, but like I always say, any education cost money. $50 is cheap.

But aside from some history, it is borderline utterly useless to a rider of late-model Guzzi motorcycles. That's something that people extolling its benefits probably should share with the newbies. If you've got no interest in some history lessons and no interest in restoring old Guzzis it is not worth $0.10.

That's not a differentiation that most people make when mentioning it.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: John Croucher on March 25, 2019, 09:53:13 AM
It was never meant to be that type of a manual, but rather to supplement the factory manual.

Have you seen these? They'll probably be more help (as would joining the Loopframe Guzzi Yahoo group
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Loopframe_Guzzi/info).

http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_workshop_manuals___shop_manuals___service_manuals.html


Add this also to your Favorites.  These are all great sources.  I have used them extensively and find them very help full.  Along with the V11 Sport Forum.
https://archive.guzzitech.com/
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 25, 2019, 03:01:51 PM

Add this also to your Favorites.  These are all great sources.  I have used them extensively and find them very help full.  Along with the V11 Sport Forum.
https://archive.guzzitech.com/

Not a lot of information there for an (original) Eldorado...
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: AZRider on March 01, 2020, 11:57:09 PM
I have several editions of Guzziology, the newest being 2014.  It’s got a lot less to offer for my Stelvio than for my Tonti frame California EV and my wife’s Breva 750. I cannot speak to newer editions.

For me when working on the early 2000’s bikes and older, it’s very valuable because it points out things that I would not have known to look for if just following the factory manual. It has tips to simplify many tasks. It’s offered work arounds for problems I have encountered.

The Wildgoose forum has been around at least almost as long as I have been riding and wrenching on Guzzis, and I have always been glad to have a paper Guzziology in the garage. While the good people here could answer almost any questions I have, the book is available when something’s running late into the night. And many times I discovered things that I would not have thought to ask before I got up to my elbows in whatever I learned from reading the book before I did the job. And it can be tiring to sort out who is posting wisdom on a forum vs. who’s posting a repeat of some foolishness that has been circulating. Dave’s advice is pretty damn reliable. As others have said, $50 gets you a lifetime of wisdom from one of the best scholars of our little world. Even the latest edition may not have as much for the owner of a newer Guzzi (for all I know), but it definitely has a lot of insight into how to approach the things that come up when working on motorcycles, and Guzzi changes so little over the years that you never know what pieces are still there because of how it worked thirty years ago
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: 80CX100 on March 02, 2020, 12:56:30 AM
Quote from: Ncdan on March 23, 2019, 07:59:13 PM
I bet there ain't nothing in the book I can't get from asking a question here and a quick response from the guys on this forum:)

from people who have read Guzziology and committed it to memory.

^^^^^This; when I first got into guzzis, the best thing I did was get a copy of Guzziology, I just about wore my copy out studying it, so much for the plastic binding spine, it bit the dust long ago,  :evil: the book gave me a very good basic understanding of guzzi's engineering, design and changes over the years.  :thumb:

      I rarely pick it up anymore, but every now and then, I reach for it and it usually has the answer I'm looking for.

      The book's very existence is a testament to Dave Richardson, it must have been a huge monstrous undertaking to compile and publish  :bow:

      The information in it for recent years my be a little skimpy, but for the last 50? years, I find it a good basic reference to have on hand.

       Kelly
     

Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Matt Story on March 02, 2020, 08:54:12 PM
It has been an invaluable resource for me in the course of rebuilding my 850-T.  I was buying some of my parts from the late Larry Klein of GT Motors in Lansing MI.  On my first trip there for parts for the T, He strongly implored me to buy Guzziology.  He said if I bought it I could call as much as I wanted to ask questions and wryly implied the corollary.  I never regretted it.

Along with that I have a Haynes manual which is as thorough as any shop manual I have experience with.  It has step by step instructions for common maintenance to rebuild procedures for most if not all of the bike.

Also, I downloaded the Guzzi shop manual in PDF as well as the exploded view parts manual showing drawings of all assemblies.

Add to that Greg Benders great articles, great instructional documents by Pete and others,

I doubt there is another bike model which has better or a more complete set of documentation.  The factory shop manual even has dimensional drawings of the frame.

Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Wayne Orwig on March 02, 2020, 09:04:30 PM
One of the best shop manuals I ever had was for a 1973 Kawasaki. For example, it went on for pages on how to redo the valve seats and why. It even gave a detail description of why the brake piston seals and the seal grooves are shaped they way they are shaped. Very exact on how to get the bike back to original specs.
But, Guzziology is not supposed to be that. If is filled with tips and tricks. Gives info on the transmission ratios of one Guzzi to another. What carb needles tend to work best in which bike. It provides info for someone that may want to 'hack' the specs a bit.
Very different, and very useful in both cases.

 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Cdn850T5NT on March 02, 2020, 10:55:40 PM
One of the best shop manuals I ever had was for a 1973 Kawasaki. For example, it went on for pages on how to redo the valve seats and why. It even gave a detail description of why the brake piston seals and the seal grooves are shaped they way they are shaped. Very exact on how to get the bike back to original specs.
But, Guzziology is not supposed to be that. If is filled with tips and tricks. Gives info on the transmission ratios of one Guzzi to another. What carb needles tend to work best in which bike. It provides info for someone that may want to 'hack' the specs a bit.
Very different, and very useful in both cases.
Speaking of Kawasaki manuals, I happened upon a Kawasaki manual that gave detailed instructions on how the built-up crankshaft for the two stroke triples... 350, 500, 750 is done.  Blew me away... i) with the detail in the manual; and ii) what a nightmare it must be to assemble and true said crankshafts...
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: fossil on March 03, 2020, 03:14:32 AM
Jeez that’s gotta be a pain.
If Roper and Beetle jointly wrote a book I’d pay twice that, especially if it focussed on stuff we have around these days. Would sell a lot I’d imagine.
Entertaining too..

But please together with Kev M.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kev m on March 03, 2020, 06:17:39 AM
But please together with Kev M.

 :laugh: :grin: :laugh: as we Pete or I could stay any better focused or on topic..... plus the language alone would get it burned in about 30 different countries.  :shocked:  :boozing:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Scout63 on March 03, 2020, 07:14:59 AM
I bought the book on the recommendation of a friend. It is invaluable in the rebuild of my G5 and a great winter read.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Furbo on March 03, 2020, 11:21:15 AM
Well, I'd say the OP made a valid point.  I got my copy in the mid 90's and my take was that basic maintenance and mechanical know how was already assumed credited to the reader. I found it invaluable in re-jeting my LM V and later Sport 1100 as well as figuring out that I needed to ditch the MotoPlatt ignition on my SPIII.  Refer to it alot still.  That said my "new" Guzzi is a '96 Carb Sport.....which will qualify for an antique tag next year......so. :wink:

If you really want an entertaining read, find the original 3 MGNOC "Tips for Guzzis" books.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Lannis on March 03, 2020, 11:56:59 AM
This thread reminds me a bit of the three blind men describing an elephant, one of whom felt the trunk, one the side, and one the tail of the animal .... !   :wink:   :grin: 

Sound like the value of the book very much depends on what you want out of it, and what your interests in Guzzis are, and that everyone that has described it is correct, depending on what they do with Guzzis ....

I had an original, sold it, and have the 2014 version.   I don't use it a lot, but I'm glad I've got it.

Lannis
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: MotoG5 on March 03, 2020, 05:10:56 PM
This thread reminds me a bit of the three blind men describing an elephant, one of whom felt the trunk, one the side, and one the tail of the animal .... !   :wink:   :grin: 

Sound like the value of the book very much depends on what you want out of it, and what your interests in Guzzis are, and that everyone that has described it is correct, depending on what they do with Guzzis ....

I had an original, sold it, and have the 2014 version.   I don't use it a lot, but I'm glad I've got it.

Lannisook

You sum up how I see it pretty well Lannis.
I have my old copy and it was used often during the years my wife and I rode the older bikes. Now days it still comes in handy. Out here in the great Guzzi desert where I live (Nebraska) and having ridden Guzzi for so many years I will get a call or visit from folks who need information or help with an older bike. Usually a case of one that has been picked up as a project or handed down in the family. My memory isnt what it used to be and some of the bikes are ones I didnt actually own or work on back in the day. So its my go to resource to jog my memory  or check out the model in question. 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Dave Swanson on March 03, 2020, 05:55:54 PM
Whenever I use my copy of Guzziology I am always amazed that one person was dedicated enough to pull off putting it together.  Guzziology is a treasure trove of information and a testament to Dave Richardson's work ethic.  An amazing creation in my opinion.  I am not worthy. 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Testarossa on March 03, 2020, 06:47:30 PM
Having rebuilt my 850T twice since 1983, and done some minor mods on the Mille, I can tell you this: The workshop manuals are indispensable but leave a lot of questions unanswered.  Just a few of the many issues Guzziology has resolved for me:

Gear selector return spring:  there have been three or four different versions over the years, in different wire gauges and different arm shapes. Which is the least likely to fail over the long haul, and how do I recognize it?

Brake mods: What different rotors will fit the bolt pattern on my old front wheel, and what combination of calipers and brake pads are compatible? What are the best combinations of caliper and master cylinder for my bike?

What damper cartridges fit my forks (the two bikes have different-length stanchions)? Which of the three or four OEM cartridges should be tossed, and which might be worth reusing? Which aftermarket cartridges will fit and what reputations have they earned?

Clutch disks: Half a dozen different brands on the market. Which are junk and which work well?

Upgrades to alternator stator and rotor: Which ones work for which electrical systems (Bosch vs Saprisa vs Ducati)?

Why does my "distributor" have two different bob-springs, and what are the different ignition timing issues for engines that look identical?

Dozens more questions answered in Guzziology. I prefer to research the answers myself when possible and pester the experts only in extremis. BTW there are maybe half a dozen real experts on this board, and it takes awhile to figure out who they are.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 03, 2020, 07:02:53 PM
^^^^^ This.
Quote
If you really want an entertaining read, find the original 3 MGNOC "Tips for Guzzis" books.  :thumb:
Those were the cause of many of (maybe most) of the bodges you see on old Guzzis..  :evil: :smiley:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: cliffrod on March 03, 2020, 07:42:23 PM
^^^^^ This.Those were the cause of many of (maybe most) of the bodges you see on old Guzzis..  :evil: :smiley:

Funny to see this mentioned, because I almost posted this pic earlier today.


(https://i.ibb.co/zQfQ1KY/image.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zQfQ1KY)


Never got the memo about Guzziology decades ago.  Just got a Haynes manual and a factory manual reprint and that was it. Got this MGNOC Tips book and a big stack of newsletters with a V1000 nearly 20 yrs ago.  Sure didn't use it much....  Seemed like so much in there was simply a way to get around fixing your bike the right way. 

Guzziology has been a good source of info since I got this loop, but I've spent more time on Greg Bender's site. 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on March 03, 2020, 08:36:12 PM
^^^^^ This.Those were the cause of many of (maybe most) of the bodges you see on old Guzzis..  :evil: :smiley:

My dad got all three, way back when they came out, and they're currently sitting on a shelf in my shop!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: s1120 on March 04, 2020, 06:15:36 AM
How much info is there in there for the later FI California bikes? I have a 02, and its on my list of things to get, and will one day just to have the guzzi background info.. But how handy is it for late Tonti bikes??
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kev m on March 04, 2020, 08:05:00 AM
How much info is there in there for the later FI California bikes? I have a 02, and its on my list of things to get, and will one day just to have the guzzi background info.. But how handy is it for late Tonti bikes??

ALMOST useless. I haven't re-read the thread, but I'm sure I posted in it originally. My wife bought me my copy when I had the Jackal. I'm not sure it ever answered a single question I needed.

I understand why some here find it so valuable on the OLD stuff. But the late-model is a totally different thing.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Furbo on March 04, 2020, 11:02:54 AM
Sure didn't use it much....  Seemed like so much in there was simply a way to get around fixing your bike the right way.   

There's some truth to that! Book #1 has some pretty far out stuff.  OTOH, in the mid 80's when my only source for parts was mail ordering (call, confirm part is available, send check, ...wait) from Mike Harper or Joe Eish, it was real sweet to know that the V regulator was available for $10 at Napa as a VW Beetle part and points could be ordered for a Fiat 850, etc...    In fact, I'm not certain Guzzi would have survived that period in the US market w/o the community of the MGNOC helping guys keep them on the road.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: AZRider on June 28, 2020, 09:29:26 PM
How much info is there in there for the later FI California bikes? I have a 02, and its on my list of things to get, and will one day just to have the guzzi background info.. But how handy is it for late Tonti bikes??
I find Guzziology tremendously useful for EFI Tonti California’s. There’s a lot of good information on everything about those bikes. They were the bread and butter of Moto International’s customers, so Dave saw them evolve from new and his mechanics Micha and Jason wrestled many problems before the factory had answers, and came up with solutions for many things that the factory never acknowledged. They had enough customers to see nearly everything that can go wrong and often try several solutions until they found one that lasted. And they stayed with the brand for a decade after the last Tonti model was discontinued, so they saw what happens as those bikes aged.
Guzziology is a growing book, adding new information as Dave gathered it and wrote it down. Unknowns become known, “facts” get disproved, parts from newer models get cross-reference to older models (sometimes newer is an improvement, sometimes older versions were better), and what was the best solution one year gets replaced by a better solution if one becomes available. Even after Dave retired, he has kept updating things he didn’t have time to write while he was running the shop. My 2004 edition has much less for Late California’s than my 2014 edition. I am thinking of buying the newest version because the 2014 doesn’t have as much for the 8-valve 1200’s. Six more years of experience and revision is probably worth it to me.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Cdn850T5NT on June 28, 2020, 10:38:28 PM
Can someone let me know what the latest edition  no. is?
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Lannis on June 29, 2020, 07:58:46 AM
Can someone let me know what the latest edition  no. is?

Version "9" came out in 2018, and I think that's the latest one.   But without actually asking the author, I don't know how to tell for sure.

Lannis
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Huzo on June 29, 2020, 08:06:54 AM
But please together with Kev M.
If you like..
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: wicks on June 29, 2020, 08:59:21 AM
+1 on asking the forum. You can solve problems written nowhere. Such as you don't need to pull the trans to unhook a stuck clutch. :)
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Cdn850T5NT on June 29, 2020, 10:40:32 AM
Version "9" came out in 2018, and I think that's the latest one.   But without actually asking the author, I don't know how to tell for sure.

Lannis

Thx. I was gifted that one for Christmas;  glad to know it's likely the latest one.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Bulldog9 on June 29, 2020, 11:01:47 AM
I didn't buy a copy until I bought a Convert, as my oldest and primary bikes were CARC series bikes, and a V7ii.  I bought the Kindle version, makes for an easy word search.

In general, it is loaded with all the things you won't find in a tech manual. It is a goldmine of real world experience and information you won't find anywhere else.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: berniebee on June 29, 2020, 11:16:17 AM
Version "9" came out in 2018, and I think that's the latest one.   But without actually asking the author, I don't know how to tell for sure.

Lannis

I ordered a copy a month ago and received version 9.

And I love it.  I do pretty well all my own work on my motor vehicles, but I'm new to Guzzis.  Besides bursting at the seams with tips and info, Richardson discusses at length many topics: Brake pads, integrated brakes, motor oils, fuels, suspension dampers, parts interchangeability and availability.   Of course, I've got a Haynes manual and a Guzzi service manual for the step by step stuff. My one criticism of Guzziology: Some of the drawings are laughably amateurish. There is a drawing of an oil seal on page 37 which looks like it was done on a 1980's Radio Shack computer. I guess if I squint my eyes, it kinda, sorta looks like...no it doesn't. But drawings aside, a really good book. 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: blackcat on June 29, 2020, 11:41:37 AM
"If you really want an entertaining read, find the original 3 MGNOC "Tips for Guzzis" books."

I understand they are making it into a movie with Tom Hanks.
 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: lucky phil on June 30, 2020, 01:41:17 AM
Seriously, anyone that whinges about Guzziology is the same sort of person that if they had a money tree growing their back yard would complain about having to water it.

Ciao
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: pressureangle on June 30, 2020, 08:04:33 AM
Good lord.

This group is becoming far too much like many other forums, where the entitlement is so complete that the noise overtakes the signal.

To disparage in any way Guzziology, or Dave's life work in assembling it, is asinine, foolish, and worthy of insult. Consider yourselves insulted.

Many of you think you can just 'come on here and ask any question'. Well, nobody owes you an answer. We answer your questions because we expect that there's some shared values; increasingly, I'm disappointed.

For the OP, if you'd have done even the tiniest amount of homework you'd have known what you were ordering. If you'd read the entire thing before posting, you'd have known what you were paying for. If you had any mechanical background of the sort one develops while trying to pay bills, you'd have found a proper service manual beforehand or at the same time.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Kev m on June 30, 2020, 08:48:15 AM
Seriously, anyone that whinges about Guzziology is the same sort of person that if they had a money tree growing their back yard would complain about having to water it.

Ciao

This analogy only works if the tree produced nothing but lire and cost more to water than it could produce.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: kirby1923 on June 30, 2020, 09:04:57 AM
I'm an aviator and in that,(aviation), we probably have some of the best manuals (essential) in the business of manuals.
Having said that, I always get what ever manual I can, to help with the struggle of ops and maintence.

I have found Guzziology very helpful and worth the price in the "sorting" of my old CX.

A complicated business...writing manuals.

:-)
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: s1120 on June 30, 2020, 10:27:35 AM
I'm an aviator and in that,(aviation), we probably have some of the best manuals (essential) in the business of manuals.
Having said that, I always get what ever manual I can, to help with the struggle of ops and maintence.

I have found Guzziology very helpful and worth the price in the "sorting" of my old CX.

A complicated business...writing manuals.

:-)

Ive been in the auto game forever it seems...  Going from that to Guzzi I gotta say the manuals are pretty hit and miss. I have a few downloaded, and really have found little in print, and they still have holes in them. Im planning on getting a copy of Guzziology and hoping it fills some of those holes.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Canuck750 on June 30, 2020, 08:30:38 PM
The first page of Guzziology states:

GUZZIOLOGY
A guide to Moto Guzzi
V-Twin Motorcycles -
designed to supplement existing
service manuals and parts references

David Richardson

Self-published by David Richardson
Seatlle, USA


That's pretty clear to me what the intent of Guzziology is.

Having used Version 7.0 for years I can say this, I sure wish there was a similar reference for Moto-Morini, Benelli, Laverda, etc....
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Furbo on July 01, 2020, 04:33:23 PM

Having used Version 7.0 for years I can say this, I sure wish there was a similar reference for Moto-Morini, Benelli, Laverda, etc....

https://www.amazon.com/Laverda-Triple-Repair-Tune-up-Guide/dp/0979689104

"The Green Book", if you don't already have it is excellent for Laverda.  There's one page that list the sizes of all the bearings for the twins & triples.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Canuck750 on July 01, 2020, 07:29:14 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Laverda-Triple-Repair-Tune-up-Guide/dp/0979689104

"The Green Book", if you don't already have it is excellent for Laverda.  There's one page that list the sizes of all the bearings for the twins & triples.

I have the Laverda Green Book, it is excellent but I don't think it has the amount of detail that Richardson has assembled.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on July 01, 2020, 08:02:39 PM
Good lord.

This group is becoming far too much like many other forums, where the entitlement is so complete that the noise overtakes the signal.

To disparage in any way Guzziology, or Dave's life work in assembling it, is asinine, foolish, and worthy of insult. Consider yourselves insulted.

Many of you think you can just 'come on here and ask any question'. Well, nobody owes you an answer. We answer your questions because we expect that there's some shared values; increasingly, I'm disappointed.

For the OP, if you'd have done even the tiniest amount of homework you'd have known what you were ordering. If you'd read the entire thing before posting, you'd have known what you were paying for. If you had any mechanical background of the sort one develops while trying to pay bills, you'd have found a proper service manual beforehand or at the same time.

Wow. I didn't realize that I would offend people so with this post. I was simply expressing that it wasn't what I expected. If you were to read my other posts, here, you'd see that I still appreciate it for what it is. Anyways, one of the things that's great about this forum is the good natured vibe and helpfulness and support that everyone shows to each other. Let's not change that, yea? 
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Guzzistajohn on July 01, 2020, 08:10:47 PM
Wow. I didn't realize that I would offend people so with this post. I was simply expressing that it wasn't what I expected. If you were to read my other posts, here, you'd see that I still appreciate it for what it is. Anyways, one of the things that's great about this forum is the good natured vibe and helpfulness and support that everyone shows to each other. Let's not change that, yea?

Geeze, what's next JC? pile up your dad's old MGNOC newsletters and set 'em on fire?  :grin:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: oldbike54 on July 01, 2020, 08:23:30 PM
 Here , let me introduce the OP . He grew up attending Guzzi rallies with his dad , and has spent serious money refurbishing his dads old Eldo so he can ride it to even more Guzzi rallies .

 Let;s ease up on the personal attacks . Thanks

 Dusty
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Bulldog9 on July 01, 2020, 08:33:43 PM
Wow. I didn't realize that I would offend people so with this post. I was simply expressing that it wasn't what I expected. If you were to read my other posts, here, you'd see that I still appreciate it for what it is. Anyways, one of the things that's great about this forum is the good natured vibe and helpfulness and support that everyone shows to each other. Let's not change that, yea?

Pay no attention to the grumpy old codgers behind the curtain.... I mean keyboard... ;-) Most get what you were saying.  No worries.
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: Lannis on July 01, 2020, 08:48:33 PM
Wow. I didn't realize that I would offend people so with this post. I was simply expressing that it wasn't what I expected. If you were to read my other posts, here, you'd see that I still appreciate it for what it is. Anyways, one of the things that's great about this forum is the good natured vibe and helpfulness and support that everyone shows to each other. Let's not change that, yea?

Hang in there!  Bulldog9 is right ... the older we get, the grumpier we get about some things.   I happen to not be grumpy concerning this subject, but just wait, something will come up!!   :wink:

Lannis
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: JC85 on July 01, 2020, 10:12:44 PM
Geeze, what's next JC? pile up your dad's old MGNOC newsletters and set 'em on fire?  :grin:

I have to admit that I've considered doing that with the old MGNOC tips manuals, just because they can be such a PITA to find specific info in, when you're looking for it.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: moto on July 01, 2020, 10:24:01 PM
Here's to all who have actually purchased Guzziology! I have to say that sometimes I decline to just look up and copy information from it to the forum that I know is in there, since I think we should all pay authors, especially this one, for the work they've done.

It's a great book. I read it cover-to-cover back when Guzzis were new to me, but I think the OP's comments throughout were completely reasonable.

Moto
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: fossil on July 02, 2020, 04:19:19 AM
Well, I just ordered the 9th edition. I look forward to reading it. But, I admit, I love reading shop manuals, like "How to keep your Volkswagen alive"....
Title: Re: Guzziology - Disappointed
Post by: fossil on July 11, 2020, 02:37:22 AM
Ok, I just got my copy. 9th version. And what shall I say? In the model enumeration even the V85TT Travel was mentioned. So what does it tell? There are minor updates all the time without altering the main revision. Obviously thanks to Amazon printing-on-demand.