Author Topic: Convert Musings  (Read 866 times)

Online Bulldog9

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Convert Musings
« on: April 20, 2023, 06:06:00 PM »
Was a beautiful day today so I thought I'd leave work early and go for a ride. Just a quick 50 miles.

First ride on the Convert this season and it still surprises me how well sorted and built this old machine is. Started and ran flawlessly, other than tire pressure being down was 100% GTG.

I'm always surprised how relaxed the Convert is and how fast it gets up to 60 and easily maintains 70-80 especially in high gear. I stay in low most of the time as I normally keep to slower back roads with speeds below 50. The motor sounds glorious. I find unless I am going to be in the 50-80 range when in high gear it sounds and feels a bit lazy.

The new windscreen works very well, too well for 80 degrees. I'm glad it has quick release, I'll put the MRA back on for the summer and warm weather.  Looking forward to lots of miles on the Convert this year, will likely take it to the Kentucky Rally as well.

Obligatory Pic




MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2023, 06:37:42 PM »
 :thumb:
Charlie

Offline chuck peterson

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2023, 08:21:10 PM »
True dat!

Less stress means more miles…try adding up the number of motions you make to shift once, then up the gears, and down the gears, over a day, over a week tour. Now not do them anymore..

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Online Gliderjohn

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2023, 10:30:32 PM »
Have a small amount of miles on a well sorted Convert. A nice ride. Would call it a gentleman's ride.
GliderJohn
John Peters
East Mountains, NM

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2023, 10:30:32 PM »

Offline jkguzzi

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2023, 06:10:07 AM »
Bulldog,
please stop posting pictures of your Convert with those gorgeous DB bags. You're killing me! Makes me really miss mine.

Offline Scout63

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2023, 06:21:05 AM »
Great post Bulldog. It makes me want a Convert.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline wrbix

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2023, 07:48:29 PM »
Great post Bulldog. It makes me want a Convert.
….can’t have one, they’re all taken!
Just wired funds for MINE today. Can’t wait. Sure I’ll be here w inquiries p delivery.
Bill in VA, sometimes FL

"Eschew aphorism"

LeMans IV - "Giulia"
Lario - "Giulietta"
V50III cafe'd - "Leggera"
‘77 Convert - “Sofia”
BMW airheads: R100RS, R100CS, R100GS, R100RT, R60/2 sidecar rig
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Online Bulldog9

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2023, 08:02:25 PM »
….can’t have one, they’re all taken!
Just wired funds for MINE today. Can’t wait. Sure I’ll be here w inquiries p delivery.

Congrats...... It is definitely a unique MC experience.
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Offline brider

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #8 on: April 24, 2023, 12:29:30 PM »
If you don't mind me asking: What make/model is the fairing, and also the (what looks like) LED headlight?
'85 Cal II Auto
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Wish'd I'd never sold:
'72 Red Eldo
'74 White Eldo LAPD
'77 Convert with DB bags
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Online Bulldog9

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #9 on: April 24, 2023, 08:36:22 PM »
If you don't mind me asking: What make/model is the fairing, and also the (what looks like) LED headlight?

The windshield is a Guzzi OEM Windscreen. Original design but new from MG Cycle with OEM style mount as well. The LED bulb is an elcheapo Jeep 7" LED bulb, got 2 for $40 a few years back. Totally plug and play.  I have the MRA shield back on for the warmer weather.





MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Offline glenm64

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2023, 03:54:50 AM »
I'm loving mine. I go from "Elle" to "The Baron" and it's a totally different world (read slower)  :smiley:



Offline vintagehoarder

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #11 on: April 25, 2023, 08:29:27 AM »
I loved my 84 Call II Convert, lots of fun miles on it. I recently traded it for a beautiful well kept SP1000.  I'm having Ankle surgery in a couple of weeks and now kind of wishing I still had it, as I would still be able to ride with a cast or boot on my left foot.  Your red one is beautiful and love the wind screen, red is the fastest I'm told :wink:  Anyway I love my new SP1000, I will just have to sit out about 8 weeks of riding season now, but no regrets,  Enjoy your beautiful bike!.





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Offline Vecchio Lupo

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #12 on: April 25, 2023, 10:51:46 AM »
I am digging the "convert love" , Im a recent convert myself, I never considered one really until I was forced to not pass up a almost free deal. Now Im sold, they are different, and not the answer to everything, but an exceptional bike that is severely underrated. I had an Eldo with floorboards and a set of DB bags and that bike was the one I regret letting go the most.

Bulldog9, what and when is this Kentucky Rally you speak of???
"Looking forward to lots of miles on the Convert this year, will likely take it to the Kentucky Rally as well."

Here is my 77 in OEM fashionable Italian bags.

« Last Edit: April 25, 2023, 10:55:51 AM by Vecchio Lupo »
Moto Guzzi "Going out of business since 1921"
Italian motorcycles are like Italian women,...sometimes they stab you for no reason.
RIP Harold "Dutch" Prattini ,...you taught me more than you know.

Offline TOMB

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #13 on: April 25, 2023, 11:09:42 AM »


Here's mine (76Convert)
TOMB



TOMB

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT
1972 Eldorado new to me so "0" miles so far
1972 AMBASSADOR 169000 MILES
1978 G5 170000 MILES
1973 V7 SPORT 25000 MILES
1973 ELDORADO 300000+ MILES
1980 CX100 50 MILES
1976 CONVERT-62000 MILES AND BUILDING
1976 HONDA CB400F 27 MILES AND BUILDING SOLD

MGNOC # 2723

Offline wrbix

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #14 on: April 25, 2023, 12:20:21 PM »
I’ll be wanting a solo seat for my ‘77 when it arrives……suggestions? Pics?
Bill in VA, sometimes FL

"Eschew aphorism"

LeMans IV - "Giulia"
Lario - "Giulietta"
V50III cafe'd - "Leggera"
‘77 Convert - “Sofia”
BMW airheads: R100RS, R100CS, R100GS, R100RT, R60/2 sidecar rig
Classic Mini
‘60 Austin Healey Sprite
Caterham Super Seven Sprint
‘13 Audi TTRS
Grumman AA5B (sold)

Online Bulldog9

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #15 on: April 25, 2023, 04:10:07 PM »
I’ll be wanting a solo seat for my ‘77 when it arrives……suggestions? Pics?

Harpers +100
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #16 on: April 25, 2023, 04:15:01 PM »
I may add a second one of these days. If I did it would be setup with tubeless tires, normal pegs and more of a forward position, and painted in the 1000S Color scheme Black with Green Striping. But I have two old Yamahas in mothballs that are ahead of such a project. Hope to get a good weekend of riding coming up before I disappear into the land of sand, broken hearts and scared sheep for the month of May...........
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

Offline Vecchio Lupo

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #17 on: April 25, 2023, 07:00:53 PM »

Here's mine (76Convert)
TOMB





Love the Period Correct fairing and accessory seat. Anyone can restore a classic, that's just money and time, it takes a real enthusiast to let a bike live in its own era.
Moto Guzzi "Going out of business since 1921"
Italian motorcycles are like Italian women,...sometimes they stab you for no reason.
RIP Harold "Dutch" Prattini ,...you taught me more than you know.

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Charlie

Offline vintagehoarder

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #19 on: April 26, 2023, 06:22:43 AM »
I am digging the "convert love" , Im a recent convert myself, I never considered one really until I was forced to not pass up a almost free deal. Now Im sold, they are different, and not the answer to everything, but an exceptional bike that is severely underrated. I had an Eldo with floorboards and a set of DB bags and that bike was the one I regret letting go the most.

Bulldog9, what and when is this Kentucky Rally you speak of???
"Looking forward to lots of miles on the Convert this year, will likely take it to the Kentucky Rally as well."

Here is my 77 in OEM fashionable Italian bags.



Great rally, great people one of my favorites  :wink:

« Last Edit: April 26, 2023, 06:26:37 AM by vintagehoarder »
Cyclehoarders Garage
2021 Honda CT125 Trail Cub
2018 Triumph Tiger 800
2014 Moto Guzzi California Touring 1400
2014 Moto Guzzi V7 Speical
2009 Vepsa GTS 250 ie
1987 Suzuki Samurai (4 Wheels)
1981 Honda CX500 Deluxe
1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850
1969 Yamaha YAS1C
La Grange, KY

Online Bulldog9

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Re: Convert Musings
« Reply #20 on: April 26, 2023, 04:17:59 PM »
Great rally, great people one of my favorites  :wink:



I've only been to one 'official rally' and that was last year, the NY rally. I rode up from Virginia on the Stornello camped and rode back the next day. Of course I DUMPED my bike due to not seeing a rut in the deep grass and was looking at the assembled group on the other side of some grape vines.  GREAT INTRO! lol

Have been to several local and smaller gatherings, breakfasts, etc in Washington State, Virginia, and Kentucky, and always a great time with great people.

As timing would have it I WILL be able to make the KY rally this year, will be a Friday Arrival, Sunday Departure and camping....
« Last Edit: April 26, 2023, 04:28:16 PM by Bulldog9 »
MGNOC#23231
The Living: 1976 Convert, 2004 Breva 750, 2007 GRiSO, 2008 1200 Sport, 2016 Stornello #742,
The Departed: 2017 MGX, 2014 Norge GT, 
In Stasis: 1978 XS750, XS1100SF

 

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