Author Topic: Convert - First Impression  (Read 2297 times)

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Convert - First Impression
« on: June 09, 2021, 05:45:00 AM »
I have always fancied a convert ever since I first saw one so much so that I converted (there's that word again) a perfectly good Griso that has been sitting for a year into a handful of shekels so I can buy one. Have I completely lost my marbles or should I put the blame squarely on my friend JayDee24ca, he described his as a Magic Carpet Ride, I don't think he penned the phrase but he put it to good use against me, I followed John for a couple of days on a camping trip and was intrigued by how effortlessly his negotiated steep hills barely changing exhaust note. Now really JayDee should have offered to ride my puny V7 III so I could try out his carpet and I'm sure he would have had I asked, but no he just fed into my desire by describing how reliable his Converts have been.
I kind of imagine a Convert to be something between an old loop and an EV.
I have never ridden a Convert but I sent a cheque off sight unseen to a Gentleman on Vancouver Island who has a 76 model.
Now because of - we are not really supposed to travel to the Island at this time, that and the fact we are expecting house guests and my wife will kill me if I try and sneak off so I will have to be patient like a kid waiting for Santa.
In the mean time I will be following TwoDog's thread trying to learn as much as I can about my next Italian mistress.
I see from the pictures that the Converts come without a tachometer, is that an oversight, all my other Guzzi's had one.
Can someone point me to a manual I can download to learn about the proper feeding and care of one of these alien creatures.
Anything I should ask the present owner while I am waiting to take delivery?
« Last Edit: June 18, 2021, 06:36:05 AM by Kiwi_Roy »
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Online Perazzimx14

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2021, 05:58:37 AM »
I've had 3 Converts. I don't think I'd say they were "magic carpet rides" but rather the most interesting but boring 1000cc scooter you ever ridden. Practicality wise as a commuter/grocery getter they are great. Spirited riding boooooooooooooooooo ring!

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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #2 on: June 09, 2021, 06:58:10 AM »
I've had 3 Converts. I don't think I'd say they were "magic carpet rides" but rather the most interesting but boring 1000cc scooter you ever ridden. Practicality wise as a commuter/grocery getter they are great. Spirited riding boooooooooooooooooo ring!
It took you 3 to realize that, I guess you are a slow learner eh!
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline twodogs

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2021, 07:20:49 AM »
Congrats KR, I bought my 1st Guzzi over 10 years ago and it was a 76 convert that had not run in over 15 years, got it for a winter project since I was a seasonal worker and actually got it going and rode it in the summer and then sold it for the next project, I'm no mechanic and I'm still learning Guzzi, but I always told the wife if one popped up close enough I was going to jump on it, I think she is better with the purchase now, ride it for what it is and it will become obvious  :boozing:
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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2021, 07:20:49 AM »

Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2021, 07:48:29 AM »
A tach is really pointless since you don't need to know when to shift.
And you don't need to clutch so left hand doesn't have much to do.

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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2021, 08:57:10 AM »
Owner's manual: https://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/owners_manual_v1000-i-convert_1975-06_en.pdf
Shop manual: https://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/workshop_manual_convert.pdf

One thing you'll want to know/figure out: light or heavy flywheel? I'd also want to check the condition of the hex piece that drives the ATF pump off of the camshaft. If it still has the early pump coupling, an upgrade to the later pump is not a bad idea.

If the ATF hoses are original, you'll want to replace those. Same with the brake hoses, breather hoses and oil line to the heads.
Charlie

Offline chuck peterson

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2021, 09:25:58 AM »
You had to scratch that itch, didn’t you?

Grounds…clean, scrape, slather

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Offline Don G

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #7 on: June 09, 2021, 11:15:00 AM »
Roy, dont worry you did not make a mistake, once you get used to the Convert you will wonder how you did without one.  :thumb:  DonG

Offline Rich A

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #8 on: June 09, 2021, 11:43:10 AM »

I'd also want to check the condition of the hex piece that drives the ATF pump off of the camshaft. If it still has the early pump coupling, an upgrade to the later pump is not a bad idea.

While you're in there, you might want to check the timing chain and replace the chain tensioner.

Rich A

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #9 on: June 09, 2021, 12:37:28 PM »
So, you might have one that RoadKill owned? Wouldn't that be weird.
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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #10 on: June 09, 2021, 09:56:52 PM »
So, you might have one that RoadKill owned? Wouldn't that be weird.
How do you figure that, it's a long way from Alaska to Vancouver Island, not that I would mind one of Dave's cast offs he was a pretty competent mechanic IMHO.
He went up in my estimation when he told me the local cop clocked him at 70 MPH in reverse on the local airstrip, I met him at the National in John Day
Update,
           I spoke to the present owner today, he's had it a year, said it came from Saltspring Island
« Last Edit: June 10, 2021, 11:51:10 PM by Kiwi_Roy »
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #11 on: June 09, 2021, 10:45:57 PM »
I thought he retired from AK to that Island, I met him on tour here in GA. Good time.
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Offline JayDee24ca

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2021, 11:41:41 PM »
Congratulations Roy! You are going to love it, I know! I use the G5 manual for most of the tech info. and Charles has pointed you to the other sources, and pointed out the hardware you need to check. As to a tach, as has been said, it is rather redundant on the Vert. But, just to be a contrarian, and to see what sort of revs the Vert makes at speeds compared to my G5 at the same speed, I spent the princely sum of 35 bucks and bought a digital chinese wrap-around- the-plug-wire tachometer a month or so ago, and mounted it with two sided tape to the inside of the fairing. It works just great, and satisfied my curiosity as to the G5 comparison. But it is definitly not something needed.
JD
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79 G5
the rest are all gone.....

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2021, 05:27:53 AM »
I just have a couple of pictures, what can you tell me from these?
Showing only 13,250 miles on the odometer, 2nd time around perhaps, how would you know?
Flywheel appears to be steel
Would that be an aftermarket screen, I was expecting something like a windjammer.
Bags?
Owner thinks it might have original been light blue.
Update June 13,


 
« Last Edit: June 13, 2021, 06:23:49 PM by Kiwi_Roy »
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline chuck peterson

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2021, 06:17:55 AM »
I just have a couple of pictures, what can you tell me from these?
Showing only 13,250 miles on the odometer, 2nd time around perhaps, how would you know?
Flywheel appears to be steel
Would that be an aftermarket screen, I was expecting something like a windjammer.
Bags?
Owner thinks it might have original been light blue.
https://ibb.co/N3G2t3s
https://ibb.co/jJwvnDL

Looks better than rust!

Someone’s been loving it, that’s for sure.. i see stock boxes..check for the spacer to flow air behind the alt cover…the yellow 3 wire inside is usually fried to death in there but easily replaced as a separate harness. Just what pops to my mind

If they can let the seller walk you thru their routine. LED bulbs? Saves your butt on a vert
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Offline JayDee24ca

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #15 on: June 12, 2021, 12:55:32 PM »
Roy, that's a nice looking bike. It has definitely had a paint job, so the original colour may indeed have been the light blue/grey of the model year. Again, I would turf the metal alternator cover and use a plastic one with a vent spacer behind it. I had a chromed cover on my 76 years ago, and I basically cooked the electrics behind it. I may have a spare you can have if you like, not sure about a spacer though.
Being a Canadian bike, I would not be surprised to see such low mileage. You have likely done a leak down test and maybe a compression test, so that may tell you what's what as far as use goes. It looks super clean, even the exhaust looks nice and bright. The seat looks to have lots of loft; has it been restuffed and recovered?  If it is original, that would be another clue as to its true mileage.
JD
'74 Nuovo Falcone
'79 Convert
79 G5
the rest are all gone.....

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #16 on: June 12, 2021, 03:46:10 PM »
Check, John, thanks for the re-assuring words, I have yet to see the bike in the flesh, I have wanted a Convert for quite a while so I didn't hesitate to send off a deposit.
72 Eldorado
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76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Online balvenie

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #17 on: June 12, 2021, 06:26:30 PM »
Best of luck with your new baby Roy :grin: :thumb:
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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #18 on: June 13, 2021, 06:13:36 PM »
Update June 13,


The owner kindly took some more pictures







So now I have a better idea what i'm buying  :thumb:
« Last Edit: June 13, 2021, 06:23:14 PM by Kiwi_Roy »
72 Eldorado
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76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline JayDee24ca

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #19 on: June 13, 2021, 09:14:25 PM »
Tomasselli throttle. No drips or leaks. Its all good.  :grin:
'74 Nuovo Falcone
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the rest are all gone.....

Online nick949

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #20 on: June 14, 2021, 06:33:23 AM »
Good luck. Great bike. All terrain vehicles.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tqGOdj5KjbY&t=2s

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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #21 on: June 17, 2021, 05:19:00 AM »
I'm off to look at the old girl this morning, catching the ferry over.
There's been no mention of the dreaded chrome bores so I assume the Convert has something different, what should I expect to find?
Looking in the flywheel inspection hole what will I want to see?
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline rutgery

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #22 on: June 17, 2021, 06:18:19 AM »
I'm off to look at the old girl this morning, catching the ferry over.
There's been no mention of the dreaded chrome bores so I assume the Convert has something different, what should I expect to find?
Looking in the flywheel inspection hole what will I want to see?

The convert should have iron liners. As for the flywheel, it shouldn't be the stamped item. I don't have any pictures of how it should look unfortunately.

EDIT: this topic has some pictures of the different flywheels, as I understand, the narrow edge (stamped version) is crack-prone. https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=110989.0
« Last Edit: June 17, 2021, 06:20:28 AM by rutgery »
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Offline Markcarovilli

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Re: What Have I Done?
« Reply #23 on: June 17, 2021, 06:19:45 AM »
KR - Converts didn’t have chrome bores so no worries

Mark

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #24 on: June 18, 2021, 07:04:55 AM »
I traveled to the island and picked up the old girl, she is a little rough with rust spots on the bright ware fittings but no more than you would expect from a bike living near salt water, a compression test showed 170 psi on both sides and looking in the inspection hole showed a steel flywheel with the ring gear teeth as part of the wheel. Never having ridden a Convert before, in high ratio it seems to do a lot of reving without much action but before you know it you are sailing along at 60 MPH and the engine is just purring along. I traveled down the island from Lantzville to Duke Point to catch the ferry back to Tswassen so I didn't have to face the madness of North Vancouver traffic on an unfamiliar bike. The area of New Westminster where I live is quite hilly, I will certainly be using low ratio around here.
In gear at a traffic light it requires firm footing or a touch of brake to stop edging forward, I hope that is normal.
The hoses obviously haven't been changed recently and after sitting for two hours on the ferry there was a little puddle (about 3") under the gearbox, I guess that means some seal is weeping, that will have to wait a while.
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17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline vintagehoarder

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #25 on: June 18, 2021, 08:19:47 AM »
Had mine for 3 years now, been super reliable.  Mine had a tach the only thing that doesn't work on it but as described not needed really.  I love it!

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Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #26 on: June 18, 2021, 08:39:01 AM »
The puddle/drip is ATF right?
If you go in deep you can change out 3 o rings that tend to flatten and dry out, they let the ATF and pressure out. New o rings and you'll have more power to the torque converter and a little better acceleration. Gotta split the tranny off the block to do it an make sure you re assemble with all the passages in line, it can go back together wrong and fluid won't flow.


« Last Edit: June 18, 2021, 08:40:17 AM by fotoguzzi »
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Offline chuck peterson

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #27 on: June 18, 2021, 08:43:10 AM »
Yup. Takes about twice as much turn on the throttle to accelerate like anything near what you’ve been used to on a geared bike. Normal

Two feet just barely holds it back depending on idle speed. One finger on the front brake should do it. Normal

Puddle? Not so good. A stuck check ball valve combined w a completely 3 quart full sump might be it. I learned to leave the oil at 2 1/2 quarts because it spit/burned/swallowed/got rid/ who knows what …off a 1/2 quart and sits halfway on the stick marks after that for 3k miles

I’ve never hesitated to use the crop in low range. It’s a Guzzi. It gets better the more you beat on it

I’m liking the shield if it works well..looks slippery

Good luck!

I just saw foto explain a leak coming from the torque converter..is it leaking
A) engine oil
B) trans fluid
C) gear oil from the 2 speed box

In all 3 cases, you know where you have to go..

Mine was a rear main..and the tc.

Left it for winter..
« Last Edit: June 18, 2021, 08:48:23 AM by chuck peterson »
"I'd like to thank all my friends who have kept my Guzzi's going, but mostly...TOMB."
150k on Verts
750 Nevada
400f
R5 Yammie
BV250
4x 1976 Moto Demm Smily,, now 5, oops now 6, oops now 7
1980 SP1000 in little bits and pieces

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #28 on: June 18, 2021, 12:09:01 PM »
Foto / Chuck,
                   Thanks for the information.
Are those 3 part numbers what I need? MG Cycle or Harpers?
Where does one order new hoses or is that something I can make up.
I notice the fuel hoses are needing replacement also.
Is it possible to remove the transmission without pulling the engine?
Right, I will hold that job for a winter project.
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

Moto Guzzi - making electricians out of riders since March 15 1921

Offline Rich A

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Re: Convert - First Impression
« Reply #29 on: June 18, 2021, 12:25:27 PM »
Foto / Chuck,
                   Thanks for the information.
Are those 3 part numbers what I need? MG Cycle or Harpers?
Where does one order new hoses or is that something I can make up.


You can get the hoses from McMaster Carr. Can't remember the specs, but there have been several threads re the hoses.

Rich A


 

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