Author Topic: 1000 convert  (Read 2568 times)

Offline ctdrac

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1000 convert
« on: January 25, 2022, 07:01:55 PM »
Hello all,
Short version of a long story, my dad is giving me a 1977 convert he is no longer able to drive anything due to going nearly blind.  This is a "basket case" bike and I know I will be spending more to get it back on the road than its probably worth but I would like to do it for my dad even though he will not be able to drive it, I think the thought that it was back on the road would really make him happy.
I do have a couple of questions, can you swap this bike to a manual transmission? and best place to buy parts? Thank you in advance and once I get it home will post pics.
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Online Turin

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2022, 08:35:50 PM »
Also Harpers Moto Guzzi. There are always convert parts on E-bay. Please post pics. There are a lot of sharp eyes on this forum.

A great resource...https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi.html Greg has one of the prettiest connies I've ever seen.
1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2022, 09:16:37 PM »
You can change to a 5 speed but it's pretty involved, you would need a flywheel, clutch and the whole drive train from the tranny back.
There is a Google group just for Convert perverts here,
Convert@motoguzzi.groups.io
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Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2022, 09:41:45 PM »
I have a 76, there is no way I would change it to manual, its such a unique experience riding one.
I now know why they are called the Magic Carpet Ride.

Is your existing drive shot?
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

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

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2022, 09:41:45 PM »

Offline Scout63

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2022, 09:42:38 PM »
Welcome and good luck ctdrac. Guzziology by Dave Richardson is a great resource.  His advice IIRC is that conversion can be done but involves sourcing and swapping many parts. Converts are great bikes to own and ride (I’ve been told) and you can get an older manual big block for fairly short money. Any specific questions can most likely be answered here.  Please post pictures.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline TOMB

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2022, 10:42:28 PM »
It's doable.

I changed a few over the years and as the previously indicated you will need.

The needed parts are referenced are from a T-3

front cover, for the front of the engine as you have to disconnect the camshaft drive pin to the pump in the original front cover)

Flywheel (use a flywheel from a T3 (the timing marks will match up same as the Convert) as the heavier type Eldo is heavier and may not balance to the Convert engine, but it has been done)

Two new clutch plates

intermediate plate

New central hub for the input shaft on the front of the transmission

Transmission

driveshaft boot

U-joint to match the output shaft of the 5 speed

You can reuse the swingarm but replace the universal (the Convert driveshaft is different, and the splines won't match up to

Driveshaft) and the bearing for the universal

new coupler for driveshaft to pinion input to the rear diff

complete rear diff (a T3 will have the correct gears 7x33)

Alot of patience

When your finished you will basically have a G-5 clone as the engines are the same

Keep us informed as there are plenty who have info that may be helpful

This is my convert below

TOMB







« Last Edit: January 25, 2022, 10:44:19 PM by 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 chuck peterson

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2022, 06:44:36 AM »
It’s a Pervert !!!

Congratulations that’ll be awesome for your Dad. It may not take much to get it running

Any ideas on why it’s not?

With a Fresh battery or jumper cables does it turn over? Don’t let it start..bit of oil in the cylinders first …all the lights come on?

Pop the bottoms off the carbs? Monkey snot gunk? Stop here..
Jets clean? Proceed w caution

Fresh plugs…spark?

Any wild goose members nearby to spur you on? You can see from Tomb’s post above just how much most here would like to help.

Any issues are likely to be general motorcycle related rather than Moto Guzzi or Convert issues..is there a bmw/Italian shop in the region? Maybe a solo mechanic…Location? Facebook groups? Lots of different ones popping up

I’d suggest if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Your dad might happy just to hear it idle in the driveway…with the rear wheel spinning around of course! Converts…amazing carpet ride


Rereading your post….truly a basket case? Parts strewn about and disassembled? That could be tough

« Last Edit: January 26, 2022, 06:52:06 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
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400f
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1980 SP1000 in little bits and pieces

Online Bulldog9

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2022, 06:56:45 AM »
What a great tribute to your dad and you're right he'll be thrilled when you get it running again.

I have a 76 convert and did a refresh on it 2 years ago.

While you can convert it to a manual, I would recommend against it you'll lose the uniqueness.

When I did my refresh Mg Cycle and Harper's were a great resource but I also bought parts from Moto Guzzi classics out in California.

Also a good idea to look at Greg Bender's website this old tractor. I redid the wiring harness and Greg supplied plug and Play complete replacements.

There are several members here that are extremely experienced with the convert, but here are a few ideas from a relative newbie that got mine up and running. Well technically it was already running and needed very little but I did do a complete refresh.

Shoot me a PM with your phone number and we can talk if you want.

In fact I'm taking my convert restore to the next level just took the tank side covers and bags off and I'm having them painted pearl white with black and gray pinstriping.
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 Tom

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #8 on: January 26, 2022, 01:55:53 PM »
On the plus side you could sell the Convert parts but as you can see leaving it alone would be better.  The Convert is a fun ride.  Think of it as a big scooter.   :boozing:
From the Deep Deep South out in left field.  There are no stupid questions.  There are however stupid people asking questions.  🤣, this includes me.  😉

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2022, 03:59:27 PM »

Flywheel
Clutch (disks, plates, throwout bits, cabling, lever, Rt side lower rail for clutch mount[if the Convert one doesn't have the lug])
5-speed gearbox/linkage/lt side lower rail if the linkage doesn't mount, shifter,
Complete 5-speed drive shaft assembly inc. shaft, cardan joint, and carrier bearing
rear drive unit.

The timing cover swap is optional.  You could simply remove the ATF pump drivepiece and run with the Convert cover.

The complete driveshaft replacement is not optional.  The Convert setup has 20 splines at the transmission output and 20 splines on the rear drive end.  It is a one-piece shaft.  The cardan joint is not removable as it is on the 5-speeds.  A 5-speed shaft is 2-piece -- the cardan joint and the tail shaft.  They are 10-spline everywhere and do not interchange with Convert bits.

The Convert rear drive is a different ratio than any 5-speed had, and as said earlier, has a 20-spline pinion.

The floorboard issue may or may not be real -- I don't remember.  If your 5-speed clutch cable can route like a Convert does you're golden on the rt side.  The linkage issue will probably be a bugger on the lt side.

I'd estimate the cost of the parts ~ $2k.

Pictures will help us know what you're up against to bring it back to stock.

The clutch cable attaches to the transmission rear cover on both. Footboard shifter and linkages are the same.

Finding a good 7/33 rear drive could prove to be the hardest part.

Another vote for leaving it a Convert.
Charlie

Offline yogidozer

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2022, 04:28:10 PM »
I had the pleasure of riding Chuck Peterson's convert. FAC dampers, Bubs, and Windjammer fairing.
Really nice bike, perfect for riding around, getting lost in rural areas.
I'd rethink changing to a 5 speed.

Online Turin

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2022, 10:43:14 PM »
1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Offline ctdrac

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #12 on: January 28, 2022, 03:57:18 AM »
Hello all.      All I can say is WOW!!! Never thought I would get so much info (help) on this. You guys are great!  Also didn't think it would be so difficult to switch transmissions.  Going to take the advice and leave as is on the transmission and just get her back rolling.  It will be a few weeks or longer before I can get her home (my dad lives a long way from me) and the weather has been a little cold but will post pics when I do.  Thank you again!

Online Bulldog9

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #13 on: January 28, 2022, 06:49:36 PM »
Some inspiration.

At 10 ft to 15 ft bike and paint look great but there's lots of scratches and imperfections from age. So I have all the body parts off and I'm getting painted pearl white with black and gray pinstripe.

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 ctdrac

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #14 on: February 02, 2022, 10:01:11 PM »
Just a little update, if the weather cooperates will be bring her home in a few weeks!  Pictures will follow I promise.

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #15 on: February 03, 2022, 12:21:36 AM »
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.
72 Eldorado
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76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

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

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #16 on: February 03, 2022, 08:32:25 AM »
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.

I use mine when starting "cold" and when changing between ranges (at a stop). Once the 'Vert is warmed up, I forget the clutch and just start the engine and go.
Charlie

Offline mtiberio

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #17 on: February 03, 2022, 09:06:55 AM »
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.

backing up
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Offline audiowize

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #18 on: February 03, 2022, 10:20:21 AM »
I have this same project waiting for me, so I'll be interested on your progress!

Offline Markcarovilli

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #19 on: February 03, 2022, 10:26:43 AM »
backing up

even then backing up is a little tough with engine running...at least with mine.


Offline Tom

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #20 on: February 03, 2022, 01:57:53 PM »
No real advantage to starting up the bike.  Pulling in the clutch lever and walking the bike backwards.  Easier to pull into your parking so that you can ride out of it.   :thumb: 
From the Deep Deep South out in left field.  There are no stupid questions.  There are however stupid people asking questions.  🤣, this includes me.  😉

Offline Kiwi_Roy

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #21 on: February 03, 2022, 04:46:51 PM »
even then backing up is a little tough with engine running...at least with mine.
On the other hand I find mine very easy to push around when the engines not running, easier than the V7III I think
72 Eldorado
17 V7iii Special
76 Convert
Half a V9 Roamer

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

Offline jkguzzi

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #22 on: February 05, 2022, 06:25:39 AM »
The only time I ever used low range was on grass at rallies.

Offline Scout63

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #23 on: February 05, 2022, 07:16:31 AM »
The moderator needs to shut this thread down before I go buy a convert project.  I already have an SP, G5 and CX 1000 so it’s just a baby step away.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline Moparnut72

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #24 on: February 05, 2022, 08:31:46 AM »
A friend has convert that might sell. He got it in a package deal. He is also contemplating a conversion to a five speed. He has all the parts to do it. I have yet to ride it but I will in the near future.
kk
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Online Bulldog9

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #25 on: February 06, 2022, 09:02:36 PM »
A question about the Vert clutch.
I believe you aren't supposed to change ratios on the move, so when do you use the clutch?
The only time I use mine is when I forget, other than that I can go all day without using it, my 76 starts and runs without using it and If I want to try the other ratio I do it while stopped without pulling the clutch, there's no significant clunk.

I only use it to start, warm up and to change from high to low range or visa versa.
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 fotoguzzi

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #26 on: February 06, 2022, 09:31:06 PM »
The moderator needs to shut this thread down before I go buy a convert project.  I already have an SP, G5 and CX 1000 so it’s just a baby step away.
trade your G5 to Moparnuts friend and it's a win win.

A friend has convert that might sell. He got it in a package deal. He is also contemplating a conversion to a five speed. He has all the parts to do it. I have yet to ride it but I will in the near future.
kk
your only 3,037 miles apart. :wink: you could meet at Omaha



« Last Edit: February 06, 2022, 09:38:11 PM by fotoguzzi »
MINNEAPOLIS, MN

Offline Scout63

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #27 on: February 07, 2022, 08:46:12 PM »
I don’t want one badly enough to give up the G5.  Now the SP is another story. I don’t have my left, um, thumb and part of my soul in the SP.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline Tom

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #28 on: February 07, 2022, 09:39:51 PM »
You're too tall for the compact seating of the SP anyway.   :boozing:
From the Deep Deep South out in left field.  There are no stupid questions.  There are however stupid people asking questions.  🤣, this includes me.  😉

Offline ctdrac

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Re: 1000 convert
« Reply #29 on: February 14, 2022, 09:24:00 AM »

 

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