SP1000 vs Convert differences

[inditx]

Ok so I need to be schooled on the differences and the best year(s), if there is a preference, on these 2 models.
I realize the Convert was the 2 speed but was the SP only a 5 speed?
I had a Convert Cali but want a more standard model.

What I'm considering is the following please;

*flat seat (or can add one)
*lowest seat height
*cast wheels (tubeless nice)
*did any years have fuel injection?
*Were there differences in models and/or model years on both of these models?
*areas of concern
*must address maintenance/service items

Thanks in advance!
inditx

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Ok so I need to be schooled on the differences and the best year(s), if there is a preference, on these 2 models.
I realize the Convert was the 2 speed but was the SP only a 5 speed?
I had a Convert Cali but want a more standard model.

What I'm considering is the following please;

*flat seat (or can add one)
*lowest seat height
*cast wheels (tubeless nice)
*did any years have fuel injection?
*Were there differences in models and/or model years on both of these models?
*areas of concern
*must address maintenance/service items

Thanks in advance!
inditx

Both Convert and SP have flat seats, the SP NT had the same seat as the Convert.
Seat height is virtually identical on both.
No fuel injection on either.
Yes, numerous changes to both over the years.
Convert concerns: early stamped "flywheel" fracturing, hex piece that drives the fluid pump rounding off.
 

[inditx]

Thanks Charlie!

[radguzzi]

The SP bars are very comfortable as are the Convert although different, wider.

Cast wheels on the SP are indeed suited for tubeless tire.   My Convert has wires so I do not know whether those later year Convert cast wheels are tubeless, I would wager that they are.

Some SPs have (had) a Brembo F09 rear caliper too... 

Both are just the epitome of the Roundfin Guzzis.   

SPs are my all time favorite Guzzis, I've owned four, still have one to restore... one-a-these days.  The Convert was recommissioned a couple of years ago. 

rad__

[Tkelly]

There is a SPNT ,then a SP2 and SP3.The cast wheels on the nt are tube type but some people have made them tubeless.I have aNT so that is my favorite,reasonable weight and seat height,50 mpg,sport tourer great wind protection.I like the looks of the nt best but all are great bikes.

[jhem68]

If you are looking for casual riding with two up comfort, the Convert is probably the better option. Drive it like a big scooter as one member on this forum suggested. Very relaxed feel going down the road but still handles great as do all the early Tonti's.
The SP has a more sporty drivers position, lower handlebar, and more rear set drivers footpegs along with higher passenger footpegs. It has a more sporty feel through the curves.
The same comfortable seat or handlebars will work on either and can be had through MG Cycle or the want ads so seat height remains essentially the same if a flat seat is what you seek. Same basic platform with a very different feel.

For reference I have a1978 Convert with lower handlebars and a SP upper fairing along with a 1980 SP. The Convert is my most comfortable ride of the 5 Moto Guzzi's I own with the SP being the next most comfortable.

I believe your other questions were addressed quite accurately.

[inditx]

The SP bars are very comfortable as are the Convert although different, wider.

Cast wheels on the SP are indeed suited for tubeless tire.   My Convert has wires so I do not know whether those later year Convert cast wheels are tubeless, I would wager that they are.

Some SPs have (had) a Brembo F09 rear caliper too... 

Both are just the epitome of the Roundfin Guzzis.   

SPs are my all time favorite Guzzis, I've owned four, still have one to restore... one-a-these days.  The Convert was recommissioned a couple of years ago. 

rad__

Thanks rad
Let us know when you restore the SP

[inditx]

There is a SPNT ,then a SP2 and SP3.The cast wheels on the nt are tube type but some people have made them tubeless.I have aNT so that is my favorite,reasonable weight and seat height,50 mpg,sport tourer great wind protection.I like the looks of the nt best but all are great bikes.

Hey Tkelly thanks
Do you own one currently? If so, a couple of pics please.
inditx

[inditx]

If you are looking for casual riding with two up comfort, the Convert is probably the better option. Drive it like a big scooter as one member on this forum suggested. Very relaxed feel going down the road but still handles great as do all the early Tonti's.
The SP has a more sporty drivers position, lower handlebar, and more rear set drivers footpegs along with higher passenger footpegs. It has a more sporty feel through the curves.
The same comfortable seat or handlebars will work on either and can be had through MG Cycle or the want ads so seat height remains essentially the same if a flat seat is what you seek. Same basic platform with a very different feel.

For reference I have a1978 Convert with lower handlebars and a SP upper fairing along with a 1980 SP. The Convert is my most comfortable ride of the 5 Moto Guzzi's I own with the SP being the next most comfortable.

I believe your other questions were addressed quite accurately.

Thanks jhem68
Would you mind sharing a couple of pics pf your bike please?
inditx

[Gliderjohn]

I have the upper SP fairing on my T-3 and with lower handlebars and it works very well and looks good on it. Just don't ruin a turn signal in the fairing. Very difficult to fine a replacement.



GliderJohn

[Tkelly]

Jhem has a better looking one than mine and I am unable to perform such a task on the internet.

[jhem68]

Sorry for the rather crowded garage!

[inditx]

I have the upper SP fairing on my T-3 and with lower handlebars and it works very well and looks good on it. Just don't ruin a turn signal in the fairing. Very difficult to fine a replacement.



GliderJohn

Beautiful!

[inditx]

Sorry for the rather crowded garage!

Love them, thanks!
Beautiful bikes,
inditx

[faffi]

If I remember correctly, there was initially the SP, with a thin, flat seat and some quality issues. A year later, the NT (new type) came out, better made and with the Covert seat. The SP2 had a 16in front wheel, but perhaps it was later chaned to an 18in, just like the LM4? The SP2 looks like it was based on the T4. The SP3 looks like a different bike, although it does not differ that much mechanically.

[chuck peterson]

I think of The Vert as having a Hi-Lo range gearbox, kinda like your basic Cub Cadet riding mower. Pick one, stay there. Need a different range? Brake to a stop, pull the clutch lever to release the plates, ‘pause one two’…feel the forward motion to the ground release the driveline…(drops on tge suspension) Right foot down, hand brake on, heel/toe the shifter. Hand brake on, release clutch, feel the driveline take up the slack…accelerate to 105 while waving left hand…

Shifting? Pffftttttt……

Personally i loved horsing it around in lo range up into the 75 mph range, using hi range for Open Hiway above that

Stripped to a club racer or full size touring it’ll do both quite happily

That roundfin motor has a do it all smoothness to it…beginning with T3-T-G5-SP-Convert

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If I remember correctly, there was initially the SP, with a thin, flat seat and some quality issues. A year later, the NT (new type) came out, better made and with the Covert seat. The SP2 had a 16in front wheel, but perhaps it was later chaned to an 18in, just like the LM4? The SP2 looks like it was based on the T4. The SP3 looks like a different bike, although it does not differ that much mechanically.

I had a '79 SP as my second Guzzi. Yes, the seat was a bit narrow, flat and not all that comfortable, but there were no "quality issues" (any more than other Guzzis of the period).

The SP2 shared bodywork with the T5 and did have a 16" front wheel. Not very popular here compared to the original SP.

The SP3 was based on the 1000 Strada.

[Alfetta]

good thread (for me at least)

I have a Convert waiting in the winds for a restore. so this has been a good read.
What year did the problematic hex drive go away ?
i think mine is a '76

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

good thread (for me at least)

I have a Convert waiting in the winds for a restore. so this has been a good read.
What year did the problematic hex drive go away ?
i think mine is a '76

It never really went away. At some point Guzzi made the "socket" in the coupler deeper (~ 11 mm vs. ~ 8 mm) but it was still broached too big. Heat treating was hit and miss through the whole of production.

[Drew Vickery]

 

I had a '79 SP as my second Guzzi. Yes, the seat was a bit narrow, flat and not all that comfortable, but there were no "quality issues" (any more than other Guzzis of the period).

The SP2 shared bodywork with the T5 and did have a 16" front wheel. Not very popular here compared to the original SP.

The SP3 was based on the 1000 Strada.

Great thread.  I have, ride and love a very ratty mongrel T3. 


 
Think an SP should share the shed. Interested in a few things about how they ride. I have no respect for age, it would do miles.

ONE   how the 949cc SP drivetrain compares with my little 850.

TWO how SP2 (square barrel , 16") feels in comparison to previous SP NT (round barrel, 18")

THREE how the Trad full fairing  SP3 feels compared with earlier handlebar faired SPs. I believe ergos are quite different

[inditx]

I have the upper SP fairing on my T-3 and with lower handlebars and it works very well and looks good on it. Just don't ruin a turn signal in the fairing. Very difficult to fine a replacement.



GliderJohn

Nice bike!

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I have the upper SP fairing on my T-3 and with lower handlebars and it works very well and looks good on it. Just don't ruin a turn signal in the fairing. Very difficult to fine a replacement.



GliderJohn

Not so hard...  These are the early style.
https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/item-2-1429097-17750661_.Z-.html
Left one out of stock though.

This one is similar, maybe the same just comes with a boot?
https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/item-2-1428884-066403400_.Z-.html
https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/ducati-indicator-front-left-side-pantah-500-600-900/item-1-1434351.html

[pehayes]

Careful with the SPII.  The handlebar switchgear on both sides is a horrid internal design.  What's worse is that the switchgear and the brake master are built into the clutch and brake perch mechanisms.  Not easily repaired or replaced with suitable Japanese.  Brake master innards are no longer sold.  16" wheel can be changed to 18", but the fork angle dynamics are all wrong.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[bigbikerrick]

I agree, those handlebar switches, with the internal wiring on a Convert are a nightmare!  After getting mine, one of the first things I did was replaced all the handlebar switches with aftermarket K&S switches. If the bike is going to be a daily rider, its a much needed improvement.
Rick.