Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: jguzzi on December 11, 2018, 08:04:49 PM
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I have had a 1978 Convert since 1987. Replaced tires, ATF cooler, brake pads and normal maintenance. Great fun but I wonder why it seems to be worth a fair amount less than the G5. I do not see many for sale anymore but when I did, they seemed to sell for 2000-2500. I bought mine for less than that.
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You first have to be converted and most riders have never been on a Convert to acquire the desire.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/All/i-6TJqvdp/0/cb03c19b/L/DSCN1585-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/All/i-6TJqvdp/A)
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Unless you have ridden one, it's hard to appreciate them. I often wonder why MG hasn't added one to their line.
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You first have to be converted and most riders have never been on a Convert to acquire the desire.
:thumb:
Or, as stenciled on the old H-D t-shirt "If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand"
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I've ridden a couple of them. I have a G5.. :whip2: :smiley:
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Chuck Peterson are you there.
TOMB
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Converts are on the fringe of a fringe brand. Not many folks understand or want too.
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Chuck Peterson are you there.
TOMB
Where's Waldo? :grin:
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Unless you have ridden one, it's hard to appreciate them. I often wonder why MG hasn't added one to their line.
I have had at least ten of them and they are the only Guzzis I would ever own.Big scooter
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Back in the day when they came out several were around where I live. Over the first few years there were some issues with the torque converters cracking around the center of the drive hub. If I remember right this required a pretty expensive repair for the time. Some chose to "unconvert" the bike as the G5 five speed was much cheaper and easier to install. This kind of stuck and some were put off the bikes as having a rep for being problematic. Personally I think this was over blown and the bikes didn't deserve the bad rap. Again if memory servers I believe that there was an upgrade to deal with the issue on later bikes. Anyway it kept them from becoming more popular with the Guzzi crowd than they did. That and also the fact that automatic transmission bikes in general were just never embraced by the American bike market. Honda had an automatic model as well and it didn't go over to well either. As for present time I think they are a neat vintage Guzzi bargain if you are looking for something unique and functional. The G5/Convert engines are some of the most rock solid reliable motors Guzzi ever produced.
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My very first Guzzi was a '76 Convert with a California sidecar, that I bought from an old guy's estate. I really liked it, solo and with the chair. I ended up selling it to an old guy, and spent the money on a new '83 SP. It was the end of my interest in British bikes, and the beginning of my interest in Italian machinery.
Larry
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When I bought a leaking from every seal convert I had no idea it would turn into 150k...rear main seals, diode boards, scorched crank from blown oil lines, rebuilt starters, staters, rotors, fork dampers, rear shocks, leaking oil rings, frozen rusted exhausts, broken taps in cranks, 15-20 tires, overflowing "got to save that" parts, mystery electrical gremlins w Italian names, wandering the Nova Scotia Penisula, vt, ct, ma, ny, Maine, penn, va, Ohio, North Carolina and just a big effing pain the ass cuz it wouldn't stop going places...
Worthless I tell ya...and I wouldn't change a thing....thats why I'm on a Nevada now...... :popcorn:
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Back in the day when they came out several were around where I live. Over the first few years there were some issues with the torque converters cracking around the center of the drive hub. Actually it was a thin stamped flywheel that got replaced with a heavy version.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-GpMpdJ6/0/50570187/L/DSCN1405-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-GpMpdJ6/A)
On right next to an EV fw.
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Back in the day when they came out several were around where I live. Over the first few years there were some issues with the torque converters cracking around the center of the drive hub. If I remember right this required a pretty expensive repair for the time.
Like Brad says - there wasn't any issue with the torque converter itself - the original stamped steel "bowl" flywheel cracked around the center. Solved when the heavier machined flywheel was introduced.
The earliest pump drive is another issue: the "socket" in the pump that the hex piece fits into is only 8 mm deep on early ones and 11 mm deep on later ones. The late one with a properly fitting hex piece is a big step towards solving that issue. A 6 mm hex piece, as is original, fits loosely in the cam and pump - I had a custom oversized hex piece made - 6.2 mm. Improper heat-treating of some parts doesn't help here.
Then there's the "never shift on the fly" vs. "I've always shifted on the fly" argument. After seeing rounded off shift dogs in several low mileage transmissions, I'm an adherent of "never shift on the fly".
I sold my 3rd Convert, a fully sorted '76, for $3500 in 2009. I probably have about the same in current (4th) one, worth every penny to me.
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You first have to be converted and most riders have never been on a Convert to acquire the desire.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/All/i-6TJqvdp/0/cb03c19b/L/DSCN1585-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/All/i-6TJqvdp/A)
I have this same exact bike...even have a fairing like that in the back room...the bike will be on the market soon :grin:
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the bike will be on the market soon :grin:
How soon?
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I remember hearing about the troubles. I wouldn't mind trying a sorted one.
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(https://i.ibb.co/TwB0JcP/DSCN0490.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TwB0JcP)
(https://i.ibb.co/Yy2zSVb/DSCN0485.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Yy2zSVb)
The "King Of The Converts" if there is such a thing! :wink: The 1984 California II Automatic.
I absolutely love this beast, it has been very trouble free for 42K miles, and a true joy to ride!
Rick.
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How soon?
https://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/d/moto-guzzi-v1000-trike-or-bike/6745931244.html
There a few f/s.. use
https://cse.google.com/cse?cx=008732268318596706411:nhtd4cwl5xu&q=Moto%20Guzzi%20convert&oq=Moto%20Guzzi%20convert&gs_l=partner-generic.3...3134.8385.0.10992.18.18.0.0.0.0.88.1325.18.18.0.gsnos%2Cn%3D13...0.5236j2003644j18...1.34.partner-generic..14.4.310.Bjaj21c0VXo
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(https://i.ibb.co/1Xvhdyp/vert2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1Xvhdyp)
(https://i.ibb.co/8Mdq2qj/vert1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8Mdq2qj)
Mr. Slate will always have a place in my heart and my garage :)
Like riding a 600 lb. moped with 71 hpw...but way more fun. My back and forth to work rider......hey Charlie I got the SP faring idea from you...works just fine for me.
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I rode Tom B's, it was kind of shiftless.
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I always thought they would make a nice sidecar rig.. Good power, easy to ride..
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I always thought they would make a nice sidecar rig.. Good power, easy to ride..
Agreed...I've owned a lot of sidecar rigs...this Convert was/is my favorite...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Sidecar-Rigs/i-C4rMm2T/0/24b52ff4/XL/100_9755-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Sidecar-Rigs/i-KjCtL5P/0/e539536d/XL/100_9759-XL.jpg)
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nice rig! Ive been a sidecar fan for many years... Havent owned one yet, but ridden a few.
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Definitely an acquired taste, definitely a cult bike within kind of a cult brand, as has been mentioned. I'm into those kind of things. I, too am saddened that the prices for such a rare bird are so low. People put too much emphasis on the "shifting" experience as a benefit of riding a motorcycle. Off-road, road-racing yes; slow mile-eater, meh.
Bought my first from a MG Club rep when I was looking for an Eldo...thought it was weird and kept wondering if/when I should shift, but I soon fell in love!
The fortunate ones have had no auto-related driveline troubles, but I've lived thru them all....and continue to love the bike. People who do not wrench themselves should not consider one, because GOOD LUCK finding any person who's not a member of this board who know how to troubleshoot the unique driveline.
BEST version is the Cal II Auto like Rick's and mine (his looks much nicer than mine). Longest Tonti wheelbase, you can almost fall asleep for lack of any effort to drive the thing.
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Definitely an acquired taste, definitely a cult bike within kind of a cult brand, as has been mentioned. I'm into those kind of things. I, too am saddened that the prices for such a rare bird are so low. People put too much emphasis on the "shifting" experience as a benefit of riding a motorcycle. Off-road, road-racing yes; slow mile-eater, meh.
Bought my first from a MG Club rep when I was looking for an Eldo...thought it was weird and kept wondering if/when I should shift, but I soon fell in love!
The fortunate ones have had no auto-related driveline troubles, but I've lived thru them all....and continue to love the bike. People who do not wrench themselves should not consider one, because GOOD LUCK finding any person who's not a member of this board who know how to troubleshoot the unique driveline.
BEST version is the Cal II Auto like Rick's and mine (his looks much nicer than mine). Longest Tonti wheelbase, you can almost fall asleep for lack of any effort to drive the thing.
"Best" relates to how the bike is used. I've ridden a fair number of both early Converts and Cal IIs (Auto and 5 spd.). Any Cal II is an unhappy pig when trying to hustle on the backroads I ride, but great out on the highway. The earlier 'Verts are much more agile and are still great out on the highway.
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I rode Tom B's, it was kind of shiftless.
Tom, or the bike? :rolleyes:
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Some years ago I had the pleasure of riding Chuck Peterson's convert in the beautiful White mountains, New Hampshire.
It had a windjammer fairing, DB bags, some aftermarket suspension work and Bub mufflers.
You couldn't ask for a better ride than that, for that type of riding.
Smooth engine, smooth ride, great sound!
Add to the pluses, no computer, no FI. Any parts that might give you trouble will easily fit in a coffee can size compartment.
My opinion, MG is making a mistake in not producing one now. It's a realistic type all around bike.
(https://i.ibb.co/t3rDNT0/c1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t3rDNT0)
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"Best" relates to how the bike is used. I've ridden a fair number of both early Converts and Cal IIs (Auto and 5 spd.). Any Cal II is an unhappy pig when trying to hustle on the backroads I ride, but great out on the highway. The earlier 'Verts are much more agile and are still great out on the highway.
Should have clarified: "Best" meant newer, longer swingarm, any benefit the "square" cylinders might bring, and a more functional front fender. There may be other obscure updates to the later Tontis that I am forgetting. And yes, my opinion.
I've heard other people say how slow the Cal IIs handle, but I would disagree emphatically. Yes, the wheelbase is longer, and the steering angle might be different, and it might be heavier, but no way would I call it an unhappy pig. I can flick that rascal around in a tight parking lot with both feet on the boards like a moped (which it is). I've read a similar discussion about the LM IVs 16 vs 18-in front wheel.
But, this post is about the weak value of the Convert. Convert or Cal II, they just don't get much respect.
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It's selfish but I hope the value of Converts stay low until next summer. I want a really nice G5 or Convert in the worst way. A Convert would make no sense for me since I have a perfectly good Guzzi in the garage but for some strange reason I want to try one for a summer or two.
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I always thought they would make a nice sidecar rig.. Good power, easy to ride..
My buddy here locally just brought this home. This is his second convert, first hack. Beautiful machines.
(https://i.imgur.com/9SDaH9K.jpg)
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My buddy here locally just brought this home. This is his second convert, first hack. Beautiful machines.
(https://i.imgur.com/9SDaH9K.jpg)
Wow, love it! Is this the same buddy with the silver G5?
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I too always thought they'd make a good sidecar bike. So a few months ago I found one and am in the midst of "hacking" her. Riding season is over here for the next several months so I'm taking the time to go through the bike. Before the snow came I was able to fabricate my mounts and get the sidecar chassis modified and connected. I put more than a hundred miles on setting it up so far and will continue in the spring.
I scratch built both the chassis and body, (currently wintering in my enclosed trailer to be painted in the spring) back in 2005 and hauled the rig with my 1974 Eldorado. The Eldo is now my "solo" bike.
Early thoughts about the Convert as a sidecar tug? Acceleration on par with my Eldo. I had it up 55-60mph only a few times but I don't think the Convert will be much faster than my Eldo rig was. (that's ok with me).
Big pluses --- better brakes and the fact its always in the right gear. Those of you who drive outfits will know that cornering is a busy time for us. Lots to think about, although it all becomes second nature after a while its nice to not have to worry about shifting.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Convert/i-zN7Vwn4/0/83dd4015/M/20181103_133639-M.jpg) (https://relic.smugmug.com/Convert/i-zN7Vwn4/A)
And value? I paid $4000 Cdn. (aprx $3000 USD) There are some spare parts with the bike as well. A lot of work has been done and its pretty much a turn key bike mechanically. Top end is newish. Enduralast alternator. Trans seals and cooler lines replaced. ETC.
Cosmetics are absolutely fine with me but I'm easy to please and not worried about shiny chrome.
At the time there were a few Converts for sale across Canada. The others ranged in price all the way up to $10,000. I have no idea if the others sold. But mine was only 6 hours from home. And it turned out the seller was a fellow CVMG member, (Canada's national vintage bike club). So that helped me know that I could trust what he told me.
Bottom line: I think it was a good price for both of us.
Ken
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Have to admit since getting mine last summer, I am hooked!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Our-Bikes-abd-Vintage-Collection/i-hGb9wqp/0/143c5906/M/IMG_20180728_070523%20%281%29-M.jpg) (https://curtedwards.smugmug.com/Our-Bikes-abd-Vintage-Collection/i-hGb9wqp/A)
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My 'vert is a bit of a tart.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZTSpNFp/May-2016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZTSpNFp)
Rich A
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Wow, love it! Is this the same buddy with the silver G5?
Ha! Nope, different buddy. That's Austin, the kid that helps Chuck with some of his projects, and conversely, has been wholly infected by his affection for Guzzi.
This is another Indy Guzzisti, owns an additional convert, an "Eldorato", and a 850T, written up recently in this article.
https://caferacergarage.eu/2018/11/30/moto-guzzi-850t-caffe-ratto-by-jeff-parrish/?fbclid=IwAR0_EtOYJN-N_gRA8Puee0PRE1RDp8phFfj8xfc4gD9rm9SPCM0CIQNwt5U
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My buddy here locally just brought this home. This is his second convert, first hack. Beautiful machines.
(https://i.imgur.com/9SDaH9K.jpg)
Love it! Stunning bike, down to the slot wheel on the car!!!!
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Hey Kidsmoke, do you know what brand that blue sidecar is? Looks cool!
Curt, Your Cal II Auto looks like mine did when I first got it, I love the chrome fenders, noice!! :thumb:
Rick.
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That blue hack is quite a looker! It gets things stirring I didn't know were there.
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Attaboy, Jeff.. :thumb: :smiley:
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My buddy here locally just brought this home. This is his second convert, first hack. Beautiful machines.
(https://i.imgur.com/9SDaH9K.jpg)
Loving it Jeff, can't wait to check it out.
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Hey Kidsmoke, do you know what brand that blue sidecar is? Looks cool!
Curt, Your Cal II Auto looks like mine did when I first got it, I love the chrome fenders, noice!! :thumb:
Rick.
Thanks, Jeff Rig's is awesome, love that sidecar.
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Hey Kidsmoke, do you know what brand that blue sidecar is? Looks cool!
HitchHiker
http://floridasidecarproducts.com/vintage_sidecars/hitchhiker_sidecars
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Thanks for the cool info, Kidsmoke. I really dig that hitch hiker widebody! :thumb:
Rick.
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Here's mine
(https://i.ibb.co/VTcJ5RW/20180708-080354-resizedjpg-0-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VTcJ5RW)
TOMB