Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Anomaly on March 16, 2026, 07:41:49 AM
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The rectangular panels mounted on the crash bars-- what purpose do they serve? Moreover, why only on the Convert?
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The rectangular panels minute on the crash bars-- what purpose do they serve? Moreover, why only on the Convert?
The horns were moved out to the crashbar due to the torque converter oil cooler taking up the space where the horns are mounted on most Tontis. The deflectors serve to protect and hide the horns. The horns look very out of place hanging out on the crashbar without the deflectors.
(https://i.ibb.co/RTcnvxJS/thumbnail-IMG-5523-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RTcnvxJS)
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Also used on the G5, IIRC. Took mine off because they directed a blast of air at my torso that was very effective at inflating my jacket. :grin:
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The horns were moved out to the crashbar due to the torque converter oil cooler taking up the space where the horns are mounted on most Tontis. The deflectors serve to protect and hide the horns. The horns look very out of place hanging out on the crashbar without the deflectors.
(https://i.ibb.co/RTcnvxJS/thumbnail-IMG-5523-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RTcnvxJS)
I had never heard that. My G5 (A convert with a 5 speed) has the horns located as they are here on this sales brochure.
(https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/af479d8f76b5.png) (https://imgchest.com/p/ljyq6e28n42)
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Interesting to hear them called horns. In the brochure above they are spoilers and in the Italian references I've seen they are deflettori (deflectors). But what do I know, I thought they only appeared on Converts...
Now, what is their purpose?
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Interesting to hear them called horns. In the brochure above they are spoilers and in the Italian references I've seen they are deflettori (deflectors). But what do I know, I thought they only appeared on Converts...
Now, what is their purpose?
You misunderstand, Anomoly. Dave is stating that the horns - the audible 'beep beep' horns - were relocated from the frame below the triple tree, as seen on the brochure, to the crash bars, to make room for the oil cooler needed for the Convert's torque converter. Then the 'spoilers' were used to obscure them.
The G5 was identical to the Convert, with the exception of the gearbox. One article stated it was developed to 'right the wrongs' of the convert. So they are 'sister's if you will, with the same livery.
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They are to keep the front end planted on surface better when going fast. Like the wedges above cylinders on a LeMans
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You misunderstand, Anomoly. Dave is stating that the horns - the audible 'beep beep' horns - were relocated from the frame below the triple tree, as seen on the brochure, to the crash bars, to make room for the oil cooler needed for the Convert's torque converter. Then the 'spoilers' were used to obscure them.
The G5 was identical to the Convert, with the exception of the gearbox. One article stated it was developed to 'right the wrongs' of the convert. So they are 'sister's if you will, with the same livery.
Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...
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Now, what is their purpose?
Well, the truth of that may be lost. But to Dave's point, they had to have horns. In the case of the Convert, they had to be relocated. So they came up with a simple cheap solution, and called it a 'spoiler' when really it's simply distracting from what would be a design detraction.
Here you can see the oil cooler and the relocated horns.
(https://cdn.imgchest.com/files/4fcbaa4f93e2.png) (https://imgchest.com/p/qb4zrq5jd7j)
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They are to keep the front end planted on surface better when going fast. Like the wedges above cylinders on a LeMans
If you reverse them, they could provide some lift and be considered wheelie assist devices for doing a wheelie at speed. :evil: :police:
The deflectors and rear seat cowl thing were long gone when I got my Convert, the PO didn't know what I was talking about when I asked.
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Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...
Seems like was the catalyst, and they took the opportunity to come up with a 'functional' solution. To Steve's point, they will produce some downward force for the front of the bike.
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And most importantly, they look frickin’ cool!
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Thanks. But, really? Just to hide the horns?...
Have you seen Convert horns without the deflectors? They need hiding! :grin:
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They drive faster in EU so you need the deflector to stay safe, same time they got the Integral brakes to slow that auto beast down. I seen some fast ones believe it or not. You would be surprised at what folks do to them.
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OK, you guys are a barrel of laughs....
My original thought was that they had something to do with aerodynamics and the comfort of the rider. You know, sort of like the "deflectors" on the V100. But no, I got Comedy Club answers. Maybe that is, in fact, the truth of why they are there (to hide the horns)...
My interest in this is: I have a wonderful 1981 T3 California. I am 6'2" and when I purchased the bike in Puglia and rode it to Tuscany, I experience considerable buffeting from the original "barn door" screen (cupolino). So, I took the screen off. Besides, I was not a fan of the CHIPS look. Sacrilege, I know... But, you gotta do what you gotta do. Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....
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Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....
It will be a night and day difference, but only if you relocate the horns also. HA
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I own a G5. I have the deflectors but have never had them on the bike. I would be amazed if they make any discernable difference at all, but as Charlie said above, he DID notice it and didn't like it. I was thinking of adding them this spring to make the bike look like the Convert I posted above, with the fag packets and crash bars, but no screen.
I've ridden with and without the windscreen and it's a huge difference, and I find riding 'naked' to be preferable.
Riding a T3 the width an breadth of Italy.....Sounds wonderful!
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It will be a night and day difference, but only if you relocate the horns also. HA
THIS is a priceless response!
Thank you Dave!
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You have convinced me to try my T3 without the screen. Removing it should be equivalent to adding 10 horsepower!
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You have convinced me to try my T3 without the screen. Removing it should be equivalent to adding 10 horsepower!
They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...
I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV
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They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...
I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV
How would you describe the T3 California following in Italy? It sounds more vibrant than in the USA, which is comatose.
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They don't call it a "barn door" for nothing...
I took some flack from the California purists here (Italy), but for me it made a big difference to remove it. Of course, I haven't gone on a long ride since removing it, but I'm very happy with the results on my afternoon jaunts. YMMV
Perhaps more than most, the big screen really seems to fit and create a balance on the T3 California...might be the seat that balances it. Cool bike.
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My interest in this is: I have a wonderful 1981 T3 California. I am 6'2" and when I purchased the bike in Puglia and rode it to Tuscany, I experience considerable buffeting from the original "barn door" screen (cupolino). So, I took the screen off. Besides, I was not a fan of the CHIPS look. Sacrilege, I know... But, you gotta do what you gotta do. Still, I have been intrigued by these "deflectors" on the Converts and wondered what effect they might produce. On, say, a T3.....
I'm only 5'6", so the "barn door" windscreen works great for me - no buffeting at all. Mine does have the edge trim removed though.
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I had the Barn Door on my Convert for 2 years, didn't like it. Robbed too much air, and the black edging was RIGHT in my line of sight. I have the summer screen on it right now, and the Barn Door is hanging on the Garage Wall............... ..
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The purpose of the wings is, when riding in heavy rain, to deflect the water coming of the fork sliders straight into your knees and groin.
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How would you describe the T3 California following iGn Italy? It sounds more vibrant than in the USA, which is comatose.
Interesting question... On the one hand, there is the Facebook group you directed me to several years ago that is moderated by an Italian and seems to have more Italian members than others. On the other hand, I probably can't give an informed opinion--- we live in a quite rural area and there are almost NO Guzzis around (of any model, let alone Californias...). It has always seemed strange to me, the parking lot of our local watering hole always fills up with motos any sunny or semi-sunny day. Out of, say, ten bikes, 6 will be BMW GSs, 3 will be various Ducatis, and 1 will be an Africa Twin...
I think the picture may be quite different in different parts of Italy. We have a friend in Puglia, near Lecce, who is the head of a moto club that is very active and full of Guzzis, classic models abpund including Californias but I think LeMans and Falcones are more revered/sought after.
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i have a set of the spoilers that are stamped metal. and they dont vibrate inthe wind.
I have one available I'm still looking for the second one so the set will be complete.
I've moved a few times over the years, now to find time to unpack the box's and find the other spoiler and all of the other treasures .
TOMB
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Somewhat related to this thread... I have an 850T5 (series III) and want to fit front crashbars from the Convert / G5. I don't want to fit floorboards. Will those crashbars bolt-up? My lower frame pieces accommodate the (more-) rearward-mounted double spring retracted side stand (i.e. the short, non-police one). Will the crashbars just bolt up?
TIA to any respondents.
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Didn’t that model come with crash bars,just curious?
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They should fit on a T5 but there is spacers that fit in between bar & frame with a longer motor bolt.
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Didn’t that model come with crash bars,just curious?
No; did not...
(https://i.ibb.co/dS2g8FW/850-T5-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dS2g8FW)
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They should fit on a T5 but there is spacers that fit in between bar & frame with a longer motor bolt.
Thx
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No; did not...
(https://i.ibb.co/dS2g8FW/850-T5-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dS2g8FW)
do you prefer the squared V1000 style bars to the 'triangulated' style used on the 1000S and Swoop tank Cali's? Might the latter be easier to mount?
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I love the look of the deflectors, they define the Convert and G5 I think - word of caution, I lost one once going 88 MPH, same as the DeLorean in Back to the Future... and the bike turned into helicopter and took off vertically! :grin:
Regarding the engine guard, it should work as mentioned by using the correct bolts on the bottom, and the top mounts to a brace on the frame - not sure if the T5 has that there or not, guessing it does, maybe just not drilled - you can see it in the 2nd photo - my bike doesn't look that clean anymore, not even close - that was 11 years ago right after the restoration... gee time flies, so Back to the Future it is!
(https://i.ibb.co/dswKfBzR/IMG-5034.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dswKfBzR)
(https://i.ibb.co/zWj7Frnm/IMG-5153.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zWj7Frnm)
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my bike doesn't look that clean anymore, not even close - that was 11 years ago right after the restoration... gee time flies, so Back to the Future it is!
Not long after my arrival here on WG, and the photos of your bike impacted me. Knowing how a G5 could present softened me up and prepped me for taking on Chucks when he was ready to move on. I have a full monty shot of yours somewhere. Care to share here again? I didn't recall that you had all the crash bars mounted.
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Hi Kidsmoke, you've always been a fan, I appreciate that! I have to say, I'm "it" now, as I have to add a 1000S to my stable!
Not sure which photo, but I'll gladly add more here!
(https://i.ibb.co/twpWf17J/IMG-6225.jpg) (https://ibb.co/twpWf17J)
(https://i.ibb.co/spLVkRKZ/Groover-s-1981-V1000-G5-July-15th-2016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/spLVkRKZ)
(Deflectors have been there since auction day when I got it)
(https://i.ibb.co/B5tpyHpR/Moto-Guzzi-G5-Before-After.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B5tpyHpR)
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That's a nice looking G5, Groover! Reminds me of the one I bought new, back in '83, I think. Fantastic motorcycles!
To contribute to the subject- my G5 did not come with deflectors, but it did have the mounting bungs on the crash-bars. I eventually mounted a Harley style fairing and made my own deflectors out of sheet aluminum. They deflected some updraft, but I think the SP fairing setup was superior.
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Hi Kidsmoke, you've always been a fan, I appreciate that! I have to say, I'm "it" now, as I have to add a 1000S to my stable!
Not sure which photo, but I'll gladly add more here!
(https://i.ibb.co/twpWf17J/IMG-6225.jpg) (https://ibb.co/twpWf17J)
(https://i.ibb.co/spLVkRKZ/Groover-s-1981-V1000-G5-July-15th-2016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/spLVkRKZ)
(Deflectors have been there since auction day when I got it)
(https://i.ibb.co/B5tpyHpR/Moto-Guzzi-G5-Before-After.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B5tpyHpR)
That's it! My saved photo was a simple side shot. I like those cast wheels. Nothing I've owned tours quite like the G5. Very confidence inspiring. Perhaps too much so. I've ridden her pretty hard.
Spent all day on my 1000S yesterday. She'll be my steed for this years DGR.
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do you prefer the squared V1000 style bars to the 'triangulated' style used on the 1000S and Swoop tank Cali's? Might the latter be easier to mount?
I prefer the protection of the squarer ones... but I find the "triangular" ones more aesthetic. I currently have the latter ones but would swap-out, at times, the square ones. I plan on fitting rear ones too, for that added protection.
Per the Harley photos, that's what I want to achieve. Note the "rub pads".
(https://i.ibb.co/Z6RxpWR3/image.png) (https://ibb.co/Z6RxpWR3)
(https://i.ibb.co/prMThmtk/Screenshot-20260327-155507-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/prMThmtk)
(https://i.ibb.co/N2hLFCh6/Moto-Guzzi-Editted-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N2hLFCh6)
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...
Regarding the engine guard, it should work as mentioned by using the correct bolts on the bottom, and the top mounts to a brace on the frame - not sure if the T5 has that there or not, guessing it does, maybe just not drilled - you can see it in the 2nd photo
...
(https://i.ibb.co/dswKfBzR/IMG-5034.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dswKfBzR)
(https://i.ibb.co/zWj7Frnm/IMG-5153.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zWj7Frnm)
There are some drillings, as you can see I mounted the "triangle"-shaped bars.... May hafta adapt though... for the "square" bars.
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Do you have these under your wings ?
One on each bolt, for a bit of extra stability once the downforce gets out of hand.
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKpxvTNz/20260424-150143.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHNTRZSf)
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That makes them SUPER wings and cost extra.
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That makes them SUPER wings and cost extra.
Might even get some lift off!
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For those seeking maximum airfoil performance out of the deflectors/spoilers on your Convert or G5 (or others adapting), here is all the information you may need: :azn:
As theoneandonlymin showed, they look like this when mounted (view from the bottom):
(https://i.ibb.co/GvqbLgkB/Airfoil.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GvqbLgkB)
Make note that there is an "upper" and a "lower" support bracket for each Aerodynamic Refinement Spoiler (ARS system) :wink: (two of each total)
(https://i.ibb.co/35CZcgWM/Parts-Manual.png) (https://ibb.co/35CZcgWM)
(https://i.ibb.co/dJzX9Wqv/Parts-Manual2.png) (https://ibb.co/dJzX9Wqv)
Harpers sells both and are still available:
18449755 & 18449855
https://harpermoto.com/products/bracket-18449755?_pos=1&_sid=214a665e5&_ss=r (https://harpermoto.com/products/bracket-18449755?_pos=1&_sid=214a665e5&_ss=r)
https://harpermoto.com/products/plate-or-bracket-18449855?_pos=3&_sid=214a665e5&_ss=r (https://harpermoto.com/products/plate-or-bracket-18449855?_pos=3&_sid=214a665e5&_ss=r)
Hope that helps!
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do you prefer the squared V1000 style bars to the 'triangulated' style used on the 1000S and Swoop tank Cali's? Might the latter be easier to mount?
Squared, for sure.