Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NCAmother on August 24, 2015, 12:25:34 PM
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A little backstory on me, I enjoy vintage racing, wether it's watching the 24hours at LeMans on VHS or building my '69 Plymouth 440GTX for the silver state challenge. The next plan was a 64 ford galaxy for the PanAmerican race. Racers are brothers in these events. But then the motorcycle bug got into my ear, only 4 years ago I had the chance to buy a basket case '74 Eldo Police. I bought it at a steal, but it was missing so many hard to find parts that would negate the cost of the bike, plus the construction and weight was too much for me. I ended up picking two '75 850T's, but I wanted to keep it low budget so most work except machining were done by me. The 850 grew to a 950, heads/manifold were ported by Manfred Hecht when he was at Race Co, Comp Cams built a custom cam, converted to MonoShocked etc etc. I've chopped the lower rails and will re do the electronics so it is still legal on the road. I get a lot of shit from purest Guzzi people because in their eyes my bike isn't pure anymore. Regardless, the bikes came in cardboard boxes and tin cans. To a point, I can understand and appreciate the purism, but it is offensive to read when someone wants to "build a cafe racer". With proper engineering and quality workmanship, these bikes can be transformed into that persons style, a representation of the builder. It pains me when people are mocked for cutting a Cal Vintage or 850T. If I had a LeMans I/II, Id sell it to a purist to offset the cost of building a custom 850T. I'm fairly new to the Guzzi community, but I've never met so much hostility within a group that wants to think out of the box. But, Guzzi people, especially on this board seem more intelligent than other boards like MoPar or AMC. We are all born alone, and we all will die alone, so please let these outsider guzzi ists build a safe project that conveys who they are. God forbid, if I end up dying or lose the ability to ride, at least my last ride will have been on a bike I've built. This is not an 'outing', but a call to guzzi ists to share their wealth of knowledge to the 'outsiders' And for the purists and well versed, it's also good to make call when someone has a stupid idea (like me wanting to break in my motor on an engine stand) So, this is also a call to customizers, please show us what you got so others might be inspired.
Kind Regards, Mother
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/nathanappel/IMG_0800.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/nathanappel/media/IMG_0800.jpg.html)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/nathanappel/IMG_0647.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/nathanappel/media/IMG_0647.jpg.html)
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850T wasn't meant to be pure.
It's the ultimate Guzzi platform for personalization!
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850T wasn't meant to be pure.
:1:
True that. I remember seeing a rally pic that was on the cover of an old newsletter. The bikes were lining either side of the road. EVERY one of them had a Windjammer on it and they all looked like Ts.
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Never heard of people in our community thinking 850Ts were too pure to mess with. Maybe just jealous that you have it and not they.
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I think everyone is different in that respect. I dont condone modifying, chopping and cutting the prime original examples but if someone rescued a neglected bike and customizes it and gets it on the road, good on you. I think we NEED all these bikes, customs, original, restored etc. I want to see them on the road, not wasting away. Yours looks good to me so far. Keep up the good work. And truth be told, I would love to build one in such a fashion some day. It would look good sitting next to my very lightly restored 1000SP.
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I bought my 2003 Aluminium with a purpose in mind. To make it my own. I did not hesitated to cut a tab of here or weld something on there. It is my bike and could care less about its condition when it is sold. Which I have no intention of selling. It will be the last of the 5 bike in my man cave to go. It is my hobby and my toy. It is not the perfect bike and it is not a do everything perfect bike. It is not completely to the point that I want either.
I do have three old bikes that are mostly all original, a 1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD and a 1993 Kawasaki ZR1100 and a Yamaha FJ1200.
(http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/orangeguzzi/IMG_0967.jpg) (http://s468.photobucket.com/user/orangeguzzi/media/IMG_0967.jpg.html)
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"Customize" an old Guzzi to make one fit your needs? NEVER!! :angry:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag65/guzzistajohn/lemansIIIgarage%20001_zpsryeakhs1.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/guzzistajohn/media/lemansIIIgarage%20001_zpsryeakhs1.jpg.html)
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:1:
True that. I remember seeing a rally pic that was on the cover of an old newsletter. The bikes were lining either side of the road. EVERY one of them had a Windjammer on it and they all looked like Ts.
thanks fellas
I see a lot gag and puke emoticons for any chopped Guzzi. The race folk are pretty cool though and have good tips
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When I restored my Eldorado I decided to make it look stock but it's anything but, I figure I rescued it from the scrap heap I can do anything I like. The only reason to keep it looking stock is to take advantage of collector plate insurance.
I don't like chopping bits off though, but that's just me.
While I admire a well restored bike I also admire a well thought out custom, the monoshock looks good, keep the cards and letters coming.
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This is a breath of fresh air. I've seen bobbers and many cafe racers on this site that have been given the stink eye. One builder that actually has gotten good feedback is Lurker
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By inclination, I'd be a bit of a purist, if I didn't end up beating my bikes up on unpaved roads in the middle of nowhere and modifying them to carry extra gas and whatever camping gear I can strap on.
I think it boils down to quality. Some people take a bike like a perfectly good 850T, hack it to bits and call it a cafe racer or bobber or whatever. Others take a similar bike (or, as in your case) a box of bits, re-engineer it with respect and honour to the original design and come up with something wonderful.
We've seen both. I hope yours is the latter. Good luck and happy wrenching.
BTW - love that first photograph!
Nick
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(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/trike/rolling%20chassis%204-dumb_zpsos16uixv.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/trike/rolling%20chassis%204-dumb_zpsos16uixv.jpg.html)
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/fenderhinge3_zps547bf2bd.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/fenderhinge3_zps547bf2bd.jpg.html)
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Horses for courses, or in RK's instance, a "horse of a different color"!
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I have a friend with an MG Midget. He bought 2 of them, both totaled, for a couple hundred bucks about 30 years ago. He welded them together to make one good one. Over the next 10 years and 200,000 miles the Midget evolved a bit. Engine and 5 speed from a datsun, steering and disk brakes from a Chevette, lovely paint, etc.
So one year he goes to British Car Days in Greensboro NC and opens the bonnet and takes off a wheel so people could see the mods. Well, as you can imagine, the stuck up sticky beaks in the crowd railed on him about how he had RUINED the Midget! He just smiles at them and says "It was 2 totaled cars that cost 300 bucks. What exactly did I ruin?"
I think a fan of any kind of vehicle would be saddened to see a fine example cut up to make something else. But a beat down basket case? It's a blank canvas! I would most likely build something close to original 'cause I dig that. But If you wanna build your bike to suit your needs? Go for it!
Hunter
P.S The Midget now has over 500k on it!
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You had me going for a minute, Hunter. I was trying to think of a Moto Guzzi model called a "Midget". :laugh:
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Mine started life with me as a crash totaled 04 EV -- no straight tin, broken wiring, and head pipes squashed flat. I had a net $450 into it when bastardization started. Anything I did from the starting point was an improvement.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/overview2.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/overview2.jpg.html)
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/session2-1.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/session2-1.jpg.html)
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Mine started life with me as a crash totaled 04 EV -- no straight tin, broken wiring, and head pipes squashed flat. I had a net $450 into it when bastardization started. Anything I did from the starting point was an improvement.
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/overview2.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/overview2.jpg.html)
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/session2-1.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/session2-1.jpg.html)
nice
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This T-3s life with me started as a stripped (of police stuff) police model. Engine is no longer stock, nor the suspension and obviously not the paint job. But I like it.
(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww107/jpeters16/DSCN0485.jpg) (http://s710.photobucket.com/user/jpeters16/media/DSCN0485.jpg.html)
GliderJohn
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This T-3s life with me started as a stripped (of police stuff) police model. Engine is no longer stock, nor the suspension and obviously not the paint job. But I like it.
(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww107/jpeters16/DSCN0485.jpg) (http://s710.photobucket.com/user/jpeters16/media/DSCN0485.jpg.html)
GliderJohn
That's a purty one!
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It's always been my opinion that once a man buys a motorcycle, it's his to do with as he pleases. No matter how godawful, stupid, ugly, or misguided.
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It's always been my opinion that once a man buys a motorcycle, it's his to do with as he pleases. No matter how godawful, stupid, ugly, or misguided.
God bless you.
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There are two key criterior here, 1...are the modifications soundly engineered and 2....do they enhance the original bike.
Style and good taste?....well thats a whole other topic.
Ciao
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It's always been my opinion that once a man buys a motorcycle, it's his to do with as he pleases. No matter how godawful, stupid, ugly, or misguided.
And there you have it. Pardon the slight drift but the same is true of gifts. You give someone something and they might sell it, break it, use it for a dog toy or put it aside and forget about it. It's theirs to do with what they will.
Hunter
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(http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/5/e/6/highres_211670662.jpeg)
00 Jackal, Dawson City Yukon courtesy of Rodekyll
BTW-The Goldwing across the street had a knobby front tire and a car tire on the rear. :bow:
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It's always been my opinion that once a man buys a motorcycle, it's his to do with as he pleases. No matter how godawful, stupid, ugly, or misguided.
Thats true but I think the issue that arises and causes the vitriole is that by doing the above you drag the rest of the motorcycle/brand community down in the eyes of the non motorcyclists. I wish that didnt really matter but unfortunately in the modern world it does.
I wouldnt mind a Harley to cruize around on but my wife that happily gets on the back of the Guzzi is dead against Harleys because of all the cutoff staggered shorty dual no muffling Harley riders that think its cool to blast full throttle up nice Cafe strips where we are enjoying a quiet Sunday brunch.
For her its an image that sticks. I'm working slowly on that but imagine joe public without a motorcyclist in their life to provide some balance.
So when you see a nice old MK1 Le mans turned into an ape hanger equipped raked out chopper with Guzzi on the side I can understand why the purists get upset. Its questionable taste and poor engineering by association in the eyes of many
Ciao
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Changing handlebars isn't exactly what I call customizing, but here is a shot of my first Guzzi, on the road as of yesterday(http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w334/pat80flh/IMG_1997_zpsbbtgjfrs.jpg)
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(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww107/jpeters16/DSCN0485.jpg)
Well, now I finally know where the front fender that's on my Mille came from. :grin: I think it's safe to say that if you wanted to, you could reverse your fork sliders and have the calipers to the rear, and still have the fender fit.
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It's what you do WITH them, not TO them that counts. :thumb:
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/solstice5bwdumb_zpsad83a323.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/solstice5bwdumb_zpsad83a323.jpg.html)
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It's what you do WITH them, not TO them that counts. :thumb:
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/evil%20twin/solstice5bwdumb_zpsad83a323.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/evil%20twin/solstice5bwdumb_zpsad83a323.jpg.html)
well said
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Mom , in the first pic it looks like you need a bro hug , so here you go
A BIG BRO HUG FROM OKLAHOMA
Don't let the nattering nabobs of negativity bother you :laugh:
Dusty
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Here's one on eBay that fits your criteria
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=161798847062&globalID=EBAY-US
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My favorite picture of all time that has been posted of customized bikes. I LOVE these bikes.
(http://www.guzzipower.com/Ugly/Elvis10.JPG)
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(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/nathanappel/IMG_0800.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/nathanappel/media/IMG_0800.jpg.html)
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/nathanappel/IMG_0647.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/nathanappel/media/IMG_0647.jpg.html)
I'm digging the gold rims with the polished tank. Gold Brembo brakes calipers and rotors would add a little more gold. I'm picturing beefy USD black forks on your bike. Did you make the mono-shock rear swingarm?
I've always admired this café racer Guzzi. I like the fact that it has a rear fender and a seat hump. So many café'ed bikes don't have a rear fender which looks wrong to me.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/AVandeput/Garage/GuzziFinal052005-2.jpg)
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A few more of my favorite Guzzi customs/café racers for possible inspiration...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VXXOYbOxBAY/TE_1j3YLm7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/ZexPBDzyE-o/s1600/johnw.jpg)
(http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/firestarter_garage_moto_guzzi.jpg)
(http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/moto-guzzi-california.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Family%20Pics/image.jpg1_zpsivt5gxbn.jpg)
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Best modded Guzzis I've ever seen are Greg Fields Super Eldo, George Dockery's Tonti build, and Mark Etheridge's modern Eldorado.
-AJ
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(http://cdn.hiconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Moto-Guzzi-850-Beto-by-Revival-Cycles-2.jpg)
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It would be impossible to keep a running 850T stock, if only because of the chrome barrels. I don't consider mine a custom, but the upgrades are numerous, and "purity" has been sacrificed to practicality at every service. Aside from the Gilardoni kit, I've updated the entire electric system, clutch spline, front brake system (all of it), dampers, bars, saddle, fairing etc etc. Doesn't look radical but it's a better bike than it started out.
(https://skiyoungernow.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2upnov14.jpg)
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I think there's a lot of resistance to heavily modifying a Guzzi "to make it my own" because many believe that the Guzzi is already an expression of an artist. After all, they are hand-built in an ancient, storied lake-side factory, with roaming violinists, spontaneous passionate hand-waving debates, and 4-hour lunch "hours".
And all (or at least most :wink:) of that is true. IMO, even the plain-yet-handsome T & T-3 have their own subdued presence and flair.
There is also the fact that familiarity breeds contempt, and over the past decade(s) we've been subject to "customs", "bobbers", "choppers" ad nauseum so that they've become a caricature of their original intent. Cruise ebay or especially Craigslist for 5 seconds and you'll be exposed to a sad assortment of motorcycles that have been modified (or even produced from the factory!) so that they barely lean and can't be ridden by a sober person for more than a few miles. So a knee-jerk negative reaction to customization is somewhat understandable.
In the end, though, these motorcycles, love 'em as we do, came from dust, and will eventually return to dust. Just like us. They shape us and we shape them, a little or a lot, then both get recycled back into the universe to take other forms. So if you see a particularly horrendous custom motorcycle, just sigh and remember "this too shall pass." If it's a properly customized Guzzi, "this too shall pass...me."
PS: I like what I'm seeing in this thread so far!
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Well damn SeanF , that was a GREAT bit of philosophy , and well written :bow:
Dusty
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I've never left a bike stock.
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j384/portablevcb/guzzi/CE966C11-A31B-45E4-8A8A-FD20707B2164.jpg)
New trunk.
(http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j384/portablevcb/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-08/20150801_090259.jpg)
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Mom , in the first pic it looks like you need a bro hug , so here you go
A BIG BRO HUG FROM OKLAHOMA
Don't let the nattering nabobs of negativity bother you :laugh:
Dusty
LOL, I could always use a hug. I was in the middle of trying to figure out the shifting and brake bracket (perplexed as usual) when my 8yr old niece took the picture and asked to get some candy (I give my nephews/niece candy points for every good thing they do) but I couldn't take her that moment, my hands were full of guzzi parts and I didn't want to forget where they go!
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I also want to say thanks to all the posters with pics of their bikes, it's really cool seeing Guzzi's as dressers/cafe/custom sport adventure, etc. I'll probably end up stealing a bunch of ideas from this thread. PS, that Trike is awesome. One of my favorite moments was a custom bike show at MoonEyes L.A. I got to meet Ed Roth (he was wearing his Rat Fink top hat and let me put it on!!!) when 12-15 custom trikes showed up in formation! It was awesome!
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Here's one on eBay that fits your criteria
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=161798847062&globalID=EBAY-US
Cool! Not a fan of the front fender, but that's his choice. It's interesting to see a "cafe" build that makes it look bulkier than the original bike (Cal Vintage?)
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I bought my 2003 Aluminium with a purpose in mind. To make it my own. I did not hesitated to cut a tab of here or weld something on there. It is my bike and could care less about its condition when it is sold. Which I have no intention of selling. It will be the last of the 5 bike in my man cave to go. It is my hobby and my toy. It is not the perfect bike and it is not a do everything perfect bike. It is not completely to the point that I want either.
I do have three old bikes that are mostly all original, a 1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD and a 1993 Kawasaki ZR1100 and a Yamaha FJ1200.
(http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/orangeguzzi/IMG_0967.jpg) (http://s468.photobucket.com/user/orangeguzzi/media/IMG_0967.jpg.html)
I love this bike, the color, tank, and slick seat makes it look pretty aggressive. I'm planning on running tracker bars like you have on your bike, they totally "work" in my eyes
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"Customize" an old Guzzi to make one fit your needs? NEVER!! :angry:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag65/guzzistajohn/lemansIIIgarage%20001_zpsryeakhs1.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/guzzistajohn/media/lemansIIIgarage%20001_zpsryeakhs1.jpg.html)
nice, what is that fairing off of. Really cool adventure bike
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This T-3s life with me started as a stripped (of police stuff) police model. Engine is no longer stock, nor the suspension and obviously not the paint job. But I like it.
(http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww107/jpeters16/DSCN0485.jpg) (http://s710.photobucket.com/user/jpeters16/media/DSCN0485.jpg.html)
GliderJohn
I LOVE that seat. You have a good eye for color combinations, normally if someone said black, red, and white, I'd think it would be tacky. But you somehow made it classy, especially with the red highlights on the little parts
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(http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/5/e/6/highres_211670662.jpeg)
00 Jackal, Dawson City Yukon courtesy of Rodekyll
BTW-The Goldwing across the street had a knobby front tire and a car tire on the rear. :bow:
I feel like I've seen that Jackal before. Was it ever published? Love the olive drab color, and the big bags
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Changing handlebars isn't exactly what I call customizing, but here is a shot of my first Guzzi, on the road as of yesterday(http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w334/pat80flh/IMG_1997_zpsbbtgjfrs.jpg)
sometimes it's the little things. how many people have had to do a double take on the bike, I bet non cyclists think it's a harley (which is also very cool)
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My favorite picture of all time that has been posted of customized bikes. I LOVE these bikes.
(http://www.guzzipower.com/Ugly/Elvis10.JPG)
It would be cool to meet this pack!
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I'm digging the gold rims with the polished tank. Gold Brembo brakes calipers and rotors would add a little more gold. I'm picturing beefy USD black forks on your bike. Did you make the mono-shock rear swingarm?
I've always admired this caf� racer Guzzi. I like the fact that it has a rear fender and a seat hump. So many caf�'ed bikes don't have a rear fender which looks wrong to me.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c14/AVandeput/Garage/GuzziFinal052005-2.jpg)
That cafe is BADASS!!!!! Unfortunately I only have the gold rear rim, I would need to deface and send the front rim for anodizing, but I'd like to get it going first. I don't even think I'll paint it until its broken in. And you must be a mind reader, I converted the single 850T disk to dual disks with Gold Brembo calipers and Ed Millich caliper adapters. I've always loved the legend of Mike Hailwood, and remember seeing him on a black and gold racer, it was beautiful
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A few more of my favorite Guzzi customs/caf� racers for possible inspiration...
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VXXOYbOxBAY/TE_1j3YLm7I/AAAAAAAAAKk/ZexPBDzyE-o/s1600/johnw.jpg)
(http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/firestarter_garage_moto_guzzi.jpg)
(http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/moto-guzzi-california.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Family%20Pics/image.jpg1_zpsivt5gxbn.jpg)
I think I've seen two or three of the bikes on Pipeburn or bike.exif That is the styling I'm going for. Ive never seen that matte black guzzi before, that's my favorite. Mean and simple
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(http://cdn.hiconsumption.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Moto-Guzzi-850-Beto-by-Revival-Cycles-2.jpg)
Beautiful, it feels like a guzzi/japanese combo. Never seen a tank like that before, but I LIKE IT!
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I feel like I've seen that Jackal before. Was it ever published? Love the olive drab color, and the big bags
I love this bike, and check out this thread often for that reason.
Check page 3
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=31457.60
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It would be impossible to keep a running 850T stock, if only because of the chrome barrels. I don't consider mine a custom, but the upgrades are numerous, and "purity" has been sacrificed to practicality at every service. Aside from the Gilardoni kit, I've updated the entire electric system, clutch spline, front brake system (all of it), dampers, bars, saddle, fairing etc etc. Doesn't look radical but it's a better bike than it started out.
(https://skiyoungernow.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2upnov14.jpg)
This is one of my favorite posts Testarossa. What you've said is undeniable, and the most important thing about owning a bike, is riding it with confidence
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I think there's a lot of resistance to heavily modifying a Guzzi "to make it my own" because many believe that the Guzzi is already an expression of an artist. After all, they are hand-built in an ancient, storied lake-side factory, with roaming violinists, spontaneous passionate hand-waving debates, and 4-hour lunch "hours".
And all (or at least most :wink:) of that is true. IMO, even the plain-yet-handsome T & T-3 have their own subdued presence and flair.
There is also the fact that familiarity breeds contempt, and over the past decade(s) we've been subject to "customs", "bobbers", "choppers" ad nauseum so that they've become a caricature of their original intent. Cruise ebay or especially Craigslist for 5 seconds and you'll be exposed to a sad assortment of motorcycles that have been modified (or even produced from the factory!) so that they barely lean and can't be ridden by a sober person for more than a few miles. So a knee-jerk negative reaction to customization is somewhat understandable.
In the end, though, these motorcycles, love 'em as we do, came from dust, and will eventually return to dust. Just like us. They shape us and we shape them, a little or a lot, then both get recycled back into the universe to take other forms. So if you see a particularly horrendous custom motorcycle, just sigh and remember "this too shall pass." If it's a properly customized Guzzi, "this too shall pass...me."
PS: I like what I'm seeing in this thread so far!
I totally agree with OldBike, the last paragraph. Zen and the art of motorcycling!
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I bought this jacket in '91. I went to my seat upholster and we went over prices, including vinyl/leather. I offered up my jacket, too fat to fit in it, but I've never been knocked out, fallen or whatever and hope it will give my bike that 'special mojo' I'll post pics of the seat as soon as I get it back! (http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e181/nathanappel/IMG_0808.jpg) (http://s39.photobucket.com/user/nathanappel/media/IMG_0808.jpg.html)
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I;ll chime in with my $0.02 (which is worth exactly what you paid me for it)...
I'm all for keeping pristine old bikes pristine... but when it comes down to it, whatever it takes to get them back on the road is good by me, a bike on the road is worth 10 in a showroom.
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http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2010/03/29/moto-guzzi-cafe-racer.html (http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2010/03/29/moto-guzzi-cafe-racer.html)
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I'm glad to see this thread...
So a little about me (in the spirit of OP's post). Been through motocross and street bikes in the 80s, old Porsches (914s and 912s) and VWs (Ghias) in the 90'sand early 2000s, and took a break with little kid raising until 2008 when I got divorced, got good solid cusstody of my kids and got back into motorcycles. I'm 45. I've got older brothers who lived through the 70's motocross era and my dad used to race a Formula Vee with another guy and he owned a Taylorcraft, the other guy had an old Cessna 172. I flew an airplane before I drove a car. Messing with this stuff is in my blood. Im no where near as naturally awesome as my dad or a bunch of guys on this board but i try. My old man just sold the '69 steel tanker Penton that EVERYONE in my family learned to ride on. He had all the unobtanium parts stored away and got a good price for the bike. My oldest bro had turned it into an unrecognizable MX bike with all plastic, no lights etc many years ago.
Through all this, in every single one of these groups of owners, there are the busybody guys who get their panties in a twist if you "destroy the purity of a classic" ....one you own,maintain, pay the insurance on, ride and they the stare at and blow hot air about btw. The P car guys are the worst of the lot. I know a brilliant Porsche 356 mechanic who quit and moved on in the 90s to drag racers becasue his P car client base became unbearable for him to deal with and this was in the era of 100k speedsters just coming to pass. He was making very good money.
I understand being the steward of a truly rare and classic machine and a certain responsibility comes with that. An 850 LM in good shape, hell yeah, save that sucker. There are a few other moderns Guzzis I feel fall into this category but I won't list them here because it's just opinion and no more important than the next guy.
The reason I'm posting this is after 8 years on my LM III, doing my own maintenence, returning it to stock in places and improving others, I just blew the engine up. Lost a rear main seal on the freeway and by the time I figured out what happened, the lump was a doorstop from top end to bottom end. Turned out the oil pressure sender was dead. Anyway.....
I'm putting a massaged 1000cc rebuild into the bike (with help from a local Guzzi Guru) and I'm putting all the stock plastic and fused lump into storage, moving the guages into a low profile plate and reconfiguring everything, fairing, lights, fenders etc etc.Not cutting the frame but a new front end with modern forks in in the long term plan. I've gotten a fair amount of hassles from a few vocal folks (not here btw) about how I'm ruining a classic bike and one went so far as to say I shouldn't own such a machine if I'm not willing to keep it stock. To them I say.....Suck it.
It's true, a bone stock LM III might be moderately valuable in at some time and a time capsule machine is somthing I appreciate as much as the next guy but right now, you can get one well under 10k so if you want to be the vanguard of the marque, go buy one and knock yourself out buddy. 10k isn't chump change but still, we aren't talking classic Ferraris here.
The P car guys have even gotten fed up with the BS. There is a sizable "outlaw" movement for old 911s and 356s now. Those cars get wrenched on and driven hard as they were intended to be in the first place. More power to them. Let some other guy trailer his ride to the show and let some stick up the ass judge with a white glove on assess for "correct" badging and woven cover spark plug wires.
Sorry for the rant and no offense if you're a collector of stock machinery. That is a beautiful thing and someone has to be the one to keep a few pristine examples around and I sincerely thank you becasue that's a big commitment. I just get so tired of the opinions from the busybodies and sideliners who who take it upon themselves to explain my motorcycle to me.
I love this thread. Thanks for starting it, NCAmother
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I love the idea of using your old leather jacket as a seat cover. That's really great touch. I just recently restored a G5 and my personal challenge was to bring back to factory as close as I could. I'm glad I did because it turned out to my liking and now that it's done, I'm glad I did. Would I do it again?... probably not. Trying to do a nuts and bolts restoration on an old bike as a first major restoration is only for the insane. Factory parts are really hard to come by, etc. etc. The pro's to doing that is that I really learned a lot of details and subtle nuances between years on the same model. Is that going to do me any good?... Probably not, just like the weird equations and other non-sense classes I took in school growing up. My next restoration will have some flex. My idea of a custom bike would be something that at least looks 70-ish percent like the original bike, as in, if someone looks at it can say, yep that's a such-and-such, but it's done up nicely. I personally glance over the customs that are difficult to identify, cause at that point a Guzzi café might as well be a Honda or Kawasaki cafe' (nothing wrong with this, just saying for the example).
Again, that's just how I see it. Customizing is great, and I love a tubbed out Pinto for example - as long as it still looks mostly like a pinto - Make sense?
That said, you shouldn't worry about what people say about other people's bikes. That's not cool when people do that. If anything, let that be fuel and motivation to make yours special and really kickin'
Good luck, and looking forward in seeing the progress of your project(s)
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The car guys use the term "restomod" , it might be applicable here .
Dusty
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I'm glad to see this thread...
So a little about me (in the spirit of OP's post). Been through motocross and street bikes in the 80s, old Porsches (914s and 912s) and VWs (Ghias) in the 90'sand early 2000s, and took a break with little kid raising until 2008 when I got divorced, got good solid cusstody of my kids and got back into motorcycles. I'm 45. I've got older brothers who lived through the 70's motocross era and my dad used to race a Formula Vee with another guy and he owned a Taylorcraft, the other guy had an old Cessna 172. I flew an airplane before I drove a car. Messing with this stuff is in my blood. Im no where near as naturally awesome as my dad or a bunch of guys on this board but i try. My old man just sold the '69 steel tanker Penton that EVERYONE in my family learned to ride on. He had all the unobtanium parts stored away and got a good price for the bike. My oldest bro had turned it into an unrecognizable MX bike with all plastic, no lights etc many years ago.
Through all this, in every single one of these groups of owners, there are the busybody guys who get their panties in a twist if you "destroy the purity of a classic" ....one you own,maintain, pay the insurance on, ride and they the stare at and blow hot air about btw. The P car guys are the worst of the lot. I know a brilliant Porsche 356 mechanic who quit and moved on in the 90s to drag racers becasue his P car client base became unbearable for him to deal with and this was in the era of 100k speedsters just coming to pass. He was making very good money.
I understand being the steward of a truly rare and classic machine and a certain responsibility comes with that. An 850 LM in good shape, hell yeah, save that sucker. There are a few other moderns Guzzis I feel fall into this category but I won't list them here because it's just opinion and no more important than the next guy.
The reason I'm posting this is after 8 years on my LM III, doing my own maintenence, returning it to stock in places and improving others, I just blew the engine up. Lost a rear main seal on the freeway and by the time I figured out what happened, the lump was a doorstop from top end to bottom end. Turned out the oil pressure sender was dead. Anyway.....
I'm putting a massaged 1000cc rebuild into the bike (with help from a local Guzzi Guru) and I'm putting all the stock plastic and fused lump into storage, moving the guages into a low profile plate and reconfiguring everything, fairing, lights, fenders etc etc.Not cutting the frame but a new front end with modern forks in in the long term plan. I've gotten a fair amount of hassles from a few vocal folks (not here btw) about how I'm ruining a classic bike and one went so far as to say I shouldn't own such a machine if I'm not willing to keep it stock. To them I say.....Suck it.
It's true, a bone stock LM III might be moderately valuable in at some time and a time capsule machine is somthing I appreciate as much as the next guy but right now, you can get one well under 10k so if you want to be the vanguard of the marque, go buy one and knock yourself out buddy. 10k isn't chump change but still, we aren't talking classic Ferraris here.
The P car guys have even gotten fed up with the BS. There is a sizable "outlaw" movement for old 911s and 356s now. Those cars get wrenched on and driven hard as they were intended to be in the first place. More power to them. Let some other guy trailer his ride to the show and let some stick up the ass judge with a white glove on assess for "correct" badging and woven cover spark plug wires.
Sorry for the rant and no offense if you're a collector of stock machinery. That is a beautiful thing and someone has to be the one to keep a few pristine examples around and I sincerely thank you becasue that's a big commitment. I just get so tired of the opinions from the busybodies and sideliners who who take it upon themselves to explain my motorcycle to me.
I love this thread. Thanks for starting it, NCAmother
Nice post. I also think there is a demand for "originality" in the money market. As soon as the cutoff wheel was fired up, my bike went from some value to none. But I don't care. And why cut up a Guzzi instead of a Laverda or Ducati, well the design of the motor touches my drag racing past(V8 Mopars), the tonti frame is so simple, its beautiful. The 850T is a nice bike, but it was built for mass production. At Don Garlets shop, people would be either wowed or offended because he'd drop in a stroked supercharged Hemi into a Dodge Dart, and that was just one of the specialty mods he'd do to autos (let alone front engine dragsters), Big daddy didn't give a shit what other people thought, he won and he lost races (including a blown motor that took half his foot), but he never stopped. At one point in his shop, he had four plymouth road runners that he added crossbars, roll cages and 4 link suspension to make them survive 1k+ horsepower hemis. Everything was gutted, humongous wheel wells installed, stock gauges and pads and seats were thrown away, and he'd add a 10"AutoMeter tach with shift light as the only thing to look at besides the road. This was in the '90s, and people were buying up muscle cars and vintage bikes like crazy. I asked if he could run it down for me, we went to some outskirt in L.A. (he actually drove the car 15 miles) and when he lit up that SOB, I was pushed so back into my seat, it took quite an effort to lift my arm and grab the roll cage. I probably looked like one of those astronauts in a G-Force test. When all that was done, I think we got cheeseburgers or something, and I commented that I've never been in a street car that fast. His response was, the car belonged to the bodyshop guy and he didn't feel safe taking me out in his street/strip '64 Polara that was heavily recognized and he didn't want to pull it out in the daytime where the locals would see and call the cops on him. That was when the "bug" bit me in the ass and made me realize you only live once, whatever hobby your into wether photography, knitting, or driving, do what you want and don't compromise. I am a fan of concourse bikes and cars, it's a piece of history, but if someone wants to tell you that is the only way, well....f*** 'em. Today his cars are a piece of history, and iconic in the S/S world
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I love the idea of using your old leather jacket as a seat cover. That's really great touch. I just recently restored a G5 and my personal challenge was to bring back to factory as close as I could. I'm glad I did because it turned out to my liking and now that it's done, I'm glad I did. Would I do it again?... probably not. Trying to do a nuts and bolts restoration on an old bike as a first major restoration is only for the insane. Factory parts are really hard to come by, etc. etc. The pro's to doing that is that I really learned a lot of details and subtle nuances between years on the same model. Is that going to do me any good?... Probably not, just like the weird equations and other non-sense classes I took in school growing up. My next restoration will have some flex. My idea of a custom bike would be something that at least looks 70-ish percent like the original bike, as in, if someone looks at it can say, yep that's a such-and-such, but it's done up nicely. I personally glance over the customs that are difficult to identify, cause at that point a Guzzi caf� might as well be a Honda or Kawasaki cafe' (nothing wrong with this, just saying for the example).
Again, that's just how I see it. Customizing is great, and I love a tubbed out Pinto for example - as long as it still looks mostly like a pinto - Make sense?
That said, you shouldn't worry about what people say about other people's bikes. That's not cool when people do that. If anything, let that be fuel and motivation to make yours special and really kickin'
Good luck, and looking forward in seeing the progress of your project(s)
Well written post, and I dig that you restored your bike close to stock. I have nothing against purest, I actually admire the purests. It is a privilege to see a bike in original condition, and without that, I would have nothing to reference to. I think the fact you wanted to build a stock bike, and you did finish it, is an accomplishment in itself, awesome. Just for you, if I can find a pic of my brothers tubbed 401i gremlin, I'll give em to you. I have 3 or 4 friends that run the Pan America race (The US to Mexico City and back) I think it is required to run a pre 1965 car or truck, and seeing all these cars together feels like a Mad Max audition. And yes, I've seen a Hudson run the race.
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Everything about it is custom. SB Lario on steroids with different suspension and brakes. She moves and she handles sweet.
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac249/kevin3019/Lario/CC203FF4-D8B5-4901-AD61-CBD5C921B2A5.jpg)
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Everything about it is custom. SB Lario on steroids with different suspension and brakes. She moves and she handles sweet.
(http://i904.photobucket.com/albums/ac249/kevin3019/Lario/CC203FF4-D8B5-4901-AD61-CBD5C921B2A5.jpg)
Your bike is one the small blocks around these parts that opened my eyes to the fun to be had with the smaller displacement Guzzis. Spent some time a while back scoping out one of Sean Faders old race bikes as well when I was in his shop (RTL Moto).
NCAmother, great car story :thumb:
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....find a pic of my brothers tubbed 401i gremlin...
That's crazy that you you/brother have nearly the same car of the random tubbed car I used for the example (Pinto/Gremlin). What are the odds!
:grin:
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Did someone say Gremlin? Yep, dad bought a purple one :) Brother 'inherited' it and did a full rebuild on it.
Sister-in-law had a gold one. She said she'd drive it until the doors fell off. A year later one did! Hinge rusted out. And this was in southern NM!
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That's crazy that you you/brother have nearly the same car of the random tubbed car I used for the example (Pinto/Gremlin). What are the odds!
:grin:
I haven't even seen a Pinto or Gremlin on the street or track in 10 years. One of my favorite custom cars was a 60's dodge van, A100? The van was built by the factory so a /6 or 318 was right next to your knee and shifting hand. I got to see a customized A100 with beautiful blue boat flake paint job and a freaking 426 hemi in that little cab!
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Hi there! First post from a long time lurker, but this is a really nice post that's show what i love about Moto Guzzi. The frame and motor itself is a beautiful blank canvas that can be made in to almost anything you want, IF the workmanship is good enough. A poorly build custom bike will seldom be better looking than a stock bike in my opinion. But again that is just that, opinions.
I agree on keeping old pristine bikes in their pristine condition as someone mentioned earlier, but if donor/canvas bike is in really bad condition or comes in boxes I can't really see why you shouldn't be allowed to build them into what kind of bike you want.
Here is my current project at my first Guzzi. It is based on a 850 T5 but has been heavily modified by some previous owner. A little too much to be allowed on the road in Denmark.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy237/Sandbergcal/IMAG0363.jpg)
Here is my first Moto Guzzi as I bought it. Due to all the frame modifications I can't get it on the road. I am currently moving all the parts to another T5 frame to get it to be roadlegal. (or almost at least.) :grin:
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy237/Sandbergcal/moto%20guzzi%20mock%20up2.jpg)
This is how I imagine the paint scheme should be. Haven't decided if I'll make a glove/toolbox and new sidecovers but will build the bike so it is possible to run it both with and without the toolbox. I'll also return it to twin shock and keep the lower frame rails.
(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy237/Sandbergcal/IMAG0048.jpg)
This is the bike which will donate frame and other parts to the "Café racer". The raw frames I could find was so expensive that it was cheaper to buy a complete motorcycle instead. The donor bike looks like it is in much better condition as it really is. The previous owner did not take very good care of it.
I will make a new thread with the progress on the bike at some point.
Best Guzzi wishes
Ulrik
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(http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy237/Sandbergcal/IMAG0363.jpg)
What a beast! Love it! What do you have to change to make it street legal? Too bad you can't keep it that way, looks like a lot of thought and great craftsmanship has been put into it.
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What a beast! Love it! What do you have to change to make it street legal? Too bad you can't keep it that way, looks like a lot of thought and great craftsmanship has been put into it.
The frame modifications like Mono shock damper and removal of lower framerails is not something the MOT guys like at all, If I was to get it MOT'ed like this it would require a TÜV approval, and that is a pricy thing to get done. Especially as I have to transport the bike to Germany, get the TÜV guys to look at it, test it and approve it.
It looks nicer than it is when you get up close and look at the details. It will be much nicer when it is done (I hope) :grin:
The plan is to use the other T5 frame and make it look pretty much as it does here, just with twin Wilbers shocks, 45mm Marzocchi Forks, La Franconi Compozitione exhaust, Moto Gadget ChronoClassic and a moto gadget m-unit for the electrics. All parts except the M-unit are bought and ready to be mounted to the new frame. Which just came back from the painter after I left for work again :azn:
As I am working in Indonesia and the bike is in Denmark, I can only work on it in my holidays, which is why it will take some time to get it done :grin: My 1967 Alfa Romeo stepnose also wants some attention when I'm home. Can't do everything at the same time, but then again, Rome wasn't build in a day.
- Ulrik
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I think the big block 1970's Guzzi is one of the best platforms for customization. Good on you to take an otherwise plain old bike and make it something special. I admire anyone who takes on the challenge of a custom build. I have built a few customs based on Yamaha XT500 and TT500 singles and am slowly planning how to turn a very toired 850T into something that will be special to me. Your single shock Guzzi has got me thinking!
Cheers
Jim