Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: viggo51 on January 18, 2016, 09:38:15 PM
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After 33 years my father is finally letting me have his 81 CX100. Some history, he had it ordered in Boise Idaho and to his knowledge it was the only CX100 in the state at that time. A some time later (4037 miles) he laid it down in Portland Oregon on rainy day. My mother promised certain death (or castration) if he ever dare to get on it again. A divorce, moving 7 times, and 33 years went by and He kept pushing it to one domicile to the next. I was visiting him in Idaho and he finally succumbed to my annual plead to let me take possession of this Italian masterpiece :bow:
The bike: 4037 original miles on it and right side damage from the accident. The bike has not been started for 33 years and is going to need some serious TLC. I would appreciate any comments or suggestions for restoration or possible modifications. I not sure to attempt to keep it original due to its low miles or to make a tasteful cafe'.
Damage is to the Faring (not Pictured) and the lower right body faring is MIA.
Looking forward to your suggestions and thanks in advance!
John C
(http://[URL=http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/Guzzi/image_zpsegadgjsg.jpeg.html][IMG]http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/Guzzi/image_zpsegadgjsg.jpeg)[/URL][/img]
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/Guzzi/image_zpsa1v3b3je.jpeg) (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/Guzzi/image_zpsa1v3b3je.jpeg.html)
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/Guzzi/image_zpsqwl7wqcp.jpeg) (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/Guzzi/image_zpsqwl7wqcp.jpeg.html)
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Not many around, even fewer that are original. I would keep it stock and cafe a more available model.
Regards
Matt
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Congrats, and what a great story that comes along with the bike. Looking forward to some photos
My opinion, I'd leave it stock. It's a great survivor and I'd keep it that way.
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I've had my cx for 27 years, not worth 2 shits, you should sell it to me cheap :thumb:
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag65/guzzistajohn/GRANDCANYONcrop001_zps50994e29.jpg) (http://s1299.photobucket.com/user/guzzistajohn/media/GRANDCANYONcrop001_zps50994e29.jpg.html)
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I have an `81 CX100 too. If you want to keep it's value anywhere near what it is worth don't strip it into a café bike. If it's been inside all these years it should be in pretty good shape, depending what crash damage was done to it. You can mount a conventional handlebar on it, unlike most other LeMans models. I put a euro touring bar on mine.
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I have an `81 CX100 too. If you want to keep it's value anywhere near what it is worth don't strip it into a café bike. If it's been inside all these years it should be in pretty good shape, depending what crash damage was done to it. You can mount a conventional handlebar on it, unlike most other LeMans models. I put a euro touring bar on mine.
Didn't you try to butcher yours into a trike?
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Would be helpful to see some pics of the crash damage so we might evaluate if there is some underlying, important damage. The motor and gear stuff should all be fine with a lubricant change. Prepare to rebuild the carbs. Prepare to flush, rebuild, replace anything hydraulic.
Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
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Didn't you try to butcher yours into a trike?
Naw, I was thinking about it but butchered it into a pseudo SP instead. Got a Convert. to butcher into a trike instead. :evil:
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More Photos!
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/Guzzi/image_zpseaa1qed6.jpeg) (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/Guzzi/image_zpseaa1qed6.jpeg.html)
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/Guzzi/image_zpsegadgjsg.jpeg) (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/Guzzi/image_zpsegadgjsg.jpeg.html)
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Poor dear, give her some lovin'
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Now I'm curious where the impact was. The fairing seems to be gone. That can be replaced.
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I've seen some for sale here. I sure like a round headlight. Got one (fairing) in the attic
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Impact was on the right side. Some superficial damage to the valve cover and cracked the faring (not pictured but I have it). Right lower faring presently missing. I like the look of round light and earlier faring design as well.
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I removed the lower fairings on my CX as I like the bike better w/o them. With the lower fairings you never get the heat off the jugs, which when it's cold is not good. W/o the lowers you tuck in behind the jugs and get the heat when it's cold, spread your legs out when it's hot and the heat goes between the bike and your legs. Best of both worlds. :thumb:
The original CX fairing really works good for protecting your upper body from the weather, even with a handlebar instead of clip ons. The LM 1 fairing is next to worthless for body protection. I have found in rainy conditions if I ride @ 65 mph and hunker down a little the rain will go right over the top of my body with the CX stock fairing/windshield w/clip ons. :cool:
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Just found the Lower faring pair on E bay. I had to buy them figure if I want to keep it original it would be good to have!
Arizona it never rains in the Pacific Northwest!
(http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb405/Viggo51/image_zps8swlxujs.jpeg) (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/Viggo51/media/image_zps8swlxujs.jpeg.html)
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Wow, that's nice of your Dad to keep it all this time for you/
Do a proper restoration
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Who cares about wind or weather protection. I'd ditch that butt-ugly dash and throw on an 850 LeMans dash and fairing. Nothing that couldn't be changed back to stock. Wish your dad would've come to his senses years earlier. Breaks my heart to see that bike sitting outside under a cover for all those years knowing he'll never do anything about it.
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I'm with Cam. Quite frankly, the CX while rare, is not anywhere near the price of a Lemans I and you can shelf all those parts if for some reason they turn around in price 40 years from now.
I would get it running just to make sure it doesn't sound like a bag of rocks and then strip it for a full restoration. The tank looks like it might buff out but clearly the side panels need paint, get Greg Bender to build a new wiring harness, there are new switches being made and the next ave is up to you, but I had Ed Millich lighten the flywheel, added a hotter cam and installed 36mm carbs. And you might as well get a valve job. The Bosch starter never worked right on mine so I'd suggest a Valeo for an easier start with less battery draw. And paint the frame, as I bet it looks like shyte. Mine had the least amount of paint I've ever seen on a motorcycle frame.
Good luck.
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If you're going to keep the bike the resale value of it is of little concern so do what you what with it.
If your plan is to sell it then keep it original as possible.
I'm a big fan of having a bike you'll ride and enjoy. A bike sitting because it is in too nice of condition or too original to risk riding it is worthless.
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first get the bike in proper riding condition , ride it , and decide if you want to make a cafe racer out of it.
i did the opposite, bought a ale mans 2 cafe racer , and restored it back to its original condition.
(http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/huubc1/lemans1_zpsyx5o5jcb.jpg)
(http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/huubc1/le%20mans%202_zpsagsdlurq.png)
these are brilliant bikes, personally i would be proud to have such a unique piece of family history.
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Beauty Huub :thumb:
John, I have a spare right valve cover.
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First off, the CX frame was painted flat black. Unlike the other Le Mans the dash also has a clock & volt meter. With a Corbin seat the CX is a perfect sport/tourer w/hepco-becker bags & rack like mine has. There are more LM1s around than CX100s. You get 50-60 mpg and can go over 200 miles easy between fillups. You can make the mags tubeless & add a Dyna ignition.
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Thanks Matteo,
My Pops did buy a replacement R valve cover soon after the accident.
I will soon have an extra left lower cowling faring if anyone is in need.
I think bodywork on the existing front faring, tires, and of course getting her running are the first priorities.
Sharp Guzzi Huub!
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I think a good cleaning will reveal how little that bike actually needs to get it up to decent conditions and safe riding conditions. The controls and dash will surprisingly look decent in my opinion using some cleaner products out there. Try Mother's Back-to-Black or something like that on them.
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I'd say get it 100% riding right and enjoy the patina of the bike your father gave you before considering any cafe conversion. Each dent and scrape has a family history :)
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Attaboy, huub. :thumb: Nice work.
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first get the bike in proper riding condition , ride it , and decide if you want to make a cafe racer out of it.
i did the opposite, bought a ale mans 2 cafe racer , and restored it back to its original condition.
(http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/huubc1/lemans1_zpsyx5o5jcb.jpg)
(http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag459/huubc1/le%20mans%202_zpsagsdlurq.png)
these are brilliant bikes, personally i would be proud to have such a unique piece of family history.
I had no idea they came in white, the colour really suits the full fairing, looks fantastic!
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Based on your post, my sincere advice is to find an experienced professional to make the motorcycle road worthy. Put some miles on it and decide what to do after that experience. If you're not qualified by previous projects don't start taking it apart on your own. You'll get in way over your head quickly. Spend your money (and you will) on a pro-- don't start ordering parts.
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I had no idea they came in white, the colour really suits the full fairing, looks fantastic!
Agreed. White really rocks on the early LeMans. :thumb:
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Agreed. White really rocks on the early LeMans. :thumb:
They also made very few 850 LeMans', more rare than the ice blue. A WG member over in Europe has one. Don't think they were ever imported.
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This white 1 is a Le Mans II. Don't think a CX ever came in white, but it wouldn't be hard to paint 1 that color. Knew a guy in the SF Bay area who had a blue Le Mans I. Also saw a white Le Mans III once. Think the reason I like white bikes is because they are rare. :bow:
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How do you guys in the US put up with a speedo that stops at 80mph? Does the needle have a stop at 80 or does it just keep going?
And that 55mph warning light!, I'd have to pull the bulb.
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Yes they came in White I had one.
The US parts book shoes part numbers for white red and blue.
Yes the blue was imported there is one in Manhattan owned by a doctor
TOMB
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How do you guys in the US put up with a speedo that stops at 80mph? Does the needle have a stop at 80 or does it just keep going?
And that 55mph warning light!, I'd have to pull the bulb.
My '80 CX reads to 140. (It's never been there) The '83 LMIII reads 80 the needle keeps on going. I've ran it to "M" many times (in MPH)
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The Aero Lario only goes to 80. I guess that's all she'll do.. :smiley:
I've seen a white LeMans III. One of the prettiest, IMHO, but I really like the Marlboro LeMans, too. Oh, hell, I like every LeMans they ever made.. :smiley: :boozing:
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How do you guys in the US put up with a speedo that stops at 80mph? Does the needle have a stop at 80 or does it just keep going?
And that 55mph warning light!, I'd have to pull the bulb.
The speedo needle just keeps on going around, so I used a label maker to show what speed it's at 90, 100,110, 120, when it gets there. Had mine up to 125 mph. :smiley:
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The Aero Lario only goes to 80. I guess that's all she'll do.. :smiley:
I've seen a white LeMans III. One of the prettiest, IMHO, but I really like the Marlboro LeMans, too. Oh, hell, I like every LeMans they ever made.. :smiley: :boozing:
My 750 Breva will do 105 mph so I'm sure your Lario will do more than that since it has more hp. But your valves might not like it. :undecided:
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Not quite a year ago I posted this topic. Thanks to everyone for their insight and advice. The CX 100 is now completed. A special shout out to Matteo Manfredi for the encouragement and PDX resources and my dad for body and paint work and the history lessons. I had the bike almost down to the frame although I did not take the engine out. New 36 mm carbs, Odyssey battery, Delrin intakes, Perilli Sport Demond tires, steel brake lines, new cables, head guards, and rubber everywhere. I've put 1200 miles on it and it pulls like a bull. Looking forward to some warmer weather and longer rides with new friends. Here are a few photos.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dzrdWF/IMG_1099.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dzrdWF) (http://thumb.ibb.co/mKrdWF/IMG_1101.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mKrdWF) (http://thumb.ibb.co/d7Lu5a/IMG_1102.jpg) (http://ibb.co/d7Lu5a) (http://thumb.ibb.co/idAu5a/IMG_1103.jpg) (http://ibb.co/idAu5a) (http://thumb.ibb.co/c79nQa/IMG_0549.jpg) (http://ibb.co/c79nQa) (http://thumb.ibb.co/dHNkBF/IMG_0825.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dHNkBF) (http://thumb.ibb.co/mGXkBF/IMG_0475.jpg) (http://ibb.co/mGXkBF) (http://thumb.ibb.co/k1zMka/IMG_0476.jpg) (http://ibb.co/k1zMka) (http://thumb.ibb.co/jrmOyv/IMG_0477.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jrmOyv) (http://thumb.ibb.co/eEXJWF/IMG_0977.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eEXJWF) (http://thumb.ibb.co/iVwOyv/IMG_0837.jpg) (http://ibb.co/iVwOyv)
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Lookin good John, can't wait to take the boys out for some fun!
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That looks perfect. I think the cx-100/lemans II is every bit as attractive as the original 850 Lemans.
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That looks perfect. I think the cx-100/lemans II is every bit as attractive as the original 850 Lemans.
If nothing else it gives better wind/weather protection. :thumb: I put a long Guzzi sidestand on mine for practicality. That spring loaded 1 is touchy and marginal. Gotta get my CX back on the roads. Right now all it needs is an alternator fix & battery.
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wow,nice job on the restauration.
good to see you left the fairing on
have fun discovering the bike...
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A beauty, if you ever plan to sell please list it here first!
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Your dad should be proud of you!
My father was when I put together my first Eldorado. I rode over to my parents house and my dad told me he was proud of me.😨
What for?, I asked. He said because I fixed up my bike and was out enjoying it.
You could have knocked me over with a feather.
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Attaboy.. :thumb: Now you know why people were telling you not to cafe it. :smiley:
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Looks great! :thumb:
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That's very nice.
How did it get done? Hand it over to a pro in one lump? Take it apart and send away the components to be done? Or do it all yourself in your shop, buying parts as necessary?
No matter which, congratulations on bringing this family heirloom back to a fun and useful life!
Lannis
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Looks fantastic, good on you for saving another beautiful and rare Guzzi :1:
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How do you guys in the US put up with a speedo that stops at 80mph? Does the needle have a stop at 80 or does it just keep going?
And that 55mph warning light!, I'd have to pull the bulb.
That was all by law back then. The Nanny State speed limit across the USA ("do this or lose federal road funding!") was 55 MPH, and nobody's speedometer went above 85 - I mean, what was the point, your vehicle couldn't travel faster than 55 (!!!).
Hard to remember what that was like. Even harder to remember The Great Oil Crisis of 1974, when fuel station attendants would not pump fuel (this was pre-self-service) unless you let them look at your fuel gauge and see that it was below 1/2 tank. A friend of mine in the physics department did a land-office business in rheostats that would let you adjust your fuel gauge with the twist of a dial ....
Lannis
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My '80 CX reads to 140. (It's never been there) The '83 LMIII reads 80 the needle keeps on going. I've ran it to "M" many times (in MPH)
I have an 83 US LMIII, it does not have a 80 speedo, it is 140mph
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Nice work!
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Nice work!
I have an 83 BMW R80 too....it has a 140mph speedo, I think that law got repealed in about 1982.
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The 85 mph speedometer law was repealed in 1981. It makes sense the that a lemans III would have a 140 mph speedo.
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My '81 CX100 has an 80 mph speedometer. :tongue: Thank you Jimmy Carter.
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The 85 mph speedometer law was repealed in 1981. It makes sense the that a lemans III would have a 140 mph speedo.
I imagine there was some lag time in how quick some manufacturers change back to the higher MPH meters too
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My CX100 was a 1980 and came in White from the factory. Even listed the parts in the parts book for Red, White, or Blue.
You don't se to many in White mostly Red ones and with aprox 350 units imported to the USA ( they were USA models ) I
guess mine was quite rare, I sold it to a Guzzi rider in Fort Meyers Fla about 15yrs ago .
I have a pic here somewhere but cant post at this time.
TOMB
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Well done in reviving this beauty! Is your dad in any position to sneak out for 'one last ride' around the block?
Cheers,
Shaun
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My '81 G5 also has/had the 80MPH speedometer.
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I had no idea they came in white, the colour really suits the full fairing, looks fantastic!
Ditto. As an owner of a white LM3 I'm particularly taken with this..
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Hi Viggo,
Was looking at your photos and noticed a lot of holes drilled into the back of the mufflers. Did you or your dad do this and what did it accomplish?
Thanks,
Ted
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How do you guys in the US put up with a speedo that stops at 80mph? Does the needle have a stop at 80 or does it just keep going?
And that 55mph warning light!, I'd have to pull the bulb.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/dEUe5a/LMspeedo.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dEUe5a)
Couldn't resist. :afro:
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/dzrdWF/IMG_1099.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dzrdWF)
Gorgeous job, and great personal history. Love the looks of the CX100.
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/dEUe5a/LMspeedo.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dEUe5a)
Couldn't resist. :afro:
:grin: Yeah, I've seen that picture, too.. :evil: :thumb:
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Hey John,
Great job , I am really proud of the job you did on "RAGU" and am glad to see you kept it as designed.
For you guys watching this resurrection here's the history. I started riding in 1963 and had everything , Honda 50's Triumph and BSA 650"s Kawasaki 1000s and finally a Harley Electra Glide.
When one of my best riding partners was killed with an encounter with a teen in a Buick I decided to change my style and go to full leathers and a helmet. I had read a road test on the cx100 and called a BMW / Motto Guzzi dealer 150 miles away.. He tried everything to get me to purchase a BMW RS instead but I was firm on the Guzzi. The bike was ordered as an 80 but with a truckers strike that year it disappeared in shipment. After a two months delay the 2nd bike arrived as an 81. The first ride after the trip home was a little 900 loop thru Idaho and Montana. All Mountain passes and winding river roads.
After a move to Portland I put the bike down coming off the Ross island Bridge at night in the rain. Broken collar bone , ribs, and ego. The bike got parked and hauled with me for three more moves . Career changes , wife changes, but still "RAGU" in my life. Riding went out of my like then and I swapped to cool cars. Old school HOT RODs , no Gucci billet show sleds.
December of 15 John came for a visit and finally expressed an interest in "RAGU" I made him buy it so I wouldn't get pissed if he built it in a way I didn't agree with. After seeing what he has done I almost feel bad for not giving it to him, almost. His money has been well spent on building a big block Cadillac engine for my 53 Studebaker Commander coupe.
WELL DONE SON
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Hey John,
Great job , I am really proud of the job you did on "RAGU" and am glad to see you kept it as designed.
For you guys watching this resurrection here's the history. I started riding in 1963 and had everything , Honda 50's Triumph and BSA 650"s Kawasaki 1000s and finally a Harley Electra Glide.
When one of my best riding partners was killed with an encounter with a teen in a Buick I decided to change my style and go to full leathers and a helmet. I had read a road test on the cx100 and called a BMW / Motto Guzzi dealer 150 miles away.. He tried everything to get me to purchase a BMW RS instead but I was firm on the Guzzi. The bike was ordered as an 80 but with a truckers strike that year it disappeared in shipment. After a two months delay the 2nd bike arrived as an 81. The first ride after the trip home was a little 900 loop thru Idaho and Montana. All Mountain passes and winding river roads.
After a move to Portland I put the bike down coming off the Ross island Bridge at night in the rain. Broken collar bone , ribs, and ego. The bike got parked and hauled with me for three more moves . Career changes , wife changes, but still "RAGU" in my life. Riding went out of my like then and I swapped to cool cars. Old school HOT RODs , no Gucci billet show sleds.
December of 15 John came for a visit and finally expressed an interest in "RAGU" I made him buy it so I wouldn't get pissed if he built it in a way I didn't agree with. After seeing what he has done I almost feel bad for not giving it to him, almost. His money has been well spent on building a big block Cadillac engine for my 53 Studebaker Commander coupe.
WELL DONE SON
:1:
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing
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Hey John,
Great job , I am really proud of the job you did on "RAGU" and am glad to see you kept it as designed.
For you guys watching this resurrection here's the history. I started riding in 1963 and had everything , Honda 50's Triumph and BSA 650"s Kawasaki 1000s and finally a Harley Electra Glide.
When one of my best riding partners was killed with an encounter with a teen in a Buick I decided to change my style and go to full leathers and a helmet. I had read a road test on the cx100 and called a BMW / Motto Guzzi dealer 150 miles away.. He tried everything to get me to purchase a BMW RS instead but I was firm on the Guzzi. The bike was ordered as an 80 but with a truckers strike that year it disappeared in shipment. After a two months delay the 2nd bike arrived as an 81. The first ride after the trip home was a little 900 loop thru Idaho and Montana. All Mountain passes and winding river roads.
After a move to Portland I put the bike down coming off the Ross island Bridge at night in the rain. Broken collar bone , ribs, and ego. The bike got parked and hauled with me for three more moves . Career changes , wife changes, but still "RAGU" in my life. Riding went out of my like then and I swapped to cool cars. Old school HOT RODs , no Gucci billet show sleds.
December of 15 John came for a visit and finally expressed an interest in "RAGU" I made him buy it so I wouldn't get pissed if he built it in a way I didn't agree with. After seeing what he has done I almost feel bad for not giving it to him, almost. His money has been well spent on building a big block Cadillac engine for my 53 Studebaker Commander coupe.
WELL DONE SON
Thanks for "The rest of the story" 🏍
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Big block caddy in a Stude!!! Classic! Got any pics?
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Cool story - except for the crashing.
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What a GREAT story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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That's very nice.
How did it get done? Hand it over to a pro in one lump? Take it apart and send away the components to be done? Or do it all yourself in your shop, buying parts as necessary?
No matter which, congratulations on bringing this family heirloom back to a fun and useful life!
Lannis
Did it myself in my shop. The old man did the paint and fiberglass work. Pieced parts together over the last year, E bay and a lot of google. found out using the parts book numbers in the search limited the endless dead ends. The foot break lever and headlight gasket were the hardest to locate.
John
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Hi Viggo,
Was looking at your photos and noticed a lot of holes drilled into the back of the mufflers. Did you or your dad do this and what did it accomplish?
Thanks,
Ted
Ted,
My Dad drilled the exhaust just before he wrecked it. From my understanding t was just too quiet for him (previously ridding Harley's) I don't believe there was any performance advantage to it. It roars down the road like V8!
Viggo
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Hey John,
Great job , I am really proud of the job you did on "RAGU" and am glad to see you kept it as designed.
For you guys watching this resurrection here's the history. I started riding in 1963 and had everything , Honda 50's Triumph and BSA 650"s Kawasaki 1000s and finally a Harley Electra Glide.
When one of my best riding partners was killed with an encounter with a teen in a Buick I decided to change my style and go to full leathers and a helmet. I had read a road test on the cx100 and called a BMW / Motto Guzzi dealer 150 miles away.. He tried everything to get me to purchase a BMW RS instead but I was firm on the Guzzi. The bike was ordered as an 80 but with a truckers strike that year it disappeared in shipment. After a two months delay the 2nd bike arrived as an 81. The first ride after the trip home was a little 900 loop thru Idaho and Montana. All Mountain passes and winding river roads.
After a move to Portland I put the bike down coming off the Ross island Bridge at night in the rain. Broken collar bone , ribs, and ego. The bike got parked and hauled with me for three more moves . Career changes , wife changes, but still "RAGU" in my life. Riding went out of my like then and I swapped to cool cars. Old school HOT RODs , no Gucci billet show sleds.
December of 15 John came for a visit and finally expressed an interest in "RAGU" I made him buy it so I wouldn't get pissed if he built it in a way I didn't agree with. After seeing what he has done I almost feel bad for not giving it to him, almost. His money has been well spent on building a big block Cadillac engine for my 53 Studebaker Commander coupe.
WELL DONE SON
Thanks Dad