Ignorant V65 Lario owner

[pitts12driver]

Hi Everyone -

I'm completely new to Moto Guzzi, but not to building large projects.  I've built many airplanes, boats, and race cars over the years.  Last week, a friend "gifted" me a V65 Lario that had been sitting in his barn for 13 years.  It apparently ran when parked, and had previously addressed the valve issue. Since all of the rubber is shot, the fairings are broken, and it looks quite sad, I've decided to build it into a cafe bike.

I'd like to swap the forks for something more modern, and switch to 18" Targa wheels.  I can't find anything specific on fork swaps, (there was one inconclusive thread I when I searched this forum) - so all info would be appreciated.  Even simple information on bearing sizes would help. 

I would also prefer to send the engine out to have someone go through it top-to-bottom so any recommendations of good vendors is of great value.

thanks to everyone in advance...

[Matteo]

 Ed Milich is your man. He is a sponsor here.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Ed Milich @ Guzzipower.com will have sound advice on the forks and wheels. He would also be my first choice when it comes to making small-block Guzzis perform up to their full potential.

[swooshdave]

 

[Arizona Wayne]

Rather than automatically abort what it was designed to be in the 1st place you should learn what it was and what it could be again.  I've ridden a 650 Lario when it was healthy and it was a sweet ride!!    Those that haven't ridden a healthy Lario won't understand. 

If you want a Guzzi w/18" rims, buy 1.  The Lario is not made for them.

[wrbix]

Yeah, that ^^^^.

The cafe movement is waning, and the number of Larios extant is very limited. If you've one that hasn't grenaded and unlikely to due to the professed upper end fix, then restore it to its former glory - or if too far gone part it out to those of us w Larios still going.

.....or an even better idea for someone with projectaphilia, find a Lario that has grenaded and do a motive unit transplant - then you'd have a Lario and a parts bike. Larios with "needs head work" do show up on the Bay and CL..