Howdy all
I've been lurking around the edges of the wildguzzi site for quite awhile now - asked a few questions but never properly said hello.
Here's a bit of my tale / I don't usually write this much on forums. I suppose in a way this is my attempt at a thanks thanks for being out there in the Internet sharing your knowledge.
**** there are actually a few questions I could use some help with at the end if you want to skip past my personal story! *****
A few years ago I started the hunt for a Moto Guzzi. I secretly lusted after my mechanic friend's original V7 sport that lives in his personal MG museum. I love that bike but what I really wanted was a modernish version that looked old and ran like a new bike!
Thinking back it must have been a few years before the new V7's came out - because that probably would've made a lot of sense if I had started the quest now. So not knowing anything I ran into Guzziscoot's bike on the the WG site and realized that with some tweaking a Jackal could look like a whole different bike.
This seemed to be the right way to go for me and I jumped in head first. A member here - Steve in NC sold me his bike and I rode it for a while as Italy intended it. Being long legged I never quite got used to the seat- in fact it pained me greatly! So I acquired the requisite parts and proceeded to get really busy with life and work... Much time passed and then when I moved into my new shop I made a little spot for a lift and some tools so I could finally get this project going.
Although I've been around bikes awhile now - I'm still learning (a lot!) - so bear with me!
Enter my project Jackal / Lemans
I've always THOUGHT about customizing a bike but never felt up to the task.
Taking apart a perfectly good working bike was a big step for me. I steadied my nerves and started making non-reversible changes to the frame. Yikes that first cut was terrifying and liberating all at once!
A big thanks to Alex V. - aka Hoss here on the site. His Jackal conversion was a big reason I felt like I could do the job. And he has been a kind and valuable resource for a guy across the internet asking lots of inane questions over the course of several years.
It HAS taken me several years to get the project to the stage it's at. I don't get a lot of free time so I'd chip away when I could. Figuring out the little bits that are specific to each bike I'm trying to cobble together has been the hardest part for me.
But like everyone who has done this before me has said - making the first cut is really the biggest obstacle. I'd say if I can do this project - surely anyone with a little bit of tool knowledge and some determination can also make it happen. Most of the correct tabs and mounts still live on the bike. That's crazy to me but totally awesome. It is almost a kit bike with some slight modifications here and there.
This week I got the bike running again after several years! It was a great feeling...hampered only by a weak battery (now fixed!)
Looking at the pics you can tell I still need to do some work and have a few decisions to make. After wondering for so long if these changes would make the bike comfortable here's what I can say on day 1.
The Lemans seat is WAAAAY better for me personally. I could probably use another inch of height but it rides so much better than the jackal low seat did. I can also scoot back if I need too +1000!
I love the tank shape. My favorite motorcycle tank of all time - glad to look at on my bike. One day I'll need to address the 2 inlet situation - maybe add a bung for a return and the fuel gauge. It seems like everyone else has been okay running one fuel line and one return. As long as I pay attention to my gas level I think that I 'll be okay.
I still need to permanently attach the side covers but that seems like a fairly straight forward task once I get some steel to fab into the correct tabs.
My original intent was to make a Lemans clone. (well as close as this frame would allow) Right now I'm as far as I know how to get.
************* Q's *********************
Two things I haven't been able to source for that plan. A front fender (MG classics no longer stocks the fiberglass replica) and rearsets...
Rear sets. I think I'd like that riding position. So far I haven't been able to 100% determine the correct version of the Tarrazzi rear sets to buy or lower frame rails or....????
And the Fender - I know the Metal and maybe the Aluminum Sport had the shorter fender - I can't find one - does anyone have one or know someone who does? I'd be very appreciative! Promise. From my internet sleuthing it seems like the Bellagio might have used that fender too? I have no idea how to get one of those though.
I've thought about chopping my fender (averse to this if idea) or finding someone to make one for me (not sure who that might be)
Until I can source those parts though I'm all about riding. I'm thinking I might paint my Jackal fender Black to match the side panels I have. With the front fender and the floor boards I've been referring to it as the Moto Cruzzi. (inspired by Craigo's Geezer Guzzi build of a similar ilk.)!
The ultimate goal is to see that through but this other look is starting to grow on me too.
I would love to figure out a plan for my panniers as well. I have a set of the National bags with mounts. I think they might look a little funny now - Might use the frame and mount something else
How are those Thermos Saddle bags?
Also I suppose now have a clean silver jackal tank, rear fender - with lights, some side covers (one is cracked), a seat and possibly a front fender if anyone is looking.
Lastly
I need to get all the maintenance squared away - is there a good resource for what a semi handy guy with access to a moto-shop of tools needs to know to do the basic services?
Epilogue
I'm looking forward to riding this thing! On my brief test ride - it felt great. I see many trips in my future. We have a lot of new amazing choices in the moto guzzi universe that maybe make this build out a little more of an odd choice now. But for me it has been a great learning experience and I'm on the path to my own personal vision for a machine. Thanks to everyone who keeps on posting cool stuff that gives the rest of us ideas. Hopefully I'll have some tales to tell soon. if I can help anyone else out - please let me know!
Nashopolis
