Here the new Ambo, candidate for most hideous color EVER

[brider]

Bought this rascal from a guy in the Swap section, can't imagine the thought process that picked such a hideous color:


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Upon in-person inspection, I felt the rush of "might've bitten off more than I can chew". When's the last time anyone used a battery that looked like that?





Someone was in the midst of swapping out the bars for something very non-Guzzi, along with a Jap switch, probably as a result of the crash that snapped the crashbar lower weld which was fixed thusly:





For some reason I grabbed the left carb and tried to twist it in it's clamp, and discovered that the head has been pulled and re-attached loosely. Guess the missing rocker cover bolts was a clue:





Seat has been re-covered but is rip-free (a bonus!). These bags are Tourmaster fiberglass and aside from the hideous color, are in very solid shape. I did a search everywhere for other images or history of these bags, and found ZERO on-line images or info. Maybe they're so rare I could sell them and recoup the cost of a set of cylinders???!!!!




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Wixom fairing is missing the screen, but is un-damaged. Did I mention the color makes me want to rattle-can spray it something else so I don't get nauseous just looking at it? Wife was NOT happy when this showed up, but I did the usual rationalizing (worth a mint, rare, got it practically free, etc, etc) and she settled down. I have to clear a free corner in the garage to park it for a while, this one is NOT going to be part of a "build" thread any time soon.

I think I might've paid too much with the shipping, but long-term, I think I can get it operable and presentable enough so that I'll become attached to it. I miss my old '74 LAPD Eldo so much (and my older son is still mad at me for selling it), I figure a ratty old loop like this is about all I can afford to take it's place. Wish me luck!

[normzone]

" When's the last time anyone used a battery that looked like that? "

Circa 1979, when I found mine under a tarp in a storage yard. It had been painted with a brush using aquamarine colored marine enamel.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I still sometimes use a "battery that looks like that" - meant for a Mazda Miata. Fits nicely and lots of cranking power.

[Shorty]

You will have it shining "like a Diamond in a Goat's Arse!"   

[pete roper]

You will have it shining "like a Diamond in a Goat's Arse!"   

Nice. A fine addition to the lexicon!

[RoyRogers]

1. ......Upon in-person inspection, I felt the rush of "might've bitten off more than I can chew". When's the last time anyone used a battery that looked like that?.....

2. Wish me luck!.....

1. I am familiar with that, and 2. I wish you luck   

[Chuck in Indiana]

"Sometimes.. free is too much." 
quote from "The Captain"  aircraft builder and restorer. RIP Jim.

[Groover]

Congrats on the "new" bike! As far as the color goes, they may have tried to reproduce an actual Moto Guzzi color named Rosso Madeira. Not the most popular color, but works on the bikes it was meant for (T4, G5, Cal2 I think, maybe some others)

https://colorndrive.com/gb/touch-up-paint/motos---motorcycles-moto-guzzi-moto-guzzi-rosso-madeira-guzsr0190,100674/details

[brider]

Congrats on the "new" bike! As far as the color goes, they may have tried to reproduce an actual Moto Guzzi color named Rosso Madeira.

Now THAT'S interesting, but it must've been an owner with unique Euro tastes BEFORE the one that welded the crashbar or installed shorty Harley mufflers (removed and trashed before pics).

Regarding the rust on the tank chrome; do you THINK that'll buff out?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

My latest purchase, due to arrive in a few weeks:




















One owner. Comes with all of the parts missing in the photos, plus a factory "polizia" fairing.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Regarding the rust on the tank chrome; do you THINK that'll buff out?

Suuuuure it will. 
Actually, that bike doesn't look "too" bad from a cursory glance. You may find that tank is rusted through on the bottom, but that can be repaired if so.
I went through all this on the infamous "Monte Carlo" Guzzi that I rescued from an open hanger near me. It was much worse than yours.
Would I do it again? No.

[Two Checks]

Had a battery like that in my T in 91. Got it from the then local Guzzi shop.  Mfg by Bell City.

[Shorty]

    Many of us have been down that path, repeatedly. You will do fine.

[brider]

My latest purchase, due to arrive in a few weeks:
One owner. Comes with all of the parts missing in the photos, plus a factory "polizia" fairing.

Thanks. Now I feel even worse, I like yours better than mine.

    Many of us have been down that path, repeatedly. You will do fine.

Thank you for that re-assurance. I have no doubt that some day I'd get it running, but looking at it now I'm overwhelmed by it. I'd say a minimum of 3 yrs before it's road-worthy.

Side note: The front tire looks like it's worn FLAT in the middle, like this was a sidehack rig.

[mtiberio]

Thanks. Now I feel even worse, I like yours better than mine.

Oh don't worry, I'm sure Charlie paid less than you did.

[Chuck in Indiana]

 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Oh don't worry, I'm sure Charlie paid less than you did.

  $500 + whatever it costs for my transporter to haul it.

[Turin]

I like the green, It's look sharp with some white pin striping.