V35 and V50 Models in the USA

[Guzikid]

  As I understand it, the V35 Guzzi would be hard to find here in the states.  I figure it would be easier to get my hands on a V50 to play around with.  Do the V50's turn up very often and how good are the parts to find ???  You guys who have them ride 'em very much ???  The Kid

[Matteo]

All the V50's and the V 65 are great bikes and turn up on a regular basis. I think there's a nice 65 listed in Swap Meet right now with a larger V7 tank.
This is my V50III (Sold). Guzzi Power .com has nice head upgrades for a little more oomph! Just picked up a V65.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The V35 was never officially imported to the US as far as I know.

[SLDMRossi]

A few more V50s, currently available. Check CYCLETRADER, too -- there's been a Lario for sale, there. The only issue with V50s is that at the time they were made, build quality was not a strong suit. Even when well maintained, they can appear a bit shabby since a lot of castings and fittings were raw and untreated.

One thing I appreciate most about my V50 is its period, Moto Guzzi Linked Brakes. The first version had electronic ignition, while the II and III versions went back the breaker points. FYI, Teo Lamers specializes in early small-block parts. And of course, V50 Monzas remain quite desirable.   

https://longisland.craigslist.org/mpo/d/lindenhurst-1980-moto-guzzi-v50/7235519226.html

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/d/warwick-moto-guzzi-collection-v50ii/7238941234.html

Yes, V35s are rare as hen's teeth in the U.S., but back in the day we did have a V35 Imola here in Connecticut.

Good luck...you won't be sorry,

Steven Rossi

[SLDMRossi]

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1978-Moto-Guzzi-V-50-5014556687

SR

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The first version had electronic ignition, while the II and III versions went back the breaker points.

Both of the V50 IIs I worked on recently had the Bosch electronic ignition.

[Roebling3]

I have a V50 III and 2 V65 Larios for sale. PM for pictures and history.
Luddite only, spoken here,  R3~

[chuck peterson]

The first time I walked into Marsh Motocycles....about 2 decades ago, maybe 3...

Al Marks pointed to the V35 Imola, sitting in front of me, traded in only moments ago, like minutes, and said,

“You should buy this...”

Siggggghhhhhhhhhhh

He was right

Instead i test drove a convert and got lost by the airport for a really long time. He almost called the police.

[Guido Valvole]

V50iii or Monza is the pick of the litter for early smallblocks. Many internal upgrades, including bigger valves and carbs. Power feels nearly the same under about 5000 rpm, but the III has noticeably more above that. I have both a V50ii and Monza. The only real difference between and V50iii and Monza other than cosmetic (bodywork, clip-ons, and slightly rearset footpegs) is that the Monza has higher primary gearing. So a higher top speed, if a bit less acceleration. You're not getting an old smallblock for speed and acceleration, a first-generation Ninja 250 will run circles around one.

Downside of the III is that they went back to points. Allegedly to cure a slight hesitation around 4000 rpm. Allegedly. My Monza came with a Lucas RITA box and seems no different than the II for that, an intermittent non-problem. The Bosch boxes are the same as used by Ducati (900SS and Darmah, maybe Pantah), BMW, and Laverda at the time. I've had a spare since I had a Darmah 30 years ago and the numbers on it match the ones on my V50ii.

What was said above about quality control is true. Ah, De Tomaso... When I had the Monza's heads rebuilt because the exhaust valves started stretching at about 25k miles, I also told the shop to repair any bad threads. Um, that was every one! Ever wonder what happened to the Moka Express coffepot you used to  have? Now you know... Switchgear is more that a little dodgy but easily replaced. And the replacements have more copper in their wiring so lights and starter will work much better.

V50s are fun, and simple. Regular maintenance is easy. Go for it!
cr

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

V50iii or Monza is the pick of the litter for early smallblocks. Many internal upgrades, including bigger valves and carbs. Power feels nearly the same under about 5000 rpm, but the III has noticeably more above that. I have both a V50ii and Monza. The only real difference between and V50iii and Monza other than cosmetic (bodywork, clip-ons, and slightly rearset footpegs) is that the Monza has higher primary gearing. So a higher top speed, if a bit less acceleration. You're not getting an old smallblock for speed and acceleration, a first-generation Ninja 250 will run circles around one.

Downside of the III is that they went back to points. Allegedly to cure a slight hesitation around 4000 rpm. Allegedly. My Monza came with a Lucas RITA box and seems no different than the II for that, an intermittent non-problem. The Bosch boxes are the same as used by Ducati (900SS and Darmah, maybe Pantah), BMW, and Laverda at the time. I've had a spare since I had a Darmah 30 years ago and the numbers on it match the ones on my V50ii.

What was said above about quality control is true. Ah, De Tomaso... When I had the Monza's heads rebuilt because the exhaust valves started stretching at about 25k miles, I also told the shop to repair any bad threads. Um, that was every one! Ever wonder what happened to the Moka Express coffepot you used to  have? Now you know... Switchgear is more that a little dodgy but easily replaced. And the replacements have more copper in their wiring so lights and starter will work much better.

V50s are fun, and simple. Regular maintenance is easy. Go for it!
cr

The V50s with the Bosch e.i. have an "unusual" advance curve - basically flat or a very slight upward curve until 4500 when it goes almost vertical. I would choose a III (or V65) over a II and fit a Dyna S ignition.

[Chuck in Indiana]

The V50s with the Bosch e.i. have an "unusual" advance curve - basically flat or a very slight upward curve until 4500 when it goes almost vertical. I would choose a III (or V65) over a II and fit a Dyna S ignition.

Yep.

[SLDMRossi]

Another alternative...no connection to Seller

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1984-Moto-Guzzi/284110790185?hash=item4226529e29:g:Cp4AAOSwNkRf0lWq

Steven Rossi

[Guzikid]

  Thank you one and all for the replies.  I've been studying this idea a little more and feel like I should drop back ten and punt for the time being.  This may not be what I really need to tackle right at this moment. You guys are great !  The Kid

[sign216]

Ask around on the SmallBlock website:    https://groups.io/g/Moto-Guzzi-SmallBlock

[bad Chad]

No Kid,  you need to pull the trigger!  Life will blast by, and you will likely regret the things you didn’t do, far more than those you did.

[nsmith]

I have a 1978 V50 I guess I would be willing to sell. Not by any means a show bike but it runs and rides real nice. Pm me  if interested,

[Chuck in Indiana]

No Kid,  you need to pull the trigger!  Life will blast by, and you will likely regret the things you didn’t do, far more than those you did.

Words to the wise from philosopher Chad..

[SmithSwede]

I’m not knocking the old small blocks.  Would be fun to tinker with one.  But if you aren’t quite sure you are up for that kind of project now, you could buy a used, modern V7 for very little money.   A few simple mods and it would be bullet proof. 

[sign216]

I’m not knocking the old small blocks.  Would be fun to tinker with one.  But if you aren’t quite sure you are up for that kind of project now, you could buy a used, modern V7 for very little money.   A few simple mods and it would be bullet proof.

I gotta agree w Swede; the early smallblocks (V35, V50) are known for needing as much attention as a supermodel girlfriend.
.
The later ones (Breva, Nevada, V7) aren't as needy.

But then again, some guys like a demanding girl.....

[Guzikid]

  Yep,  I agree with Swede and 216, I think I'll back out of this exploration in the unknown and concentrate on another road. Thanks again to all of you !  There are other adventures to travel.....The Kid

[huub]

not sure about the maintenance claims for older smallblocks, the only difference i can think of is having carbs instead of injection,
keeping a set of carbs synchronised is not exactly rocket science.
if the bike has points ignition just ditch the points , get a electronic ignition, and forget about it.

I have been running old smallblocks as daily transport for decades, current one is 35 years old.
i have loads of other bikes, ( ducati's and bigblocks) but end up with the smallblocks as daily transport because of their reliability and ease of maintenance.