Thank you [Turin] - Crash bars on Josie, the Bassa rat...

[normzone]

After I spilled the bike in a parking lot and bent one of my sacrificial foot pegs, I came here to whine. A couple of members offered parts, and I was fortunate enough to obtain some crash bars by the generosity of [Turin].

This is just the coolest place ever. Thanks to [Luap], the mods and members that make this such a great place.

[normzone]

No shims were required. It was a very close fit - getting the fasteners started that ran through the upper mounting point into the frame was a minor trial, but with patience and wiggling it was doable - perhaps a half hour to install both halves of the crash bar(s).

The lower mount was amusing - I spent another half hour wandering around our local hardware with dial calipers in hand. I settled on a long stainless steel bolt and some flats and lockwashers, and a couple of nuts.

To get a translation point into the crash bar, I used a PVC end cap and plug, mated together, then drilled at each end for the bolt to go through. The outside diameter of the PVC end cap was perfect for the inside of the crash bar end. I calculate the assembly can withstand expected forces of a low speed crash, and if it's a high speed crash the re-useability of the bar and bike will not be my primary worries anyway.

[Guzzistajohn]

I hear what your sayin' I've gotten two fairings and a set of GIVI bags here. It's been so easy and priced nicely too! We have a pretty good bunch of old boys here!

[Turin]

You are welcome! glad you could use them! You going to put the rears on?

[normzone]

I had one out by the bike today and damned if I can see how it would mount up to existing options. So that's a qualified I don't know until I can figure it out.

The box of stuff you laid out on your garage floor for the picture contained some Bassa chromed shield metal for the brake and shifter mechanisms, so I'm guessing this stuff you acquired in your LeMans restoration package has to at least been near a Bassa at some point.

[Turin]

early 90's Cali III actually. I got all kinds of odd stuff in that transaction. Take all the Guzzi stuff, one lump sum. Hell of a way to clean out a small shipping container.

[toukow]

After I spilled the bike in a parking lot and bent one of my sacrificial foot pegs, I came here to whine. A couple of members offered parts, and I was fortunate enough to obtain some crash bars by the generosity of [Turin].

This is just the coolest place ever. Thanks to [Luap], the mods and members that make this such a great place.

Is this pretty much considered a 'must have' modification? I have a 99 Bassa without them, and was considering adding them. I'm guessing the main risk is busted cylinder cooling fins as well as cosmetics? Thanks, Toukow

[Sheepdog]

I also have been treated pretty great by other forum members...on several occasions. There are super folks here. I try to follow their example and "pay it forward" when I can...

[normzone]

Is this pretty much considered a 'must have' modification? I have a 99 Bassa without them, and was considering adding them. I'm guessing the main risk is busted cylinder cooling fins as well as cosmetics? Thanks, Toukow

My first Guzzi, an Eldo found under a tarp in a storage yard, had the crash bar smeared against the side of the bike and the bike was undamaged - I rode it like that for a year.

This one had no crash bars, but the sacrificial pegs took the hit. I also recommend beefier head guards than the token ones on my bike.

You can do without them if you wish, but when the time comes that the side of the bike kisses the road you'll be rethinking that decision.