I am looking at a 1972 Moto Guzzi Ambassador. The bike was recently restored, I am told. I haven't ridden or owned a bike since 1976. What should I look for, or be wary of?
-
Oct. 7, 2011 5:28 p.m. Chas_H New Reader
-
Oct. 7, 2011 8:06 p.m. TRoglodyte HalfDork
Euro bike that old should handle like a 48" pushmower. What will you do with it?
-
Oct. 7, 2011 8:30 p.m. Chas_H New Reader
TRoglodyte wrote:
Euro bike that old should handle like a 48" pushmower. What will you do with it?
Mow lawns I guess. Is there a way to make it handle better?
-
Oct. 7, 2011 9:40 p.m. Xceler8x SuperDork
Like this? I like it. Pushmower handling or not.
Does it have a seat like this?
..because that seat is horrendous.
Evidently this model was used as a police bike way back when. I had no idea.
-
Oct. 7, 2011 9:56 p.m. Chas_H New Reader
The bike looks similar to the first photo, without the sadlle bags. It's a good looking bike, and around here handling isn't that important because it's dangerous to get into the "canyon" phase of riding.
-
Oct. 7, 2011 10:49 p.m. skierd Dork
Check all the usual old bike stuff i.e. leaks, worn out suspension and head bearings, signs of drops and damage, owner abuse and 'modifications', etc. There are probably things specific to the shaft drive (pretty sure its a shaft drive bike) but otherwise they're pretty damn bulletproof. I <3 guzzi's even if I don't know a ton about them. Check the Wild Gooze Chase forums?
-
Oct. 7, 2011 11:38 p.m. Chas_H New Reader
Thanks for the Wild Gooze chase.
-
Oct. 9, 2011 1:08 a.m. EvanB SuperDork
The Wild Goose chase forum is a good place to start. At least take it for a ride, then you will know for sure if you want it or not. Although if you haven't ridden since 76 the seller might be hesitant to let you take it out.
My Guzzi is much newer but there is something about them that is just awesome, even if they aren't the fastest or best handling bikes for the money.
-
Oct. 9, 2011 4:14 p.m. Xceler8x SuperDork
EvanB wrote:
My Guzzi is much newer but there is something about them that is just awesome, even if they are the fastest or best handling bikes for the money.
There is more to motorcycling, and driving, than fastest and best handling. Some motorcycles have merits beyond those two.
-
Oct. 9, 2011 4:19 p.m. EvanB SuperDork
Edited: I meant to say aren't.
-
Oct. 9, 2011 5:53 p.m. TRoglodyte HalfDork
Chas_H :The reason I asked what you would do with it is because these older bikes were made for a different era. I ride a 1975 Honda occasionally to get the paper on a quiet Sunday morning or when traffic is light . Back in the late 1970's I rode a motorcycle everywhere. As a daily commuter in heavy traffic this may not be what you are expecting. As an occasional ride to clear the accumulated funk out of your head on a familiar country road it should be a blast. Some parts for bikes this old can be hard to find.
