NUTS AND BOLTS
These machines offer a simple, durable option for today's vintage rider, and support for such older Guzzi twins now rests almost entirely upon the aftermarket. The contacts listed here are trusted by my research team; son Alex, Moto Guzzi fabricator Joe Caruso in the UK, Dutch pressman/historian lvar de Gier and California Guzzi specialist Bill Ross.
'Most of the cylinder kits and traditional accessories like Lafranconi exhausts are made by private firms in Italy; says lvar.
'Beware of budget parts: reminds Joe Caruso, noting the obvious safety differences between losing a gearchange rubber and failing drive splines. Some of these economy kits have served me well, others failed with shocking quickness. More is less in this case, believe me.ł.
It's easier to list what isn't available for the Guzzi twin, but for 850 owners the round fin Nikasil cylinder and piston kits will be of primary interest. Available in 83mm or 88mm bores, the investment might include oil pump or timing options. Rugged but critically dependent on its high pressure oiling system, the bottom end can often be left undisturbed. There are options for carbs, cam, valves, intakes, breather, ignition and exhausts.
Rebuild kits are available for every part of the stock fuelling and ignition systems, including the charging system and most seals, washers, O rings and gaskets. Repeat that for the chassis: wheel bearings, races, boots, cables and Brembo brake parts. There's some refurbished electrical items to consider, such as period look'lego block' switches and Greg Bender's wiring harness.
Bookmark Greg's 'This Old Tractor' site for manuals and service tips too, then budget for hard copies of the factory manuals.
I've been amazed by the camaraderie and generosity displayed by Guzzi enthusiasts. With decades passing we see a younger segment of tech savvy owners posting in video or biog formats all over the world. What makes the Guzzi special is its ability to withstand the decades, and like much of the vintage motorbiking world, ownership has been made easier with online contacts. Support those who support our passions!
► HMB: hmb guzzi.de
► Tlm/lamers: tlm.nl/en/ ► MG Cycle: mgcycle.com ► Gutsibits: gutsibits.co.uk ► Stein Dinse: stein dinse.biz ► BCI Motorbikes: bci.nl
► Manuals, info, specification and media archive: thisoldtractor.com