Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, Eldorado, 850 California
Alignment of the engine to the transmission
Body, tank, fenders, side covers, tool boxes
Engine, clutch, & related components
Interesting photos and information
Saddlebags and panniers
Workshop manuals, spare parts catalogs, rider’s handbooks
Moto Guzzi Round Head Tonti Frames
Turn signals as running lights
Princeton Graphics VL1918 Monitor Repair
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Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, Eldorado, 850 California - Saddlebags and panniers
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Table of contents
Saddlebag rack
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Here is an original Moto Guzzi saddlebag rack, as used with the LAPD style saddlebags and the Moto Guzzi V700 style saddlebags.
Stock saddlebag mounting rack
Stock saddlebag mounting rack
Stock saddlebag mounting rack
Stock saddlebag mounting rack
Stock saddlebag mounting rack
Saddlebags - Calafia
Updated: Dec 11, 2008
Thanks to John T. and K. Ross Raymond for posting this information on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group.
Information
Califia saddlebags were commonly fitted to police motorcycles.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Calafia saddlebags as originaly fitted to some police bikes. Photo courtesy of John T.
Saddlebags - Dan Brown (DB)
Updated: Dec 16, 2009
Information
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebags were manufactured in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids. Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids. Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids. Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the rare round-top lids. Photo courtesy of Jeff Buick.
DB saddlebags with the more common flat-top lids. Photo extracted from eBay.
DB saddlebags with the more common flat-top lids. Photo extracted from eBay.
Comparison: Tonti vs. Loop
I extracted this photo and information from Alan Dunphy off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private email.
Information from Charley Cole:
The differences in Dan Brown saddlebags used on Loop frame Moto Guzzis and Tonti frame Moto Guzzis are as follows.
- Each Dan Brown saddlebags was made in two halves which were joined together crudely with fiberglass and then the seam was covered on the outside with a riveted piece of aluminum trim. The right saddlebags on the Loop and Tonti versions have identical halves, inside and out.
- The outside half of the left saddlebag is identical for the Loop and Tonti versions. The inside of the Tonti left saddlebag has a much larger cutout to make room for the disc, caliper and caliper carrier.
- Dan Brown made special rear crash bars for these saddlebags and they are different for Loop and Tonti applications. The Loop crash bars are a simple "U" shape. 'The Tonti crash bars are of a similar shape, but with a welded on, offset bracket to attach to the frame at the lower end of the crash bar.
- Of the four mounting points for the saddlebags, all of the bracket are different with the possible exception of the lower rear bracket which ties both saddlebags and the fender together. The two I have are very close in size and shape. If they are missing, they would all be simple to make. Three are made out of 1" x .125" mild steel strapping and the lower rear, "U" shaped bracket is made out of 1" x .190" steel.
- The light bars for both versions of DB saddlebags are the same.
- If they are fitted, you also need a small contoured mounting which bolts to your rear fender and has a slotted tongue sticking straight out of it. One of the straight sections of bar the comprises the light bar has a matching tongue and a bolt goes through both tongues to support the back of the light bar. At the front, they mount to the crash bars which are pre drilled for this purpose.
- The hardware and lights are identical on both versions.
They are cavernous and are my favorite saddlebags on a Guzzi.
Before I got my Indian sidecar rig, I used to pop the top off my right bag and my dog Zydeco could come riding with me. It was her favorite thing in life to do.
Dan Brown made many other popular and now, valuable accessories. Dealers for Dan Brown products used to get catalogues of the accessories they offered.
DB left side saddlebags. Tonti bag is on the left, Loop bag is on the right. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB left side saddlebag for a Tonti. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB left side saddlebag for a Loop. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB right side saddlebags. Loop bag is on the left; Tonti bag is on the right. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Left side saddlebags. Saddlebag on left is for a Tonti; saddlebag on right is for a loop. Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Left side saddlebag. Saddlebag is for a loop. Photo from Ebay.
Right side saddlebag. Saddlebag is for a loop or a Tonti (interchangeable); brackets are for a Tonti. Photo from Ebay.
Brackets
I extracted these photos and information from Alan Dunphy off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group and from John Ulrich in a private email and from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing in a private email.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit to the passenger foot peg mounts. Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit to the rear seat bolt. Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. These fit between each bag and are secured to the fender. Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. Not sure of application. Photo courtesy of Alan Dunphy.
Dan Brown (DB) saddlebag brackets. Complete set of brackets for a Loop. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
DB saddlebag lower rear bracket that links the two bags together. Loop bracket is shown on top; Tonti bracket is shown on bottom. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB saddlebag upper front bracket that attaches to the top shock mount. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB saddlebag lower front bracket that attaches to the muffler bracket. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
DB saddlebag upper rear bracket that attaches to an existing hole in the frame. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Another view of the upper rear bracket that attaches to an existing hole in the frame. Loop bracket is being held by Charley; Tonti bracket is secured to the saddlebag. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Crash bars/Light bars
Thanks to Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing for sending me this information in a private email.
For Loops: DB crash bars, light bar, new correct hardware, and DB rocker gearshift for DB 'surfboard' running boards. All with new triple chrome thanks to the Austin, Texas Police Department. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
For Loops: DB Bracket for securing the back of the light bar. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
For Tontis: DB crash bars and light bar, all NOS. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
For Tontis: DB Triple Chromed Tonti Crash Bars. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Lights
Style 1
I extracted this information from Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Charlie's own words:
Truck-Lite part number 99041R (red) or 99041Y (amber) *should* be what you need if I remember correctly. Measure yours to be sure.
Truke-Lite Part Number 99041Y
Style 2
Thanks to Charles Hamer from sending me this information in a private communication.
For certain versions of the DB saddle bags, like the one on my Eldo, one bag comes with 2 red lights which lenses where made by Dietz (very hard to find). You can get the exact same one and really the exact same one, (except of Dietz it says Signal-Stat).
Truck-Lite part number 9093 (red) (picture is amber only)
Napa part number 6802189
Truke-Lite Part Number 9093NAPA sells the complete light casing with lens for USD $5.49.
Truck-Lite part number 1259 (red)
Napa part number LIT 1259
Truke-Lite Part Number 1259
Hinges, latches, and trim
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
For replacing the factory metal trim strip, I used a chrome body side molding from Custom Auto Trim and Graphics kit# MDGWW-TP (5/8" Trapezoid Wheel Well Molding). It runs $39.00 for a 20 ft roll. It does use 3M adhesive so once it's stuck on, it's for good.
Mike Harper of Harper's Moto Guzzi put me on to Ohio Travel Bag who supplies Hardware Elf the original hinges and latches for the DB Saddlebags. The M-016A hinge sells for $0.99 each and the L-018 chrome latch with #2133 key sells for $7.49. Shipping is $7.98.
M-016A hinge for Dan Brown (DB) saddlebags
L-018 chrome latch with #2133 key for Dan Brown (DB) saddlebags
Weatherstrip/gaskets
I extracted this information from Rick off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
I used part number 12335 A561 (same as 12335A56) at McMaster-Carr. Works great for me.
I extracted this information from John Ulrich off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi newsgroup.
I used Dennis brand "Super Firm Sponge-Rubber tape" 1/4"x3/4" 10 ft roll. Purchased at either Home Depot or Menards…bad memory!
Saddlebags - Enduro
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Information
I extracted this information from Mike Ittner, Greg Field and Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group.
Information from Charley Cole:
Enduro did make a tiny number of those saddlebags for Loops. The only MG Enduros I'm aware of are owned by me. I'd love to hear from anyone else who has a set. The back of the bags are molded to hug the bike, so it's quite apparent when you fit them up to a Guzzi that they were made expressly for a Loop. The BMWs had vertical shocks and the Guzzis had lay down shocks. They are worth silly money for the less common of the BMW Enduros. God knows what MG Enduros might be worth.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Enduro saddlebags for a Moto Guzzi. Photo courtesy of Charley Cole.
Information from Mike Ittner:
There is a site that sells repops of the old BMW Enduro bags called Luxor Marine. There is a beemer guy here in town who has a set of original ones on his beautifully restored bmw which he says are worth about $1500. He also says he would rather have the repops as they are better than the originals. I know there are some on the list with BMWs so I am just putting this out there. $550 sounds good by comparison.
Saddlebags - Joseph Buegeleisen Company of Detroit (Buco)
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Information
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Buco saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Weatherstrip/gaskets
I extracted this information from AJ Huff off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In AJ's own words:
Hi guys, I don't know anything about any other bags other than the Bucos that came with my bike. In rehabbing them (not refinished and NOT restored) I replaced the top weather stripping with some that I bought from McMaster-Carr. I could not get an exact match, the new stuff is a little taller, probably better made. This makes a very tight, almost too tight seal. I'm pretty sure they are water proof from rain.
Here is a side by side comparison, new above, old below. Photo courtesy of AJ Huff.
Here is a end-on view, new on the left, old material on the right. Photo courtesy of AJ Huff.
Here is a view with the new stuff wrapped on the bag. Photo courtesy of AJ Huff.
Saddlebags - LAPD
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Information
The smallish rectangular metal saddlebags that are commonly seen on police or policed V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado models were never made (nor offered as an accessory) by Moto Guzzi. Instead, they were manufactured at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department by a metal fabrication shop local to the Los Angeles area (specifically who, I don't know). They are neat little bags and are a very popular addition to a police motorcycle. Here are a few photos of them so you know what to look for.
Left saddlebag. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Forward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Back. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Rearward facing side. A Dietz light would have been mounted on the tab. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Bottom. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Inside lid. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Reinforcement bar for latches. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Latch hook mounted on lid. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Tab on forward facing side. Has square hole for a carriage bolt. Perhaps a mount for an antenae? LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Left saddlebag: View with open lid. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Forward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Back. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Back. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Rearward facing side. A Dietz light would have been mounted on the tab. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Top. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Bottom. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up of rearward facing tab. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up of rearward facing tab. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up of foward facing tab. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up of foward facing tab. Has square hole for a carriage bolt. Perhaps a mount for an antenae? LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: View with open lid. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: View of interior compartments. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of long divider spot welded to main box at the forward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of short divider on the forward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of short divider on the rearward facing side, spot welded to long divider. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of long divider spot welded to main box at the rearward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of the long comparment on the forward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close-up view of the long comparment on the rearward facing side. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Right saddlebag: Close up of latch with 'CORBIN' logo. LAPD saddlebags as used on Police versions of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado
Saddlebag latches
To the best of my knowledge, the original latches used were of a 'CORBIN' brand (not the motorcycle seat manufacturer). I believe that McMaster-Carr item number 1590A14 may be a suitable substitute.
McMaster-Carr item number 1590A14
Saddlebags - Moto Guzzi
Updated: Nov 26, 2009
Original Moto Guzzi saddlesbags as offered in the spare parts catalogs for the V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado are quite rare (at least in the United States). There were three styles offered by Moto Guzzi.
Style 1 - V700
The first reference I can find to Moto Guzzi saddlebags is in the May 1968, 2nd Edition of the V700 Spare Parts Catalog. On Plate 24 "Police Accessories", the saddlebags (MG# 12483840 and MG# 12482540) and associated rack (MG# 12485040) are shown. I have seen one set of these in person, on Rob Prins V700. They are small and made out of metal.
Original Moto Guzzi saddlebags as shown in the V700 Spare Parts Catalog
Rob Prins' V700. Photo courtesy of Rob Prins.
Rob Prins' V700. Photo courtesy of Rob Prins.
Rob Prins' V700. Photo courtesy of Rob Prins.
Rob Prins' V700. Photo courtesy of Rob Prins.
Rob Prins' V700. Photo courtesy of Rob Prins.
Style 2 - Ambassador and Eldorado
Both the Ambassador Spare Parts Catalog (October 1970, IIa Edition; plate 5/A) and the Eldorado Spare Parts Catalog (November 1972, 1st Edition; plate 19) show a set of saddlebags (MG# 13485700 and MG# 13485700 in the Ambassador Spare Parts Catalog and MG# 13485701 and MG# 13485701 in the Ambassador Spare Parts Catalog). Although the Ambassador and Eldorado Spare Parts Catalogs show different part numbers, the saddlebags appear very similar and it is entirely unclear what the differences actually were.
These bags are characterized by a handle on the top and the mounting rack makes them appear to be removable with the flip of a lever (a convenient feature). I believe the bags were made of fiberglass.
After further information provided by Rossi Paolo (Italy) and Gert Huyser (Netherlands), Mark Barnett (UK), and Ralf Brinkmann (Germany) on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group, I've learned that Moto Guzzi created these original (and smaller) bags. Later, Stucchi produced larger bags for the German market. Rossi also sent me the military version of the panniers. These saddlebags/panniers are much more common in Europe than in the United States.
Original Moto Guzzi saddlebags as shown in the Ambassador and Eldorado Spare Parts Catalogs
Original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (smaller). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (smaller). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Stuchi saddlebags modeled after the original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (larger). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Stuchi saddlebags modeled after the original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (larger). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Stuchi saddlebags modeled after the original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (larger). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Stuchi saddlebags modeled after the original Moto Guzzi saddlebags (larger). Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Original Moto Guzzi Military saddlebags. Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Style 3 - Soft saddlebags
Thanks to Paolo Rossi for sending me this information via email. I never knew these existed until Paolo told me about them. In Paolo's own words:
Through a V7 club member I got for you something very special, the saddle bags you are looking at here are the very first Original Moto Guzzi saddlebags which were made for the V7 750 Special and sold on request.
These are very rare to find today because people did not like much soft bags, then not many were produced and sold.
Eventually Moto Guzzi came out later with fiberglass saddlebags with the California style which became very popular and mostly wanted today.
The bags are not real leather, they are soft false leather…sort of textile covered with plastic. There are no catalogues nor brochure available, unfortunately I don't have any other information, but only memories of my time back in the '70s.
Original Moto Guzzi soft saddlebags. Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Original Moto Guzzi soft saddlebags. Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Original Moto Guzzi soft saddlebags. Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Original Moto Guzzi soft saddlebags. Photo courtesy of Paolo Rossi.
Saddlebags - Shoei
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Thanks to John Ulrich for sending me this information in a private email.
Information
Here's some photo's of those Shoei bags I have. Readily found on ebay they can easily be hooked up to loops.
Shoei saddlebags. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
Shoei saddlebags. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
Shoei saddlebags. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
Shoei saddlebags. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
Shoei saddlebags. Photo courtesy of John Ulrich.
Saddlebags - US Army Surplus ammo cans
Updated: Dec 08, 2008
Information
My Dad brought me a set of Bates saddlebags (including a trunk) from his stash in Texas. But, for some reason or another, I didn't exactly like the way they looked on the bike. I wanted something a little more square. So I racked my brain for something I could use. I really didn't want to use soft-sided luggage and finding a set of LAPD saddlebags was going to result in less than instant gratification. What to do?
In what I thought was a stroke of great genius and originality, I decided to use US Army Surplus 20 mm ammo boxes. Only after I made this decision did I realize that others have had the same idea and have used the exact same boxes. So much for my genius and originality! At least I'm in good company.
US Army Surplus ammunition cans as saddlebags
I was able to pick up two 20 mm ammo boxes. These boxes are 8" wide x 14.5" high x 17" long and have a removable lid. The lid has a rubber seal that creates a very tight seal once closed. On either side of the box is a diagonal strip of steel that is spot welded to the ammo box.
In order to mount the bags closer to the bike (I am using the stock saddlebag mounting rack. I removed the diagonal strip from the inside side of each saddlebag. I found a 1/2" drill bit worked well to remove the spot welds. I chose not to remove the strip from the outside side of each bag, because the removal process tends to leave small dents and marks (and paying for body work on ammo boxes seems ridiculous to me).
Careful tape measure and eyeball alignment by my wife and I, and I was ready to mark and drill the holes. A few nuts and bolts and the saddlebags were firmly secure.
If I had a military machine, I would have left these painted olive drab (or perhaps re-painted them olive-drab). But since my Ambassador is black, I wanted to spruce them up a little to match the rest of the bike. Because I wanted the paint to be very durable and not cost too much, I decided a gloss black powder coat was the way to go. A local company took care of heat striping (they were afraid that sand blasting would deform the metal) and powder coating the boxes and lids.
I am very happy with the results. The bags are certainly heavier than fiberglass or leather bags, but the bike and the rack handle the extra weight just fine (especially since I don't ride two-up very often, especially on touring trips). If you would like to see photos of the finished bags mounted on my Ambassador, check out My Ambassador page.
Follow-up
After using the ammo cans for numerous trips, I finally took them off. There are pros and cons with the ammo cans, and I guess the cons finally outweighed the pros.
Pros
- Solid construction
- Water tight. Better than any other bag I have ever seen or used. When the lids are on, water isn't getting in. Not one drop.
- Flat tops can be used as a table or work surface.
- They hold quite a bit.
Cons
- Weight. These things are heavy. 20 - 25 pounds each. I later removed the stock saddlebag mounting rack and made a set of heavy duty mounts to handle the weight. Before I had put a thing in the bags, I had added 50 pounds to the weight of my motorcycle. The stuff I put in them didn't weigh near as much as the bags and mounts.
- Length. In order for the passenger foot pegs to remain usable, I had to mount the bags more reward. This necessitated the use of turn signal extensions.
Saddlebags - Wixom
Updated: Jan 15, 2009
Information
Wixom saddlebags (and trunks) were made by the Wixom brothers of Long Beach, California. Their design was not unique to Moto Guzzi, as they also sold mounts for other motorcycle brands (notably BMW). But, the shape of the fiberglass saddlebags have proven especailly attractive as they complement the lines of the Moto Guzzi V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado.
At some point in the 1970s(?), Arthur Fulmer bought out Wixom and continued to manufacturer these bags for a couple years.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Wixom saddlebag. Photo extracted from eBay.
Weatherstrip/gaskets
I extracted this information from John Prusnek and Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group.
Charlie Mullendore: McMaster-Carr never fails to amaze me with the variety of stuff they've got! Go to McMaster-Carr and search: "Edge-grip Rubber Seals" and/or "Bulb Seal Weatherstripping". Lots of choices, might try a few myself!
John Prusnek: To seal saddlebags I've used the closed cell foam strips they sell at hardware stores for insulating around doors and windows. It's nice and cushy so they seal tight and don't rattle, and is self adhesive on one side for easy installation.
Lights
I extracted this information from Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle off of the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Charlie's own words:
The light is really no biggie unless you're a stickler for originality. Peterson Manufacturing has a near perfect replacement for the original: Part number 135. The lens will even fit the original base but doesn't snap on very securely. I've seen the complete light at the local NAPA and Lowes for around USD $3.00.
Peterson Manufacturing Part Number 135A
Peterson Manufacturing Part Number 135R
Thanks to Jim Pisot for sending me the following information in an email.
Grote part number 91572 or 90202 lenses also work on the original fixtures. Likely easy to find at NAPA, other auto parts, trailer/RV stores. Likely the Lamp Grote part number 45262 Red would suit as a complete replacement lamp.
Grote part number 45262
Grote part number 45262
Grote part number 45262
Latches
I extracted this information from Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle off of the old Topica Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Yahoo!).
I've been looking at these latches as replacements on my Wixom bags McMaster-Carr item number 1863A23. They're 2 1/2" long, 1 1/4" wide, protrude 13/32", nickel-plated, and key locking.
McMaster-Carr item number 1863A23
Thanks to Lucky from Kentucky for sending me the following information in a private email. In Lucky's own words:
I was perusing your info on the Wixom bags. Here's a tidbit of info for you on the latches from a BMW site: Wixom latch sets, new w/keys, US $12.00/pr, free shipping in USA. It is a Jap bike wrecker but ya gets the goodies where ya can :) Thanks to Brent C. Schapansky.