Gregory Bender

Converting to left side shift/right side brake - factory kit

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

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Thanks to Jim McDermott for sending me this information via e-mail. In Jim's own words:

These are the parts that the dealer and some individuals used to convert the V700 to the new standard of pedal arrangement as required by the regulations that were agreed to in or around 1971. They were given until 1974 to comply. I think that the Japanese were the pushers of these standards as they we taking over the market then.

The only special part was the block that had to be welded to the right rear of the frame and the new left footpeg that would support the shift lever. You can usually tell if it was done by the owner or a good shop by the looks of the attachment weld.

I think my V700 was done by the owner or his brother in law after a few beers. I did not have the left footpeg on mine due to the footboard mount that provided the support.

I can bring the support to the breakfast next week so you can hold it in your hand if you like.

FYI: Moto Guzzi also offered a kit to convert the Ambassador back to the European style of brake and shift for those that did not like the new way.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.

Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.
Factory kit for converting a V700 to have left side shift/right side brake.

Photo courtesy of Jim McDermott.