Gregory Bender

Intake manifolds

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

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SS1 Carburetors

Thanks to Joe Tokarz for sending me this information via email. In Joe's own words and photos:

The most common intake manifolds in the parts manuals are the MG# 12115002 right side (D) and the MG# 12115003 left side (S).

Back in the day, my V-700 had its SS1 carbs replaced with VHB-29's along with Ambassador right and left intake manifolds.

Then in the parts box that came with the V-700 I found a pair of unmarked manifolds with the shape and bend of the 12115002 manifold except the flange was thicker requiring 45 mm mounting bolts instead of the typical 35 mm. The parts book of the V-700 calls for two MG# 12115000 manifolds.

So I'm figuring the unmarked manifolds are actually MG# 12115000 manifolds used to connect the old SS1 carbs.

V-700

  • 1967 and 1968 -- MG# 12115000 the parts book calls for two of the same part number. No right or left designation.

Ambassador and Eldorado

  • MG# 12115002 right side
  • MG# 12115003 left side
Intake manifolds for SS1 carburetors, compared to intake manifolds for VHB carburetors
Intake manifolds for SS1 carburetors, compared to intake manifolds for VHB carburetors

Photo courtesy of Joe Tokarz.

VHB Carburetors

The intake manifolds are not the same for each side. Since the cylinders are in different positions on the crankshaft, the intake manifolds are slightly different in order to partially compensate for this positioning difference (the rubber boot that connects the velocity stacks to the air box take up the remaining difference). These photos should make it pretty clear which side is which. S markings mount on the left side of the motorcycle, D markings mount on the right side of the motorcycle.

S on left, D on right
S on left, D on right

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Close up view of markings
Close up view of markings

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

S on left, D on right
S on left, D on right

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

D is taller than S
D is taller than S

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

S near, D far
S near, D far

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

D near, S far
D near, S far

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.

Adorning a toothpick cactus
Adorning a toothpick cactus

Photo courtesy of Gregory Bender.