Subject: Greetings from NJ
Author: Keith Ruff
Date: Jul 20, 2000, 6:52 AM
Post ID: 1701488320
Hello all,
I'm a new member and new owner of a 71 LAPD Ambo. Much thanx to Dave
Morgan for his insight during my purchase and for leading me to this
message board. I have been without an m/c for a few years now, kids
will do that to ya! I have been a BMW man, have owned 4 in the past
several years (R100S, R100/7, K75C, K100RS). Great Machines! I've
always liked the looks and especially the sound of a Guzzi, but didn't
know much about them as I do about BMW's.
I decided I wanted to go back to the vintage/classic years and started a
search for a late 60's BMW R69S, a 69-73 BMW R75/5 toaster tank (chrome
side panels), or an early 70's Moto Guzzi. Almost had a BMW for a steal
but it sold before I got to it, but it worked out as a 71 Guzzi
Ambassador popped up just 1/2 hour south of me. Stole the bike from the
guy, payed $1300, he was asking $2000, I hear this bike is worth around
$3000-$5500 depending on how clean it is. Picked it up Monday, she
needs some cosmetic TLC, mostly just elbow grease to polish up the paint
and chrome. Some chrome I'm in process of replacing as it has pitted
rust on it, i.e., exhaust and grab rails for the passenger. Other than
this, bike seems solid, only 5100 original miles! Guy has it all tuned
up, new plugs, wires, points, condenser, fuel lines, fuel petcocks, new
fusebox, new starter. Starts up on the 1st crank everytime! I'm going
to change out the fluids (oil, driveshaft/gear oil, fork oil), go
through the mechanics of it (valve adjustment, etc..) put on new tires,
and then title, reg, and insure it. I've read up on these bikes and am
pretty excited about this purchase.
Can anybody give me some scoop on these machines, i.e., problem areas to
check, mods, etc... Also, I do not have an owners manual, does anybody
have one I can purchase or can I pay someone to make me a copy? I'm
starting to figure out all of the bells and whistles on the dash, but
have no clue on how the petcocks work (what position is on/off/reserve),
and would like to read up on the maintenance.
Thanx for any help! Anybody else from NJ?
Keith Ruff
71 LAPD Amabassador - NJ