Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

Hi Bob,
The V65SP will not likely be a "jump-'n-go-bike" either. Plus you won't have the
parts or information support that you have with a Loopframe. I've never owned a
"small-block" Guzzi, but my impression is that build quality new wasn't as good
as the larger Guzzis and durability hasn't been either. Someone correct me if
I'm wrong!
As for the Ambo, any money that you spend on it will likely be well spent.
Loopframes will continue to increase in value as the owner base expands (maybe)
under Aprilia's ownership, and "newbies" "discover" that Guzzi had a history
prior to 2001. There will most likely come a time when your relationship with
this Ambo will reach a "plateau", and all that will be required of you will be
ride/wash/maintenance. This has been exactly my experience, though there are
signs that the old '69 will need attention before too long. If you have the
funding/spousal approval/garage space for a second bike, this may be the best
alternative. Personally, I need at least three bikes - a Loopframe, a dual-sport
(currently a Cagiva 350 Alarossa), and a sportbike (hopefully a '99 Laverda
750S) to satisfy my two-wheeled moto-lust. I can't conceive of a time when I
won't have at least one Loopframe though, they've just become too important part
of my (motorcycling) life. If there is anything I can help with, just let me
know.

Charlie

Robert Hawkes wrote:

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Charlie,
Thanks for writing and I live in Rochester, NY. I bought my Ambo from Sport
Cycle last year at this time. The bike never ran well from the day I got it.
The dealer just offered to me today to buy it back for what I paid for it if
I buy a v65sp at his shop. I just don't know. I know I love the look of
the Ambo, I love old bikes in general. I love the loping gait of the Ambo.
I love the way it pratically tears out from under me in 2nd gear and I have
never had the attention from strangers that I get with this bike. People
come up and are all friendly when I'm on the Ambo. The thing is dripping
with character. So, there is a side to me that does not want to ever get
rid of it. It's simply that it I wanted a bike that I could get on an go
with not something that needed tender loving care. I guess you can't have
character and a jump-'n-go-bike. Thanks again, your opinions are welcome.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Mullendore <C.D.Mul-@worldnet.att.net>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 7:54 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

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Hi Bob,
Sorry your experience hasn't been a pleasant one. I consider myself lucky

simply because this has been the most enjoyable Guzzi I've ever owned (and
I've

owned six Tonti framed bikes - two bought new). Mine has been very

reliable, especially for a 31 yr. old bike with 50k miles on it. Initially
it had some

minor bugs that needed attention, the previous owner had only put 3k miles

on in 13 years. I done several 400 mile days on it and wouldn't hesitate to
ride it

just about anywhere. I am of the opinion that any vehicle (especially an

Italian one) is only as good as it's mechanic. I happen to have grown up in
my

father's machine/welding shop and was exposed to several great "shade

tree" mechanics as a youth. As a result of this and further education, I've
become a

fairly good mechanic. This is not to call anyones mechanical abilities in

to question, just the logical explanation for my success with my vehicles. I

sincerely hope that you will continue to try and work out whatever

problems yours may have. This list is the best place to go for advice, but
"phone fixing"

only goes so far. If you don't feel confident in your mechanical skills,

find a good shop to do the work - Moto Guzzi Classics, Cycle Garden, etc.
Where do

you live? List members may be able to help in person. As Red Green says

"We're all in this together.":-)

Charlie
'69 & (2)'71 Ambos

Robert Hawkes wrote:

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Charlie,
My name is Bob and I own a 1969 Ambo 750cc. You said in your e-mail "if

you

are lucky enough to own one of these". Ever since I bought my Ambo I

have

had problems. I wanted a neat-old-bike and what I got was

'unreliability'.

I am seriously thinking of trading it in. Why do you consider yourself
lucky wit this bike? Thanks, Bob Hawkes
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Mullendore <C.D.Mul-@worldnet.att.net>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

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Hi Ian and All,
I had some seepage from the cylinder head area on my early '69

Ambassador.

thought it was the headgasket, but it turned out to be be the o-ring

used

seal the long "nut" opposite the sparkplug. It still leaked even after

replaced the o-ring, tried sealer(s) and everything else that was

recommended

but nothing worked. The fix I finally came up with was to machine

another

o-ring

groove just below the first and install a second o-ring. So far, so

good!

Oil

seepage from this area is usually easy to spot - it will run down the

"channel"

between the top and bottom cylinder head nuts, drip onto the plug

wire,

then fly

back and decorate your saddlebags (if so fitted). Just something to

keep

in mind

if you're lucky enough to own one of these and are experiencing oil

leakage.

Charlie

Ian Adkins wrote:

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Tim,

Interesting that you mention that. I retorqued the heads on my 69

Ambo

and

afterwards I had some seepage of oil from the heads. Only thing is

that

can't remember if it was leaking before.

Ian

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim <tf-@gte.net>
To: Loopfram-@topica.com <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Date: January 19, 2001 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads

Ian....

I have limited experience at best compared to most of the people on

the

list, but I was told by my local dealer to back off, then re-torque

the

heads on my Eldo. Did as instructed, and was rewarded with a new

oil

leak.

Dealer then told me that was common on the older bikes, and it was

better

just to check the torque without backing off. Can cause the

o-rings to

leak. Gee thanks Mr. Dealer.

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Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

Author: Charles Mullendore

Date: Jan 21, 2001, 2:40 PM

Post ID: 1705032428

Entire thread: