Subject: Loops
Author: Darrell J Dick
Date: Dec 1, 2003, 11:53 AM
Post ID: 1715373768
I bought my first Guzzi about 6 or 7 years ago now.
After owning many Japanese bikes back in my 'yoof, I went bikeless for oh
15 years or so. (street accident, marriage, kids). I kinda caught the bug
again and bought a couple of old Hondas. Although they were fun, I wanted
something with some "character". I went searching for Brit bikes, but
what I ended up finding was a Ducati 750GT. Finding parts to rebuild this
turned out to be a long, expensive process. While I was working on the
Duc, I saw a local want ad for a 850T Guzzi. I went and checked it out.
It was a mess, but running. The guy had bought it for a parts bike for
his customized Guzzi. He finally decided that he didn't really need spare
parts, and his parts bike was to good to break up. When I loaded it up,
the PO told me something that sounded like BS, but I have come to realize
is 100% true. "Guzzis aren't like other bikes. Once you have one you'll
always have one".
It took me another couple of years to get that T fully sorted out, and by
then I had seen some Loops and wanted one bad. I musta wanted one bad ,
because I bought the first one I came across. A pitiful Ambo basketcase.
After a year of hard work and dedication, I just about had it where I
wanted it. My brother saw me one day and told me, "Hey, I want to buy one
of your bikes" . "Great!", I said, "Which one?" "Oh that cool red one."
"No, not the Ambo". Well, I never could say no to him. He ended up with
my Loop, and I went looking for more. I stumbled upon Paul Szostak, MGNOC
MI rep, at a weak moment and ended up buying 4 bikes from him at one
crack. a '72 Ambo, a '73 LAPD Eldo, a '73 civvie Eldo, and a '76 Convert.
The Ambo didn't require much beyond tires, general servicing, and a lot
of elbow grease. The LAPD is patiently waiting for restoration. The Eldo
civvie I fixed up for a buddy of mine. I just got the Convert running
this weekend.
Oh, there is another one. Kev Graf and I are partners in another '73 Eldo
that we are fixing up to sell. We're gonna make big bucks, right? :-)
OK, it's mostly an excuse to get together and drink.
Yup, I'll always have Guzzis.
Darrell Dick
Imlay City, MI