I guess it's time for me to confess here. Les is buying my Ambo.
Another case of Mike's web page being a great way to sell your bike. Of course, I think that Mike was actually doing some pitching in this case. Looks like I owe you a commission, or at least a beer or two. Thanks, Mike.
Hopefully, I'll be a little more motivated to work on my LAPD Eldo now. I'll be putting some miles on my Convert this summer too.
Les, the serial number for your "new" bike is 23959. It was built in May 1971. It is definitely a push button starter.
Darrell Dick Imlay City, MI
On Tue, 9 Mar 2004 14:05:03 -0800 Les Lampman <le-@lampman.us> writes:
Hi Clif (or Clifton if you prefer),
Thanks for the info; I'm learning! :-)
So what's the difference between an Ambassador and a Special? And, do you mean that you have a kick starter instead of electric (push button)? Inquiring minds...
The Ambo I've purchased is ready-to-run; while I'm a fair mechanic (in real-life a partner in a boat dealership and a Honda outboard mechanic) I didn't want a project of any sort since I have no 'extra' time in the summer ('tis the season) and I ride to get time away. Also, I didn't want my first introduction to Guzzis to be trying to put something together or to sort something out that I had never seen before.
The fellow that I'm purchasing the Ambo from has been sorting it out and by all accounts it's working pretty darn well. My first inclination was to jump on a plane and ride it the 2400 miles home (he felt it wouldn't have any trouble doing that) but common sense (and lack of time) prevailed and I'm letting Fast Forward handle the shipment (and monetarily I couldn't do it myself for what they're charging). Of course, being a 32 year-old bike I realize it's going to need TLC but I'll have a chance to learn the bike as I learn to maintain it.
Les Lampman Whidbey Island, WA '72 Ambassador (almost)
-----Original Message----- From: Clifton L. Smith [mailto:Clif-@Earnhart2.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 11:10 AM To: Loopfram-@topica.com Subject: RE: How to identify a loopframe
Les, There seems to be an overlap period in which various
changes were
gradually introduced between the two models (V7 and
Ambo/Special).
First, the 750cc displacement appeared and then gradually
new
carbs, tank, side covers, bars, and push-button starter. My 1970 V7-Special seems to have all of the changes except the push-button starter, but I have seen an original 1969 750 Ambo with the "V7"
style
tank and side covers. My manual, which covers both 750 and 700 models, lists the wheelbase as slightly longer in the 750cc. I am not sure whether
this
change was introduced concurrently with the displacement or was
also
gradual, but it seems that Ambo production became standardize by
1971.
So your 1972 should be the "final" late-model version of the Ambo.
(I
welcome corrections.) Enjoy your new bike. They handle great for their size and vintage, much preferable to the Detroit iron of the day. Is it a turn-key, will you need to sort it, clean it, or build from half-scratch? CS in TN