Princeton Graphics VL1918 Monitor Repair
Body, tank, fenders, side covers, tool boxes, fairings, saddlebags
Engine, clutch, & related components
Miscellaneous
Workshop manuals, spare parts catalogs, rider's handbooks
Moto Guzzi Round Head Tonti Frames
Antietam Classic Cycle - Excellent service spanning tune-ups to restorations Decals from John Prusnek - Very nicely produced decals you'll be proud to adhere Relays from Dan Prunuske - Great product, great prices Stainless Cycle - Conveniently assembled and polished stainless fastener kits Zydeco Racing - Top notch transmission & rear drive service at unbelievable pricing |
Bearing retaining compounds made by companies such as Loctite® or Permatex® are wonderful products. Although their use is not always necessary, here is where I might use bearing retaining compounds:
Here are a few places for you to look. Some I've used and some I haven't.
This is a check list of things to evaluate when you are considering yet another loop frame basket case. Bob Greene provided this to me...originally created by Dave Otis.
| Item | Is it there Y/N | Condition | Notes | Estimated cost | Actual cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | |||||
| Seat | |||||
| Swing arm | |||||
| Swing arm mounts | |||||
| Swing arm bearings | |||||
| Rear axle | |||||
| Shocks | |||||
| Driveshaft coupling | |||||
| Driveshaft | |||||
| Rear drive | |||||
| Universal joint | |||||
| Carrier bearing | |||||
| Rear wheel | |||||
| Rear brake assembly | |||||
| Brake rod | |||||
| Brake cross shaft | |||||
| Brake pedal | |||||
| Shifter pedal | |||||
| Shifter linkage | |||||
| Foot pegs | |||||
| Motor mount bolts | |||||
| Motor mount spacers | |||||
| Rear fender | |||||
| Taillight bracket | |||||
| Taillight | |||||
| Rear turn signals | |||||
| Rear turn signal bracket | |||||
| Tool boxes | |||||
| Tool box locks | |||||
| Tool box keys | |||||
| Regulator bracket | |||||
| Regulator | |||||
| Flasher | |||||
| Starter | |||||
| Starter solenoid | |||||
| Battery tray | |||||
| Battery hold down | |||||
| Gas tank | |||||
| Front fork tubes | |||||
| Triple tree | |||||
| Fork covers | |||||
| Fork springs | |||||
| Front fender | |||||
| Fender braces | |||||
| Front axle | |||||
| Front wheel | |||||
| Front brake assembly | |||||
| Wheel cover | |||||
| Headlight | |||||
| Headlight rim | |||||
| Fuse blocks | |||||
| Instrument panel | |||||
| Speedometer | |||||
| Tachometer | |||||
| Ignition switch | |||||
| Wiring harness | |||||
| Starter button | |||||
| Starter button bracket | |||||
| Clutch lever | |||||
| Brake lever | |||||
| Clutch cable | |||||
| Brake cable | |||||
| Handlebars | |||||
| Handlebar mounts | |||||
| Throttle control | |||||
| Hand grips | |||||
| Light switch | |||||
| Turn signal switch | |||||
| Front turn signals | |||||
| Front turn signal mounts | |||||
| Side covers | |||||
| Side cover knobs | |||||
| Generator cover | |||||
| Generator | |||||
| Generator mount bracket | |||||
| Carburetors | |||||
| Throttle cables | |||||
| Choke lever | |||||
| Choke cables | |||||
| Coil | |||||
| Coil bracket | |||||
| Distributor | |||||
| Distributor cap | |||||
| Transmission | |||||
| Oil breather | |||||
| Clutch springs | |||||
| Clutch intermediate disc | |||||
| Clutch friction discs | |||||
| Flywheel | |||||
| Starter ring gear | |||||
| Throw out bearing | |||||
| Clutch shaft | |||||
| Clutch lever on transmission | |||||
| Engine case | |||||
| Oil pan | |||||
| Front cover | |||||
| Crankshaft | |||||
| Main bearing front | |||||
| Main bearing rear | |||||
| Rods | |||||
| Pistons | |||||
| Jugs | |||||
| Rings | |||||
| Heads | |||||
| Valve covers | |||||
| Oil pump | |||||
| Oil line outside | |||||
| Bolts to mount the oil line | |||||
| Oil strainer | |||||
| Oil lines inside | |||||
| Breather tubes | |||||
| Timing gears | |||||
| Timing chain | |||||
| Timing chain tensioner | |||||
| Push rods | |||||
| Lifters | |||||
| Rocker arm assemblies | |||||
| Intake manifolds | |||||
| Exhaust pipes | |||||
| Exhaust pipe nuts | |||||
| Exhaust pipe to frame brackets | |||||
| Mufflers | |||||
| Muffler clamps | |||||
| Rear foot pegs |
Life became much simpler for me when I purchased a English/Metric Dial Caliper. But, converting fractions to decimals in my head is not something I enjoy doing. So, I created a little conversion chart that I keep inside my caliper case.
| Conversion chart | 11 KB | 1 page |
To view PDF files, you will need to download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or higher.
NOTE: If you have trouble viewing PDF files inside your browser, try saving them to your computer (right-click the link, then choose the save option). Then, open each file directly in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Josh Madison has a wonderful freeware conversion tool: Convert
Google can perform an amazing number of conversions right in the search bar: Google calculator
The CrampBuster is a well designed product that works. It stays in place and does not rotate or move when used (this is in stark contrast to the "Throttle Rocker", which is of very poor design - see review on this page). It even works well on the curved and slick Gran Tourismo grips.
The CrampBuster is available in four sizes: a narrow and a wide for regular hand grips (1 1/8" diameter) and a narrow and a wide for oversized hand grips (1 3/8" diameter). The wide version will definitely provide a lot more surface area on which to rest you hand. But, it does take up more hand grip width. Personally, I prefered the narrow version because my grips are not very wide. For wider hand grips, the wide version would be great.
As with any change to your handlebar controls, it does take a bit of getting used to. Out on the highway, it is easy to get it adjusted to exactly where you want it to be. Around town, however, you may find that it gets in your way as you do a lot of throttle twisting. But it is quick and easy to take it on and off as desired. Storage is simple: stick it in your pocket, hook it over your belt, wrap it around it an empty spot on your handlebars, stuff it in your tank bag or panniers, etc.
NOTE: The CrampBuster is an original, patented design. The "Throttle Rocker" was copied from the original CrampBuster design and infringed on the CrampBuster patent.
I've wanted some type of cruise control or throttle lock for some time, but I wasn't sure what to use that would work. I tried using the Throttle Rocker (see review on this page), but it turned out to be worthless. My Dad uses a twist-assist (the kind that stick into the end of the handlebar), but that wouldn't work with my bar-end mirrors. I finally decided to go with the Sound Off Safety (SOS) Vanda-Cruise and ordered one from a generic motorcycle parts house online.
SOS stopped making the Vanda-Cruise years ago. The replacement is called the Vista-Cruise and is made of plastic instead of chromed metal. You'll probably have a hard time finding a Vanda-Cruise (the parts house I purchase mine from sold me their last...and the package had plenty of shelf wear).
The Vanda-Cruise came in three models: B (3 1/2" arm), HKY (2 3/4" arm), and ST (2 1/2" arm). The model I got was the ST and was supposed to be for Suzuki, Triumph, and pre-79 Moto Guzzi motorcycles.
Unfortunately, my 1972 Moto Guzzi Ambassador did not fall within the "pre-79 Moto Guzzi" category as defined by SOS. What I really needed was the model B with the 3 1/2" arm (neither the 2 3/4" nor the 2 1/2" arms are long enough to clear the throttle and clutch lever). But, since it was unlikely that I would be able to find a B model, I decided to make my ST model work. Here is what I did:
That's it! All it took was a quick trip to the hardware store and about 30 minutes of install time.
Update: I removed the Vanda-Cruise entirely. In the end, I found it a little too cumbersome for my taste. Instead, I'm using the spring-loaded throttle adjustment screw that Guzzi built in from the beginning. I'm able to set it just tight enough to keep the throttle from closing...and just loose enough to allow me to operate it conveniently. I'm happy with this set up and don't think I'll ever change.
Thanks to Charles Hamer for sending me this information.
I originally found a spreadsheet with this information on the internet. Bob Greene informed me that Dave Otis originally created this file. I've updated some of the information and some data remains to be updated. To the best of my knowledge, metric fasteners (with a hardness rating of 8.8, except for the six flywheel bolts that use black oxide bolts with a hardness rating of 10.9) are used exclusively except for Lucas parts. Lucas parts (fender reflectors and turn signals) use standard size fasteners.
| Fasteners | 20 KB | 5 pages |
To view PDF files, you will need to download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or higher.
NOTE: If you have trouble viewing PDF files inside your browser, try saving them to your computer (right-click the link, then choose the save option). Then, open each file directly in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Up until the Winter of 2003, I removed gaskets using blunt blades, careful application of razor blades, and constant worry about gouging the soft aluminum mating surfaces. But, while perusing an aisle at the local auto parts store, I picked up a can of Permatex Gasket Remover 80646. This stuff worked very well and made my life much easier. Essentially, I just needed to apply the spray, let it set for a few minutes, and rub off the gasket material with a rag or paper towel. It is a good idea to have some ventilation when using this product.
Tom Short provided these pictures of his "Looplifter". The 'Looplifter' fits right inside the existing 'lips' on the jack.
Having purchased a Craftsman motorcycle jack (Sears item #00950190000 - purchased on sale for USD $69.99), I created my own version of the "Looplifter". I used scrap iron I had leftover from another *failed* project. Specifically, I used 1" angle iron for the rectangular frame and 3/4" angle iron for the support that comes into contact with the bottom rail of the motorcycle frame. I chose to make each support adjustable by welding two 5/16" nuts at each corner. I also drilled a hole through the bottom of each corner so that the 5/16" bolt could screw through the bottom of the rack. As you can tell, I'm not a professional welder, but it is strong.

close up of adjustable support, electrical tape used to protect frame
Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle provided these pictures of the "Looplifter" the he was given by Pat Galbraith. The "Looplifter" is of unknown origin.
If you live in Central Kansas, Peter Aversa (a.k.a., Pistol Pete) is the man to see for all your machining needs. He has a well-equipped machine shop and I recommend him without reservation. Contact him at (316) 772-0335 and let him know that my brother, Ted Bender, sent you.
Timbucktoo Machine
10003 South Hertzler Road
Sedgwick, KS. 67135
Google Map
I extracted this information from Charley Cole of Zydeco Racing on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Charley's own words:
(RPM × 60 × Circumference of Rear Tire) ÷ (5280 × 12 × Overall Drive Ratio) = MPH
The circumference of the rear tire should be entered in decimal form and in inches.
Example...24 3/4", enter 24.75"
Circumference is 2 × 3.14 × radius of your tire. Measure with the tire/wheel absolutely vertical (check with level) from the contact patch (ground/floor) to the center of your axle.
The overall drive ratio is your primary ratio × your gear ratio × your final drive ratio. All of these values are in the factory manuals and also Guzziology.
You can use this formula to calculate your speed in any gear, at any RPM, with stock or non stock combinations of any gearbox, rear drive or wheel/tire size. It is useful to predict the effect of gearing changes such as a different rear drive ratio or to know your precise speed at any time. It is only accurate when your bike is vertical since your effective tire radius is reduced considerably at full lean due to the profile of your rear tire.
If you've got a question that can only be answered by the Moto Guzzi historian/archivist, contact Gabriella Stropeni. Provide her with as much information as possible and photographs (especially of the VIN plate) are all the better.
A highly polished bike looks great. But, I hate to polish. I've been polishing aluminum since I was a kid working on my Dad's semi truck wheels. Back then, all the work was by hand and it seemed to take forever. Today, I've discovered some techniques and methods that make the job a lot easier. Sure, it will cost you a little bit of money up front to invest in these items, but you'll always be glad you did. My philosophy is to purchase the best possible tools for the jobs I hate to do the most...it makes those jobs a lot more bearable.
Stainless fasteners really look nice - especially when polished. You could source all of your own stainless fasteners and polish them yourself. But, a less masochistic approach would be to purchase a set already polished. Stainless Cycle does just that, and at what I consider a very reasonable price. They do a great job of organizing and labeling all the fasteners so you know just where everything goes - no giant bag of bolts here. Their product and service is top notch and I recommend them without reservation.
Thread locking compounds made by companies such as Loctite® or Permatex® are wonderful products. For loops, only the generic red (high strength) and blue (medium strength) are needed. Moto Guzzis do not suffer from excesive vibration. The mechanical design and quality construction are such that parts simply do not vibrate loose and roll down the highway. This means that thread locking compounds are not needed for most fasteners. There are a few exceptions, however. Here is where I use thread locking compounds:
I purchased the Throttle Rocker directly from Throttle Rocker. I purchased the kind that uses a Velcro strap (Throttle Rocker no longer sells the old version that is made from a coiled piece of plastic - due to patent infringement against the original CrampBuster design - see review on this page).
In short, the Throttle Rocker does not work. At least the kind with the Velcro strap that I tried. The device is intended to stay put so that it can be used as a lever to aid highway cruising and lessen the fatigue on the wrist. Instead, no matter how tight I fasten the strap, the Throttle Rocker just slips on the grips. Perhaps it would work if I had foam grips, or chose to attach it using some sort of adhesive, but I'm unwilling to do that. I like my stock grips and I want to keep them. Given my experience with the product, I cannot recommend it.
NOTE: The CrampBuster is an original, patented design. The "Throttle Rocker" was copied from the original CrampBuster design and infringed on the CrampBuster patent.
It can sometimes be difficult to obtain or transfer a title for our old machines. Many times, the presence of the "Manufacturing Date" on the VIN tag is different than the date the vehicle was originally titled. Ninety-nine percent of the time, there is absolutely nothing awry with either the vehicle or the title. But, just try explaining that your Ambassador was manufactured in October of 1971 and not titled by the dealer until 1972 to the narrow-minded buffoons down at the DMV who've never even heard of a Moto Guzzi. Suffice to say there are many legitimate reasons for using the following techniques to acquire a title for a loop frame.
The following is my experience with International Title Service when I used them to obtain a title for my Ambassador.
I had great difficulty in acquiring a Florida title for my Ambassador back in February of 2005. Since the year stamped on the VIN tag did not match the year on the title (manufactured in 1971, originally titled in 1972), the state of Florida refused to title the Ambassador until I corrected the "error".
So, trying to be a good little boy, I sent the title back to the state of Minnesota to have them correct the mistake. But, they won't make the correction because they didn't originally title the vehicle. I need to talk with the previous state in which it was titled, Kansas.
Still trying to obey the law, I call Topeka and they refuse to correct the title unless they can physically inspect the motorcycle. Even then, they can't guarantee that they'll be able to correct the title because they may not be the original state that titled the vehicle (and they won't do the research on that issue until after they inspect the motorcycle and start their process).
Finally, I took Skip Kologiski's advice and send off for a bill of sale from International Title Service (ITS). A couple weeks and $75 later I've got my bill of sale from the great state of Alabama!!
This time when I walk into the Florida DMV office, they inspect, tag, and register the Ambassador and send off for a title...no problem.
I'm now in possession of two titles for a single vehicle. I'm pretty sure that's "a hanging offense" in some countries, but I'm taking my chances and living on the lamb.
Good grief...this country is turning me into a liar and a cheat just trying to obey the law.
I extracted this information from Bill Dudley on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Bill's own words:
Here's how to get titles for old bikes with no time wasting middle man:
- Go to Vermont DMV web site. http://www.aot.state.vt.us/dmv/
- Download forms and print them out. Here they are:
Instructions
Actual registration form- Fill out the form (just one side, call Montpelier if you need help)
- Have local authorities (in NJ, it's the police) fill out a VIN verification form attesting that the VIN is what you say it is.
- Write a check for title + sales tax. For our old Guzzi's, they will trust you to tell them the truth on how much you paid. For newer vehicles (1985+ ?) they use the Kelly Blue Book value so you can't get away with claiming you bought a 1990 Ducati for $200. KBB doesn't go back very far past 1990, so we're safe. Vermont sales tax is 6%.
- Mail the completed forms and check to Vermont DMV.
In two weeks or so, you will receive a Vermont Registration and a green License plate in the mail. NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE! Basically, they are in it for the money, which is fine with me. Vermont does not title vehicles older than 15 years -- so our old bikes just get a reggie. Then, take your Vermont Reggie to your local DMV and tell them that you just brought the bike from VT and you want to title it in your state. In NJ, you now have a TITLE. (And NJ can be a real pain in the ass about this stuff.) I had to pay the sales tax difference, since NJ is 7%, I had to pay 1% sales tax plus the title charge to get my NJ titles.
I've just done this in NJ for a 79 Yamaha and an 84 Guzzi V65, and it has worked fine. (It helps if you get a DMV clerk who is not a jerk, however.)
If you have questions about the procedure, or how to fill out the form, just call the helpful DMV personnel in Montpelier and they will help you out. (802) 828-2000
This whole process will cost you WAY LESS than its-titles will charge you. Trust me.
This post is my revenge on its-titles for wasting my time and not being the least repentant about it when I called them up to complain. They couldn't give a rat's ass that they had wasted hours of my time filling out obsolete forms and waiting for them to just mail them back to me. Well, screw them!
Original tools seem to get easily lost along the way and many machines no longer have them. Plus, original tool kits don't come up often on ebay and can be expensive. Here are things that can be used as substitutes:
Here is what I always carry (covers both my Ambassador and my Quota):
On longer trips I also carry:
I couldn't find ready-made, suitably sized tool bags, so I made my own to fit neatly inside each tool box. I made mine out of a pair of old blue jeans. Now that I have them, I can't believe how much more I can fit in the tool boxes. Plus, they are easy to fill and store inside each tool box. To keep them mostly waterproof, I enclose each in a gallon-sized zip lock bag. The pattern I used to create the tool bags is available below.
Follow-up: Since creating these tool bags, I find that I don't use them simply because they are not waterproof, take a long time to dry out, and keep moisture where I don't want it to be. I've gone back to using heavy plastic bags and they are working great. I've also heard that small plastic cosmetic bags and U.S. Army Surplus canteen covers work well, too.
| Tool bag pattern | 13 KB | 3 pages |
To view PDF files, you will need to download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or higher.
NOTE: If you have trouble viewing PDF files inside your browser, try saving them to your computer (right-click the link, then choose the save option). Then, open each file directly in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
When building my tool kit, some of the tools I purchased were too long to fit in the tool boxes (7" is a good rule for overall length, although it is possible to angle longer pieces). Hardened tools can be very difficult and time consuming to cut with a hacksaw. In the past, I have even resorted to grinding them apart, but that tends to take a while and ends up rounding the corners of my grinding wheel.
I now use a metal cutting disc attached to my grinder. The disc is 1/8" thick and 7 1/4" in diameter with a 5/8" arbor hole. The maximum RPM is 8,600, so my 3,600 RPM grinder doesn't even come close. The disc does a great job and doesn't seem to wear too quickly. I cut 2 wrenches and 2 adjustable wrenches and only used a few millimeters - and it was quick and easy! Vermont American manufactures the disc I used (model number 28077).