You forget, I live in New York. My garage is the size of your utility closet. Heat? The only heat in my garage comes from my wearguard coveralls and my long johns.
As for the "help" (listening to Washburn's stories almost negates the value of his vast guzzi knowledge), I think I lucked out with having a looper of many years in my general vincity because of the good karma generated by buying a loop that no one wanted (ugly fiberglass gas tank, important guzzi parts replaced by Suzukayamahonda parts, rust, crud, etc). I have appeased the motorcycle gods.
I have said before that I love the styling of old bikes (especially the curves of a loop) but I see no problem in making them more reliable/rideable/powerful. I am building the bike to the mind blowing high tech standards... of the late seventies. just a couple of improvements - the '74 eldo front end with the added second disc (I have a '71 Triumph with a drum front and I prefer the disc) late model distributor with dyna (not wanting to start a debate but my Triumph and my brother's cb750 came with points - not a big fan), soon to be acquired bar mounted tach (to keep the polished single instrument ambo dash) oil filtration/cooling issue to be resolved later. The engine is a whole other story - a Mike Rich creation - big bore kit, eldo crank, 40mm carbs, megacycles cam, porting etc. more power to haul my large but lovely self. Tank/fenders/handlebars etc done in bob-job style.
Right now - whole lot of words on an email and a pile of cleaned, coated, polished and parts sitting in my garage. Can't wait for saturday to get started on the assembly.
Chris M. '71 ambo
From: Paul Linn <paul-@attbi.com> Reply-To: Loopfram-@topica.com To: Loopfram-@topica.com Subject: Re: "Modern" Guzzis? Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 21:38:24 -0400
Not complaining at all. I restored my first 69' Ambo in my 12x10 storage unit. Had to drag parts home that required any type of electricity attention. No electricity and NO heat in winter sure made it fun. :) Sure is fun trying to assemble a 4 speed with numb fingers. At least this time I have electricity and heat now.
Paul Richmond, Va 73 Eldo custom project 76 T3 basket ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Hawkes" <3haw-@bluefrognet.net> To: <Loopfram-@topica.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 9:25 PM Subject: Re: "Modern" Guzzis?
Hey Paul, don't complain too much. I installed a Nikasil piston kit on
my
1969 Ambo in my 36 square foot shed in the dead of winter. Being skinny comes in handy sometime. Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Linn <paul-@attbi.com> To: <Loopfram-@topica.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 5:18 PM Subject: Re: "Modern" Guzzis?
Gee wish I had a garage to build my "modern" Guzzi in and people to
stop
by
and help. :) Guess I have to settle for the utility closet in my
apartment
instead.
Paul Richmond, Va 73 Eldo custom project 76 T3 basket ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Washburn" <guzzi-@aol.com> To: <Loopfram-@topica.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2002 5:10 PM Subject: "Modern" Guzzis?
About Loops Vs. "modern" Guzzis: When I started my Eldo/SP project
I
gave up my daily driver '73 Eldo in a partial trade for a new
Jackal. I
figured I needed a reliable ride to get to work during my
restoration.
The Jackal has been that and more. No problems and great power and handling. The longer wheelbase and raked front end make it so
stable
that it is confidence inspiring at speeds that are only legal in
select
Western states.
My plan was to sell the Jackal when the Loop was done but I think it
has
earned its place in the garage. It is not as lovely as the Eldo but
as
basic transportation, I am satisfied ;)
I took the Eldo down South to Winchester VA a few weeks ago with the intention of making it to Asheville for the rally. My riding
companion
was not feeling up to the long ride from Winchester VA. to Ashville
so
we canned that plan and rode locally: Skyline drive the first day,
back
roads the next two. Great rides on a great bike. The Eldorado was terrific, well balanced, stable handling. His Kawasaki W650 could
walk
away when the stoplight turned green but I have reached a calm, meditative place in my life so it only bothered me a little (note to self: bring Jackal next visit). I think the Stucchi seat provided
by MG
Cycle has broken in a bit. On the way home from Winchester to NY I
was
able to ride the tank down to reserve, make a gas stop and go home without stopping, 5 1/2 hours on the road with only a little
squirming.
Saturday I plan to be in Chris Mitchell's garage helping him start assembly on his Loop. He wants a "modern" bike so it will have dual disks, full oil filtration, 40 MM carbs, etc. He is starting down
the
slippery slope and I plan to give him a hearty shove as a bon
voyage.
David in NYC
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