Subject: RE: hello all
Author: Tom Bowes
Date: Oct 16, 2004, 6:39 PM
Post ID: 1717711968
Steve,
Congratulations (or is that condolences) on aquiring a pair of old
loops. Here's some free advice, and you can take it for what it's
worth......
First of all, solve one problem at a time. Things interact and if you
start tackling too many things all at once you'll have even more
trouble. (Don't ask how I know!)
Yes, even a small air leak in the exhaust near the head will cause
popping and backfiring. The old threaded exhaust nuts are one of the
weaknesses in the bikes design, and there is no easy solution to getting
and keeping them tight. Your best bet, if you buy the new nuts, is to
see if somebody here on the list will loan you the wrench to tighten
them up. Unbalanced carbs will also cause backfiring. Judging by the
rest of your message, you need to get ahold of MG Cycle and order up
four VHB carb rebuild kits. Rebuild them, re-synch them, and chances are
your problem will be solved.
Get a copy of Guzziology, a parts book, and a service manual. Between
the three of them you'll be able to figure out most of the mysteries of
these bikes. One of the great thing about the old loopframe Guzzi's is
that they are still a very usable and servicable machine. In the classic
motorcycle pantheon, they are some of the the most rugged, reliable
machines ever built. Once you get the various bugs sorted out, and rid
the bike of "previous owner syndrome" you'll be in for more hours of
riding around with a big grin on your face than you can possibly
imagine!
Get the Ambo running first and you'll find out how good life can be at
62MPH.
Tom
Shelby Township, MI
Early '70 Ambo
1980 G5
1982 V50III
2001 Cal Special