Gregory Bender

Air filters

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

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Updated:

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Replacement air filters for the original air box

Replacement air filters for the V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police motorcycles are limited to the following:

Air filters that replace the original air box for models equipped with Dellorto VHB carburetors

Velocity stacks are important for optimal performance. I do not recommend any air filter solution that necessitates removal of the velocity stacks. Furthermore, I am not a proponent of modifying the original velocity stacks to accommodate aftermarket pod filters. Original velocity stacks are getting harder to come by and machining them makes them non-original forever.

K&N part number RU-2450

This filter may be clamped directly to the velocity stacks that originally came on the Moto Guzzi V1000 I-Convert, V1000 G5, 1000 SP, and 850 T3 models (MG# 17114450). If using pod filters, this set up is my favorite. No permanent modifications are made to original Moto Guzzi parts, the fit is good, the clamp is secure, the important velocity stack is kept, and the slightly smaller physical size of the filter allows it to fit better in the available space.

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • This configuration is my absolute favorite.
  • The original velocity stacks for VHB carburetors (MG# 12114401) may be turned down on a lathe and made to work with this air filter. I strongly recommend that the original velocity stacks NOT be modified. Please purchase the readily available aftermarket velocity stacks that will work with this filter.

K&N part number MG-2640

This is a single filter that is clamped directly to both velocity stacks that originally came on the Moto Guzzi V1000 I-Convert, V1000 G5, 1000 SP, and 850 T3 models (MG# 17114450). K&N lists this filter as a suitable replacement for the 1000 cc G5, SP, and I-Convert. Thanks to Paul Linn for bringing this alternative to my attention.

The ID of these MG-2640 filters is smaller than that of the RU-2450 filters. You will need to lubricate the ID of the flange to get it to slide easily onto the velocity stacks.

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • While I've not tried this solution, I think it would work very well.
  • The original velocity stacks for VHB carburetors (MG# 12114401) may be turned down on a lathe and made to work with this air filter. I strongly recommend that the original velocity stacks NOT be modified. Please purchase the readily available aftermarket velocity stacks that will work with this filter.

UNI part numbers U801 and U802

Contributed by Mike Tiberio on the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io).

Greg, I have been a big fan of UNI's, right up until my bike backfired while trying to start it, and they caught FIRE!!!

That said, you can fit 2 rubber flanged unis to your bike, but a system I devised ended up cheaper, and neater IMHO. I got a single sock (no rubber flange) filter of the appropriate ID and about 8 inch long I believe. I cut center out of the closed end so I ended up with a foam tube. Leaving the spring inside to prevent collapse, I routed the foam tube from one vstack to the other and attached with zip ties or hose clamps. I figure it maximized filter area, and evened out air box vacuum.

Original post:

I am thinking that a foam tube could be bent (curved) and run from one intake to the other. To do this I had to order a flange-less type (pure foam) sock (I'll open up the closed end to make a tube). Given the stepped nature of the stock Eldo v-stacks I figured that a tube that was either 1.6 inch × 6 inch or 2 inch × 8 inch could be made to work. I ordered both (#'s U801 and U802), I'll let you know how they work out...

As it turns out either worked just fine. Only problem, the foam is an ugly green...

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • While I've not tried this solution, I think it would work very well.
  • A solution to the catching fire scenario would be to fit a mesh screen over each velocity stack before securing the filter. Dirt bikes routinely use this technique as a flame arrestor. I would use a stainless steel screen.

UNI part number UP-4182 or UP-5200

Contributed by Mark Etheridge of Moto Guzzi Classics and Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle

These filters clamp directly to the original velocity stacks and do not require any modification whatsoever.

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • I've fit these filters to an Eldorado. The filters fit well to the original velocity stacks, but are so long that they push into one another significantly in the center. This configuration places a constant stress on the filters and must certainly decrease the serviceable life of the filter. In short, I will not choose to use these filters again.

K&N part number R-0642

This filter must be clamped directly to the carburetor body...with the original velocity stacks for VHB carburetors (MG# 12114401) removed.

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • I have found that velocity stacks very much aid engine performance. I do not recommend removing the velocity stacks.
  • It is possible to turn down the original velocity stacks or velocity stacks from a V7 Sport or 850 T and then fit this air filters over the velocity stacks. I strongly recommend that the original velocity stacks NOT be modified. Please purchase the readily available aftermarket velocity stacks that will work with this filter.
  • This is one of my least favorite solutions because it requires modification of original parts OR yields a performance compromise.

Likely adaptation from a Japanese four cylinder motorcycle

Thanks to Lee Hulteng for sending me this information via email. In Lee's own words and photos:

I wanted to show you my intake solution. It required no modifications to the velocity stacks. I picked up this pair of filter pods at a swap meet a few years ago. The rubber elbows are from Home depot, perfect fit around the velocity stack as well as the cut end fitting into the filter base. Makes a very nice modification.

These are a set of two, so My guess is possibly meant for a cb750 or other 4 cylinder Japanese bikes.

Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.
Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.

Photo courtesy of Lee Hulteng.

Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.
Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.

Photo courtesy of Lee Hulteng.

Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.
Air filter boot to fit Dellorto carburetors on Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police models.

Photo courtesy of Lee Hulteng.

Gregory Bender's thoughts:

  • This is a tidy set up that does not modify or remove the original velocity stacks. Nice!
  • I'd like to know the specific make and model that this was original used for. That would make finding these much easier. If you know, please let me know.