Not a Norton but you'll like it

Upon closer inspection of timewarp's engine I think it may be for an Ambassador or ElDorado/GT which means it will be in a loop frame. That should give all you whiners out there satisfaction because the loop frames do not have detachable bits so one can enjoy skinning one's knuckles and smashing one's thumbs whilst installing it and don't forget the added pleasure of aligning the drive shaft with the u-joint at the same time.
 
I'm ignorant on most things Guzzi, so what you're saying is that they didn't implement the simplicity in all of them? Most I do know is reliable, smooth, good power, reasonable on about everything. I've only driven a few, and that was years ago and was very impressed by the overall feel and ride. Not at all awkward like wings.... much more nimble.
 
Yes a 1973 Moto Guzzi Eldorado 850 and if you think I had drama's with my 850 Norton any were overshadowed by this one.
The same bike as the video posted of the 1974 Eldorado but that one would have a single disc front brake.
This one came out of Wallkill New York, original paint, Police dash, floorboards,pedals and gas cap.

Now a nikasil bore 949cc and the gearbox internals are from a 1983 G5 1000, I machined the engine case/block for an oil filter, these engines are a chrome bore non oil filter model, if and when the chrome detaches it all but destroys the engine.
The only parts remaining from the original engine are, the case/block, crankshaft, one cylinder head and the duplex timing chain sprockets. (and sundry covers)

New valves,guides,springs.
Later rocker units for 1000/88 mm bore engines.
Later push rods and followers.
NOS oil fed camshaft.
1993 GT1000 connecting rods.
Stock crank that I added 180 grams of Mallory metal to suit the heavier pistons.
Billet oil pump.
IWIS duplex timing chain.
Even though the engine is non oil filter stock the gallery was cast in but not drilled, I plugged one 8 mm hole, drilled the vertical oil feed (150 mm or so) and added a mid 1970's oil filter pan and drilled and tapped one M8 thread to suit a later oil filter front bearing.

Gearbox is the original 1973 case with 1983 clusters and all new bearings.
Fully shimmed and final checked by bore scope for shift positions being even.

New universal, drive shaft , coupling, the final drive has new bearings and new ring and pinion with a custom machined 4140 pinion spacer spacer.
I think two days to do the final drive.

Wheels have NOS taper roller bearings and also custom 4140 spacers to set them, instead of the stock spacer and numerous shims.
These bikes come standard with 2.15" x 18" Borrani's with stainless steel spokes and brass nipples which I stripped and re laced/trued.


Not a Norton but you'll like it


Not a Norton but you'll like it


Not a Norton but you'll like it


As far as the engine, with the rocker covers off and two wood blocks under the sump, I should be able to support the engine, remove one block, slide the loop frame under, replace the block, support the other side and slide the frame the rest of the way, then lift it to attach it via the two mount points, one at the front engine cover, the other under the gearbox.
It should just clear the lower frame rails and top frame support pressing with mm to spare.

I count myself lucky to be hands on with these bikes so can compare what Norton, Ducati and Moto Guzzi were doing back in the early 1970's.
None of them have much if anything in common engineering wise.

The Ducati's I believe had input from Colin Seeley frame design wise, big taper roller steering head bearings and 38mm forks along with 28mm swing arm pivot tubes and that was from 1971.
The courier should arrive with some bits for the engine and need to machine four 8mm to 6 mm step studs to suit the engine case and later oil pan fixing and then it can go back into the frame.

Then it is more time on the Mk2a.

Like any older motorcycle, all those romantic dreams are of little use if in the present they are not reliable for peace of mind.
 
Another one of a kind bike. Others may look like it, but there similarities stop..
 
Not a Norton but you'll like it
Never heard stable used as a negative , my 2 Italians are 2 very different rides and I like both , the ST3s is a true sporty mile muncher while being comfortable in all conditions .... the Griso , truth is I got it because of the way it looked , had read up on them and decided I needed an early 4V 1100 , when I found one ,got a Duc buddy nearby to go have a look , he called next day and said “if you don’t buy I will” , lugged a trailer 5.5 hrs up couple days later and bought it without even a test ride .... still in love today , for me nicest looking bike I ever saw , it is great on the backroads of Nova Scotia and very planted on road , always does what I ask of it , only weakness ,is over 150kph wind blast becomes an issue , easy to service ,nice to look at , great to ride .... a keeper
 
You’re certainly doing a top job with that Guzzi TW, do keep us all posted.
 
Yes , very nice work ... I love the stance of the old Guzzi , really a timeless look , with the work you putting into yours, no doubt will be a beautiful motorcycle running nicely for a long , long time ....
 
TW when I think Guzzi that is what I visualize. That is how they looked in my early 20's when first I was around any, and I just have a difficult time adjusting to the newer styling I now see. A time machine is what you've got.
 
Was asked so here it is.... I am waiting on a few bits and been working on other projects (with at least 10 more classics waiting)
It will be a rider.
My 6 piece Easy rider poster is not doing so well... so add that to the repair list.

Not a Norton but you'll like it
 
I got a phone call the other day, someone said you might be able to machine a one of fuel injection rail to suit Bosch 1050 cc methanol injectors.
They were even prepared to bring the bike some distance so I could 'take a look.
Even the throttle bodies needed some machining to get them to seat nicely.
Done and ready for pick up.

I even got an email saying the Norton rotor I dropped off in August for Blanchard grinding is done...gosh... Another big bike week coming up.

Not a Norton but you'll like it


Not a Norton but you'll like it


Not a Norton but you'll like it
 
You have your work cut out for you...… Burning daylight right now.
 
You have your work cut out for you...… Burning daylight right now.

I had thought about a CNC conversion for some time, the payment for that job buys quite a few parts for my own bikes and it was good to do something where you had to be motivated and I was being a lengthy process on a manual machine.
To a good degree it was great to be trusted enough that based on word of mouth the bike was left with me and with no mention of cost discussed.

Looks just like my '74 Eldorado 850 lump...

Indeed, but your 74 probably has brakes.

#
We would like to think all the members here are real people, I have the feeling there is a fork in the road ahead, one of those paths is liquidate most of my assets and ride the world for a bit.
 
I have no idea of your age, but as said burning daylight..... A nice Guzzi would be a most pleasurable manner to make that ride. Only ridden one, but liked it better than my wing or BIL's Beemer. It had a non pretentious feel to it and was utterly smooth.... I've been mounted on others that make me tremble as I reflect.
 
Indeed, but your 74 probably has brakes.

Yes, it had a front disc; I mounted a Cozy convertible sidecar to it and the kids and grandkids love it.

We would like to think all the members here are real people, I have the feeling there is a fork in the road ahead, one of those paths is liquidate most of my assets and ride the world for a bit.

About 2 years ago, I sold off my rolling projects and basket cases. Last year, I completed my last client project which was a re-work of my Combat Commando with all alloy bodywork for the guy that bought it.

Now, I've shifted to selling mode, and will be selling at least 10 bikes. I was able to secure spots for my Triton & my late buddy's BMW R75/5 in a local M/C museum, so I won't have to let those go for a few years.

We've moved to where instead of having to drive 180 miles to get to a reasonably curvy road, it's only 5 minutes from my driveway to the heart of the Texas hill country and the best riding & BBQ anyone could need. I also got to go to the cost and catch a nice limit of Redfish last month, MY EX-WIFE PAID FOR IT! (true story)
 
My elder son came in from Bastrop and left me some redfish which was put to good use.
 
There are times when I don't mind a good thread hijack; I've got a doozie:

My EX-WIFE paid for a fishing trip for me including nice condo and fishing guide w/ bait, tackle, etc! Well, it was for her husband, but she told him to invite me.

Anyway, we limited out of reds, and he caught a sheepshead also. They will be cooked 3 ways and all the grandkids will be here to enjoy it.
 
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