Not the Revere or VX800 ....

After annoying ppls with queries about the above 2 bikes, I may just be
getting closer to a decision .... someone (Zebee I think) suggested
looking at a Guzzi - well I'm getting close to committing to buying a
V50 Monza with about 65K on the clock which from what I understand isn't
horribly excessive for these bikes. I've been reading up online and am
aware that I need to be careful about unijoints - and the electrics that
sometimes cause problems. In fact, I suspect that the alternator on this
particular bike may be cactus but I figure that an auto electrician can
remedy that for realistic $$$. Does anyone know of anything else I need
to be careful of about this model?

Do ppls think this to be a good choice?

RL

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sat, 04 Jun 2005 22:47:19 +1000

Those are the main things. I suggest you join the local Guzzi club, and
you should certainly join AIGOR at http://aigor.org One thing that's
important is that it should have electronic ignition. If it doesn't,
then factor the price into your cost, I think about A$350 or so. This
is because the points really are inferior on V50's, being hard to time
properly.

NOt sure about alternator rewinds, I suggest you consult a specialist
first, see the parts and services page at http://aigor.org It is more
likely to be the reg/rec than the alternator.

V50s are fun bikes, but they are elderly these days Bits aren't as
plentiful as the bigblocks, but they are not hard to get. Ask local
GUzzi owners which shops to go to and which ones to avoid.

If you get it, drain all oils and replace, not forgetting the Molybond
in the bevelbox. If you are mechanically inclined, might be a good idea
to pull the uni joint and have a wiggle of it, just to be sure. It's
bad enough if they blow on a bigblock, but it's catastrophic on a
smallblock! It's not vital, the vibration in the right footpeg is
fairly obvious when the UJ is on the way out!

It's a small, light, 20yo 500. It will do the stuff you say you want,
but it won't have the horses of later bikes. Hendrik's V50 is famous
for being fast in the twisties, doing very long miles, and doing both
solo and two up, so they can do it if you want 'em to! Just have to
work at it...

I have a workshop manual on CD if you want it.


Zebee

 

Thanks Zebee - comments appreciated. The recommendation for electronic
ignition makes sense - can you think of any reason why an automotive
unit wouldn't work here? - electronics suppliers have kits for as little
as $60 which could probably be modified to suit - although they do tend
to be a bit bulky which may be a problem. And I'd speculated that the
drivetrain would be an ideal candidate for the old Molybond treatment -
good to have that confirmed. Have found a second Monza for sale in Melb
and a 3rd in Sydney so with any luck I might find a good one!

Thanks again for the info,

RL

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sun, 05 Jun 2005 21:08:55 +1000

Well.. I don't know anyone who has done it, put it that way.

Zebee

 

**picks up the gauntlet ...**

 

that depends on whether or not you own a ute, are related to a mechanic
and how patient you are...

how far is the longest you have pushed a bike?

honest "never ever" john

 

Hmmm well I pushed a Triumph T140 custom hardtail (with tall bars for
extra hard pushing effort) about 5kms into a one horse town called
Elmore after It droppped a valve.

Didn't seem far when I started... bike didn't seem heavy when I started
either.

I ended up just about collapsed (and I was 20 years younger and fitter
then too).

It was a bloody hot summer day though... and I suspect most of that was
dehydration.


G-S