ANY OLD BIKE: 1976 Moto Guzzi Convert (Auto) - Nick Adams' Motorcycle Review

This is the second of my video reviews of 'Any Old Bike'. It's a personal view and perspective of my 1976 Moto Guzzi Convert - that weird ugly duckling with the automatic transmission. I've started this series by reviewing my own bikes but eventually I'll move on to whichever bikes I can borrow or scrounge with the hope of providing honest reviews from a rider's perspective. Obviously, my opinions of my own bikes are a bit biased but as I move on to others I'll be providing a slightly more balanced and less partisan view.

[@markm1984]

I loved mine,shift from first to second anywhere between 14mph and 60mph,pull the baffles out and they make a harley sound weak,none of my Harley buddies would ride with me, a outstanding motorcycle, worked fantastic, never had to work on it,just oil,thanks for the memories, have a blessed evening, Mark

[@bigmikeshooter]

Hello from Greece Nick,we love Moto Guzzi here and we are very happy to share the same passion.Many greetings...

[@nick949eldo]

Great to hear from you. Hello from Canada. Ride safely.

[@Tjitskesman]

Hello Nick, thanks for all your Guzzi films. Really well done. I have 2 Converts from witch one has already 350.000 km on the clock! With 30 years of her live driving with a side car too. Only weakpoint of the Convert is the drive shaft to the oilpump. Drive it in the Netherlands is a big advantage in our very busy trafic, with the trafic jams, roundabouts and stopping lights everywere. That is the biggest profit of the Convert: you don't need to shift the gearbox, think and decouple the very heavy Guzzi clutch all the time :-)

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Henk. Thanks for the kind thoughts and the observations on your well-used Convert. 350,000 kms on any bike is great service. You have certainly got your money's worth. I hear there are quite a few Converts used with sidecars. A friend of mine has one in northern Ontario in daily use. Great bikes. Stay well. Ride safely.

[@amp2amp800]

Hi Henk. I've got a Convert sidecar rig too. I live in Amsterdam. Maybe see you one day after this Covid is behind us.

[@Tjitskesman]

@@amp2amp800 Hello Amp. (nice name :-) ) Yes Holland is a small country, so perhaps we do meet somewhere on a Guzzi meeting or on the Italdag.

[@nunya9555]

I was a motorcycle mechanic what seems like ages ago. One of those was trailered in, not running. I had the privilege of reviving the old girl. Pretty much the same old story, ran when parked, with gummed up carbs and corroded points. It was neat and strange to cruise on when it came time for the test ride. Those old things just don't quit! While the Convert is neat, I have been wanting an Eldorado for the longest time. It may never happen. They may be too expensive by the time I am able to collect the cash to pick one up. Its a dream though, and may be better as one.

[@nick949eldo]

They do crop up as 'barn finds' from time to time. On the Eldorados / Ambassadors, just be sure to replace the cylinders(chrome peels).

[@nunya9555]

@@nick949eldo. Thanks, I had not heard that. But then again,the last time I worked on one was almost 20 years ago

[@nick949eldo]

@@nunya9555 It's only an issue up to about 1975 when they switched to steel liners. If you do a quick search for 'Guzzi chrome bores' you'll get the picture.

[@jdsalinger73]

Beautiful bike, great sound. I really enjoy the scenery on your rides too.

[@BanjoLuke1]

Strange old thing, the Convert. It wasn't old, once. A part of the joy of a Guzzi is leaving it in a gear and rolling on and off the throttle. So.... Why bother with lots of ratios? I love, too, the absence of a rev counter. I rode for many months a T-3 Cali with no rev counter.... And I never found myself wishing it was there. It was either ticking over or it wasn't. No need for a rev counter to tell you that. Lovely video.

[@mcyclecollector]

Sounds like a motorcycle I would like to ride now in my earl sixties. I do have a Moto Guzzi 1400 California and love it more than my harleys. Could listen to you all day nice tone to your voice . watch your videos all the time good health to you sir.

[@nick949eldo]

Wow Steve - thanks. Enjoy theCali. Great bikes I hear. Ride safely.

[@chrisfoden4911]

HI Nick, love reading your books and enjoy the travel vlogs, so much so that I just bought a 1990 Mille GT. Keep up the good work, I learnt something watching the Convert review.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Chris. The Mille GT is a beautiful bike. Pretty, simple and with that great big block engine. Good luck with it. Ride safely 😃

[@speedfinder1]

Wow, that's simply awesome. I'm not an experienced long distance rider myself and that seems like a real adventure all on its own.

[@zari63]

Hello nick good bike,I have MOTO GUZZI NEVADA 750 MODEL 94 great bike for now waiting for the time for restoration

[@mark.e.p]

Great bike. I used to have a T3 same colour as yours in the 80's with Lafranconi Pipes the sound was beautiful. I really miss it.

[@jps8941]

Your bike is gorgeous I acquired my first Guzzi last year I got a NOS 2018 v7iii carbon dark I like a push button bike. I really enjoy the bike I got the bike for the same reason that you said at the end of your video. I really didn't know that Moto Guzzi made so many different bikes and so many different variance. I'm amazed that they have single cylinders and automatics. Thanks great video.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks jp s. Enjoy that Carbon Dark v7iii. Great bike. Safe riding.

[@sunnyb7702]

Nick: Our police department in Northern California initially started with the typical Harley Davidson. Administration didn't like the cost and tried the Eldorado. Problem was getting the bike serviced. Had to go to either San Francisco or Oakland, CA. Migrated into the Convert 1000 which handled very well. However, for some reason they became unresponsive performance wise by the 2nd year. They ended up have\ing very poor performance despite being service by 2 different dealerships. Ended up being happier with the Kawi 1000P.

[@tocatchasnark1471]

Can’t wait for the star of your collection, the Eldorado. Loving the new videos

[@nick949eldo]

Awaiting cylinder head repair. It won't be long...............

[@frankhammer7408]

I rode a Convert a friend of mine owned thought I wouldn't like a auto but it was really pretty cool.

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I've got a 1976 i convert. Almost no engine wear @ 55,000 miles. It's apart now in a somewhat lengthy resto and attempt to actually get it to go into it's 2 ranges. Made enough of an impression that i bought an 03 Cali Stone with 6,000 miles on it last August. Not one issue in the thousand+ miles i've rode her. Love the fact that this model has iron liners. It's also great that when 2 up there is no clash of helmets toward the end of a long day of riding. You know, the bump of skid lids per every shift.

[@rickguyevans]

Another great video, Nick! My '77 is still all apart with a powder coated frame, vapor blasted hubs with Buchanan S/S spokes and a ton of parts from MG Cycle & Harpers...I am so looking forward to riding it next summer! Keep up the great work and keep riding! From Southern Ontario, another kindred Guzzi fan!

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Rick. Good luck with the Convert Rick. I'm sure you'll love it.

[@dougmclaren4328]

Another excellent vid Nick. As always, very interesting and informative.

[@Stevo736]

Really nice looking bike I had a 1978 California in the 1980s wish I still had it.

[@TonTonPercussie]

like your mix of love nonchalance and care

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks. I like going places most people don't, but ride like a Granny.

[@TonTonPercussie]

@@nick949eldo Grannies last and know secrets :-)

[@nick949eldo]

@@TonTonPercussie Hahaha

[@motophoenix5951]

Excellent review, thanks. I have always wanted to try one, just never had the chance.

[@jamesfox1514]

Hi Nick. I've had one of these 79 wire wheel Converts for quite a few years and now as I'm getting a bit less flexible it is becoming my regular ride and I'm glad I hung on to it, beautiful bike to ride, starts first time every time even when left idle for months. It still flies on the open road and daudles round London traffic in a lazy V8 manner. I like your switchgear and LED cluster mods. Do you have a link for sourcing these? Keep up the good work and good to see your contributions to ADV rider.

[@nick949eldo]

@jamesfox1514 thanks James. I think this is the one. You might find a source closer to home (perhaps Guzzibits). Good luck. www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=183

[@TheCoopdway]

Really enjoying the new series Nick, this one especially. I owned the Convert’s brother, the SP back in ‘80 and loved it. My current Breva is great but not the same. I keep watching for a Convert...I’m ready for one now. Until then my ‘80 Honda 400 Auto will have to do. Looking forward to the next one.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Doug. Those Honda 400s are impressive. My son's first long ride was on one to James Bay, Quebec. Stay safe.

[@rongeernaert1208]

I have a 850 LeMans 2, but I'm closer by 70 years than by 60 years so I go to look for such Hydro Convert in the future !

[@henryhawk7038]

I enjoyed the video Nick. I believe there's a Convert out there rolling around for me somewhere. Talking starters and carburetors and in my case throttle bodies. With 85k on my 01 EV. They've never been unbolted. The bike, as long as it has a strong battery, it's always been ready to go.

[@andrewewan624]

Super video ....the joys of motorcycling... thanks for sharing....stay safe !!

[@ianboyd9723]

It makes riding at slow speed interesting, they are very relaxing to ride.

[@marcusmason3440]

Been fortunate to own several tasty bikes including a convert.......sold them all.....the convert is the only one I regret selling and want to buy back. Reg NPK26P in the UK, now purple, if you know the bike or owner I would be glad to hear from you. Regards.

[@nick949eldo]

Good luck Marcus

[@marcusmason3440]

@@nick949eldo cheers Nick, always hopefull 😁

[@RideWithRen]

Another great video, the Convert sure looks like a joy to ride. What is your source for LEDs for the conversion?

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Ren. I ordered from here. www.superbrightleds.com/cat/motorcycle/ I've yet to replace the headlight, but I will eventually. The tail lights are bright and durable though.

[@RideWithRen]

@@nick949eldo thank you 👍

[@muaythai193]

Automatic is fucking awesome. I love the Rebel 1100, for example. DCT and the 270 degree twin is such a great combo. Love the OG Guzzi “automatic” as well.

[@mattklein5498]

Hi Nick, Thanks for these Vid's You mentioned the left switch gear, where did you get it? Been having trouble with the right throttle which has the starting button and kill switch etc. do you have a replacement for that? thanks Oh 81 Convert 16000 mi, Love it

[@nick949eldo]

The left switch cluster is from MgCycle www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=183 My right is a very old, repurposed Honda unit from my parts bin (until it fails)

[@mattklein5498]

@@nick949eldo Thank you and for the link

[@danrosello9643]

Hi Nick, where did get that left hand switch gear? I agree with you. Being unspecialized these old Moto Guzzi are even good on rough surfaces. I really liked riding my MG 1000 SP/NT off road. I once climbed Mont Lozère in France a few years ago, that was quite sporty but i enjoyed it. That's a thing i would not even think about with my current ride -2005 BMW R1200RT !

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Dan, this is the one: www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=183

[@danrosello9643]

@@nick949eldo Thank you Nick. See ya on the web or maybe some day on the road. Cheers

[@jimsimon5706]

Thanks for the video. I very much liked the explanations and would like to see more on revs and speed. I know a Convert would be the bike for me, but I'm not a mechanic which I think would be important. I had a Quota and a Mille GT which were great, but I relied on others to sort them out which they did, occasionally need, and I like getting to parts of the country which are not near help. My left hand is now painful, so a Convert would be perfect, and I really like the roll along characteristic of Guzzis, but there you go. I have a boring Honda with DCT auto which does the business albeit with no character, but I still think of it as my Guzz.

[@nick949eldo]

Can't help with the revs Jim - no rev counter. I recently rode a Honda Gold Wing Tour with DCT. Very impressive, and not boring in the slightest. Stay well.

[@seethebutter]

Great review! Thanks I love your videos!

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks John - much appreciated.

[@garmit61]

Great review regardless of the video faux pas. I love the round barrel big block Guzzi’s and owned a Mk II Le Mans about ten years ago. I regretted selling it from the day it went. I managed to get hold of a Mk IV Le Mans and still have it. It’s so much more lively than the 850 engine and I love it. I’ve had the front end modified and the only thing I’d change if money was no object would be to swap the square cylinder blocks for round heads but that would be frivolous. Would you mind sharing which switches you use to replace the clunky ugly standard ones ? Thanks, Gareth.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Gareth. They do get under your skin. The switches I have used on many of my bikes are: www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=183 very reliable and good quality - if a bit pricey. Good luck.

[@zombiewoof5257]

Nice video of a cool bike. What tires are you using?

[@nick949eldo]

Duro HF 308 (or 318) can't remember. Basic and dirt cheap. They don't last long but they have a reasonable treat pattern, grip OK and suit the look.

[@zombiewoof5257]

@@nick949eldo Thanks!

[@CCitis]

There's one of these for sale near me... I didn't give it much thought being an auto, and what I thought would be a complicated gearbox to work on

[@adriancasado9035]

Beautifull mess , as you said, what are those tires? thnks!

[@nick949eldo]

Just cheap Duros. (Similar to Dunlop K75's but a lot cheaper). They work for me and the kind of riding I do.

[@adriancasado9035]

@@nick949eldo Thanks! :)

[@haroldwalters9626]

Love my Convert, also a 76! My original switch gear is ageing badly and needs replacement. What brand of Japanese switches do you use? They look nice. Thanks

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Harold. This is essentially what I used. Expensive, but good quality. www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_140&products_id=183

[@colinxsd2208]

@@nick949eldo Hi Nick, I am tempted to replace the switchgear on my '77 Convert. Is the one you use 'push to cancel' on the Blinkers? I find it difficult to find the centre off on my standard switchgear, probably because it is worn.

[@nick949eldo]

@@colinxsd2208 Yes. Push to cancel. If the ones MGCycle are still selling are the same as mine, they work very well and have given me no trouble.

[@colinxsd2208]

@@nick949eldo Thanks, I will see if I can get we some, I have some T3 Cali handlebars to fit sometime and they will need the loom extending, so it would make sense to do the switchgear while I'm at it.

[@richardjohnson3463]

Very nicly done Nick, great idea. I need to replace my "idiot light" bulbs with LED's, what ones did you use that fit?

[@amp2amp800]

Nice video Nick. I'm really interested. Did you need a LED light 'conversion' inside the binnacle, or are there LED's that will just plug in to the standard bulb holders these days?

[@nick949eldo]

Hi Amp2Amp. Fortunately I kept the original box so here's the details. I ordered them from superbrightleds.com (74-RHP red, 74-AHP amber, 74-BHP blue, 74-GHP Green) . They simply replace the existing bulbs within the binnacle. No conversion needed. Good luck.

[@amp2amp800]

@@nick949eldo Brilliant Nick (bad pun but this is great news thanks!

[@amp2amp800]

@@nick949eldo Hi Nick. Got them (from the same guys) shipped to Holland and fitted them at the weekend. They're great! Emboldened by this success I took on switching the starter motor (while I fix the bosch - I think its just the solenoid making it unreliable)... and then, at the "last step", when reconnecting the battery, I managed to drop the nut from the -ve terminal down the side of the battery where it got stuck. I should in my defence mention that my bike's modified to accommodate a lame right hand which kind of limits my spannering these days. Then I broke the battery connector on the (fat guage) rectifier +ve wire, when taking the battery out to fish for said nut, and I don't have tools and spares to fix (or bodge) that immediately. I'm hoping that this is all a blessing in disguise. I think maybe the connector was already broken, and the source of an unexplained scary total power loss in Belgium on my last trip out. It 'went away' by itself after wiggling stuff and checking the fuses, and I got home OK but I've been a bit worried that I might get another engine cut out, this time in traffic, ever since. A guy was mowed down for stopping on the Amsterdam ring just the other week - they don't take prisoners here. So the job's done, but I'll have to wait a few days to fully enjoy the fruits of my labour, (and see if I need to attend to the speedo cable again). Mainly I still need to check if it will even start with the new starter motor in. Ride safe!

[@nick949eldo]

@@amp2amp800 Glad to hear the lights were a success but sorry to hear of the other starter woes. Don't feel bad. My bike wouldn't start the other day as I was about to lead a small group of Guzzi riders on some local roads. I had to short across the starter solenoid to get it started. When I investigated later at home, found the plastic parts inside the starter handlebar switch had broken. Looking for a replacement now. Sh**t happens.

[@amp2amp800]

Hi @@nick949eldo The Dutch Guzzi Club forum advises me that the Bosch charging system is sensitive to (balanced by) feedback via the lamp and spec'd for a 3W bulb. I know this circuit, I believe its a fair point. It might not play out in practice. Have you had any symptoms? The story is that the standard bulb is only 1.2W (so already on the low side of optimal). The red LED comes in at about 0.25W and should therefore fall under the threshold, resulting in poor charging. They recommend a 5W 50Ω shunt. I found a plug-in (3.2W 41Ω) item "12V LED Warning Canceller Decoder 501 T10 W5W OCB Error Load Resistor" which I hope will fit the bill. Its not intended for this purpose but I think its close enough and I won't need to splice wires. In theory it should help. At under ten euros I'll take a chance. Still waiting for delivery to test (everything). I'll keep you posted.

[@jcmercier6206]

I wonder what type and brand of tire you use on this Convert and on the Eldorado for riding on all kind of roads. Do you use one unique type of tire for all types of road you are riding (asphalt, gravel, etc) ? ; it seems to me that the tires are the same on your Convert & Eldorado. Thank you for your videos.

[@nick949eldo]

Same tires on both bikes jc. Cheap Duro HF308s. Surprisingly good on or off pavement, although they don't last too long.

[@jcmercier6206]

@@nick949eldo how many km for the front & the rear ?

[@nick949eldo]

@@jcmercier6206 I haven't really kept track but the fronts last a long time but are a little noisy. The rears are good for about 6000km or so. But they're cheap..............

[@jimdekorne3724]

Another good video Nick, I really like the dark teal/green metallic paint on the convert. Does the trans, take regular automotive type fluid?

[@gregorytimmons4777]

Yes

[@dungspreader]

Hi Nick , another grand video . A couple of questions about the Convert . Is there any engine braking effect when you close the throttle or do you have to rely on the brakes at all times ? [ I'm thinking about any problems riding on loose surfaces ]. Are the brakes linked ? What is the spares availability like ? [ I'm looking to replace my Breva 1100 with a bike that is less snatchy at low speeds , also I want to go back to a non computer bike ] I had discounted a Convert as potentially unreliable , but I am looking at them in a new light , thanks to your enthusiatic review . p.s. was the "Conversion" painless ? [groan ].

[@nick949eldo]

There is a bit of engine braking but quite a bit less than a geared bike. I never find it a worry. The linked brakes are tremendous (although not to Breva standards) and I've never found them a problem on gravel. Even when I've found myself having to break unexpectedly on a loose surface they just slow the bike - although one has to ride according to the surface conditions anyway. Most parts are available from MgCycle or Harpers, and what isn't can be found on eBay. Some people swapped out the converter for gears (more fool them) so full tranmissions are often available for not too much. Compared to the Breva, it's a bike from a different time. Try to find one to ride before you make any commitments. I'd hate to have led you into doing something you'd regret later. (as for 'Conversion' - I still have geared bikes too, which I equally enjoy).

[@colinxsd2208]

@@nick949eldo I agree, only time I didn't like linked brakes was on ice and snow but that was on my T3, so I learnt to just use engine braking. The Convert however doesn't have enough engine braking to come with the hills around here but luckily I no longer have to ride when there is ice and snow about, if I did I would fit brake balance adjuster so I could reduce the front braking to suit conditions. I would also recommend trying a Convert and give it time to adjust to the different riding style, that said, I didn't I just bought the Convert and got used to it :)

[@jeffhudspeth6397]

Do they use brine on the roads up there to keep them clear of snow and ice? If so, how do you prevent rust?

[@nick949eldo]

They use a mix of salt and sand. I spray the bikes in WD40 and clean the bikes in the spring. It's tough on them but they'll outlast me.

[@petersmith4202]

I allways wanted one

[@dinotrincas9620]

It seems Guzzi were already ahead in 1975!!

[@northof-62]

That looks very much like Sweden or Finland, landscape-wise. Are you from the UK? I'd guess Kent :-D Cheers from Norway. (Stelvio rider here)

[@nick949eldo]

Originally Norfolk, then the Midlands. Stay well. Nick

[@northof-62]

@@nick949eldo Ok I missed by a few miles. Thx for your nice videos and all the best in Ontario.

[@nick949eldo]

@@northof-62 My mum lived in fear of me acquiring a regional accent.

[@northof-62]

@@nick949eldo Ha ha - no worries there. But I like most UK accents. And Canadians are usually much better to listen to than most Americans too.

[@dalewilliams8219]

Why did they stop making them?. I rode one of these in the late 70s as a test ride from a dealer. Shrug it off and went and bought a Yamaha. You make mistakes in life and that was one of them. I still regret to this day not buying the v1000 convert.

[@nick949eldo]

I guess the market just wasn't there after a while. They lingered on into the mid-eighties. It's never too late. They are still out there.

[@mr7wi]

nice work!

[@jamshedsethna3428]

Great narrated voice

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

👍👍

[@jimksa67]

snafu Bro!

[@wdhewson]

I don't miss my Amby 750 police. Moto Goofy sums it up. Guy in Mexico sent a truck for it.

[@advid9234]

A Kawasaki Z900 of the same era will be faster and more reliable than this ?

[@nick949eldo]

Possibly, but that's missing the point and not the criteria by which I chose my bikes. I have almost zero interest in Japanese bikes from the period, even though I recognize that they are excellent machines.