BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN: 1976 Moto Guzzi Convert (automatic)

My Guzzi Convert was off the road for a while so that I could remove the transmission to repair a small, but annoying leak from one of the seals. Every time I parked it, it would dribble a little red ATF, marking its spot wherever I went. It had no effect on the bike's usability as I always kept a close eye on the fluid levels, but it was irritating. Over the years of rough use (and you can check some of my other videos to see what I mean), miles of riding on unpaved roads had sand-blasted some of the lower frame rails and the swinging arm, allowing rust to get a hold. Ugly, but superficial. So while the bike was apart, I cleaned that up too.

[@user-dr4ls1hp4w]

Looks like Felix is a master craftsman

[@nick949eldo]

Felix is a great guy, a master craftsman and extremely generous with his skill and time.

[@MrShad73]

Looks like it came together quite nicely. I do love the sound of these bikes

[@luisfelipelagunarivero2699]

I am a mechanical engineer and I also need to see your videos to encourage me to restore my old V7 Guzzi in the garage.

[@nick949eldo]

Ah Luis. I am no mechanic and I would never encourage anyone to follow my example - except, to know one's limitations and entrust the complicated stuff to someone with the right experience and skill. That may be you - but it's not me. Good luck and stay well.

[@luisfelipelagunarivero2699]

@@nick949eldo "Modesty is an attribute of the great." And that perfectly applies to you.

[@monsterslayer4317]

Lovely. And a calming video to watch. 1976 was the year I graduated high school. I'd love to have a bike of that model year.

[@nick949eldo]

There are still plenty of perfectly rideable seventies bikes around.

[@peterfowler8044]

A small world indeed , I used to work for Felix at Cycle Salvage in Ottawa ! Say hi to him for me , Pete Fowler

[@nick949eldo]

I will indeed Peter. Very small world.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

I have never seen one in my country.. But since I got in to maxi scooters know what you are talking about not needing to change gears. It clears out the mind from the constant need for changing gears and you can enjoy the ride and scenery more. I have watched several of your videos recently and you offer look in to Guzzi's like no other.

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks. I too am a huge fan of maxi scooters. Had a Burgman 650. On the lookout for another.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

@@nick949eldo I will be test riding soon the new adventure scooter by Honda.. ADV350. Also the Kymco DT X360. Burgman 650 is a big lump for my teste but it is very good for long trips. The only bike with geared final drive that i know of.

[@richardjohnson3463]

Super Nick, great job

[@nick949eldo]

Thanks Richard. Stay well.

[@simong8670]

Lovely bike, great colour. Pretty much got my heart set on owning one of these one day

[@billrok]

Another fine video Nick. I just finished the same job on my 1977 Convert. They are incredible bikes. Light and nimble compared to my Wing. Your videos inspired me to purchase my machine. Keep up the fine work sir.

[@nick949eldo]

It is amazing how easy they are to swing around. U-turns on narrow roads - no problem. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@seethebutter]

Thanks so much!

[@tinytim9413]

So glad to see your Convert up and on the road again Nick! I also purchased mine after watching your videos. I've been putting a lot of miles on it this summer. I wouldn't think of getting rid of it. It's relaxing and great fun. My wife and I just got back from a Moto Guzzi rally in VA. I rode the G5 but that's another story. Cheers Nick

[@nick949eldo]

It always scares me when I hear I've influenced someone into making a big purchase, so I'm thrilled it worked out for you. Stay well and ride safely. Nick.

[@wil61]

@@nick949eldo I am looking into one as well. All your fault, Nick ;) The one I'm looking at is a barn find and needs some parts replaced for safety and functionality, mostly switches and brakes. Are parts still available? Where dies one shop?

[@nick949eldo]

@@wil61 Ironically I just sold mine. Best places for parts are MGCycle and Harper's Moto Guzzi in the US.

[@wil61]

@@nick949eldo ok, I'll have to take over the Convert videos then. ;) Thanks for the info, though! Appreciated.

[@henryhawk978]

Enjoyed the vid Nick. I'm 29 days on the road and in Fallon, Nevada headed home. All is well. Hope you're doing well. Ride Safe!

[@nick949eldo]

That's a major trip Dewayne. You should write about it.

[@henryhawk978]

@@nick949eldo wish I had taken the time to post on adventure rider. I have lots of pics.

[@nick949eldo]

@@henryhawk978 its never too late

[@pasqualinobillwilder]

Nice vid. Mine leaks ATF fluid all the time too (see the Convert ride vid on my channel) from the breather hose under the unit. Doesn't really affect the ride, but yes, it can get annoying at times. I like to think of it as her marking her territory.... I'll get around to fixing it too... someday...

[@nick949eldo]

Yes, it's not really a problem, although in my case it was starting to soak the clutch plates.

[@shaunlaughy7903]

👍

[@oneredball1]

My old 850 Le Mans MK11 leaked diff oil too. Even after the seal was changed. Maybe a moto Guzzi thing? My BMW K1200 GTSE never leaked a drop.

[@nick949eldo]

I don't think it's a Guzzi thing. My Quota, Nuovo Falcone, 750s and Eldorado never leak a drop

[@Gfthce3426]

Lol, so did you just dump the frozen food out into the bottom of the freezer to help that basket magically appear. ? Good idea !

[@nick949eldo]

Haha. It wasn't in use at the time. It's back in the freezer now.😁

[@jimsimon5706]

Oh man... I'm worried I'm missing out. I rode a Cali III once, before I got my Mille GT, and really got on well with the laid back bars like you have here. Most Converts I see are straighter-barred, so to see you sitting there, all upright and long-mile comfy, must be the way to go. Reassuring, too, that someone somewhere can deal with the seals and stuff. Once the torque-converter is future proof, then what's stopping me?

[@nick949eldo]

Actually I find I sag into the seat a little too much, putting weight on my rear end. The beads help spread the load, but I often ride with my feet on the rear pegs.

[@ridewithted2003]

What kind of tires do you have on that bike that allows you to manage gravel and dirt roads without it getting all squirrelly on you?

[@nick949eldo]

The cheapest Duro tires I can find. They're similar to Dunlop K70s but cheaper. But in my experience, it's never about the tires. People agaonize over them, then spend a small fortune on 'dual sport' tires. It's more about riding a well designed machine (Guzzi's Tonti frames are superb) with a low centre of gravity, at speeds which match the conditions.

[@didierdidier1932]

Wich one do you prefer, the Eldorado or the Convert ?

[@nick949eldo]

I like both, but the Eldorado is my sweetheart.