Moto Guzzi custom build
Discussion
Thought I would start a thread about my Guzzi build now my Ducati is finished!
its a 2001 1100 California, which I am going to build into a custom bike... not sure what yet, its a blank canvas at the moment... here it is how it arrived, and now! I have started to collect parts... a new tank, and a pair of Keihin 41mm FCR carbs and a few other bits...
This will be a slow start as I have some DIY jobs to tick off first... but I couldn't resist making some Bell Mouths using the old spinning method. here is a video of how its done...
Here is a video of how it’s done...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9rEkZzNBnw
its a 2001 1100 California, which I am going to build into a custom bike... not sure what yet, its a blank canvas at the moment... here it is how it arrived, and now! I have started to collect parts... a new tank, and a pair of Keihin 41mm FCR carbs and a few other bits...
This will be a slow start as I have some DIY jobs to tick off first... but I couldn't resist making some Bell Mouths using the old spinning method. here is a video of how its done...
Here is a video of how it’s done...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9rEkZzNBnw
Mr Dendrite said:
Looking forward to another master class in metal working and fabrication.
Your build threads are great
Thanks!Your build threads are great
KTMsm said:
Love your projects but at the rate you build them... do you ride / keep them ?
Over the last 11 years since I retired I have done one a year...this has been over the winter months, and I tended to ride them all summer, (along with holidays) and then sell, and do another. Last few years has of course been different with Covid as there has been no holidays and limited rides out, although last year I did a lot of miles on the Ducati much to the annoyance of my wife who moaned I never took he out on our Harley! I love the Ducati, hence the last build was a dual seat!still pondering what to do with the guzzi... we will see once I get it on the workbench!
slopes said:
If it was mine, i'd build a stripped back cafe racer style bike but that is my personal preference but either way, this will be good
The problem with that approach is that you are then to a degree governed by what modifications have already been made by the previous owner, whereas starting with a standard bike you haven't got that issue, plus you will have quite a few on occasion rare original parts to sell on.
gareth_r said:
Nooooo!
It's a Guzzi. Should be Dell'Orto pumpers.
It will be interesting to see how the 41mm FCRs work, though. Standard carbs on the early 1100 California were 36mm Dell'Orto PHFs, like the 850 LeMans.
Like these:It's a Guzzi. Should be Dell'Orto pumpers.
It will be interesting to see how the 41mm FCRs work, though. Standard carbs on the early 1100 California were 36mm Dell'Orto PHFs, like the 850 LeMans.
But I think they're not so easy to get hold of nowadays?
Would think the FCRs would be a worthy alternative though not sure if 41mm is a tad on the large side?
Either way, be interesting to see the end result - Guzzis do make excellent cafe racer/custom bikes, something about the look and the (low & long) stance...
catso said:
Like these:
But I think they're not so easy to get hold of nowadays?
Would think the FCRs would be a worthy alternative though not sure if 41mm is a tad on the large side?
Either way, be interesting to see the end result - Guzzis do make excellent cafe racer/custom bikes, something about the look and the (low & long) stance...
The PHFs (and 40mm PHMs as on the Le Mans production racer) are still available from Gutsibits, but I don't think the bellcrank tops are made any more.But I think they're not so easy to get hold of nowadays?
Would think the FCRs would be a worthy alternative though not sure if 41mm is a tad on the large side?
Either way, be interesting to see the end result - Guzzis do make excellent cafe racer/custom bikes, something about the look and the (low & long) stance...
Hotter cams are still available, and there were small valve and big valve 1100 heads. You can buy a Le Mans tank from India or Italy.
I sometimes toy with the idea of building a Le Mans replica to relive my youth... then I remember that my knees are 40 years older.
I assume big carbs will be OK as it's an 1100, but, as mentioned, Guzzi did fit 40s + other mods to some 850s.
Edited by gareth_r on Friday 7th January 11:57
gareth_r said:
I assume big carbs will be OK as it's an 1100, but, as mentioned, Guzzi did fit 40s + other mods to some 850s.
The Le Mans 1000 had snorty fat 40s, but I'm not sure it's the best solution.The amount of effort required at the twist grip is unbelievable. I have read that the chunky springs are needed to make sure the slides go back down again, but I have never experienced a bike like it.
I've got one lurking in the garage waiting for a bit of fettling.
interesting comments guys. The reason I chose the FCR's is they are cheap!
re the comment on the heavy throttle... this has always killed a bike for me, i like to have as light a throttle action as I can. the advantage of the FCR's is they have pull / pull arangement so you can get away with a light spring. here is how I did it on a recent build...
re the comment on the heavy throttle... this has always killed a bike for me, i like to have as light a throttle action as I can. the advantage of the FCR's is they have pull / pull arangement so you can get away with a light spring. here is how I did it on a recent build...
buzzer said:
re the comment on the heavy throttle... this has always killed a bike for me, i like to have as light a throttle action as I can. the advantage of the FCR's is they have pull / pull arangement so you can get away with a light spring.
The heavy throttle on my Le Mans 1000 is beyond ridiculous.I have read about people putting softer springs in them, but I have also read tales of the throttle slides hanging up, which is the last thing you need.
It really spoils the bike.
I also have a BMW R100 with 40mm Bing CVs, which has a lovely light throttle.
Pat H said:
The heavy throttle on my Le Mans 1000 is beyond ridiculous.
I have read about people putting softer springs in them, but I have also read tales of the throttle slides hanging up, which is the last thing you need.
It really spoils the bike.
I also have a BMW R100 with 40mm Bing CVs, which has a lovely light throttle.
I found one culprit for the heavy throttle on my Guzzi was the cable splitter under the tank, it splits one cable from the throttle into two cables to each carb. It wears and gets muck inside and that causes a lot of friction. Got rid of it by using a duel cable throttle.
I have read about people putting softer springs in them, but I have also read tales of the throttle slides hanging up, which is the last thing you need.
It really spoils the bike.
I also have a BMW R100 with 40mm Bing CVs, which has a lovely light throttle.
I found one culprit for the heavy throttle on my Guzzi was the cable splitter under the tank, it splits one cable from the throttle into two cables to each carb. It wears and gets muck inside and that causes a lot of friction. Got rid of it by using a duel cable throttle.
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