Description
This is a Moto Guzzi V50 Mark 2 from 1979.
This bike is showing less than 8, 000miles which I believe is genuine judging by the condition and some on-line history that I have found.
On condition, the paint is excellent, it has original stickers, the lettering and colouring on the switchgear and the dials is still bright rather than faded from extended exposure to sunlight.
The bike runs very crisply with a nice tight engine with no rattles or knocks.
There is no play in any steering or suspension bearings etc.
Apart from details like the clocks and switchgear, other clues such as the excellent lacquer on the forks legs and the condition of the seat point to the originality of the bike.
I have MOT’s showing a total of 7, 153 miles in 2016 but I also have a screenshot that the bike was sold at auction in 2016, where it was listed as having 12 MOT’s where the oldest showed a mileage of 2, 485 miles in 1991. Unfortunately I didn't get these MOT’s when I bought the bike but based on the this history and the condition, I believe that the current odometer reading of around 7, 600 miles is genuine, although I obviously can't guarantee this. I am using the bike occasionally so this mileage will rise slightly.
Ironically, it is because the bike is so good that I'm selling it. I bought it last year as I was looking for a lightweight touring bike that I could easily load and unload from a trailer hitched up behind my camper so I could combine camper and motorcycle touring. The V50 is perfect for this as it is such a lightweight bikes, good handling and obviously has shaft drive so no chain maintenance issues.
Having bought the bike I changed absolutely all the fluids in the bike, including engine, gearbox, driveshaft, brake fluid, forks etc, with new filters, a carb overhaul kit and I have added fork gaiters to avoid any fork seal issues, all with the intention of making a completely trouble free touring bike.
Having now achieved that, because of the mileage and condition, it just doesn't seem right to put the bike on the trailer where it will be exposed to all weathers and potentially add significant miles to such a uniquely low mileage bike, hence the sale.
So, the bike has not been restored, but it is not completely original either. First of all, the fairing/ legshields have obviously been added. I believe that these are genuine Moto Guzzi parts. I've seen other V50’s with the same upper fairing although I have never seen another V50 fitted with the legshields. It gives bike a very Spada-esque look and practicality but without the extra bulk and weight. I think the bike has a unique look while adding to the touring potential of the bike (hence why I bought it).
The bike has been fitted with K&N air filters and I don't have the original airbox. These are very hard to find as apparently some of the connections perish and are simply not available so I am happy with the K&N’s in the interests of reliability.
The bike is fitted with Koni rear shocks. I don’t think these are original (should be Marzocchi?), but the specifications of Guzzi’s of this era were notorious inconsistent as they depended on what suppliers Guzzi happened to have bought parts from that month so who knows?
Replica stainless steel exhaust pipes and silencers are fitted, which mimic the originals.
The really annoying beeper linked to the indicators has been removed (thank goodness).
Other than that, it has the rack, head protectors and the fork gaiters and as far as I know, that is it in terms of non-original parts. The brakes are still linked. All the basics of the bike are original.
In terms of condition, it is really excellent for a 40+ year old bike that has not been restored. There is a little bit of wear and tear here and there but it just adds to the patina. This is absolutely not a rustbucket with paint falling off everywhere and which will need restoring.
This bike should definitely NOT be restored as (a) it doesn’t need it, (b) you would lose the honesty and originality of the bike as it is, and (c) it is in perfect condition as an occasional use bike to ride and show. The bike also has also had a new battery and tyres so it is ready to use as it is – just don’t plan to haul behind a camper and do lots of miles on it, which would spoil it. It is extremely presentable as it is.
Obviously due to its age the bike now qualifies as historic (and is registered as such) so no tax or MOT are required but to give a buyer peace of mind I had the bike MOT’ed on 26th August 2023, which it passed with no advisories.
The bike comes with two ignition/ petrol cap keys, two steering lock keys, an original V50 owners handbook, a photocopied workshop manual, toolkit and some period road tests.
This is a rare opportunity to buy a really good condition, unrestored V50 that should run beautifully for years to come.
NB The satnav mount + Givi top box base plate will be removed. A very lightweight and manageable, good handling, reliable and practical historic bike, in really good condition, unrestored condition, with a unique look.
