Walter takes in the View
Home Blog Forum FAQ Glossary / Dictionary FREE Newsletter Submissions About this Site

You CAN Ride a Bike
10 Ways to Be Safe
Latest Pictures

Most Popular:
Learn to Ride
10 Ways to Be Safe
Recalls
Salvage Yards
Tattoos
Pics of the Week
Women on Bikes
Quizzes
Latest Pictures
Picture Galleries
Glossary/Dictionary
User Reviews
Road Tests
7 Things Bikers Know
10 Motorcycle Myths

Motorcycle User Reviews - 1974 Moto Guzzi 850T

This is the first and only bike I've owned except for a recently purchased '06 BMW. I bought it used in 1978. With some qualifications it has been rock solid ever since.

Never had to open the engine and it still shows about 170 psi compression on both cylinders. Yearly valve adjustments and tune-ups of course, but it's easy to work on. I think I have adjusted the Dellorto carbs about twice since I've had it, and the spark plugs always show mixture that is spot on.

One problem has been clutch push rod seals that are prone to fail after about 7 to 10 years. It gets oil on the clutch plates and causes slippage. This happened twice and I replaced the clutch plates while I was in there, though they showed almost no wear. It's understandable considering they are about the size you'd see on a small car.

I've also changed the timing chain and timing chain tensioner twice. The alternator stator shorted out so that had to be replaced. Basically, that's it. This is a bike that has been ridden steadily for almost 30 years. Out on the highway it's like a locomotive. If you don't pay attention, the speed keeps going up. It wants to go. Sweet ride, but you must learn to pay attention to its needs, like any old bike. Parts are still available and not all that expensive. -- Rick

User Reviews for Other Moto Guzzi Models

User Reviews for Other Makes

Walter's Books:
Click Picture for Walter F. Kern's
Kindle, Paperback, and Audible Books

More about motorcycles

Walter's Audiobooks:
© 2015 Walter F. Kern. All rights reserved.