Converting to left side shift/right side brake
Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models
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The V700 and early Ambassador models came with the shifter on the right side and the rear brake on the left side...similar to many British bikes of the same era. With the standardization to left side shift and right side brake, some owners - for a variety of reasons - prefer to change the original set up to the now standard configuration. While I am not a proponent of such changes, here is how to do it.
Frame modification
- On the left side of the frame there is already a tube through which the current left side brake rotates. This is exactly the same thing that is used on the later models. So, you have no need to modify it at all.
- On the right side, all you'll need to do is create a mate to the tube on the left side. There are some differences...
- On the left side, should you care to take measurements, you'll find that the tube has an ID = 14 mm and a length = 57 mm.
- On the right side, however, the tube has an ID = 16 mm and a length of 35 mm.
- Inside measurement: The distance from the right side of the left tube to the left side of the right tube is 202 mm.
- Outside measurement: The distance from the left side of the left tube to the right side of the right tube is 294 mm.
You'll have to position the right side tube carefully so that the center of the 14 mm and 16 mm tubes are the same in all planes. For me, anyway, that would be the tricky part of this whole operation.
One thing I will mention. It appears that the later Ambassador and Eldorado brake tubes are positioned ever so slightly forward of the V700 and early Ambassador brake tube. Upon close scrutiny, I can find no reason to cut off the existing tube only to move it forward a wee bit. I believe everything will fit just fine, but I did want to mention this.
Parts needed
Now, on to the pieces and parts you'll need to find. Have a look at the Ambassador spare parts catalog I have posted on my website (2nd edition, the one that has 81 pages)
- For the rear brake, take a look at Tavola 16 (Plate 16). What you need are diagram numbers 38, 39, 40, and 42. Diagram numbers 36, 37, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 46 are just generic nuts, bolts, split pins, and snap rings. Nothing you probably don't already have or can easily pick up at any local hardware store. You may not need part 38. But get one anyway just in case part number 59 doesn't fit.
- For the shift lever, take a look at Tavola 9 (Plate 9). What you need are diagram numbers 10, 61, 62, 13, and 20. The remaining parts are mundane things you already have or can easily get. Diagram number 20 is something you can get if you want to. But, I would recommend replacing it with two Heim joints and a threaded rod linkage. Have a look at what I did to my shift linkage...I consider it a fantastic improvement over the original.
- Diagram numbers 61 and 62 are plastic bushings...one fits inside the other and then the both fit inside the left foot peg (I'll get to it in a moment). I've got measurements of these on my website: shift linkage bushings, but try to get the originals if you can.
- You will also need another bushing...more rubber-like than plastic, that fits over the right end of diagram number 13 and inside the transmission. This part isn't listed in the Ambassador spare parts catalog, but it is listed in the Eldorado spare parts catalog. I do have the measurements on my website under the same shift linkage bushings section.
- Finally, you'll need another left foot peg. Take a look at Tavola 11 (Plate 11). You'll need diagram number 39.