1971 Ambassador For Sale
In the last 2 years I've replaced the cylinders/pistons with a new Nikasil set (the older Guzzis had chrome cylinder bores which were prone to flaking). The cylinder heads were rebuilt by Jim at EP&F. I've put about $2K into it (including the engine rebuild), replacing lots of odds & ends -- cables, tires, various seals and gaskets, carb parts, grips, points, ignition advance springs, spark plugs & cables, header pipes, shocks, etc. I have a pile of receipts. Carrier bearing and universal joint replaced within the last 2k miles. All gaskets and seals in the rear drive were also replaced at that time.
The left-hand controls (lights, turn signals, horn) were replaced with a modern Asian unit...but I still have the original "pillbox" ones if you want to install them.
The sidecar is a Spirit of America "Eagle" model. I upgraded the mounting hardware with stuff from Dauntless Motors, who are pretty much the "go-to" specialists in sidecar rigs. There is a new gray carpet liner, and all of the wiring has been redone and there's a molex connector to simply plug/unplug from the Ambassador's wiring.
All of the paint is original. Also has matching Wixom Ranger fairing, hard bags, and top case. Also includes a backrest/rack for mounting the topcase. The only major dent to speak of is a hole in the front fender. There is quite a bit of oxidation on the left hand sidecover.
Stuff that hasn't been done, or otherwise will need attention:
1. On the Ambassador I have fixed up the wiring as stuff breaks...but I would recommend getting or making a brand new harness and going from scratch. They're very simple machines. Currently the high beam on the headlight doesn't work (probably just a fuse).
2. There is an alternator instead of the stock generator. The generator mounts up between the jugs, attached to the engine case by 2 bolts. One of the generator mounting bosses was fried (not just stripped, but really broken), so I installed an alternator that hangs from the frame. It's never given me trouble, but if you're a purist you'd probably want to repair the gennie mounting boss by building up the boss with a welder, and re-drilling & tapping.
3. I've never been into the front forks, other than to change the oil. They probably need some love -- rebound is there, damping not so much.
4. The speedometer bounces all over the place, and isn't accurate anyway due to the low sidecar gearing in the rearend. You'd probably want to mount a bicycle speedo, or go back to the original gearing.
4. The sidecar seat will need some attention. Everything is there -- cover, foam pad, and fiberglass seat pan -- it just needs put together.
See pictures below. Some pictures will have captions to give you more information.
Rig is in Flagstaff, Arizona. Will not part out. Asking $3500.
The whole package. The right-hand sidecover will not go on with the sidecar attached. You'll have to cut/modify the sidecover, or change the way the sidecar attaches.
Moth mufflers are original, larger-hole "pea shooters."
The light on the sidecar fender is a Lucas original. There is button hardware around the sidecar top for a cover. Easy enough to make.
The tire on the sidecar is ancient. Should be replaced.
The tan gunk on the top of the right saddlebag looks like old crusty masking tape. I've never tried to remove it.
The bicycle speedo on the handlebars doesn't work. Tells you the time though. :-)
Hole in the front fender.
One of the horns is visible in the upper left of the photo. They sound like a horn from a '57 Chevy. Perfect for lighting up clueless cagers.
Matching Wixom Ranger hard saddlebags and topcase. All latches work, but there are no keys.
The windshield ont he sidecar is from Gustaffson (sp?) Plastics.
The running light on the nose of the sidecar is too cool!
Original pain is faded...but the chrome tank panels are still in great shape.
The alternator. I haven't put serious miles on since the alternator was installed...but it keeps the battery happy. The alternator mount leaves it free to move back and forth. It moves a bit @ idle, but once on the throttle it stays put.
I still have the original generator and mounting bracket if you want to go back to that setup.
That's road (dust) grime from a dirt road on the rocker cover.
There are K & N pods on the carbs at the moment. I have the original airbox, but NOT the rubber boot that connects the airbox to the carbs. It is available though.
Right-hand sidecover is in really good shape.
Passenger backrest with topcase mount.
Dunlop K70s, mounted in 2004, still lots of tread left.
Left-hand silencer has a small oxidation hole near the end.
Inside lid of one of the saddlebgs.
Gaskets are intact.
View inside the topcase. A few minor "spiderweb" cracks in the exterior clearcoat finish, but overall it's in great shape. All hinges and latches 100% functional.
Attempt #1 to get a photo of the tag inside the sidecar.
Attempt #2 to get a photo of the tag inside the sidecar! Between the lighting, the angle and my little P&S digicam, it was not easy.
Original seat. Amazingly comfortable. They knew how to make seats back then!
2LS front brake. New boot, cable, and shoes in '05. The chrome on the fender stays is in good shape.
Should be on the road, not in a storage unit.