KLWinter - Recently Affected Diesel Addict in TN, USA

[klwinter2]

Hello Group!

My name is Kenneth Winter.
I live in East TN, USA.

Forgive me for failing to introduce myself, before posting in the build sections of the forums..

I have enjoyed reading the posts by the members of this group.
The collective wisdom here is amazing.

Upon reviewing the many insightful posts here, I am embarking on a diesel motorcycle build.
I look forward to many stimulating conversations with this group!!

Are there any builders in the Eastern US?

My project plans:
1. Donor bike.. 1974 Moto Guzzi Elderado

2. Engine .. Kubota D902. Stock. New Industrial engine.

3. Drive line .. CVT?? from ATV or Snowmobile

[gilburton]

Just as a matter of interest it's unlikely an Eldorado would be used in the UK as they are rare over here and are considered a classic bike so fetch a lot of money lol
We didn't really get any Moto Guzzis till the T3 came along. I had a 77 T3 California.

[klwinter2]

I bought my Guzzi based on the build criteria for my diesel bike.

I went to a Huge motorcycle consignment shop. Used bikes..
The 70 year old owner took interest in the diesel Idea..
We talked about what would make a good donor for such a project:

Needs:
Heavy frame
The largest hole to mount the diesel/engine into
Cheap - ie buy a whole bike rather than piece meal the parts.

Wants:
I wanted saddle bags and windshield.. Spoiled I am..
I wanted something unique that no one else would show up to bike night on..

He pondered for a while.. We wandered through the massive dark warehouse looking a various unfinished bike projects..
Then his eyes sparkled "How about a "GuTZI" in a strong southern accent... "A what ?", I asked..

him "A MOTGUTZ from ITTALLIe.." me "OH a Moto Guzzi from Italy." him " That what I said"

We shuffler to the back of the warehouse, pulled back a tarp, to uncover three Large Eldorado's.
One of the machines was missing the engine/trans and battery. The open space was cavernous.

He said pick one.. I straddled the black one.. Made a motor sound.. and looked at the dash.
me What is that? him "Its an 8 track player and CB radio"... me "I'll take it"..

It took him 3 weeks to extract it from the back of the warehouse..

When I got is home it was in pretty good shape.. ALMOST to nice to build with.. I even found the title in the saddle bag and called the owner from 15 years ago.
The engine had been rebuilt with 1000cc cylinders.. He toured the USA on the machine.

The Guzzi engines were prone to pitting in the cylinders bores due to poor chrome linings. So I did not start the machine..
I pulled the cylinders to find only minut deterioration.. I should sell the engine to someone who will use it... But it is crated in the back of my hanger..

Since the engine was out...

I am now moving on the the diesel build..

Over here a 1974 Motoguzzi Elorado 1000cc is worth about $5000 restored..
I'm sure it will be worth a fraction of that when I am finished with it.. ;0)

Kenneth
in TN, USA

[coachgeo]

IMHO...... you got a great start. Suspect that like most shaft drive bikes there is very few axle ratios available. Could be wrong but typically that is the case. I like CVT, but suggest you consider a chain and sprocket combo running diagonal up or downward to one side, THEN the CVT powered off of that over to the jackshaft you'll attach your Ujoint for rear driveine. This way the chain sprockets give you some more Gear ratio's to play/Fine tune with. But this is only speculation. Not done it myself.