The Moto-Guzzi Nuovo Falcone VOC

Generalities => Newbies say hello => Topic started by: OldeGoat on August 13, 2016, 09:26:13 am

Title: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on August 13, 2016, 09:26:13 am
Took delivery of a 1971 Nuovo Falcone about a week ago and have been sorting out a few minor items.  Done about 50 miles on it so far, and am enjoying it immensely.  I have to concentrate on keeping my boot / trousers from touching the flywheel at the moment, but expect 'll get used to that.  My bike has a red frame, with white mudguards, tank and tool boxes, with twin chrome silencers mounted in a Vee configuration, and is just designated as a Falcone 500 so haven't been able to find a user or workshop manual for my specific model, so using what I can find on the thisoldtractor site, which is a lot better than nothing! I don't intend to start looking for trouble, so I'm just going to ride it, but would appreciate comments / guidance from experienced Falcone owners on what to look out for.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: banquo on August 16, 2016, 09:10:48 pm
Welcome to the fold oldgoat!  8)
Sounds to me like you have a Civile, the civilian version of the NF. It should come with conventional instruments and a Dynastart, and the inlet manifold should be swept back, with a round air cleaner.
(http://www.autobelle.it/annunci/public0001/1img-1272886638.jpg)
Apart from the details, all the important parts are the same as the military and Carabinieri models
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on August 18, 2016, 04:04:15 pm
Thanks for the info and welcome, banquo.  Yes, that's seems to be what I have, apart from the rear suspension - mine are chromed open coil springs.  The seller had also fitted indicators, which I've kept, but made narrower stalks to keep it neater.  The rev counter didn't work, so that's gone for repair.  A cause for concern is the new chain - it's rubbing against a boss on the crank case near the front sprocket.  The seller is looking into that re an alternative chain.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: nick949 on August 18, 2016, 10:30:11 pm
Perhaps he tried to fit an 'O'-ring chain.  It has to be a good old regular chain (there's info on correct chains here: http://nuovofalcone.createaforum.com/engine-and-transmission/31t-rear-sprocket/?message=572 (http://nuovofalcone.createaforum.com/engine-and-transmission/31t-rear-sprocket/?message=572) )

Nick
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: banquo on August 19, 2016, 01:44:58 pm
Forgot to answer your manuals question; the links to manuals are in the links section, and there are very few differences between Militare and Civile models.
Mainly cycle parts, instruments and the inlet tract. Frame, wheels, motor, forks, etc. are common throughout.
IIRC you have a smaller rear sprocket for higher gearing; maybe 33 teeth instead of 35 on the Militare.
If you're trying to avoid polishing your boots on the flywheel, someone's either removed/cut the cover, or fitted one of the flywheel exposer covers that are available.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on August 20, 2016, 12:44:42 pm
Yes, nick949, the chain fitted is an x ring, massive side plates and rivets.  I've not heard from the seller re this problem, yet, but expect a reply shortly.  Hanks for the link (!) to the correct chain, and also for the link re the manuals.  I Thought the exposed flywheel was standard and I'll probably make a guard plate that keeps me trousers n boot away, but leaves the flywheel exposed.  I was going to change the bars to try to improve the cable runs, but decided against that.  The switch gear is different to the bike in the pic - it seems to have been updated.
On the r/h side there's the start button and light switch, and on the left is dip switch, indicator and horn controls..
Should there be a stay to hold the seat up?  Also seems I need a battery retaining strap and a proper junction box where the wires are currently terminated.  Mick Walker may not like this beast, but I do!!
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: nick949 on August 20, 2016, 04:17:45 pm
Sounds like quite a few non-standard bits, but in the evolving life of a bike, so what?  As long as you enjoy it.  It takes a particular (peculiar?) mind-set to enjoy the Nuovo Falcone. I like to think of it as an evolved mind-set. Mick Walker probably never spent any time with one.  They are dangerously infectious.

Have fun

Nick
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on August 20, 2016, 08:55:05 pm
It would be good to see pics of the correct switchgear for this bike.  I've seen the " snuff box" switch for lights etc on the l/ h handlebar, but not the r/h switches, which I assume also houses the start button. Might be good to get it back to standard ( eventually)!
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: banquo on September 04, 2016, 09:13:27 am
Not sure what the RH switches look like, but it's possible you'll have more luck finding them if you try for early V-twin switches, V7, Eldorado, Ambassador, etc. Possible they're common to the Civile, which was made in such small numbers it's unlikely there's much unique on it.
This is Gerard's bike (for sale) so the pic may not stay around for long.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/z/9d8AAOSwgmJXxEs4/$_57.JPG?set_id=880000500F)
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on September 20, 2016, 05:08:20 pm
Thanks for the photo banquo. Is the start button also incorporated with brake and choke lever? Where is Gerard's bike advertised?
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: banquo on September 20, 2016, 06:27:32 pm
Not sure OG, but the bike was on eBay, but now sold.....
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on September 20, 2016, 09:14:01 pm
I'm a prize muppet - I was in touch with Gerard and missed buying his bike by 20 Euros as I was out when the auction ended.  I was hoping to win it for a winter project but I hope it went to a good home. There's another one on eBay at the moment, but not a project. I think I know what I'm looking for now so will keep an eye out.
No rush though - I'm enjoying the bike, even if it has been " modernised"!
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: nick949 on September 20, 2016, 11:49:55 pm
There are advantages to modern switch-gear even if they offend your sensibilities.  I have Japanese switches on my Eldorado and 750s which haven't given me any trouble since I replaced the old 'sparky's'.  I have the originals in a drawer in my toolbox and once I'm creating daises, if anyone wants to return them to stock, they're welcome.  For now, I ride.

Nick
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on September 23, 2016, 03:33:57 pm
I hear what you're saying, nick, and agree the newer items work, so am happy to leave well alone so that I can ride it.  If I see the original parts, and they're affordable, I may buy them and, like you, put them in a drawer for future use. 
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: Junco1 on October 04, 2016, 07:35:14 pm
I've mailed you with details of a battery strap fo sale. Hope it helps.
Title: Re: Battery Strap
Post by: OldeGoat on October 04, 2016, 09:46:10 pm
Thanks, Junco1.  Not found the supplier yet, but will keep looking.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: Junco1 on October 04, 2016, 10:29:45 pm
Just mailed the info!  :)
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on October 05, 2016, 11:31:46 am
 Thanks Junco1, I've just ordered the last one! Much obliged.   Am taking my silencers to a local bike restorer today to see if they're suitable for re -chroming - they're not in great condition.  Alternative would be to change it to a single pipe system like the one recently sold on eBay.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: Junco1 on October 05, 2016, 01:04:15 pm
Excellent! I'd be interested to hear how you get on with the chromers.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on October 05, 2016, 04:43:04 pm
Will keep you posted re chroming.  Reckon it will be about three weeks before I get them back, until which time I'll be riding the Guzzi 750T.  I suppose I could get the dents in the tool box lids sorted while I'm waiting, and also the ding in the front mudguard, but that would involve new transfers and pin striping but neither defect stop me from riding so I'll probably leave that for later.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on October 08, 2016, 10:35:37 am
The source for the battery strap is the same one that I bought the outer mesh oil filter from.
Still looking for the smaller inner filter, but it's not urgent.  Found a pair of as new levers, but at around £250 I think I'll leave them where they are! 
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: 666jon on October 09, 2016, 09:49:32 pm
Just to let you know, I won Gerard's bike on ebay. It is now back in the UK. I have got it running and I;m looking forward to riding it as soon as I can get it re-registered. I intend to get it running well and ride it.
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: OldeGoat on October 10, 2016, 11:30:11 am
So it was you who pipped me at the post!  Glad it's gone to a good home though.  👍
Title: Re: Hi to one and all
Post by: banquo on October 20, 2016, 04:41:57 pm
Welcome Jon; I missed you as you were tagged on the end of this thread.
Glad to hear you got the Civile up and running.