Slow motion project - Guzzi V7 700

xsgraham · Nov 3, 2025

cookie said:
When you put the generator back on, you might consider shimming any gap between the top of the crank case and the generator to take any stress out of the fixing bolts. I used a bit of nylon sheet, cut to size. You're quite lucky that the two bolts are still there as they very often shear or take the thread in the crank case out.
Welding a strap between the generator carrier and one of the distributor bolts is a belt and braces approach I did on my own bike.

I'm trying to do this as a "repair and make reliable" exercise for me to ride in the future rather than "repair / restore and make it pretty" project.

IMO these bikes look great in a much used or even distressed condition. I like them solid mechanically though.

Thanks Cookie - The genny bolts were there and nicely locktited in. Threads seemed to have survived so far. I'm going the stud bar route to replace them which may help keep the thread in good condition. Good tip on the nylon shim - thanks for that.

xsgraham · Jul 6, 2026

See - I told you this would take me ages !

Managed to get some time back in the shed with the V7. Top end was all back together but valves needed gapping then I could finally pop the covers back on and the engine started looking more together than it has for a while. I also went digging for the flash new threaded exhaust collars with locknuts so I could pop the exhausts on again. Luckily, although it's a bit messy on my bench everything V7 is in one place so I soon located them and got the pipes back on. I have to admit that the urge took hold to clean up the valve covers a bit, maybe a "light autosolling". I gave myself a talking to in time, if I'd started down that route I'd probably not be satisfied until other things where cleaned up and thats definitely not my intention for this one. Oily rag condition should provail

.

Next (and hopefully last) on the agenda is a biggie, for me at least. I'm rewiring the bike using a loom kit I bought some while ago from Greg Bender who runs the "thisoldtractor" website. If you have an old Guzzi you'll no doubt know about it.... if you don't go and take a look, a superb place for all sorts of knowledge on Loop and Tonti frame bikes as well as a few other things.

I had a little bit of time to poke around the bike again and contemplate the wiring - the original is very dodgy and I'm sure there are all sorts of remanents from its life as some sort of Italian police / services bike. I've already taken a length of co-axial cable off it which ran all the way to the back where there was an aerial mount. What is left is a mess and looks like a fire waiting to happen!