Tell me about the Convert 1000

[Justin]

So I was looking at a sidecar rig for sale, attached to a 1980 Convert. I know nothing about this bike, so looking for some feedback. Hows the reliability on these? I didn't even know MG ever made an automatic bike - looks like they used a Sachs 2 spd on these? Anyone know what the stator output is? Can it run heated gear and a few extra lights on the rig?

[blakebird]

they have a generator, but there's kits available to upgrade the electrics

http://www.scramblercycle.com/alt-conversion.html

Justin, if you're looking for a sidecar rig, you might be happier with an airhead BMW - and it would be much easier to find.

[Justin]

they have a generator, but there's kits available to upgrade the electrics

http://www.scramblercycle.com/alt-conversion.html

Justin, if you're looking for a sidecar rig, you might be happier with an airhead BMW - and it would be much easier to find.

Thanks - I saw that link earlier  

As to the Airheads, the ones I see are always a lot pricier. I was originally looking for a Ural.. but being able to cruise at hwy speeds would be nice. And the Ural probably makes the Guzzi look reliable  . As far as I know, the Guzzi's are actually pretty sturdy, and when stuff has issues it's minor things; unlike Urals that spin crankshafts etc.

[Justin]

Well - it sold anyway, so I guess this is now moot. Someone must have thought it was good lol.

[blakebird]

Urals get better after 2006, and improve noticeably each year with different upgrades.

The highway speed thing is probably why they never got completely under my skin, and a good friend with a Gear Up loved it for a while, then it wore him down finally and he sold it.

You might be able to find a V Strom hack or something similar for reasonable money. What were they asking for the Convert?

[Justin]

Yeah, I really want a Ural for the 2wd. But I have a hunch after a while the top speed thing is gonna bug me. Problem is here in CO, you have to ride a bit to get to the fun offroad places. The guzzi was $4k with the hack - prolly why it sold so quick. Ad might still be up - http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/mcy/3034623302.html

When I didn't have money there were some nice KLR's with sidecars for sale, decked out with leading link forks etc. Now that I am ready to buy I can't find a single one  

If you come across anything nice in the $6-7K range, lemme know.

[Pete Roper]

For future refference a lot of the parts for the 'Vert are unique. Not just the TC and gearbox but the driveshaft and final drive as well as the camshaft, fluid pump etc. The youngest one are now 30 years old and unfortunately a lot of them have been abused. One of the commonest problems is that people used to change ratios 'On the fly' using the clutch as you would on a conventional gearbox and bashing the between low and high range and visa-versa. thing is the system was never designed to do this. The clutch is off some tiny little thing like a 175cc Stornello but runs dry, (Its a multiplate unit.) and is nly suppoesed to take static friction at anything above idle speed. Using it as a conventional clutch causes rapid and premature basket wear.

Another side effect of 'Changing on the fly' is that the dogs on the sliding sleeve and the pinions will round off as the difference between 'High' and 'Low' is much wider than with a conventional box so the speed differential is immense and the dogs really grash during changes.

Once they are rounded off the box will have a tendency to suddenly throw itself out of the ratio its in and try toengage the other one when you open the throttle and this can be very dangerous as it is quite capable if spitting you off on a solo and would be very disconcerting at the least on an outfit!

I have a 'Vert and love it to bits but I've been through my transmission and final drive from top to bottom and know its all good. There are a few 'Tricks' with 'verts that are arcane even by Guzzi standards. Anyone considering one would be well advised to ask LOTS of questions before buying. There is a dedicated 'Vert discussion board as well but I can't remember the URL.

Pete

[blakebird]

Yeah, I really want a Ural for the 2wd.

you can only use the 2wd in low traction situations like offroad dirt, snow, etc..... there's no differential, so the rig wants to go straight in 2wd on pavement.

I understand Dnepr 2wd's have a differential, but that's something I read recently - I know very little about the Dnepr.

try the hack subforum on Adv
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56
there's all kinds of ebay and craigslist links posted in a sticky

http://tucson.craigslist.org/mcd/3056539790.html
http://bend.craigslist.org/mcy/3054824154.html
http://daytona.craigslist.org/mcy/3053294877.html
http://missoula.craigslist.org/mcy/3014448612.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/3021102460.html

[Justin]

you can only use the 2wd in low traction situations like offroad dirt, snow, etc..... there's no differential, so the rig wants to go straight in 2wd on pavement.

Oh yeah, I realize that. I was looking for something to ride around CO backroads and unpaved passes with, and to ride on snow days  . I'm just waiting for something to come along a bit closer though.

[Justin]

For future refference..
Pete

BTW, Thanks for all the info Pete. If I ever find another convert for sale I'll be well prepared