The clearout continues. This is a 1961 Moto Guzzi Lodola 235cc, single cylinder four stroke, 4 speed.
I found it languishing under a tarpaulin in a lean-to (ok, maybe not a barn..) last year, and the owner said he'd bought it years before from an autojumble here in the UK. I have recommissioned it but left it in an unrestored condition - cleaned, but nothing polished. It wears the marks of time. You either like this or you don't. You can always tear it down and restore to shiny shiny, but what's the point? Use as is, with loads of character, and maintain with an oily rag.
The Lodola is now fully UK registered with an age related plate, V5 in my name, new MOT and a a historic vehicle tax disc, e.g free! It has a wonderful patina. It has been serviced, so oil changed, points ands ignition timing checked, carb cleaned and adjusted, cables lubed, electrics sorted, brand new battery, new ignition key and new bulbs. The wheels, which are steel rims, have been checked, spokes adjusted and tightened, with a new front tyre and tube on the front. The fuel tank was cleaned out and two brand new fuel taps bought from Italy at considerable expense fitted. The speedo is broken and needs either repair (there are various specialists) or replacing, seen them on Italian Ebay (and I can help with this). Drips a little oil but these bikes have an oil tank so like to be used, or fit an oil tap.
It rides nicely, sort of 'bounces' along in a '50s style, nice tractable motor, great exhaust note, and a wonderful patina - check the Moto Guzzi eagles on the tank!
Cold start video of the Lodola here:
Guzzi Lodola start-up
Loads more high qulity photos here:
Guzzi Lodola gallery of photos
All manuals available online, in Italian. I also have a dating letter from the Moto Guzzi club with which it was registered.
If you want to know more, or any more details, or would like to come and see it, please contact me either here on the blog by leaving a comment or emailing me here:
EMAIL
