The "Mule Myth" was dispelled by Greg Field in his excellent book "Moto Guzzi Big Twins". Pick up a copy and read the truth! "Neither the Fiat 500 engine nor the Mule engine was used as the basis for the V700 engine, however, and it's somewhat puzzling how the whole misconception got started, given the fact that the Mule engine was designed by Micucci, rather than Carcano. The fact is, all the V700 engine and the other two share in common is a 90-degree V-angle. "Comparing the head design and structure, the distribution, the displacement, lube and fuel systems, and engine crankcases is enough to demonstrate that the engines are totally different and come from different ideas" asserted Todero. Said Carcano of the issue: "The [Mule] engine has nothing in common with the V7. It had forced cooling system and was a 90 degree V, but it's cylinders, heads, and engine casing, etc., differed completely."
Bought the police version of one of these in 1990, which led to owning a string of them, running the old Moto Guzzi Correspondence list, putting on Guzzi rallies, and even starting a huge website that is still going called Sheldon's European Motorcycle Universe (EMU). Oh, and being the manager of Team Cooked Goose which set a few Land Speed Records at Bonneville. I'd been riding motorcycles since 1964 but once I discovered Guzzis all the other brands became JUST motorcycles. Best thing about them is they are more affordable than most.
It's not true the engine was used in the mulo tractor . Carcano originally designed the engine for his fiat Guzzi always gets confused with tractors which is unfair they have been fantastic endurance racers and touring machines I'm presently on my third one and know many people who own multiple guzzis and will own nothing else I'm glad the company is still at it
Read "Moto Guzzi Big Twins" by Greg Field. The Mule myth: "Neither the Fiat 500 engine nor the Mule engine was used as the basis for the V700 engine, however, and it's somewhat puzzling how the whole misconception got started, given the fact that the Mule engine was designed by Micucci, rather than Carcano. The fact is, all the V700 engine and the other two share in common is a 90-degree V-angle. "Comparing the head design and structure, the distribution, the displacement, lube and fuel systems, and engine crankcases is enough to demonstrate that the engines are totally different and come from different ideas" asserted Todero. Said Carcano of the issue: "The [Mule] engine has nothing in common with the V7. It had forced cooling system and was a 90 degree V, but it's cylinders, heads, and engine casing, etc., differed completely."
In the early 90's at college delivering pizza's I came across a '73 and '74 ambassador setting against a house under a tarp. The owner had a harley full fairing and bags on it. I asked about it from the lady who had ordered the pizza and was told it was her ex who was still in prison. I left short $1000.00 and the happy owner of 2 down and out moto ''davidsons'' lol. Good times.
So sick of people who should know better perpetrating the myth that the MG V-twin was originally designed to power a 3-wheeled military vehicle. The two motors are completely separate and have absolutely nothing to do with each other! The "tractor" engine was originally 750cc - why would the original V7 motor be 700cc, if it was the same motor? The Guzzi V-twin was developed for a state-sponsored competition for a new Italian police bike - which it won! After that, the American importers saw its potential in the American police market as he said - the rest is history. The "tractor story" is an oft-repeated urban legend. It's time to stop it!
Tomorrow I'm picking up a dream that I've fulfilled for myself. I found and bought an original 1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Carabinieri. As a German policeman with Italian roots, it's just perfect ❤
@@ZoomStranger I got a 1973 V7 sport with custom aluminum body work from Evan Wilcox. Very cool bike but I'd like an Ambassador as well. Currently I have a 2021 V85TT adventure full custom, a 1973 V9 Bobber full custom and an Aprilia, BMW, KTM, Harley, blah blah. My Guzzis are my favorite though.
I'm in my 50's. In high school I was aware of these but I was more into the Japanese sport bikes like the original Suzuki Katana or Kawasaki's GPz. But now I would love one of these Guzzis'. I have a Ducati 1200 Monster which is very busy by comparison. Anyway, glad to see any motorcycle company make it 100 years. Congratulations Moto Guzzi.
Happy Birthday Moto Guzzi! I had a 2003 California Touring that I put 55000 miles on before I got rear ended in Las Cruses, NM which sorta put me off my feed re: motorcycles but I really miss that bike. It loved to go fast and got 50 mpg at 90 mph. I'd own another one in a minute.
Sorry to hear that the shunt put a stop to your riding, but maybe the 100th anniversary is a good time to start riding a Guzzi again? What d'ya say? :)
Moto Guzzi have made many, many ugly bikes and some standout beauties. The Real V7s are a pleasure to own, ride and look at. They are easy to maintain and nearly bulletproof. Allah alone knows why Guzzi called their latest commuter bike series the "v7". Whatever the reason, it was wrong.
I love both the Guzzi and classic boxer twin BMW bikes. I had the good fortune to borrow an R 69S for an entire day with full touring fairing when I was a young man many years ago.
I had an R-90/6 and a R100/rt. The R90 ran real well but had the worst brakes, bar none, of any motorcycle I ever owned. The R100 wasn't as fast but at least it would stop.
Spotted the deliberate mistake - don't ride dealers. ride the Bikes matey! Yeah I've had quite a few hondas too. Got one now but it's getting sold - the Ambassador is definitely staying in the family.
Please stop the singing intro.....
Please
The "Mule Myth" was dispelled by Greg Field in his excellent book "Moto Guzzi Big Twins". Pick up a copy and read the truth!
"Neither the Fiat 500 engine nor the Mule engine was used as the basis for the V700 engine, however, and it's somewhat puzzling how the whole misconception got started, given the fact that the Mule engine was designed by Micucci, rather than Carcano. The fact is, all the V700 engine and the other two share in common is a 90-degree V-angle. "Comparing the head design and structure, the distribution, the displacement, lube and fuel systems, and engine crankcases is enough to demonstrate that the engines are totally different and come from different ideas" asserted Todero. Said Carcano of the issue: "The [Mule] engine has nothing in common with the V7. It had forced cooling system and was a 90 degree V, but it's cylinders, heads, and engine casing, etc., differed completely."
yep, I think tellers of this story like to reveal they know about the mule, then presumably go on to show the photo of it almost climbing a wall
No tractor connection, never happened, old urban legend. Read " Moto Guzzi Big Twins" by Greg Field.
I owned one of these - rode it from NYC to California in 1982
You're my hero. Id love to do that, I have 3 guzzis
Bought the police version of one of these in 1990, which led to owning a string of them, running the old Moto Guzzi Correspondence list, putting on Guzzi rallies, and even starting a huge website that is still going called Sheldon's European Motorcycle Universe (EMU). Oh, and being the manager of Team Cooked Goose which set a few Land Speed Records at Bonneville. I'd been riding motorcycles since 1964 but once I discovered Guzzis all the other brands became JUST motorcycles. Best thing about them is they are more affordable than most.
It's not true the engine was used in the mulo tractor
. Carcano originally designed the engine for his fiat
Guzzi always gets confused with tractors which is unfair they have been fantastic endurance racers and touring machines I'm presently on my third one and know many people who own multiple guzzis and will own nothing else I'm glad the company is still at it
Mechanical Mule 3 wheeler for the army
Read "Moto Guzzi Big Twins" by Greg Field. The Mule myth:
"Neither the Fiat 500 engine nor the Mule engine was used as the basis for the V700 engine, however, and it's somewhat puzzling how the whole misconception got started, given the fact that the Mule engine was designed by Micucci, rather than Carcano. The fact is, all the V700 engine and the other two share in common is a 90-degree V-angle. "Comparing the head design and structure, the distribution, the displacement, lube and fuel systems, and engine crankcases is enough to demonstrate that the engines are totally different and come from different ideas" asserted Todero. Said Carcano of the issue: "The [Mule] engine has nothing in common with the V7. It had forced cooling system and was a 90 degree V, but it's cylinders, heads, and engine casing, etc., differed completely."
In the early 90's at college delivering pizza's I came across a '73 and '74 ambassador setting against a house under a tarp. The owner had a harley full fairing and bags on it. I asked about it from the lady who had ordered the pizza and was told it was her ex who was still in prison. I left short $1000.00 and the happy owner of 2 down and out moto ''davidsons'' lol. Good times.
Wasn't this the bike in dirty harry magnum force? Gorgeous machine.
Yes, Guzzi Ambassadors were used in "Magnum Force". Except near the end where one magically turns into a Triumph before going off into the bay.
@@Amboman4 yes, I saw that - thought it was some trail bike but will go with the Triumph story
So sick of people who should know better perpetrating the myth that the MG V-twin was originally designed to power a 3-wheeled military vehicle. The two motors are completely separate and have absolutely nothing to do with each other! The "tractor" engine was originally 750cc - why would the original V7 motor be 700cc, if it was the same motor? The Guzzi V-twin was developed for a state-sponsored competition for a new Italian police bike - which it won! After that, the American importers saw its potential in the American police market as he said - the rest is history. The "tractor story" is an oft-repeated urban legend. It's time to stop it!
In the 70s I owned and rode a 1970 Ambassador and loved it. I now ride a 750 Breva and is little changed other than fuel injection.
I have a 1979 1000 SP (Spada). Bought 2006. I will never sell it. Nothing rides down the road like a 'Guzzi
Tomorrow I'm picking up a dream that I've fulfilled for myself. I found and bought an original 1969 Moto Guzzi V7 Carabinieri. As a German policeman with Italian roots, it's just perfect ❤
Congratulations! Wishing you many safe and happy miles!
Perpetuating the three wheeled myth! Stop it! Please!
I believe, though have never seen, they were Mules for the army. Photos on the wicked pedia.
It's just breathtaking. Nothing more needs to be said. I love MG bikes.
Why not mention the difference between ambassador and eldorado and 850gt and V7 and V7 sport and so on, do the history talk properly. 🤷🏻♂️
agreed. This bike was the V7 Special everywhere else but America. The 850 was an Eldorado everywhere.
I need to buy a black Ambassador. I need to have one and I will get one.
Well, that was a year ago. What did you get?
@@ZoomStranger I got a 1973 V7 sport with custom aluminum body work from Evan Wilcox. Very cool bike but I'd like an Ambassador as well. Currently I have a 2021 V85TT adventure full custom, a 1973 V9 Bobber full custom and an Aprilia, BMW, KTM, Harley, blah blah. My Guzzis are my favorite though.
@@tedmarakas2626 well, the Ambassador to get is an early 850 if you can wedge it in mon ami. Viva!
I'm in my 50's. In high school I was aware of these but I was more into the Japanese sport bikes like the original Suzuki Katana or Kawasaki's GPz. But now I would love one of these Guzzis'. I have a Ducati 1200 Monster which is very busy by comparison. Anyway, glad to see any motorcycle company make it 100 years. Congratulations Moto Guzzi.
Happy Birthday Moto Guzzi! I had a 2003 California Touring that I put 55000 miles on before I got rear ended in Las Cruses, NM which sorta put me off my feed re: motorcycles but I really miss that bike. It loved to go fast and got 50 mpg at 90 mph. I'd own another one in a minute.
Sorry to hear that the shunt put a stop to your riding, but maybe the 100th anniversary is a good time to start riding a Guzzi again? What d'ya say? :)
Time's up - what did you buy? 😀
I rememeber those bikes from movie Magnum Force
This version is more aesthetically pleasing than the newer Moto Guzzi.
Moto Guzzi have made many, many ugly bikes and some standout beauties. The Real V7s are a pleasure to own, ride and look at. They are easy to maintain and nearly bulletproof. Allah alone knows why Guzzi called their latest commuter bike series the "v7". Whatever the reason, it was wrong.
Can we have Laverda soon??? Please, pretty please etc
Thank you sir for sharing!
got me a '69 Ambo A Series
Never owned an Ambassador.
Always wanted one.
Thanks for the post.
Tell him how many bikes you have, Richard!
Nice editing to add in visuals of other bikes being described.
Thanks again my friend.....!
one of all time favorite bikes I'll never own...
I loved having one these. Wish I still had it.
Great vid thank you
I love both the Guzzi and classic boxer twin BMW bikes. I had the good fortune to borrow an R 69S for an entire day with full touring fairing when I was a young man many years ago.
I had an R-90/6 and a R100/rt. The R90 ran real well but had the worst brakes, bar none, of any motorcycle I ever owned. The R100 wasn't as fast but at least it would stop.
Thanks Richard!
i always liked the moto guzzi but picked a honda back in 1968 because they had more dealers.nice video story
Spotted the deliberate mistake - don't ride dealers. ride the Bikes matey! Yeah I've had quite a few hondas too. Got one now but it's getting sold - the Ambassador is definitely staying in the family.
Well done!