For Barbargris CLASSIC-1970-MOTO-GUZZI-AMBASSADOR-V750

Starting bid:
AU $7,400.00

Up for No Reserve Auction is a classic low mileage, matching number 1970 Moto Guzzi Ambassador V750. Frame no: 654. Engine no: 21 654. The bike is a U.S. import before 1989 and has been sitting in dry storage since.

Motorcycle Classics Review:
"The Ambassador V750 was introduced in 1969 to rave reviews. Helping to augment sales, numerous speed records were gained, including a production class speed record of 145mph on the Monza circuit. Guzzi riders then broke the 1,000-kilometre and 6-hour records, turning in average speeds of 125.5mph and 125.3mph, respectively".

"Designed as a long-distance touring model, the Ambassador was the first-ever production motorcycle to feature electric starting only, with no kick lever even offered. A touring machine typically featured better seating, plus handlebars that reached back to the rider instead of requiring the rider to reach forward, creature comforts for extended hours or days in the saddle. The Ambassador had all of those traits, making it a terrific machine for the open road".

"In a 1971 Cycle World test the Ambassador turned in a 0-60mph time of 6.7 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 14.94 seconds, only two seconds slower than the contemporary Honda CB750. More importantly, it could hold a sustained 80mph for hours on end, making it the perfect machine for the wide open spaces of the U.S."

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That Guzzi always makes me shudder. Back in the 70s there was a gay guy round here that had one who took great delight in taking young lads out for a ride on it. When I say young lads I mean 16-17 year olds that had crap bikes and were in awe of it. He never went near real bikers.

Blackthou said:

That Guzzi always makes me shudder. Back in the 70s there was a gay guy round here that had one who took great delight in taking young lads out for a ride on it. When I say young lads I mean 16-17 year olds that had crap bikes and were in awe of it. He never went near real bikers.

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That's a rather unsavoury tale...

Blackthou said:

That Guzzi always makes me shudder. Back in the 70s there was a gay guy round here that had one who took great delight in taking young lads out for a ride on it. When I say young lads I mean 16-17 year olds that had crap bikes and were in awe of it. He never went near real bikers.

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thread opened up some old memories did it

The Ambassador is nice. Shipping would be a bugger. My mate who runs a Guzzi Shop has a really nice one with a sidecar.

The Laverda 750S - Now that IS desirable. On twisty roads - it would give an R3 serious trouble. The Italian police liked the lesser tuned 750GT as they were near inescapable in the twisties. The S upped the ante - the "near" word became less used.

scot in exile said:

thread opened up some old memories did it

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Not personal ones. We used to buzz the guy if ever we saw him out. He knew to keep away.

The Laverda after 8 bids with 2 snipers went for
Winning bid:
AU $9,308.90 (US$6600)

CLASSIC 1969 LAVERDA 750S. AMERICAN EAGLE S | eBay

The Guzzi from same seller was bidless at Au$7400

Harley Davidson heritage classic softtail | eBay

Next is his Supercharged Rocket 2007 model with under 2000klm from new.

Opening bids start at Au$12500 (US$8900)

2006 CUSTOM SUPERCHARGED TRIUMPH ROCKET 3. ELECTRIC GEAR SHIFT. | eBay

Considering its mileage, providence and only being shedded 5 years ago (I think actually at least 7 now) it is likely the 'upgrade kit' and others things have been done too!

TRIUMPH ROCKET 3
Up for No Reserve Auction is a special 2006 Triumph Rocket 3.
VIN: SMTTLC00357284818. The bike has been engineered with a supercharger and Pingel Electric Gearshift kit. Corbin seat. Custom paint. Low mileage (28,541 km).
The bike was built and owned by Mittagong racer and engineer Elmer McCabe. He had it registered in NSW. It has been sitting, unused in dry storage for 5 years. The bike has been fitted with a battery, fired up, and it runs perfectly.
The 2006 Rocket 3 set a new standard in the cruiser genre. The supercharger and electric gear change adds another dimension in performance. circa 250 horsepower.

I found Elmer with a google and he died in 2012 - note the AJS logo on his tombstone.
He hung out with a pretty amazing group of racers at the local Wakefield race track at Goulburn about 60 miles North of me and 60 mile South of Mittagong. The oldest is 87 and still racing vintage motorcycles and another is 81 impressive!
Redirect Notice


It looks like he had a big bike collection too!


McCabe, Elmer
Grave Details
Name: Elmer McCabe
Died: 21st June 2012
Age: 84 years
Cemetery: Welby General Cemetery, Welby
Location: General (Left) section, row 1 plot 2

Ishrub said:

The Laverda after 8 bids with 2 snipers went for Winning bid: AU $9,308.90 (US$6600)

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Ruddy hell - That's cheap!. My mate has a standard 750 in his showroom. I'll bet he'd want more than that.

I would love another Laverda Montjuic (2nd series). My yearning for something small and zappy was rekindled (yes! - again!) after seeing a Ducati Scrambler close up yesterday - ruddy hell they are small!. I would not have the Ducati - but dammit dammit dammit - I want/need a 3rd bike. But Mrs B. is not ceding.

barbagris said:

Ruddy hell - That's cheap!. My mate has a standard 750 in his showroom. I'll bet he'd want more than that.

I would love another Laverda Montjuic (2nd series). My yearning for something small and zappy was rekindled (yes! - again!) after seeing a Ducati Scrambler close up yesterday - ruddy hell they are small!. I would not have the Ducati - but dammit dammit dammit - I want/need a 3rd bike. But Mrs B. is not ceding.

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You're going to have to get the old 'Powers of Persuasion' out and polish them up a bit!