1972ambassadorsophia-blog

[1972ambassadorsophia-blog]

This beautiful 1972 Moto Guzzi Ambassador was hand built by Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycles as his personal bike in 2004/5, with an eye on making this classic perform on modern roads. To wit, Charlie put in a 949cc engine, 5 speed gearbox and matching rear drive (full details below, it's quite a list!). Since the restoration, the bike's had two owners (a friend of Charlie's and me), and has been stored indoors and professionally maintained by Moto Borgotaro in NYC and The Spare Parts Co. in Philadelphia. The bike is amazing. I rode her to Colorado from New York when I first purchased her, and she runs nice as ever today... and now she’s for sale, I think... come check her out in Philadelphia if you’re in the area.

[1972ambassadorsophia-blog]

[1972ambassadorsophia-blog]

Some older photos from when I first got the bike and over the years!

[1972ambassadorsophia-blog]

[1972ambassadorsophia-blog]

As far as current condition:

The bike now has about 16,800 miles on the restoration, which was done in 2004/5;

The only "imperfection" is a small wrinkle (1 or 2 inches) in the red frame powdercoat. The bike can also use a wax, and the clearcoat is showing a little bit of age, though you can't tell from further than 6 inches away;

I've never had a breakdown or major mechanical malfunction (knock on wood!): the only non-routine service was needed in the last several years was a front brake repair (something got loose and was making noise and Roland fixed it), as well as new front fork seals;

Service has been performed only by two garages: Moto Borgotaro in Brooklyn and SpareParts Co. in Philadelphia, both vintage Guzzi experts. Service has included regular maintenance, plus, recently, front brake adjustment and resealing the front forks;

The bike has been parked indoors since I bought her in 2011;

I had one of the saddle bags re-fiberglassed two years ago, because there was a crack. It was done by a professional boat repair place and looks better than new;

The bike rides like a vintage loop, but with more power, and the transmission, while still a bit clunky, is way smoother.