Post Sale Update: This Ambo sold for $7,500 after 17 bids on eBay.
The Moto Guzzi Ambassador was developed as a successor to the V7, which was initially built to provide a police platform in their home country of Italy. The Berline brothers convinced MG to bring it to the US in an attempt to snag some cruiser customers away from Harley-Davidson. The Ambassador (or V750) got some upgrades to target the US market, and Americans responded favorably – in 1971, Moto Guzzi set an internal record by producing over 46,400 examples.
For a lot of Americans, this was the start to their love affair with Moto Guzzi. The 757cc motor was good for 60 horsepower (10 more than the V7), and a nearly 6 gallon tank meant you could eat up miles without having to stop often. For more on the Ambassador, check out this story on Motorcycle Classics.
This example (VIN: 13196) has just 1,893 miles on it since a motor rebuild (which included Nikasil-coated cylinders, new rings, bearings, and rod bolts). It appears that it is being offered on consignment, but the owner has had this bike for nearly 15 years. As described in the listing, “This bike is not restored but, nearly everything on it has either been rebuilt, updated or replaced.” In addition to the motor rebuild, the transmission, rear drive, forks, and brakes were taken apart, repaired if necessary, cleaned, and put back together. a NOS speedometer/odometer was installed at the time of motor rebuild. Aftermarket parts include DB floorboards and Hella bar end turn signals. I prefer my Ambassadors in black, but this has a white tank. The seller notes that the fenders and frame have the original paint, while the tool boxes, tank, and side covers have been repainted.
Find this Ambassador for sale in North Chicago, Illinois with bidding up to $7,100 and the reserve not yet met