Guzzi Nuovo Falcone

MOTO GUZZI NUOVO FALCONE
THREAD INDEX

(Updated June 20, 2017)

Click on reference. Once there , also search posts surrounding your target post-


Air Filter Box - Militare
Post 1

Axle/Wheel Spacers:
Post 1
Post 2

Battery/Battery Mounting:
Post 1

Bearings- Wheel:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

Bearings - Steering:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Brakes and Brake Shoes:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Camshaft Specs/ Issues:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6

Carburetor and Intake Issues/ Parts :
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12
Post 13
Post 14 (Dellorto manual)
Post 15

Carry Racks etc
Post 1
Post 2

Center Stand Spring

Chain Size/Type
Post 1
Post 2

Chain Tensioner

Cleaner- Pinesol:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

Clutch Removal/Service/Issues:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Compression Ratio Increase
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12
Post 13
Post 14
Post 15
Post 16
Post 17
Post 18
Post 19
Post 20

Compressore/Supercharged NFalcon:
Post 1

Connecting Rods:
Post 1

Crankshaft Balance and Other Issues:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Cylinder Head and Gasket, Mods, Special Tools etc.
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
GPost 12/URL]

Cylinders
Post 1

Documentation of Bikes, Customs Issues etc:
Post 1

Dyno Numbers:
Post 1

Engine Removal/Installation:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Engine RPM/Speed:
Post 1

Escher Machine Shop - Germany

Exhaust Modifications

Filter- Air Pre-Filter for Civile
Post 2


Flywheel, Open Covers:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8

Flywheel, Lightened Etc:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7

Flywheel Nut Tool:
Post 1
Post 2

Forks, Springs,Fork Seals, Dust Caps, Tools:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12
Post 13
Post 14
Post 15
Post 16
Post 17
Post 18

Frame and Assembly:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7

Fuel Valves:
Post 1
Post 2

Fuel Tank Mount Threads

Fuel Tank Hold-Down Strap:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Gauges:
Post 1

Gear and Cam Oiling Improvements and Seal Modifications:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7

Gearbox Repair/Mods/ Engine Internals:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12
Post 13
Post 14
Post 15
Post 16
Post 17
Post 18
Post 19

Generator
Post 1
Post 2


Guzzi Factory Tour

Handling Issues
Suspension, Swingarm etc


Ignition, Coils Etc:
Post 1
Post 2

Instruments/Gauges
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Kickstart Issues:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6

LED Tail Light Insert, LED Replacement:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

Mandello 95th:
Post 1

Milano-Taranto Vintage Race
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Mufflers:
Post 1

Neutral Switch
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

Nuovo Falcone- Modern Version:
Post 1

Nuovo Falcone Support/Manuals:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Nuovo Falcone Trips (Many Others Not Indexed):
Post 1
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Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12

Oil Additives:
Post 1

Oil Pump Issues/Upgrades:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12
Post 13
Post 14
Post 15
Post 16
Post 17
Post 18
Post 19
Post 20
Post 21
Post 22
Post 23

Oil Cooler / Filter/ Aux Oil Line for Inlet Valve etc:
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Post 5
Post 6
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Post 8
Post 9
Post 10
Post 11
Post 12 *
Post 13
Post 14
Post 15
Post 16
Post 17
Post 18

Oil Pressure Gauge:
Post 1
Post 2

Part Sources
Post 1

Paint and Decals- Civile Model:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Post 9

Paint Baking:
Post 1

Pistons:/ Big Bore etc:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8

Pushrod Issues
Post 1

Rally and Race
Post 1
Post 2

Seat Issues:
Passenger Seat

Shifter Spring Issues
Post 1

Shocks:
Post 1

Sloths, Slow Government:
Post 1

Sprocket- Rear Chain:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6

Sprocket and Tools- Front Chain:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Surplus Bikes From Yugoslavia
Post 1

Swing arm (rear)
Post 1


Tires and Tire Pressure:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4

Tomcats and Hangovers:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5

Turn Signals, Other Lighting, Switches:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7


Valve Dropping/Lubrication/Specs/Repair Issues:
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3 aux oil line
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8 specs
Post 9
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Post 14
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Post 17
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Valve Lash Tips
Post 1
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Valve Push Rods:
Post 1
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Valve Timing:
Post 1
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Post 3
Post 4

Voltage Regulator:
Post 1
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Post 3

Wheels, Spokes:
Post 1
Post 2


_____________________________________________


I'm starting what I expect to be a very lonely thread.

The 500cc Nuovo Falcone (New Falcon) was produced from about 1969 to 1976. It followed a long line of Falcone 500 singles made by Guzzi since 1950.

The Nuovo Falcone is substantially updated from the earlier "Old" Falcone with a new (Tonti) frame, revised engine and covered flywheel to distinguish it from the earlier "Bacon Slicer" exposed flywheel models.

Guzzi produced the Nuovo Falcone in both a Militare (Military) version and a Civile (Civilian) version. The Militare shows a short gas tank, single instrumentation (speedo) and normally two seats. The Civile has a longer narrow tank, dual instruments (speedo and tach) and a single two-person seat. The Militare is much more commonly found since they were built in greater numbers and supplied to several European military and police forces.

The Nuovo Falcone bikes were never officially imported into the US and I do not think they were even imported into the UK.

I acquired a '74 Civilan model a few months ago and love it.

NFalcone owners out there - speak up !

Nice! On my short wish list.

I love the single but I'd just have to have the exposed flywheel. that just makes it IMO

Glad to see you are still happy with it Leafman. I remember your post over on Wildguzzi.

There was a 1972 Nuovo Falcone for sale in Ontario a little while back and I was (and still am) sorely tempted. At $6450, I thought the price was a bit steep since it didn't appear to have original paint and looked a bit battered, although low miles. Certainly, it was nowhere near as sexy as yours.

How about giving us an unbiased (as if that's possible) ride review - preferably with some video?

Thanks, and happy riding.

Nick

There's a guy in Washington state that has one of these....a red frame bike with the partially exposed flywheel....not sure of the year. I've seen it at the Vashon TT once or twice.

I have a photo, but sadly....no way to post it. If someone PM's me, I can fwd it. I'd guess it's an earlier model but of this same era 1969-1976.

How's does your Guzzi handle? That weight distribution has to be ideal for a single cylinder bike...

u lucky man....

Yes, send it. I'll post it and maybe tell something about what it is when I see it. I've PM you my email address.

Thanks

Hey Nick, man.

I saw the ad for that bike in Canada recently and exchanged emails with the guy. The muffler is the weakest part of it, cosmetically. That could be replaced or re-finished. I think the rest of the bike is in good shape.

Any Old Falcone or New Falcone is very rare in North America.

The prices are going up too. I don't think his asking price is out of line. Message him and talk.

His bike is the more commonly found of these rare bikes. It is the "Military" version of the bike with the short fat tank. My bike was a short-run of "Civilian" bikes with the longer tank and the one-into-two exhaust as opposed to what is called the "bunkbed" military exhaust shown on the bike in Canada.

Honest ride report. Hmmm. Okay.

The common thing mentioned in every ride report I've seen is the bike's lack of power. It's true. You're not going to get whiplash riding it.

The Nuovo Falcone is much better in this regard than the "bacon slicers," though. I can easily ride my NFalcone at highway speeds in traffic. I've had it up to 70 mph but it prefers to stay around 50-60.

Nonetheless, my first few rides on it left me with doubts. Other than the striking visual appeal of the thing with all those huge fins, I cannot describe my initial riding experience with any adjective nearing the word "thrilling." My thoughts were, "this thing's a dog !"

Well, over several months now, the N Falcone has grown on me and, although "thrilling" or "exhilarating" are not in the lexicon describing the bike, I would certainly describe it as "fun" and "relaxing." I like it... a lot.

Just as with people, its strengths are also its weaknesses. The lethargic forward progress of the machine is explained in large part by its low state of tune and its enormously heavy flywheel. You can grab a handful of throttle and say both "Mississippi" AND "Saskatchewan" several times before you notice the motor responding ( I exaggerate ... but not much).

On the other hand, you can idle the thing down to where it just barely pops every once in a while as it slowly idles the flywheel around. I don't do this since I'm afraid of low oil pressure and oil starvation of the bearings. You can easily, however, slow the bike down in first gear to
BELOW a walking pace.

It WILL reach an acceptable cruising speed... eventually. It really does. When you shift a gear, you must grab the clutch and "Mississippi, Saskatchewan" before yanking on the shift lever to get a smooth transition. You can clip along just fine at 50 or even 60. It'll get on up to 70, and maybe beyond, but by that time it's telling you it doesnt like it. Vibes become annoying.

Now, having said all that, I am very pleased with the frame and the bike's curvy road handling. It flicks easily from side to side and corners very well in the mountains. The Nuovo Falcone is very fun to ride and competent on curvy roads.

Visually, it strikes an impressive image. If you're a mechanical person, few bikes will have the allure and appeal of the N Falcone. The Guzzi single is a vivid epitome of "character."

Okay, here's Clayton's picture-



That is a Nuovo Falcone Civile (Civilian) which is the same model as mine. They were produced in limited quantities from 1971 to about 1974. I've seen mention made that Guzzi may have continued the white/red version as late as 1976. The red frame/white body was the standard color. In 1974 they made a limited number, only 74, of maroon bikes with different decals and chrome fenders like mine. From '74 to '76 my understanding is that production focussed on the Sahara model, a semi-military version in tan.

I'm guessing this bike is about 1972.

The cut-away on the flywheel cover is something that I think an owner has done and is not stock. You see something like this from time to time on Nuovo Falcones. People like to open up the non-sealed cover in various ways to expose the spinning flywheel. The stock cover extends down further but, even with the stock cover, you can see the flywheel spinning at bottom of the cover.

I wish I could see the other side and what exhaust it has. I'm sure the bike has been re-painted. The tank decals look to be just a tiny bit too high. The front fender eagle is way too high and the stock ones I've seen had a side pinstripe along the edges.

Leafman60 - Great write up. I'll have to try that "Mississippi, Saskatchewan" next time I'm on my 50cc scooter.
See how many times I can say it before it moves

I have always admired the Nuovo Falcones. Cool and Euro, without being raucous.
Have you tried preloading the shifter when you up-shift? It makes my old Airhead seem alot less agricultural. Driving tractors is too much like work.

Leafman - Thanks for a great report. Its pretty much what I expected. With the kind of riding I do, I don't have much need for speed - and anyway, have a Breva 1100 for that. I can imagine these bikes get under your skin as you suggest.

Happy riding - you're a lucky guy!

Nick

PS. You have a Matchless G80? I'm in deep envy now.

Yes, I've tried the preload thing but, really, if you let the Guzzi calm down its revs before the shift, it goes into gear nicely with or without the preload.

I haven't forgotten that this is Nuovo Falcone thread, but...........those Matchless singles have to be one of the best looking engines ever made. Beautiful bike! Thanks.

Nick

The magneto drive alone makes this one unusual. Sorry for the interruption.

Ahhhhhh. Elaborate on that a little .... Id like to hear.

In to the '40's, AJS magnetos were mounted to the front of the cylinder while Matchless magnetos were mounted to the rear. The bike in the picture is mostly from a later era, (mid fifties)when both AJS and Matchless had the mag up front. The bike pictured has what looks like an automatic advance for the magneto that was not part of the rear mounted magneto's design. I am guessing that the builder must have had a new cover cast to make it all work. Lots of very nice bits assembled with care. The rear shocks are the Jampots which were used up to '56- a good shock, totally rebuildable. The gearbox is an AMC box. The bike is son of a thousand fathers but so damn nice looking.

Hello, all! Newbie---long time lurker here. But, if there was one thread that would get me to join in, it would be this. I can't let Leafman be lonely.

Here's my NuFalc. 1973 bona fide Militare- Carabinieri model, in original dark blue livery.




She was run hard and put away wet by the Carabinieri in the Old Country. Made her way over here in a container of odd Italian bike parts about 18 years ago, and sat untitled, unregistered, and unused in the corner of a warehouse 'till I dragged her home 4 years ago. She had 69,000 kilos on the clock when I got 'er...now shows 79,000. Got it roadworthy without having to do any major mechanical work...which pleases me no end, as when I bought the bike I was told "The tranny's shot and will need a rebuild. Who knows what else is wrong". Got 'er cheap. Admittedly, the trans is a bit tired, with prolly some beat dogs on 2nd gear, but with a little lever preload, and listening to what the bike tells ya it wants, she moves along no prob. The bike gets used, and delivers more smiles per mile than my other rides. Stuff comes and goes, but the NuFalc stays! I luvs the old girl.
By the Barkhamstead Reservoir in NW Connecticut, on the way to a camping trip in the Catskills.

Outside the Miss Bellows Falls Diner, Vermont--

Close by my home turf in Central Massachusetts--

Now that is one helluva bike ! Good patina and great condition ! Being used and not stashed away in a collection to look at is very commendable on the part of the owner. Congratulations.