HadaDaytona

Is this still for sale ?

Phil, I was told you were the guy to answer my questions. Question #1. If I procure a 1100 Sport fuel tank, does it matter if it is off a carbureted or a FI model ? My screen saver is a black Dr John Daytona. When I open my computer 🫶 something always comes over me. I once read a Sport Bike article comparing three expensive European bikes to a Honda 600cc. The premise was why not spend half as much for the Honda and get better performance and handling. In the end the writer said, because when you get up in the morning in your boxers and kick open the garage door with your cup of coffee in hand you say “ Damn that’s a good looking bike”! I am prepared to bail on this project and have a Centauro restoration. I however find the coffee experience looking in the garage at a Daytona amazing. Wish me luck 🤞in my procurement of parts.

I purchased a 1997 Centauro to convert into a Daytona / Cafe Bike. After researching forums I’m ready to contact the members that have been down this road. Beyond belts, gears and a pump any suggestions would be welcome. The route I’m planning for now is to use a front fairings off a 1100 Sport with the rectangular headlight and its fuel tank. The fairing bracket will also be used. The back half fairing , seats and bracket may also be procured if a deal is out there. These items appear to be a somewhat easy fit .??? What about handlebars ? The donor bike has a different air box, instrument cluster and things I have not considered. Before I start down this rabbit hole $$$ any advice would be appreciated. Note : I bought the bike as is cheap. I have a video of it running. Fairings are all off the bike. I pulled the spark plugs and manually turned over the engine to verify the belts are still intact. Having owned a 1993 Daytona I got this pipe dream of converting a Centauro into something fun. Now the dream has started….

In Chicagoland the Norton Club has put on an outstanding Antique Motorcycle Show every August. 20 years ago I woke up Sunday morning and hopped on my 1993 Daytona and went to it. Not having had my coffee I was a little groggy and when I pulled into the show someone waved me in. I suddenly thought “Oh Shit I’m in the Show”. I was directed to park with the Guzzi’s. I spent my day bouncing between the show and parking lot looking at cool bikes. At one point I walked by my bike and saw a sign on my seat. Move Your Bike To The Modern Bike Section. So I did. I ended up staying all day until the end. When they announced the show awards they started with Best Modern Bike and called my name. I was in shock and had not realized this was possible. The plaque was nice and I stuck in the back of my pants for its ride home. What happened next was a heart felt note that the award announcer stopped to add a special guy. He said the best Norton award goes to Joe Blow. Now his bike is a beauty but I feel that I need to tell you that everything that has been done to this bike was done by Joe. From rebuilding the engine and trans to painting it. I thought what a nice thing to say. As a baby boomer I remember when everyone did this back in the day. I knew how rare it has become to not farm out the work. I got my award because I forgot to get my coffee and park in the parking lot. My hats off to you Joe for a job well done.

I moved recently to SW Michigan and called around to all kinds of shops to get a quote on repair work. With too many projects I considered farming out some jobs. Each phone call started with what kind of bike and what year. When I replied a 2000 Guzzi they replied we don’t work on anything over 15 years old 😖. This was the answer on every call. Is this what the world has come to ? I know after 2008 many dealerships went out of business. Are there so few shops now that they can pick and choose to work on newer vehicles only? I know if they needed parts for my bike they would be told that part is NLA. They may feel that they don’t have time to sit on the phone to chase down parts.

I located a V10 engine that lost a belt . I know it has a cracked head. I would guess that the piston hit a valve and it needs a replacement rebuilt head.Then it also probably needs a new piston. I’m curious as to how expensive it might get to rebuild this engine beyond what I know. I realize there is the usual upgrades of belts, gears and oil pump.