Classic test: 1976 Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert Automatic EXPRESS

These days it’s not just scooter riders who appreciate the benefits of automatic transmission. Honda’s DCT is fitted to numerous bikes including the Africa Twin and NC750 models, and MV Agusta has recently started offering its Smart Clutch System on the naked Brutale and Dragster 800 triples, as well as the Turismo Veloce sports-tourer on which it was introduced.

But being able to pull away on a powerful motorcycle without moving your left hand is far from a recent development – even for the riders of glamorous Italian superbikes. Mentioning 1976 to a Moto Guzzi enthusiast is likely to trigger thoughts of the Le Mans 850’s arrival. Fewer will recall that in that same year the firm from Mandello del Lario introduced a model that was more innovative, if less successful: the V1000 Convert.

In contrast to the sporty Le Mans, the Convert was an even more touring-oriented version of the 850 T3 California, itself one of the most glamorous and capable long-distance machines of its day. The California had been launched in 1971, initially as a US market edition of the 757cc V7 Special. A year later it was introduced to other markets, powered by a larger, 844cc