THE Long SLOG

 the specification may have been more about moving great loads large distances reliably rather than outright speed or handling.

The engine and box are of unit construction and a single oil change lubricates both with filtration via a large gauze insert in the sump. The gearbox itself is four speed with a heavy, dry plate clutch, changes being effected using a heel and toe shifter. Unusually for a Guzzi of its age, the NF is chain drive and not shaft, a carryover from its lineage perhaps. The frame is massive and appears to be a conventional twin downtube design that, on mine at least, was welded by confused drunks. There is a swinging arm with twin shock suspension and telescopic forks of Guzzi's design for smoothing the bumps.

This package pumps out modest power and an unspecified but not huge amount of torque. The secret weapon in the NF's arsenal is the substantial flywheel on the left that can assist the machine to thud up inclines and sustain momentum. Wheels are pretty average chromed steel