Highlights
- Restored example
- Original Siem headlight
- Lots of period modifications
- Substantial history file
The Appeal
Introduced in 1976, the Moto Guzzi Le Mans was named after the legendary 24 hour motocycle endurance race in France and was based on an 850 prototype, first unveiled in 1971.
The original 850 Le Mans was a café racer with clip-on handlebars and a bikini nose fairing, but in the face of more and more powerful bikes from other manufacturers later models were developed more as sports tourers with a three-quarter fairing.
The V-twin machine went on to become one of Moto Guzzi’s best-selling bikes of all time, spawning an entire series of bikes with the same name which grew progressively faster and more muscular.
This one is a fairly early one. A 1978 model, it’s a first-generation Series B, with the smaller ‘bikini’ fairing and a restyled rectangular tail lamp as introduced in 1977. It has a number of in-period upgrades including Lafranconi silencers, Koni rear shocks, Tarozzi rearsets and a Guiliari seat, all from the late seventies and in keeping with the bike’s era. It also has an impressive history file.
The History and Paperwork
- Original Mk1 Series B
- 31,000 miles – odometer was changed at 24,900 and currently shows 5,900 on replacement
- Restored and repainted around 30 years ago and kept in collections ever since
- Old MOTs
- MOT and tax exempt
- UK V5C
- Large file of old invoices and receipts going back to the mid-1990s
- Original owner’s handbook
- Period magazine articles
- Matching numbers bike
The Condition
- Excellent overall condition
- Frame in excellent order
- Older repaint but still in excellent order
- Guiliari seat in good order with two very small nicks in the vinyl
- All dials and controls in good order
- Excellent handlebars and grips
- Rare De Tomaso rear light
- Ultra-rare and original Siem headlight
- Faring and tank in very good condition
- Original metal badges included in sale
The Mechanics
- 844cc V-Twin
- Sump has been removed and the oil strainer replaced along with the canister oil filter
- Carbs have been rebuilt with new accelerator pump diaphragms and float needles
- New fuel tap seals and new genuine fuel lines and clips
- Brake lines have been replaced with Goodridge lines in black to match the originals.
- Crankcase seal has recently been replaced
- A compression test carried out less than 50 miles ago, indicates that the engine is strong and is good for many more years
Summary
This is a wonderful example of one of the most classic and sought-after sports bikes of its era, in fabulous overall condition in great mechanical order. It’s an older restoration which has been preserved and carefully maintained by motorcycle collectors - including the vendor – since completion.
An ideal collectors’ piece or addition to a classic motorcycle collection.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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