1978 Le Mans restoration

[2WheelsUp]

I confirmed my starter switch works when I ground the handlebar against the frame using a piece of wire. So I'll drop the forks down and clean off the powder either inside or the top of the clip-on cylinder that slides over the stanchion.  Another ground issue... my headlights work but the front turn signals only work if I ground them with a wire against the mounting bolt. I was hoping my rapidly flashing signals would be fixed with new bulbs but that didn't resolve it.

Next problem... I found my front fender is slightly rubbing the tire on one side high on the mounting tab. I can barely slip a sheet of paper through the other side.  It's a 100/90 Avon RoadRider Mk2 tire.  Anyone run into this problem?  I'm going transfer the area where it rubs onto the fender with chalk and perhaps Dremel some material away if it's not too bad else I need a different/narrower tire.  It looks like Avon makes a 90/90 x 18 if I can't get it to work.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

What type of signal flasher do you have fitted? If it's an old-fashioned metal can thermal flasher, that's likely the problem. Almost every one I've bought is defective right out of the box. An electronic flasher works much better - flashes at the same rate no matter the load or type of bulb fitted. This is one I've used with good results: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MJGC28B

[2WheelsUp]

Yes I have the old style... just ordered the one you pointed to.  Thanks Charlie!

[Dave Swanson]

I am ashamed to admit I haven't checked out this thread until today.  It brings back memories!  Your doing a fine job, and getting the right kind of help that can only be found on WG.  Priceless. 

There is something very cool about a Lemans in the bones with a rotors that have the fresh Trudisk treatment!

[2WheelsUp]

Thanks Dave, they do look fantastic stripped down...




It's been a journey as you and others have documented on WG. Yourself, Charlie, Jim, Brad, Steve, Greg, and others have provided the support and inspiration to allow me to attempt a restoration at this level. I started the motor on Monday... fired right up... queue the cigar the whiskey. Steve came by the next day to help dial it in. I'm working through a few bugs (ordered a 90/90 tire to fit my fender, ugh) and getting the last of the body work on before taking it out for the initial runs. So almost done... it's awesome... somebody pinch me! Here's a few pics... will post something more organized once I'm done.

[Scout63]

I can hear it thundering through the Georgia mountains already. This is a great and gorgeous build.

[Canuck750]

Wow that looks excellent  better than new, thanks for sharing your build,

few bikes compare to the beauty of a 76-78 Le Mans. Looking forward to hearing about your ride reports.

[Dave Swanson]

I can hear it thundering through the Georgia mountains already. This is a great and gorgeous build.

Of all my Guzzis, an early Lemans with Lafranconis provides the best sound in all of motorcycling.

[guzzisteve]

The Maiden Voyage was today, it past the test, sweet but don't touch. LOL He said it was tight like a new bike, ran great.
Have a beer & cigar.

[Huzo]

I am ashamed to admit I haven't checked out this thread until today.  It brings back memories!  Your doing a fine job, and getting the right kind of help that can only be found on WG.  Priceless. 

There is something very cool about a Lemans in the bones with a rotors that have the fresh Trudisk treatment!

Is that a picture of my Mum sitting on your right handlebar ?

[Canuck750]

The Maiden Voyage was today, it past the test, sweet but don't touch. LOL He said it was tight like a new bike, ran great.
Have a beer & cigar.

Take a bow sir! well done

[2WheelsUp]

As Steve mentioned, I went out on the Le Mans yesterday. It ran perfect, shifted through all the gears perfect, and yeah it felt like a new bike... as it should, and yes the sound is fantastic! Only hiccup was my head light popped out about a quarter mile from home but fortunately it was dangling from the bottom screw and wires... new replacement rubber ring, argh... but I digress from an otherwise great day.

Big thanks to Steve for another great tune, and to Charlie who took me in on short notice and went through the drive train... beautiful work!  Those who have gone through something like this know that you never take enough pictures, always some angle you need to see a bracket or how exactly to route a cable, and having a resource like WildGuzzi where others (Jim... wow what a build) have documented how things work is invaluable. Finding references to people like Charlie who are masters at their craft are invaluable as well.  So thanks everyone! 

Here's a few more pics and a short video: https://youtu.be/znPvxWsAfwQ

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

 

[2WheelsUp]

Rode the Le Mans 35 mi yesterday and 60 today. I originally had too the air pressure too high. I lowered the air pressure from 36/36 which is what I run in my sport bikes to 30/32. Big difference, better handling and more stable, I might go even lower. I installed new stock dampers with progressive springs and it feels very good. It's a completely different kind of ride from my modern sport bikes in that you're not going that fast but it viscerally it feels fast... lol. I'm re-learning how to ride it, what a blast!  I did a good inspection when I got back, all good, happiness.

[blackcat]

Nice job, bike looks and sounds great.

[2WheelsUp]

Thanks Blackat!  I see you have a Norton FB... I'm looking for one that I'm hoping to restore but its difficult to find any FB let alone that hasn't been touched. A very nice 1969 FB sold on BAT a couple days ago (https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-norton-commando-fastback/).

[blackcat]

Thanks Blackat!  I see you have a Norton FB... I'm looking for one that I'm hoping to restore but its difficult to find any FB let alone that hasn't been touched. A very nice 1969 FB sold on BAT a couple days ago (https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-norton-commando-fastback/).

That bike on BAT needed some fork shrouds and gaiters to make it right but it sold for a reasonable price considering. Every once in awhile I see one come up for sale on eBay but not many lately. I’d put a want add in the classifieds on Access Norton.  The yellow Norton on BAT that sold after the FB was sold for half of what it should have gotten. I’m surprised the seller didn’t put a reserve on that bike.

My 68:



I’ve owned the bike since the late 80’s and that is the original paint on the tank and tail section but the frame and all black parts were repainted. If you do find a 68, make sure you look closely at the frame as they were known to crack at the head with catastrophic results for the rider. I had mine modified to match the later frames.  The 69’s did not have that problem.  Last year I installed a pair of Amal Premiers and the bike starts with one or two attempts and it runs perfectly fine. No oil leaks but it does weep an occasional  drop after a long ride.  The bike is not perfect as I left some of the marks it acquired over the years as I dislike overly buffed out aluminum parts. 

[2WheelsUp]

I’d put a want add in the classifieds on Access Norton.

Makes sense, I just added a wanted item on the INOA site. Your FB is beautiful, exactly what I'm looking for. I bid on the one that sold on BAT but the price including buyer fees and delivery got a bit rich... I guess... I have some regrets I didn't pursue it further. In any event, I'll find one eventually.

[blackcat]

Makes sense, I just added a wanted item on the INOA site. Your FB is beautiful, exactly what I'm looking for. I bid on the one that sold on BAT but the price including buyer fees and delivery got a bit rich... I guess... I have some regrets I didn't pursue it further. In any event, I'll find one eventually.

If I spot one somewhere I'll send you a link. Plan on an engine rebuild for the super blend bearings and a known bearing to go bad in the gearbox. I have not done the gearbox in mine but it has to be done as it will lock up from what I have been told.

[LowRyter]

Great stuff Bruce.  Saw the white SS939 in a photo and made the connection.  If the Norton is half that nice.........wow.

[Motorad64]

Looking great, Bruce!!  I agree with Dave...you will not regret the Lafranconi's.   Great sound and flow, but not obnoxious.   I have a buddy that always rides behind me just because he likes the sound. 

Bike looks terrific! 

[Dave Swanson]

Is that a picture of my Mum sitting on your right handlebar ?

You have quite the Mum!   

[2WheelsUp]

I've been enjoying my Le Mans, have put about 400 miles on it since the restoration, it's marvelous. Here's some local ride videos shot with my GoPro mounted to my helmet for those who may be interested. I typically don't play music over the video track... the noises produced by these bikes is part of the experience.

https://youtu.be/lpAfiFc117k (excessive wind noise, ugh, but great road... Rt 136 N GA)

https://youtu.be/JnQ7mTOBSKw

FWIW, I became sold on video taping my rides since I know there will be a day (still a long way off hopefully) when I can't ride anymore and these videos will be the only way to experience motorcycle riding. I have a friend that uses a 360 degree camera that's truly amazing since you can pick/change your POV afterwards while editing the video. For instance, you can see an oncoming vehicle, watch it pass you, and see it recede from view behind you. I need to get one of those... in my mind it's worth getting this process right so you can enjoy later.

[Dave Swanson]

I enjoyed the videos!  Great bike! It sounds like it is running perfectly.

[2WheelsUp]

I enjoyed the videos!  Great bike! It sounds like it is running perfectly.

Yeah it's running good (thanks to Charlie and Steve) and a blast to ride. It gets a lot of attention wherever I stop, virtually no one as seen one before and are shocked to hear it's 44 yrs old. Around 750 miles on it since the restoration. I need to change the oil, do another head torque and carb sync. Only issue I'm having is the throttle is a bit sticky. Seems to hang on to RPMs sometimes when I'm coming off throttle after a constant speed. Blipping the throttle releases it. Tried to lubricate and relocate the cables, not quite solved yet. 

I have a number of other ride videos posted to my YouTube channel "Broken Stick Motorcycle Rides" for anyone with time on their hands. A couple on my Ducati as well with more on the way. Hoping to trailer the Le Mans up to NC mountains for some riding in the fall.