Author Topic: My 850 LeMans (Read 14788 times)

Cam3512 · « **on:** April 16, 2015, 07:22:17 PM »

Last weekend I took the 7 hour drive up to Lima, NY, to retrieve my '78 850 LeMans (LM1). It's been five months since I negotiated the purchase, and the day had finally come. Lots was done to the bike over the winter, and it really came out nice. AFAIK, a little more than 60 "Ice Blue" bikes were ever produced. This one has FAC Dampers up front, Koni shocks, sump spacer, and Agostini timing gears. I added a new seat (original was nice but faded), Brown sidestand (modified for Tonti Guzzi by Boxerworks), and Joe Kenny headguards. Still debating on whether to add the orange to the fairing, and how to do it.

It runs like a beast. Much more grunt than any big block 850 Guzzi I've ever ridden. Not exactly a touring machine due to the riding position, but that's not why I bought it. It's just one of the coolest looking Guzzis I've ever seen. Love the stance.

slopokes · « **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:28:49 PM »

:+=copcar very nice cam---hope to see it sunday :BEER:

Cam3512 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:32:11 PM »

Quote from: slopokes on April 16, 2015, 07:28:49 PM

:+=copcar very nice cam---hope to see it sunday :BEER:

Thanks, I plan on riding it up.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:42:51 PM »

Bad to the bone.. ;D

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:42:51 PM »

Guido Valvole · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2015, 07:52:16 PM »

Looks much better in blue than the common red!
cr

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:04:18 PM »

;-T Sweet!

jazzamoto · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:23:05 PM »

Beautiful Cam! I'd hold off on the dayglo fairing. Then again, I live in a dayglo free household. BTW I like to see a pic of the side stand. I put a MK IV side stand on my '78 LM1 only to discover that it interfered with the center stand so back to the drawing board.

Gintonious · « **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:26:00 PM »

Beautiful bike.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:36:47 PM »

Quote from: jazzamoto on April 16, 2015, 08:23:05 PM

Beautiful Cam! I'd hold off on the dayglo fairing. Then again, I live in a dayglo free household. BTW I like to see a pic of the side stand. I put a MK IV side stand on my '78 LM1 only to discover that it interfered with the center stand so back to the drawing board.

I also have a Brown on my V7 Sport, search here ("Brown Sidestand for Tonti Guzzi") for detailed purchase and install photos. It does block the centerstand. I always deploy the side first, then get off and put on center if necessary. Do the opposite to put them back. No big deal to me, and worth the piece of mind.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #9 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:42:21 PM »

Quote from: Cam3512 on April 16, 2015, 08:36:47 PM

I also have a Brown on my V7 Sport, search here ("Brown Sidestand for Tonti Guzzi") for detailed purchase and install photos. It does block the centerstand. I always deploy the side first, then get off and put on center if necessary. Do the opposite to put them back. No big deal to me, and worth the piece of mind.

Nice scoot cam, That's what I do with my Brown side stand too, no problem. Works great.

dl.allen · « **Reply #10 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:44:56 PM »

wow! simply stunning!

Is there any engine work done other than the gears or is it stock?

zedXmick · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:50:51 PM »

That's Amore ;-T

Cam3512 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:52:39 PM »

Quote from: dl.allen on April 16, 2015, 08:44:56 PM

wow! simply stunning!

Is there any engine work done other than the gears or is it stock?

All stock (except ignition). I am getting some pinging when I hammer the throttle as the tank had some low octane gas in it when I got it. Been adding premium as I burn it up, and it seems to be improving. Is this typical for a LM 1 engine?

dl.allen · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2015, 08:59:35 PM »

I run a 75 T so not the same but it likes cool temps and premium fuel. I usually run a little Marvels Mystery Oil in it in the spring time.

Mainly just should probably strobe the timing at advance to check it out. Maybe retard it just a touch for insurance

Two Checks · « **Reply #14 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:03:52 PM »

IIRC doesn't the LM use the light dizzy advance springs?

PeteS · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:05:14 PM »

Quote from: Cam3512 on April 16, 2015, 08:52:39 PM

All stock. I am getting some pinging when I hammer the throttle as the tank had some low octane gas in it when I got it. Been adding premium as I burn it up, and it seems to be improving. Is this typical for a LM 1 engine?

I would check the timing if you still have points. There were two types of advance springs used on the 850s. I think the Lemans got the stronger springs which makes full advance around 3200 RPM? If it reaches full advance before that you might have the weaker springs or the springs are just whipped. Mine doesn't ping. Did you get this from Dave B? FWIW my '76 was originally blue but was repainted red about 30 years ago.

Pete

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #16 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:09:03 PM »

Wow that is pretty. you must add the blaze orange stripe !

Cam3512 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:14:58 PM »

No more points. Dyna ignition and NEW stronger springs.

I also noticed if the bike sits for a while, I need to flip the enrichiner to get it to fire up then it's fine. Is this typical of the big pumper 36 carbs? NEVER have to do that with the VHBs.

PeteS · « **Reply #18 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:17:51 PM »

I always use the enrichener when its cold but I am able to flip it off in just a few seconds.

Pete

Cam3512 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:20:12 PM »

Quote from: PeteS on April 16, 2015, 09:17:51 PM

I always use the enrichener when its cold but I am able to flip it off in just a few seconds.

Pete

Yup, I flip it off immediately after it fires up and all is well.

arveno · « **Reply #20 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:33:36 PM »

:drool :drool :drool :drool

wow Congratulation....

canuck750 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:39:37 PM »

Looks fantastic, an Iconic machine if there ever was one ;-T

So how does it compare to your V7 Sport?

Cheers
Jim

kirkemon · « **Reply #22 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:46:46 PM »

Very nice - I want it!!! ;-T

stmike · « **Reply #23 on:** April 16, 2015, 09:48:08 PM »

One of my all time favorite bikes. I think you should add the orange to the faring - it deserves it.

Matteo · « **Reply #24 on:** April 16, 2015, 10:22:14 PM »

Bellisimo! Go for the orange headlight trim.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 17, 2015, 04:42:00 AM »

Quote from: canuck750 on April 16, 2015, 09:39:37 PM

So how does it compare to your V7 Sport?

Cheers
Jim

Obviously more grunt, about the same weight, LeMans is higher (think it's the seat), more agressive and less comfortable riding position than the Sport (different clipons) and better braking with discs all around. Same feeling riding an iconic Guzzi - priceless.

Cam3512 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 17, 2015, 04:49:27 AM »

Quote from: stmike on April 16, 2015, 09:48:08 PM

One of my all time favorite bikes. I think you should add the orange to the faring - it deserves it.

Still might. I have to figure out exactly how to do it. It was originally a decal, but they don't sell a reproduction. I did get some ideas from you guys in another thread I started a couple months ago. I don't want to butcher the new paint job by "experimenting".

guzzi ride · « **Reply #27 on:** April 17, 2015, 05:03:06 AM »

Very nice! always wanted one. ;-T

lucydad · « **Reply #28 on:** April 17, 2015, 05:42:25 AM »

Cam,

Gorgeous, and stunning looks....I bet she is a runner...enjoy!

Aaron D. · « **Reply #29 on:** April 17, 2015, 06:44:29 AM »

Beautiful!

Pinging-mine didn't, and ran better after replacing the cam chain (with gears, ut a new chain and tensioner would work if you religion prohibits it), timing is critical.

I miss mine sometimes. I think its capabilities are perfect for sport riding on the street.

News:

Author Topic: My 850 LeMans (Read 14788 times)

Wildguzzi.com

Gintonious

canuck750

lucydad