Author Topic: 1978 Le Mans restoration  (Read 9551 times)

Online 2WheelsUp

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #60 on: April 18, 2022, 11:01:14 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: April 18, 2022, 01:40:08 PM by 2WheelsUp »
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #61 on: April 18, 2022, 03:59:35 PM »
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
Charlie

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #62 on: April 18, 2022, 05:27:10 PM »
Yes I have the old style... just ordered the one you pointed to.  Thanks Charlie!
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #63 on: May 07, 2022, 04:03:03 PM »
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!

« Last Edit: May 07, 2022, 04:05:27 PM by Dave Swanson »
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #63 on: May 07, 2022, 04:03:03 PM »

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #64 on: May 08, 2022, 12:15:12 AM »
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.
















Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline Scout63

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #65 on: May 08, 2022, 07:11:51 AM »
I can hear it thundering through the Georgia mountains already. This is a great and gorgeous build.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline Canuck750

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #66 on: May 08, 2022, 02:34:58 PM »
Wow that looks excellent  :thumb: 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.
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #67 on: May 09, 2022, 07:05:56 AM »
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.
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

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Offline guzzisteve

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #68 on: May 12, 2022, 04:17:07 PM »
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.





"Pray through Carlo & your bike shall be healed"
Location: Planet Earth

Offline Huzo

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #69 on: May 12, 2022, 08:10:22 PM »
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 ?

Offline Canuck750

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #70 on: May 12, 2022, 08:23:18 PM »
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 :thumb:
48 Guzzi Airone, 57 Guzzi Cardellino, 65 Benelli 200 sprite, 66 Aermacchi Sprint, 68 Gilera 106 SS, 72 Eldorado, 72 Benelli 180, 74 Guzzi 750S, 73 Laverda SF1, 74  Benelli 650S, 75 Ducati 860GT, 75 Moto Morini 3-1/2, 78 Moto Morinii 500

Online 2WheelsUp

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #71 on: May 13, 2022, 08:27:14 AM »
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







« Last Edit: May 13, 2022, 08:38:04 AM by 2WheelsUp »
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #72 on: May 13, 2022, 08:50:25 AM »
 :thumb: :thumb:
Charlie

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #73 on: May 14, 2022, 05:54:59 PM »
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.
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline blackcat

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #74 on: May 18, 2022, 07:05:03 AM »
Nice job, bike looks and sounds great.
1968 Norton Fastback
1976 Lemans
1981 CX-100
1993 1000S
1997 Daytona RS
2007 Red Norge

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #75 on: May 19, 2022, 09:37:15 PM »
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/).
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline blackcat

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoratio
« Reply #76 on: May 23, 2022, 09:19:57 AM »
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. 

1968 Norton Fastback
1976 Lemans
1981 CX-100
1993 1000S
1997 Daytona RS
2007 Red Norge

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoratio
« Reply #77 on: May 23, 2022, 10:34:11 AM »
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.
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline blackcat

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoratio
« Reply #78 on: May 23, 2022, 11:42:58 AM »
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.
1968 Norton Fastback
1976 Lemans
1981 CX-100
1993 1000S
1997 Daytona RS
2007 Red Norge

Offline LowRyter

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #79 on: May 23, 2022, 05:31:42 PM »
Great stuff Bruce.  Saw the white SS939 in a photo and made the connection.  If the Norton is half that nice.........wow.
John L 
When life gets you down remember it's one down and the rest are up.  (1-N-23456)

Offline Motorad64

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #80 on: June 01, 2022, 09:03:09 AM »
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! 

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #81 on: June 03, 2022, 08:48:05 AM »
Is that a picture of my Mum sitting on your right handlebar ?

You have quite the Mum!   :grin:
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online 2WheelsUp

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #82 on: July 04, 2022, 12:28:44 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: July 04, 2022, 07:38:51 PM by 2WheelsUp »
Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

Offline Dave Swanson

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #83 on: August 05, 2022, 09:06:51 AM »
I enjoyed the videos!  Great bike! It sounds like it is running perfectly.
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
2022 V85TT Guardia d'Onore
2023 V100S

MGNOC L-780

Online 2WheelsUp

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Re: 1978 Le Mans restoration
« Reply #84 on: August 05, 2022, 01:34:17 PM »
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.

Bruce Swan
1978 Moto Guzzi Lemans
1975 Norton Commando
1997 Ducati 748
2001 Harley Davidson Road King
2017 Ducati 939 SS

 

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