Author Topic: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction  (Read 5249 times)

Offline shiskowd

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • Posts: 102
  • Location: Calgary Alberta
Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« on: January 09, 2020, 10:32:59 PM »
How much will could this fetch at the Mecum Vegas auction later in January??

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0120-392696/1981-moto-guzzi-le-mans-3-crated/
« Last Edit: January 09, 2020, 10:33:19 PM by shiskowd »
'14 KTM 500 EXC
'10 KTM 690R Rally
'75 Moto Guzzi 850T

Offline daytonars97

  • Hatchling
  • **
  • Posts: 182
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2020, 11:02:35 PM »
 I would say too much $$, but the ad is wrong:  that is an 87 LeMans SE 1000, not an 81 850.
Honda CTX1300D "HUZZI"
1988 R100rs
1992 R100r
1995 R1100rsl
1997 Daytona rs

Offline moto-uno

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1397
  • Location: Burnaby , B.C
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2020, 11:06:09 PM »
  Do I see a 16" front wheel ? Quite sure that didn't come on any of the Le Mans 111 .  Peter

Offline Turin

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 5146
    • crap and stuff
  • Location: Chandler, Arizona
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2020, 11:25:18 PM »
That's cuz it's a lemans 1000 se. Mecum guys are clueless when it comes to motorcycles. They don't even try.

Last year the advertised a cagiva alazzurra 650 w/ brochures. Trouble is the bike was a 350. Said it right on the bodywork and the paperwork and brochures!

The TV announcers are even worse! one said the difference between the Honda RC30 and the RC45 was the displacement, one being a 600!
1997 Daytona RS
1991 Rennsport California III
1991 LeMans 1000
1987 LeMans SE Dave's Cycle Racer
1984 LeMans III
1985 Sidlow Guzzi
1974 850-T Sport
1969 A-series Ambassador
1996 Triumph Daytona 1200
1996 Triumph Daytona 900
1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 Balocco SE 3.0

Wildguzzi.com

Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2020, 11:25:18 PM »

Offline bigbikerrick

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5849
  • 73 Eldo, 98 V 11 ,12 Ural Gear Up, 76 Convert,
  • Location: Southeastern corner of Arizona, right next to "Old Mexico, and New Mexico"
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2020, 11:49:31 PM »
  Do I see a 16" front wheel ? Quite sure that didn't come on any of the Le Mans 111 .  Peter

Yep, thats a 16"front wheel.
Rick.
"You meet the most interesting people on a Guzzi"

Online sdcr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1982
  • Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #5 on: January 10, 2020, 05:55:54 AM »
I would believe that if it is either a, Le Mans 850 III, or, a 1000SE Le Mans in a crate, it should bring $9000 - $10,000 at Mecum.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 08:46:21 AM by sdcr »
John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Offline guzziart

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 838
  • Location: Northeast Ohio
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2020, 06:59:43 AM »
Nice, I like it!
'71 CB350, '72 Eldo, '72 CL350, '81 CB125s, '87 LMIVSE, '91 CT70, '03 V11 Lemans, '08 Wing  ('12 Wee Strom - R.I.P.)

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19635
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2020, 07:05:35 AM »
I would believe that if it is either an Le Mans 850 III, or, a 1000SE Le Mans in a crate, it should bring $9000 - $10,000 at Mecum.

The Guzzi dealer in Prescott said that he remembers that back in the day, a number of these in crates were washed overboard and soaked in sea water...and then sold at a discount....I wonder if this was one of them (????)....and so, if that were indeed true, would that be disclosed or not???? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :shocked:

Caveat emptor, (Latin: “let the buyer beware”), in the law of commercial transactions, principle that the buyer purchases at his own risk in the absence of an express warranty in the contract.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 07:06:57 AM by JJ »
Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Online sdcr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1982
  • Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2020, 07:09:27 AM »
I heard that also from Franz at Spare Parts Co. in Philly. IIRC, he had a few  of the 1000 SE's for sale.

The Guzzi dealer in Prescott said that he remembers that back in the day, a number of these in crates were washed overboard and soaked in sea water...and then sold at a discount....I wonder if this was one of them (????)....and so, if that were indeed true, would that be disclosed or not???? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :shocked:

Caveat emptor, (Latin: “let the buyer beware”), in the law of commercial transactions, principle that the buyer purchases at his own risk in the absence of an express warranty in the contract.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 07:16:29 AM by sdcr »
John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19635
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2020, 07:14:58 AM »
Imagine, one pays $9,000 or $10,000 + auction premiums, for NIC,(NEW-in-the-Crate), motorcycle only to find out it has been "SOAKED" in salty sea water for a period of time (?????)

"Dooooooohhhhhhhh!!!" :laugh: :grin: :wink: :shocked: :shocked: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Online sdcr

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1982
  • Location: Pennsylvania
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2020, 07:24:34 AM »
Looking at the Mecum link, one slide shows an image of the "crate".  Looks like the wood has some staining on it.

Btw, that is definitely not an 81 Le Mans 850. More like an 1987 SE.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 12:41:08 PM by sdcr »
John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Offline Groover

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 2855
  • If it ain't broke, I'll break it.
    • Scooteropolis
  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2020, 08:15:44 AM »
I would thing there would be a few sings of corrosion of this were one of those. I like the tires on it. Will there be a way to find out what this one ends up selling for without being a registered bidder? Even the box say 87...  :wink:
1981 Moto Guzzi V1000G5
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, a
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, b
1980 Piaggio Vespa P200E
1980 Piaggio Vespa P125X
1980 Vespa Grande Moped
1980 Vespa SI Moped
http://scooteropolis.com/

Online Ncdan

  • Global Moderator
  • Gaggle Hero
  • *
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 5878
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #12 on: January 10, 2020, 08:18:54 AM »
I’m not sure about the value issue as of now or won’t speculation as to what it may bring. However the fact is that after it’s uncrated, made road worthy and ridden, it’s only going to be worth what a super nice bike of that year, make and model is worth. That’s the way I would look at it as a buyer anyway.

Offline guzzisteve

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 11424
  • "Just Ride It"
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #13 on: January 10, 2020, 09:52:12 AM »
The Guzzi dealer in Prescott said that he remembers that back in the day, a number of these in crates were washed overboard and soaked in sea water...and then sold at a discount....I wonder if this was one of them (????)....and so, if that were indeed true, would that be disclosed or not???? :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :shocked:

Caveat emptor, (Latin: “let the buyer beware”), in the law of commercial transactions, principle that the buyer purchases at his own risk in the absence of an express warranty in the contract.

Back in the day, those came w/new hardware (bolts for motor, trans, swingarm, brakes ,etc) from the importer. I swapped out a few, 1st job at dealer.
"Pray through Carlo & your bike shall be healed"
Location: Planet Earth

Offline roadventure

  • Gosling
  • ***
  • Posts: 226
  • There is no try; There is only do.
  • Location: Millville, Delaware
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2020, 09:59:13 AM »
How much will could this fetch at the Mecum Vegas auction later in January??

https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0120-392696/1981-moto-guzzi-le-mans-3-crated/

About $3000 (tops).
dave
Millville, DE

"Moto Guzzi....you're never more than 500 miles from your nearest dealer"

Offline Cdn850T5NT

  • Cdn850T5NT
  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 563
  • Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #15 on: January 10, 2020, 10:45:35 AM »
I know exactly where it's from: Quebec, Canada. Moto 2001 was in LaChine, Quebec, then subsequently in Longueil (sp?) - both suburbs of Montreal. I bought my T5 Eurospec from Francesco Romanelli - the owner of Moto 2001 in Oct 1993. Frank had at the time four crated bikes... my 1985 T5, a 1000 SPIi (similar model year), and two LeMans bikes (and likely this bike is one of those two). I would have bought the SPII had I had the $.  I will attempt to post pictures of my bike's arrival (the same crate) at my home, lol. I remember the day well :).

At the time I was suspicious as to the condition... and so I had a friend check it out. It had been kept in a heated warehouse (at that time) and was totally corrosion free. Don't know what happened in the intervening years.  I later visited Frank while on vacation in late 2009.

There is a story to yet tell re Frank and the bikes... Later :) .
1985 Eurospec 850 T5 NT (Nuovo Tipo - New Type... i.e. Series III)

Offline moto-uno

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 1397
  • Location: Burnaby , B.C
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #16 on: January 10, 2020, 11:02:15 AM »
I had many dealings with Francesco in the middle 80's after moving back to Ottawa from Alta. Where I originally
bought my Le Mans 11 new at a Calgary dealership that also sold Laverdas , Bimotas and Triumphs . Think it
was called Elite Motors . He was quite the guy  :grin: . Peter

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19635
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #17 on: January 10, 2020, 11:11:11 AM »
About $3000 (tops).

Unless there are two enthusiastic bidders that want it....add alcohol...and the lights and action on stage of Vegas....away we go!! :laugh: :grin: :wink: :shocked: :rolleyes:

I believe it will bring much more than $3000  - - just my humble opinion.... :wink:
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 08:07:57 PM by JJ »
Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Offline 80CX100

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1433
  • Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #18 on: January 10, 2020, 11:35:51 AM »
I believe it will bring much more than $3000 - - just my humble opinion.... :wink:

     Very interesting to read of the possible Canadian provenance behind it.

      I would imagine that if the cross border history trail is correct, the paper work/title would have been taken care of prior to this listing in the US.

      I don't recall seeing mention made of the title status in the sales listing, that may be a live issue to consider.

      It's not my favorite color or style, but I agree with JJ, I think that this bike will go for much, much more than 3K; if not someone may be lucking into what could be a major bargain, jmo.  :popcorn:

       Kelly

« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 01:30:04 PM by 80CX100 »
2008 California Vintage
2003 V11 Lemans
2007 Griso 1100
1979 G5 & 1980 Lemans CX100
2010 Suzuki DR650 & 1978 SR500

In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. George Orwell

Offline TN Mark

  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 676
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #19 on: January 10, 2020, 11:53:21 AM »
According to Nada a 1987 LeMans SE in Excellent condition tops out at $3810. So with sellers and buyers fees added, if it tops $3K it could be interesting. Nada is only a single data point so who knows. There are a lot of interesting motorcycles that can be bought for well under $5K. No idea if a still in the crate LeMans 1000 SE is one of those or not.

If it’s a Canadian model, it will need, at least, a new speedometer and correct USA paperwork. New or not, being that old it will require $1000’s in parts and time to go through it to make it road worthy. I remember at the time, the 16” LeMans models were mostly ignored (at best) by Guzzi owners and buyers anyway.

Offline Groover

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 2855
  • If it ain't broke, I'll break it.
    • Scooteropolis
  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #20 on: January 10, 2020, 12:04:47 PM »
To keep within the spirit of Vegas and all, we should place some bets! My guess is that one will be 11,800 going once 11,800 going twice, sold for 11,800!


Could be wrong, but that is a rare bird in that condition. Many collectors out there with cash to burn will want it for their show room, store, etc.


Just what I'm thinking. The bike is now 33 years old afterall. 16" or not, parked and never ridden won’t really matter. It's a piece of history.
« Last Edit: January 10, 2020, 01:40:13 PM by Groover »
1981 Moto Guzzi V1000G5
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, a
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, b
1980 Piaggio Vespa P200E
1980 Piaggio Vespa P125X
1980 Vespa Grande Moped
1980 Vespa SI Moped
http://scooteropolis.com/

Online Cam3512

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 6588
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #21 on: January 10, 2020, 12:33:05 PM »
Cam in NJ
'67 Stornello Scrambler
'71 Ambo Police
'74 V7 Sport
‘20 V85TT

http://mgnocnj.forumotion.com

Offline Lannis

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 26507
  • Location: Central Virginia
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #22 on: January 11, 2020, 10:43:28 AM »
To keep within the spirit of Vegas and all, we should place some bets! My guess is that one will be 11,800 going once 11,800 going twice, sold for 11,800!

No way that cheap at $3000, but no way that expensive at $11,800 either!

Lannis
"Hard pounding, this, gentlemen; let's see who pounds the longest".

Online JJ

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 19635
  • Life is meant to ENJOY...not "endure."
  • Location: Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2020, 10:54:13 AM »
No way that cheap at $3000, but no way that expensive at $11,800 either!

Lannis

Agreed...but again, in Vegas...with all the lights and action of the auction.... and two anxious bidders who have been properly "lubriated-at-the-bar"... and who really want this bike...who knows what the final hammer price will be?!? :laugh: :grin: :wink:  We'll see..... :rolleyes: :shocked: :wink:
« Last Edit: January 11, 2020, 10:54:42 AM by JJ »
Life Member: MGNOC L-772, AMA, HOG
'98 V10 Centauro GT
Village of Oak Creek, AZ

Offline bigbikerrick

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5849
  • 73 Eldo, 98 V 11 ,12 Ural Gear Up, 76 Convert,
  • Location: Southeastern corner of Arizona, right next to "Old Mexico, and New Mexico"
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #24 on: January 11, 2020, 03:20:48 PM »
The "big Valve" Tonti LeMans are some of the best stuff Guzzi has made. One would have to ride one to really experience what its all about. They are beasts, in every sense of the word.
  They are a true Italian Thoroughbred, and mostly undervalued so far.  I personally love the look of the "kicked up" tail, and 16" front wheel, of the 80's bikes.... Not just Guzzis, I also dig that look in the cb 900 super sport, and the Suzuki superbikes of the time period! :thumb:
Rick.
"You meet the most interesting people on a Guzzi"

Offline Cdn850T5NT

  • Cdn850T5NT
  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 563
  • Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #25 on: January 11, 2020, 03:45:12 PM »
The SE is even harder to ride than the normal LeMans... due to super-tall first gear / close ratio gearing and probably a bit soggy bottom-end due to big carbs. Also, real tough to open carbbies I'm told.
1985 Eurospec 850 T5 NT (Nuovo Tipo - New Type... i.e. Series III)

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • Posts: 14141
  • Happily stuck in the past.
    • Antietam Classic Cycle
  • Location: Rohrersville, Maryland
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #26 on: January 11, 2020, 04:24:37 PM »
The SE is even harder to ride than the normal LeMans... due to super-tall first gear / close ratio gearing and probably a bit soggy bottom-end due to big carbs. Also, real tough to open carbbies I'm told.

Same 40 mm PHM Dellortos as the "normal" Le Mans 1000. I never thought of any Le Mans 1000 as being hard to ride. Maybe for someone used to modern bikes it would be though.
Charlie

Offline Cdn850T5NT

  • Cdn850T5NT
  • Gaggle Mentor
  • ****
  • Posts: 563
  • Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #27 on: January 11, 2020, 04:52:34 PM »
Lotsa clutch feathering. Harder on wrist than my 30mm phf dellorto's...
1985 Eurospec 850 T5 NT (Nuovo Tipo - New Type... i.e. Series III)

Offline Perazzimx14

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • Posts: 5974
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #28 on: January 11, 2020, 07:01:29 PM »
I predict 115,900,000.00.
2021 Moto Guzzi V85TT Guardia D'onore
2017 V7 III Carbon Dark #0008 of 1921
2017 Road Glide Special
2020 Kawasaki KLX300SM
2016 Suzuki Van Van 200

Offline wrbix

  • Gaggle Hero
  • *****
  • *
  • *
  • Posts: 1697
Re: Still in Crate '81 Le Mans 850 III Going to Auction
« Reply #29 on: January 11, 2020, 08:32:18 PM »
Some of us do like the handling of our 16” wheeled LMs.
Bill in VA, sometimes FL

"Eschew aphorism"

LeMans IV - "Giulia"
Lario - "Giulietta"
V50III cafe'd - "Leggera"
‘77 Convert - “Sofia”
BMW airheads: R100RS, R100CS, R100GS, R100RT, R60/2 sidecar rig
Classic Mini
‘60 Austin Healey Sprite
Caterham Super Seven Sprint
‘13 Audi TTRS
Grumman AA5B (sold)

 

20 Ounce Stainless Steel Double Insulated Tumbler
Buy a quality tumbler and support the forum at the same time!
Better than a YETI! BPA and Lead free.
Advertise Here