Author Topic: New (to me) 1977 Le Mans (Read 10729 times)

canuck750 · « **on:** May 06, 2015, 02:26:13 PM »

A big thanks to Brad for agreeing to part with his 77 Le Mans

I am going to think this one through carefully before I dive in, needs some cosmetic attention but the little voice in my head says leave most of the 'looks' alone and just do a drive line sweep through.

Would it sacrilegious to consider an Ice Blue paint job??

Tobit · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:26:37 PM »

No and congratulations.

;-T

Phang · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2015, 06:05:06 PM »

Congratulations!

the bike looks complete and correct (except the wheels colour) from the pictures ;-T

canuck750 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2015, 06:40:41 PM »

Hi Phang,

What colour should the wheels be? it would be great of you knew a matching Tiger Drylac Powder paint colour! I think I would like to try the new Series 38 Super Durable line for the wheels.

http://tigerpowderinfo.com/dev/index.php/toolsandresources/pdc/category/colorcharts

I will probably tackle this bike in bits and pieces, overhaul the brake components - repaint wheels, new wheel bearings - tires etc. as a "project".

Cheers

Jim

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2015, 06:40:41 PM »

Phang · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2015, 06:55:57 PM »

It's probably the camera, flash or even my computer screen. The colour of the wheels appear too dark and glossy to me.

I only know it looks not right but don't know what is the right one ;D

canuck750 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2015, 07:29:01 PM »

I think you are right Phang, the wheels are a dark grey and appear to be repaints.

Anyone have a paint code?

Thanks

Jim

Cam3512 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:21:22 PM »

Congrats Jim. The wheels on my '78 are a lighter silver color.

Cam

jbell · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:31:10 PM »

Loverly, Jim.

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:34:42 PM »

I'm real glad I found a good home for her!
I once had these rims powder coated, I just said silver and they came pretty close to the original color but it lasted a lot longer. I'm not responsible for painting those wheels grey by the way.

lorazepam · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2015, 08:44:38 PM »

Those fairings look very close to one that Rifle sells.

http://rifle.com/Motorcycle-Fairings/Rifle-Sport-Fairing.aspx

Steph · « **Reply #10 on:** May 07, 2015, 06:58:39 AM »

It's only original once!
To me, it has aged nicely.

Motosan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2015, 07:04:26 AM »

You get all the nice ones Jim!

lrutt · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2015, 07:42:51 AM »

get the proper LM1 fairing on it.

As for wheels, they had some very light superficial coating on them, not really paint I don't think. I know on mine there were kind of natty so I soda blasted them and left them that way. Just raw AL that seems to look the part.

Mine is very close to stock but not 100% original but you can see the wheels in this pic.

If it were me, I'd keep it red as intended, especially if the paint that's on it is original and in reasonable shape. If it's a repaint already then have at it.

PeteS · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2015, 07:49:23 AM »

I think just about any silver paint will do on the wheels. I had some BMW base coat-clear coat used on their '80s airheads for mine just because I had some on the shelf.

Pete

canuck750 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2015, 08:25:54 AM »

Quote from: lrutt on May 07, 2015, 07:42:51 AM

Beautiful bike!!

canuck750 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2015, 09:38:55 PM »

I put a battery in the Le Mans and a gallon of fresh gas and hung the plate from my V7 Sport then took the 850 for a few runs around the block. What a mistake.
The upgrade of low end grunt, response and brakes being a world better than the Sport I am not sure I love the V7 Sport anymore.
I love the easy relaxed stance and response of my Eldorado and will never part with it but with the 750S3 coming along and the rush of riding the Le Mans I am no longer sold on the Sport.
Am I crazy??
I spent two years finding and rebuilding the burgundy V7 Sport to fall out of love so quickly
Perhaps the moral of this storey is to never meet your hero, idol or first dream bike.
Need to think long and hard about wether or not to keep the Sport

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2015, 09:58:28 PM »

Smitten!

fotoguzzi · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:02:06 PM »

next, you need a 1000S, I'm looking hard for one too..

smdl · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:02:22 PM »

Hi, Jim.

Well, life's about learning -- about ourselves, about others, about our real likes, loves and dislikes vs. our preconceived notions. The good thing is that this isn't a one-shot deal for you; you've got options! You have truly saved a basket-case Sport, and the worse thing that could happen would be that you would sell it, and make some new owner deliriously happy. All the while, you'll be enjoying your Eldo, S3 and 850 Le Mans. Could be worse! :bike

Cheers,
Shaun

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:10:39 PM »

Quote from: canuck750 on May 12, 2015, 09:38:55 PM

I put a battery in the Le Mans and a gallon of fresh gas and hung the plate from my V7 Sport then took the 850 for a few runs around the block. What a mistake.
The upgrade of low end grunt, response and brakes being a world better than the Sport I am not sure I love the V7 Sport anymore.
I love the easy relaxed stance and response of my Eldorado and will never part with it but with the 750S3 coming along and the rush of riding the Le Mans I am no longer sold on the Sport.
Am I crazy??
I spent two years finding and rebuilding the burgundy V7 Sport to fall out of love so quickly
Perhaps the moral of this storey is to never meet your hero, idol or first dream bike.
Need to think long and hard about wether or not to keep the Sport

I had the same sort of revelation, but with much less at stake. Rode my customer Jim's burgandy V7 Sport then almost immediately afterwards, his '78 Le Mans. 'Sports are "nice" but an 850 Le Mans is "awesome". ;) Neither is comfortable enough for how and where I ride though, an Ambassador is all I really need...

canuck750 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:30:48 PM »

Thanks Shaun, Charlie
I am on the same wavelength as you Charlie, the Sport is beautiful to look at and pretty nice to ride but for the short rides when I want to go for a quick blast I think the Le Mans will be very tough to beat the visceral feel of the motor was a real eye opener

canuck750 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2015, 10:49:34 PM »

Quote from: fotoguzzi on May 12, 2015, 10:02:06 PM

next, you need a 1000S, I'm looking hard for one too..

One more Guzzi and Mrs Canuck will throw me out on the street!

earemike · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2015, 01:48:04 AM »

The plus is you know every intimate detail about your sport, does all that time you spent together suddenly mean nothing? :'(

Once the S3 is done I'm guessing you'll grab that every time vs the Sport and that's without thinking of the LeMans...

As a few people said the Sport looks fantastic but doesn't go or stop as well. Given your Eldo is staying you've got cruising & fast blasts well covered anyway.

mgmark · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2015, 04:33:25 AM »

Quote from: canuck750 on May 12, 2015, 09:38:55 PM

I put a battery in the Le Mans and a gallon of fresh gas and hung the plate from my V7 Sport then took the 850 for a few runs around the block. What a mistake.

Just wait until you get it out on the open road! They really are more of everything over the earlier bikes. The Sport will seem like a smaller bike in comparison with the S3 somewhere between them.
Decisions, decisions.......... .

Mark

mantaray · « **Reply #24 on:** May 13, 2015, 04:44:35 AM »

Congratz Jim,

After riding a Le Mans, the name sports on the V7 looks misplaced.

Next weekend i'll have 3 LM's in my garage.

Red, white and Blue ... i'll shoot some pics ;-)

No i didnt bought a thirtone ;D
But i sold the V7 sports and the Morini Drumbrake.

Last weekend i did a trip together with 1cilinder Guzzi's,ducati's topspeed was 70kmh .... after 100 km i was broken.
First series seat and original footpegs is not a good combination for me, i prefer the white Guzzi with agostini rearset
http://mantaray.zenfolio.com/p577111426

Phang · « **Reply #25 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:05:54 AM »

I shouldn't follow this thread.

How much is a kidney worth now? ::)

Aaron D. · « **Reply #26 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:46:11 AM »

That's funny, I had a V7 Sport, new, and loved it.

I had a deposit on another V7 Sport in '94 or so, then a LeMans became available at the same dealer, and I tried that.

Then I took the LeMans home. They really are great bikes.

blackcat · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:27:04 AM »

Quote from: canuck750 on May 12, 2015, 09:38:55 PM

I put a battery in the Le Mans and a gallon of fresh gas and hung the plate from my V7 Sport then took the 850 for a few runs around the block. What a mistake.
The upgrade of low end grunt, response and brakes being a world better than the Sport I am not sure I love the V7 Sport anymore.

This is why I regrettably do not own a V7Sport. I rode a friends drum brake Sport 20? years ago and quickly realized that it lacked as above, so I passed on purchasing one for those reasons. Mistake.

Don G · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:57:10 AM »

Wait until you try a Spine Frame ! Makes the LeMans Look like the V7 sport! :BEER: DonG

PeteS · « **Reply #29 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:01:51 AM »

Quote from: Don G on May 13, 2015, 08:57:10 AM

Wait until you try a Spine Frame ! Makes the LeMans Look like the V7 sport! :BEER: DonG

More power and better brakes but handles like a truck compared to the short wheelbase 850s. The LM850s are keepers for sure.

Pete

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Author Topic: New (to me) 1977 Le Mans (Read 10729 times)

canuck750

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Wildguzzi.com

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