Mark IV LeMans

[BMWDavid]

Need educating on the MKIV series LeMans. Good...Bad? Tell me what you know.

Thanks!

David

[Guzzistajohn]

I personally am a big fan of all the Tonti LeMans bikes, although I have never owned MKIV I'd love to, but I can't see myself ever owning three LeMans. The answer to your question is a matter of opinion. I'm sure you'll get a few.

[double.d]

Ive had mine for 29 years and it has taken me 27 years to get it to the stage where it is totally reliable but don't take this as a negative point it has just been me trying to fix things that didn't need fixing and sometimes making them worse  :roll eyes:

The motor is bullet proof and once set up properly it will go forever with regular required maintenance.
Suspension is good for its era, but upgraded units will work better.
Linked brakes are the best and again once set up properly will stop you as well as any newer model.
Electrical system and stock switch gear is crap. This is what took 27 years to get right. It now runs a complete Motogadget digital system with keyless start.
16" front wheel. I have no problem with it. Again it comes down to setup. Good tyres at the right pressure, a working steering damper and good steering head bearings with working fork dampers are a must.
If you ever drop the gearbox its a good idea to have it split and checked over and install new bearings. Mine has a nasty 2nd to 3rd shift which apparently cannot be fixed 
Adding an outsider oil filter plate makes oil changes a breeze.

Mine will be with me until i die 

[mgmark]

I owned my '85 from new, until I replaced it with my '89 LeMans V. The IV is a good bike, comfortable enough to travel with for me at least. By this time there may be some trouble with the right handlebar switchgear, and the front master cylinder is part of that unit. The stock seat cover bottom edge will wear through where it rubs on the side covers. My chin cowling disappeared on a sunday ride, didn't like its looks anyway.
Overall a good bike needing nothing out of the ordinary service. They do run strong and can get excellent gas mileage.
If you're looking at one of the Special Edition IV, they do have some differences.

try it, you'll like it!

Mark

[Arizona Wayne]

I had a `87 LM IV and rode it for 25K miles.  Got rid of it before I got speeding tickets on it.  Had it up to it's top speed of 137 mph too many times on public roads.  Mine had the 16" front wheel that  many hate.  I loved it compared to the 18" front rim on my CX100.  16" made turning easier w/clip ons.  I did switch the 120/80-16 tire to a 110/90 which made it a little taller and did away with a little head shake at certain mid speeds.  I had a Corbin seat and did 500-600 miles days rides comfortably.  Has a 6 gal. tank and it's good for over 200 miles per fill up. Got 40-45 mpg.  Only issue I had with it is the battery had to be replaced about every year due to the starter hard on it.  Put a 130/90-18 rear tire on it so I could have more tire options and that also geared it 250 rpm taller.  Excellent weather protection. 

[Dimples]

A world of difference compared to your V11. It's a hand-crafted machine!

Suspension and brakes will seem lacking. First year has a 16" front wheel with very cool front turn signals. Nice big 40mm Dellortos to fiddle with.

The aesthetic package is an acquired taste. The preceding Le Mans III is a tighter design visually. I prefer riding the 850 Le Mans myself.

[BMWDavid]

Well...sounds good so far. I am rather concerned about the electrics as some point out and the "crappy" switch gear. I agree that the MKIII does look better and is an 850 which has some iconic value.

I'm looking at an '87 SE so I assume it has the close ratio trans? What is a reasonable price range? Bike appears to be very nice, stock unmolested, 16" wheel, 15K miles, has a Corbin seat, stock seat gone, Dyna III ignition.

Thanks!

[fotoguzzi]

the ugly gosling in the Lemans line up.

[BMWDavid]

the ugly gosling in the Lemans line up.

Well...I might agree with you. It certainly does not have the presence of the earlier bikes. That said it is an older Guzzi that (I think) has its charms. Just looking to get some more feedback from others on the MKIV.

The bike I'm looking at is an SE so I think it has the close ratio transmission along with the black engine and special paint. I just don't know what a good price point is on these bikes. Anyone care to speculate on value?

[fotoguzzi]

$4-4500? in excellent condition with low miles.
big valve motor and yes the SE has a close ratio box. my book says only 100 were imported.

[BMWDavid]

$4-4500? in excellent condition with low miles.
big valve motor and yes the SE has a close ratio box. my book says only 100 were imported.

I did not realize so few came over. So...good engine (big valve), close ratio box. Might be a fun bike. I'm waiting for more pictures of the bike. Should have them this afternoon.

[Dimples]

Well...I might agree with you. It certainly does not have the presence of the earlier bikes. That said it is an older Guzzi that (I think) has its charms. Just looking to get some more feedback from others on the MKIV.

The bike I'm looking at is an SE so I think it has the close ratio transmission along with the black engine and special paint. I just don't know what a good price point is on these bikes. Anyone care to speculate on value?

A 1990 Le Mans 1000 sold on eBay on May 25th for $9,600. with 52 bids. It was low-milage and presented as in "fine original condition". Lesser examples typically sell for about half that amount.

[Vasco DG]

Big valve engine is very hard on valves and guides. Just sayin'

Pete

[BMWDavid]

Big valve engine is very hard on valves and guides. Just sayin'

Pete

Please elaborate...I'm ignorant on the workings of the earlier MG engines.

[Tom]

Check the triple trees for cracks.  I have a 16" wheel SE IV.  Haven't had any problems with the exception of the accel pumps being set up wrong at the factory.  Guido must had a couple of grappas at Hardy's before going back to the assembly line.

[Vasco DG]

Please elaborate...I'm ignorant on the workings of the earlier MG engines.

Because of the size of the ports and mass of the valve heads the moment imposed on the valve by the rocker's side thrust means that the big valve engines wear out their valve guides quicker than other models. It's not a huge deal, it just means that you have to replace valves and k-line the guides regularly. It's unusual to see a big valve motor without sloppy guides that has done over 50,000 km.

Pete

[BMWDavid]

Because of the size of the ports and mass of the valve heads the moment imposed on the valve by the rocker's side thrust means that the big valve engines wear out their valve guides quicker than other models. It's not a huge deal, it just means that you have to replace valves and k-line the guides regularly. It's unusual to see a big valve motor without sloppy guides that has done over 50,000 km.

Pete

Thanks! I did a little searching after your initial reply...it looks like these are hot rod engines from the factory. I'll keep everyone's suggestions in mind.

 

[fotoguzzi]

Thanks! I did a little searching after your initial reply...it looks like these are hot rod engines from the factory. I'll keep everyone's suggestions in mind.

Google Dr John Wittner and you won't be able to resist buying the first one you come across!

[Dimples]

This one looks to be a very nice low-milage original example on eBay. Apparently valued at the upper end of the scale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-Lemans-1000-/181817861690?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a5530663a&item=181817861690

[BMWDavid]

I checked out the '87 MKIV SE. Ran well, shifted very nicely. I liked the tall first gear and the closer spacing on 2-5. Handling was weird. Great straight line stability but it was a bit hard to initiate turns and once turned in it had a slight head shake. Bike still has 16" wheel. The linked brakes were stronger than I thought they would be.

A really nice sorted bike. 18,000 miles no oil leaks...took it out for about 20 miles. The head shake gives me some concern.

Just looked at the above eBay posting...does the 1990 LeMans still have the big valve engine?

[blackcat]

This one looks to be a very nice low-milage original example on eBay. Apparently valued at the upper end of the scale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-Lemans-1000-/181817861690?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2a5530663a&item=181817861690

Wow, that bike looks brand new.

[Kai]

Just looked at the above eBay posting...does the 1990 LeMans still have the big valve engine?

Yes, it has.


 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I checked out the '87 MKIV SE. Ran well, shifted very nicely. I liked the tall first gear and the closer spacing on 2-5. Handling was weird. Great straight line stability but it was a bit hard to initiate turns and once turned in it had a slight head shake. Bike still has 16" wheel. The linked brakes were stronger than I thought they would be.

A really nice sorted bike. 18,000 miles no oil leaks...took it out for about 20 miles. The head shake gives me some concern.

Just looked at the above eBay posting...does the 1990 LeMans still have the big valve engine?

Not to worry about the head shake.. that's just an adjustment and or front tire. They're as stable as a freight train.Bit hard to initiate turns? Shirley, you jest.  A LeMans has to be told to turn. Pete's right about the  big valve engines being hard on valves and guides, but I wouldn't let that bother me. I know of one big valve engine that went over 100000 miles, and the (Cheap Guzzi)  :smiley:owner was complaining about having to do a valve job.
LeMans? I like em all.

[Denis]

I have an '85 Le Mans 1000 myself. I don't ride it enough but it makes me laugh out loud whenever I do ride it. Still has the 16" wheel, which I've always liked. When I bought it two seats came with it, a Corbin and a Sargents. Hated both of them because they made me sit even lower, so I sold them and found an original seat. It's harder but more comfortable.

Also, there really is no such thing as a Le Mans IV. It's a Le Mans 1000. :)

[Guido Valvole]

Hard to initiate a turn? Try an old bevelhead Ducati! I thought the LM 1000 would be another upper-body workout machine like my Darmah was long ago. Not. Even. Be sure the front tire isn't worn and has high enough pressure in it. Needs more that you might think is reasonable, high 30s.
cr

[agmon1000]

I have a 1985 Le Mans 1000 which I bought back in 2008 I love that bike and it is my favorite ride of all my other bikes.
since I bought the bike I modified the electrical system, suspension and braking system.
I didn't touch the engine except for a outside oil filter adapter.
The bike didn't really need the suspension and brake updates, I have to tinker with all my bikes and I don't care for keeping bikes original.

[Tom]

I checked out the '87 MKIV SE. Ran well, shifted very nicely. I liked the tall first gear and the closer spacing on 2-5. Handling was weird. Great straight line stability but it was a bit hard to initiate turns and once turned in it had a slight head shake. Bike still has 16" wheel. The linked brakes were stronger than I thought they would be.

A really nice sorted bike. 18,000 miles no oil leaks...took it out for about 20 miles. The head shake gives me some concern.

Just looked at the above eBay posting...does the 1990 LeMans still have the big valve engine?

Sounds like low air pressure in the front tire.  I like running close to the max air pressure on the sidewall. 

[Denis]

I keep the front tire pressure on both my 16" front wheels at 36-37.
My '87 SP with the 16" wheel is a lot quicker than my Le Mans with the 16" and I attribute it to the fact that the SP's wheel is 1/4" narrower.

[Vasco DG]

Back in the day there was a lot of sooking in the press about how the 16 inch wheel made them handle weirdly. Another case of the press castigating Guzzi for being 'Old Fashioned' and then when they tried to do something about it? Throwing them to the dogs!

Any of the 16 inch wheel Guzzis are very, very sensitive to both tyre profile and tyre pressure. Use the original profiles and be assiduous in checking the pressures and they are great. Mess up either of those and you'll have an evil handling pug that will do its best to kill you!

Pete

[oldmxdog61u]

I love mine. Pressure... 37 front, 34 back is important.  Not an everymans bike, for those who march to a different beat it is perfection.