Author Topic: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build  (Read 15344 times)

Offline Northern Bill

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1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« on: April 08, 2017, 05:12:53 PM »
A few people have asked for a bit of a build thread.  I have kept track of my costs, and considering the price of a real Le Mans these days (see the one of ebay right now !!), this might prove interesting to some. Because I am not very mechanically inclined I bought a very nice T3 on Feb 25 for $5000 Cdn. Over the following month I sold many of the parts on ebay for a total of $981 so my starting price was $4019 Cdn. I had already bought a steel tank from India so this upped my price by $440 to $4459.


 
The following is a list of the purchases I made.  Some of the prices may seem high but shipping to Canada and taxes really put the prices up on some things.

Feb 25      rough seat from ebay   96           4555
Feb 27      clip ons   ebay         27           4582
Feb 27      headlight ears ebay      10           4592
Feb 28      MG cycle                 2006   6598
      -exhaust/fairing/screen/brackets         
      -side covers/badges/rearsets
      -front fender/tank badges
Mar 1      seat base ebay                100   6698
Mar 12      Stainless fasteners (local)   25   6723
Mar 14       taillight ebay                 85   6808   
Mar 20      Paint and Clearcoat             95   6903
Mar 24      Tape and Pinstripe             20   6923   

Once I had all the parts I made a rear hinge for the seat and brackets to fit the CX 100 fender.  Before putting the parts on I painted them using Duplicolor red and black, and Spray Max two part clear coat. This only took a couple of days but the results reflect that. I used black heat paint to cover the headers. Yesterday, April 7th, I made some final adjustments and now the Replica is just waiting for insurance to hit the road.  Final cost was $6923 Cdn ($5167 U.S)







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1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Peter949

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2017, 07:13:52 PM »
Excellent work ... and that is certainly a wonderful improvement on the T3.   :cool:
My old 84 California II was purchased a few years back for about the same money as your T3, but it is not improved or restored in any way. When your bike is insured and on the road, maybe you could take a scenic ride up to Creemore so that I can check it out.

Peter
Peter

1984  Cali II
Aprilia 125 Sportcity Scooter

Offline smdl

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2017, 11:47:01 PM »
Is that the T3 that Joe Sammut was selling?

Nice work!  We love to see it on one of the Ontario Guzzi Riders events.

Cheers,
Shaun
'74 Eldorado Civilian
'17 V7 III Stone
'21 Aprilia Tuono 660
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore (Yep, two)

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2017, 08:52:35 PM »
Real nice job  :bow: :bow: :bow:

I like how you kept the T3 badges, the transformation is really impressive.

Jim

Wildguzzi.com

Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2017, 08:52:35 PM »

twowings

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2017, 09:06:35 PM »
Really special!  Kudos  :bow:

Offline helmetbolt

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2017, 12:07:07 PM »
That's a really nice job.

Offline Groover

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2017, 01:06:30 PM »
Nice job, that looks great. I also appreciate you kept the T3 badges. Is the fairing from MGCycle? Would the factory headlight fit in the hole? (looks like you have an aftermarket headlight).
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
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Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2017, 02:52:05 PM »
The fairing was from MG cycle as were all the brackets.  As far as I know the headlight was the original T3 light but I had never seen a T3 prior to starting this project.  I had to trim the bottom of the fairing to fit the wider forks but other than that everything was straightforward. The fairing itself came with no holes so I fitted the fairing to the headlight first, then I fitted the lower bracket and drilled that hole in the fairing. The top brackets that fit to the headlight ears have two attachment points. I drilled for the top two near the screen. I put on rubber spacers on the two attachment points that normally have drilled holes on either side of the light.

I got my plate today so I should be on my first test run this weekend.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Groover

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2017, 03:32:49 PM »
Thanks for the reply in regards to the fairing. Sounds like it's pretty adaptable. How do you like those exhaust pipes? How would you describe the sound? Warm or are they harsh?

I think I found some on youtube.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tjum8xSKTs

very nice.
« Last Edit: April 20, 2017, 03:48:23 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/

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2017, 12:03:46 PM »
I can't say much about the exhaust. I've only been around the block.  I did get my plate yesterday so I am going for a test run later today.
l read a comment once that the La Franconi exhaust sounds like a big block v8. When I rode it around the block, I thought to myself "that really sounds good, just like a big block v8" but in all truth I am not sure what a big block v8 really sounds like! At times like this I wonder if I can think for myself these days. The influence of media on us all is huge.

After my run this afternoon I will report back on the sound.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline smdl

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2017, 01:49:37 PM »
I can't say much about the exhaust. I've only been around the block.  I did get my plate yesterday so I am going for a test run later today.
l read a comment once that the La Franconi exhaust sounds like a big block v8. When I rode it around the block, I thought to myself "that really sounds good, just like a big block v8" but in all truth I am not sure what a big block v8 really sounds like! At times like this I wonder if I can think for myself these days. The influence of media on us all is huge.

After my run this afternoon I will report back on the sound.

The Ontario Guzzi Riders are meeting for brunch tomorrow in Tottenham if you feel like taking a longer test ride.  We'd love to see you creation!

You can find our event calendar here:

http://ontarioguzziriders.com/eventcalendar.html

Cheers,
Shaun
'74 Eldorado Civilian
'17 V7 III Stone
'21 Aprilia Tuono 660
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore
'22 V85TT Guardia D'Onore (Yep, two)

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2017, 06:59:12 PM »
Thanks for the invitation Shaun. I can't make it tomorrow but I will print the calendar and try to make another one.

Well the first ride went pretty well.  I didn't go that far but I went far enough to open it up a bit and do a few corners.  The acceleration from a standing start wasn't earth shattering but the roll on was pretty impressive. It will certainly be fast enough for me.  The handling seemed to be excellent. The bike seemed rock solid through the corners.  The sound was very nice and definitely not harsh. 

It looks like I have a few things to sort out though.  The rear brake reservoir seemed to have little or no pressure so that will be first on the list.  The clutch was also very stiff so that will be next.  Another issue was that the revs fell very slowly when the throttle was pulled back. The cable itself returned quickly so I will have to look elsewhere. It was almost like the bike was still on choke?

Overall I am really happy with the first ride. 
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Groover

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #12 on: April 23, 2017, 12:56:59 AM »
Good ride report. Could maybe the choke plungers be worn out? Does it idle well?
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/

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2017, 04:04:09 PM »
I went out for another short ride this morning.  This bike is definitely fast enough for me!!  I am getting more comfortable with it on each ride.  The issues I mentioned previously are still there so I will have to have someone who knows guzzis take it for a ride and give me an opinion.

Regarding the choke, I would not be surprised if the plungers need work so I will check them out.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #14 on: April 23, 2017, 04:39:34 PM »
If the rpm does not drop quickly on release of throttle (assuming the carburetor slide springs are of sufficient strength to return the slide - most are too strong) the rpm should level off quickly. If not you probably have an air leak. If you are running VHB 29 or VHB 30 carbs the top cover gasket is likely the culprit or there is an air leak around the carb to inlet body or inlet body to cylinder head, the castings warp a bit over time, common with alloy castings of the period and the caps may not be fitting as tight to the paper gasket as they should. You could make your own pattern replacements out of a better quality gasket sheet or try a little silicone around the outside of the carb body to cap, just a tiny line of sealant. Check for air leaks around the inlet fittings.

I have found that the replacement cables I have been buying lately are just too long and I can not get enough slack in the 8mm threaded fitting that screws into the top of the carb. I took the carb cap off and fit it in a vice then flat file down the threaded boss that protrudes out of the top of the carb. By filing down a millimetre or two I was able to get the adjustment I needed in the cables and the idle speed was then able to come way down so that I could use the idle adjustment screw on the carb to set idle.

The clutches are very a heavy pull, not sure you can get much relief from it.

I would fit speed bleeders to your brake calipers, it makes bleeding the calipers much easier, you can order the speed bleeders on line direct from the manufacturer.

« Last Edit: April 23, 2017, 04:40:30 PM by canuck750 »

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #15 on: April 24, 2017, 07:32:17 AM »
Thanks very much for the detailed advice.  That will give me a good place to start.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #16 on: April 24, 2017, 03:58:55 PM »
After riding the bike, I realize that the Chinese clip ons are quite high quality, but they are just too low to be comfortable so I have ordered a replica set with the 2 inch risers from MG cycle.  The difference in price, however, is huge.  The Chinese clip ons were $25 with free shipping to my house, whereas, the ones from MG are $23 for shipping alone plus $138 for the clip ons. I was hoping to get a used set but it is just too uncomfortable with the really low bars.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline harrytief

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #17 on: April 25, 2017, 10:27:25 AM »
Hi Bill
Good to hear that the bike is getting sorted. If you need help, come by. Still room in the garage for another guzzi.
Harry

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #18 on: April 26, 2017, 06:31:28 PM »
Thanks Harry.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #19 on: April 29, 2017, 06:14:46 PM »
I put the new bars on today only to find that the bars are too short for the controls I have.  The throttle side will be okay but I had to add two inches to the clutch side so it was long enough for the handgrip.  I should have had a closer look at these bars.  They are also not much higher than my Chinese ones.  It was a lot of money to spend for a minor improvement.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #20 on: April 29, 2017, 07:59:16 PM »
I put the new bars on today only to find that the bars are too short for the controls I have.  The throttle side will be okay but I had to add two inches to the clutch side so it was long enough for the handgrip.  I should have had a closer look at these bars.  They are also not much higher than my Chinese ones.  It was a lot of money to spend for a minor improvement.

You could try a pair of V7 Sport style swan necks, but I can't say for sure how the swan necks will work with the stock Le Mans style headlight / fairing.
The swan necks give a lot of range in height on a V7 Sport. at full up my V7 Sport is really quite comfortable (and I have a lousy back).



In the full down position on my 750S (set down to clear the Sprint fairing) the riding position is not very comfortable,



it really needs a set of rear sets nut the stock rear sets also raise the feet and I need the foot position to move back and down. I am going to make up a pair of custom rear sets for the V7 Sport frame that suits my older body.

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #21 on: April 30, 2017, 07:14:48 AM »
Those swan necks look good but I think I will just live with the new bars for now.  Before I had a guzzi I had a pair of those swan necks but I gave them away.  I thought they were for some weird kind of chopper!  They look good on your sport!

I am not very mechanical so when I do mechanical things it usually takes me forever and the results are not always positive.  Anyway I bought a "One Man Bleeder" a few years ago from Princess Auto (Canadian version of Harbour Freight). It is a little bottle with a magnet on it and a plastic tube attached to it to go to the bleeder valve. Yesterday I used it and to my surprise it worked quickly and correctly.  I am always pleased with myself when I finally do something right!
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #22 on: May 05, 2017, 06:13:42 PM »
I have been looking everywhere for the gamin type solo seat and today I finally found a brand new one  through ebay uk.  It is coming from the Netherlands so I am not going to celebrate until it arrives. This should be one of the last major pieces for my conversion.  The next items will be rear spokes and non chrome barrels.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #23 on: May 05, 2017, 06:26:50 PM »
Can you tell me what the difference is between the Stuchi type that NG Cycle sells and the one you bought?

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #24 on: May 06, 2017, 07:23:00 AM »
The one I bought looks to be identical.  I have searched everywhere for this seat and it is listed in many places (all out of stock)but sometimes using the Stuchi name and sometimes using the gammon name.  My guess is that one place is making these seats and they are just being badged differently.   The one I ordered, after converting to Canadian dollars,and including shipping is going to be about $100 cheaper than the one listed with MG.  I hope it is the real deal when it gets here.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #25 on: May 06, 2017, 11:37:50 PM »
The one I bought looks to be identical.  I have searched everywhere for this seat and it is listed in many places (all out of stock)but sometimes using the Stuchi name and sometimes using the gammon name.  My guess is that one place is making these seats and they are just being badged differently.   The one I ordered, after converting to Canadian dollars,and including shipping is going to be about $100 cheaper than the one listed with MG.  I hope it is the real deal when it gets here.

Thanks Bill

Jim

Offline Northern Bill

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #26 on: May 24, 2017, 11:17:23 AM »



upload from web


This is the latest picture with the new seat.  The only thing I have to do now is get new spokes for the rear wheel and repaint the tank. Although the paint itself is okay I misjudged the separation between the black on the bottom and the red in the middle.  Now that the bike is more or less finished I can see that the black is just a little high towards the front of the tank. You wouldn't think this would be such a big deal but it is enough to change the overall view of the bike.  The original designers deserve a lot of credit for the timeless design they created with the first Le Mans.  Their design was so perfect (in my opinion) that even the smallest of detail changes can look huge.
1973 Triumph Adventurer Cafe Racer
1975 T3/Le Mans replica
1987 Honda CBX250 Track Bike
1989 Honda GB500

Offline Groover

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #27 on: May 24, 2017, 12:00:57 PM »
Looks really good!
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/

canuck750

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #28 on: May 24, 2017, 02:19:44 PM »



upload from web


This is the latest picture with the new seat.  The only thing I have to do now is get new spokes for the rear wheel and repaint the tank. Although the paint itself is okay I misjudged the separation between the black on the bottom and the red in the middle.  Now that the bike is more or less finished I can see that the black is just a little high towards the front of the tank. You wouldn't think this would be such a big deal but it is enough to change the overall view of the bike.  The original designers deserve a lot of credit for the timeless design they created with the first Le Mans.  Their design was so perfect (in my opinion) that even the smallest of detail changes can look huge.


Looks good! The paint looks pretty nice as well but I get what your saying about the separation line on the tank being off, it would drive me nuts as well.

There is a thin black pinstripe on the Le Mans side covers if you want to go all out. Pictures of the badly faded original side covers on my 77 Le Mans. I have replaced these cracked covers with new reproductions from MG Cycle.


Offline Groover

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Re: 1976 T3 to Le Mans Replica mini build
« Reply #29 on: May 24, 2017, 02:33:00 PM »
When pinstripes are involved, are you guys putting them on then clear coating over, or just pin striping? Same question for decal style logos.
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/

 

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