Le Mans II. Just get it on the road...

[Klinkhammer]

The Convert build is about done. Had it out for a longer, faster ride the other day and there is a small leak coming from the crank ventilation, so have to fix that.
However, a few months ago I had the opportunity to buy a Le Mans II for a fair price. Tarozzi rear sets, lower clip-ons, no fairing. The PO bought it as a non-runner and went through the engine and gearbox, put new seals and a new clutch in it. He also went through the brakes and started to clean up the butchered electric system but lost momentum. The bike have just sat for maybe 4-5 years now. It seems to be in fair mechanical condition, with a somewhat rough exterior.
I’ve decided to just get it on the road, I’ve already put original foot pegs and clip-ons back on. The Convert got a Motogadget m-unit and I was really impressed with the simplicity and functionality so I ordered that and some universal switch gear.
I also had a 850 Le Mans fairing laying around and I just can’t resist putting that on (I always wanted a 850 Le Mans, as everyone else…)
So, a quick and dirty on this one, hopefully not too many bad surprises.

The to-do-list:
Check/new fluids including brakes
Clean up carburettors and change throttle handle
New wiring (m-unit) including switch gear
Le Mans I fairing

[blackcat]

I am familiar with this project with my CX, when I first purchased mine almost 20 years ago it was in sad shape. For the longest time I kept it as original but eventually it went in a different direction. When the original dash was changed, I went with the clock holder from a 1000S but it never looked right and the LM fairing didn't sit quite right under the screen.



Eventually I went with an earlier clock holder and it works much better and now it has 36mm carbs, a hotter cam and a lightened flywheel and it has similar performance to my 76 Lemans. And I installed the stock wiring harness from a LM I as I was glad to be rid of the miles or wiring from the original bike.


Good luck with your project.

[Klinkhammer]

For a couple of months there has been low activity in the garage (and on this forum). I moved to a new apartment in august so that has been taking up most of my free time.

Last week I finally got back to the LM2. I hooked up the Motogadget with new generic handlebar switches, connected the Electrex charging unit and Dyna ignition that came with the bike. Changed all fluids and rebuilt the carbs.

Today was start up time. This bike has a rough exterior but so far everything has been really smooth, and I was expecting that there would be some sort of surprise along the line.
I spun the engine with the starter and got oil pressure, poured some gas in it, flipped the chokes, pressed the button and it just started straight away without any hesitation. After about 20 sek I flipped the chokes, and it just went into a steady idle. The most undramatic start up ever!
There was some smoke from all the dust from sitting all these years but that soon burnt off.
I checked tire pressure and took it for a ride around the block (+1 Celsius). Breaks are not great, but the engine runs fantastic. Really quiet with the original exhaust, something I never had on any of my bikes before. I have a set of Lafranconis on the shelf if I feel the urge to make some more noise.
I still have to mount the LM1 fairing, but apart from that this bike is ready for spring!

This is just after the ride around the block
https://youtu.be/d89LmfJE0UA

[Klinkhammer]

I am familiar with this project with my CX, when I first purchased mine almost 20 years ago it was in sad shape. For the longest time I kept it as original but eventually it went in a different direction. When the original dash was changed, I went with the clock holder from a 1000S but it never looked right and the LM fairing didn't sit quite right under the screen.



Eventually I went with an earlier clock holder and it works much better and now it has 36mm carbs, a hotter cam and a lightened flywheel and it has similar performance to my 76 Lemans. And I installed the stock wiring harness from a LM I as I was glad to be rid of the miles or wiring from the original bike.


Good luck with your project.

Superb looking bike!!

[Klinkhammer]

Finally got the fairing done on my "Almost LeMans I"
Will change tires and get it inspected as soon as it gets a little warmer. Hopefully there will be some fair days in March, definitely April.

The plan was that the ConverT would be my daily ride but that bike just turned out a little bit to nice. It doesn't feel good parking it on the street and running in the rain as a daily driver. I don't think I will have that problem wit the Almost LeMans. Time will tell.

[Huzo]

Finally got the fairing done on my "Almost LeMans I"
Will change tires and get it inspected as soon as it gets a little warmer. Hopefully there will be some fair days in March, definitely April.

The plan was that the ConverT would be my daily ride but that bike just turned out a little bit to nice. It doesn't feel good parking it on the street and running in the rain as a daily driver. I don't think I will have that problem wit the Almost LeMans. Time will tell.

Yours is not an “almost Le Mans 1..”
     The 1’s are ” almost Le Mans 2’s..”
Truth be told, yours is probably a better bike. The only time you’ll find out otherwise is if you sell it to try and pay the utilities…
Until you’re chasing $$$’s, you’re better off with the 2.

[Scout63]

The LMII looks great Klinkhammer. That and the Convert make choosing which to ride pretty difficult.

[Klinkhammer]

Yours is not an “almost Le Mans 1..”
     The 1’s are ” almost Le Mans 2’s..”
Truth be told, yours is probably a better bike. The only time you’ll find out otherwise is if you sell it to try and pay the utilities…
Until you’re chasing $$$’s, you’re better off with the 2.

Thanks! I'll try to remember that;)

[Klinkhammer]

The LMII looks great Klinkhammer. That and the Convert make choosing which to ride pretty difficult.

Thanks;)

[Dirk S.]

please explain .... I´m keen to learn about it.

[Klinkhammer]

please explain .... I´m keen to learn about it.

Oh, that's just Jimmys bike. Never mind him. ;)
It's a project. I guess he just want the exhaust to line up.

[blackcat]

Finally got the fairing done on my "Almost LeMans I"
Will change tires and get it inspected as soon as it gets a little warmer. Hopefully there will be some fair days in March, definitely April.

The plan was that the ConverT would be my daily ride but that bike just turned out a little bit to nice. It doesn't feel good parking it on the street and running in the rain as a daily driver. I don't think I will have that problem wit the Almost LeMans. Time will tell.

Bike looks great!