1985 LeMans 1000 on E-bay

[Turin]

Third listing... In your opinion, why hasn't this thing gotten any action?
If I wasn't in the middle of a full fairing lemans 1000 project I'd be all over it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-Moto-Guzzi-LEMANS-1000/222749222321?hash=item33dce365b1:g:YK8AAOSwsFpaGKMv&vxp=mtr

[Lannis]

Third listing... In your opinion, why hasn't this thing gotten any action?
If I wasn't in the middle of a full fairing lemans 1000 project I'd be all over it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-Moto-Guzzi-LEMANS-1000/222749222321?hash=item33dce365b1:g:YK8AAOSwsFpaGKMv&vxp=mtr

Hard to tell.   It's not an auction really, it's a "Buy It Now" with a "Make Offer".   But that's how I bought my last eBay bike because it gives the buyer control of the value (which is where it belongs if the seller is motivated to sell at the market price).   "High Start Bid" or its brother the "Reserve" price is often a bid-killer, since the buyer has no control and won't participate in value determination.

So it's probably not the selling technique; it's a decent ad with no silliness in it.   Maybe something about the bike?   Looks good though.   Maybe right here before Christmas, everyone's spending money on something else?

Lannis

[bigbikerrick]

That is a sweet looking bike! I love the looks of that fairing, I have never seen one like that before. I bet they are rare as hens teeth!
Rick.

[sdcr]

It believe that the fairing is a rare Valtek piece, which would be part of a body kit for the Le Mans. Yes, rare as hens teeth.
  It really is hard to pinpoint why this has not been sold, as it appears to be a sweet setup.

That is a sweet looking bike! I love the looks of that fairing, I have never seen one like that before. I bet they are rare as hens teeth!
Rick.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

It believe that the fairing is a rare Valtek piece, which would be part of a body kit for the Le Mans. Yes, rare as hens teeth.
  It really is hard to pinpoint why this has not been sold, as it appears to be a sweet setup.

I figured the fairing was made by the company whose name, "Menani", is on it. 

[Lannis]

I figured the fairing was made by the company whose name, "Menani", is on it.

Certainly a pretty fairing for that bike ...

[sdcr]

Charlie,
You are probably correct. It thought of the Valtec, because they look somewhat similar. Comparing the two, I see this is different from a Valtek.

I figured the fairing was made by the company whose name, "Menani", is on it.

[LeRoy]

That does seem like a good price on a good-looking bike. All the more so if you can get it for an offer lower than the $3999 starting price.

That being said, at over 50,000 miles and sitting for 14 years, there is plenty that you can expect it to need. Tires, most rubber components, dented tank, ripped seat. And that's just what we know based on a superficial look. Valves and guides on this particular engine might well need attention, given the mileage. On the other hand, the fact that it's represented as a one-owner bike is something I take to be a good sign. It would be even better if the original owner were around to speak to the bike's provenance and history. However, one suspects that a bike that has been sitting for 14 years may not have an original owner who is still among us.

I already have a Le Mans 1000, but if I were in the market, I'd be contemplating at a serious offer in the $3500 range. At this time of year, that's probably close to what it ought to go for.

[Idontwantapickle]

That does seem like a good price on a good-looking bike. All the more so if you can get it for an offer lower than the $3999 starting price.

That being said, at over 50,000 miles and sitting for 14 years, there is plenty that you can expect it to need. Tires, most rubber components, dented tank, ripped seat. And that's just what we know based on a superficial look. Valves and guides on this particular engine might well need attention, given the mileage. On the other hand, the fact that it's represented as a one-owner bike is something I take to be a good sign. It would be even better if the original owner were around to speak to the bike's provenance and history. However, one suspects that a bike that has been sitting for 14 years may not have an original owner who is still among us.

I already have a Le Mans 1000, but if I were in the market, I'd be contemplating at a serious offer in the $3500 range. At this time of year, that's probably close to what it ought to go for.

On the upside it is the faster red paint version. The warnings to me are the seller mentions rust twice in the ad and the non-stock parts. The ding in the tank, the fairing and the aftermarket seat all say "wrecked" pretty loud. It is possible that it wasn't but in that case where are the stock parts?
In spite of all that I think it would be a hoot! There is no other like a LeMans 1000, they are a blast to ride. I hope someone will get it and lavish the love on it that it deserves.

[Turin]

looks like Menani racing is still around.

[wrbix]

Sweet!
....and has the much preferred 16" front wheel! 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Sweet!
....and has the much preferred 16" front wheel! 

True.. true.

[Groover]

It’s because many on the buyers market can still only count to III 

[slopokes]

Just sold=======

[sdcr]

 

It�s because many on the buyers market can still only count to III 

[brider]

OMFG, never really took a good look at that model because it's so far out of my "performance spectrum", but THAT is the sexiest Guzzi I've ever seen! If I had been paying attention to the ebay listings I may have been tempted to do something rash and bid or make an offer....

MAkes no difference now, but that little ding in the tank and crack in the windscreen sure doesn't look like crash-damage to me, and yeah, the tires may be 14 yrs old but the sidewalls look new. I think someone scored BIG TIME, especially when uber-clean T's  are asking about the same price.

Wow. What a great object 'de art to just park in your man cave.

[Orange Guzzi]

You ask why, read the many post regarding dealers closing, the industry has been in a slump since 2008 with no recovery in sight, buyers are getting older and the many other negatives regarding motorcycles.

Have you tried to sell a used unit?  Unless you are giving it away, expect to take a loss.  I have a completed 1986 Yamaha FJ1200 project that is sitting in my garage.  Over $3,000 invested, I have had $1,000 offers to buy. 

I would like to have this bike, can afford it, have 4 motorcycles now. I feel it would be just an ego thing to own and a loss in the long run. 

When most house holds spend 30% on various taxes, 30% on housing, 25% on mandated healthcare, 15% of their income does not buy a motorcycle for entertainment.  And this is where most of America is. 

[Groover]

Owning a motorcycle (or any vehicle for that matter) is pretty much a guaranteed loss, or at least, a consider it a life expense.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I guess I've been very fortunate then. My motorcycle hobby (separate from the business) pretty much pays for itself, I've yet to take a loss on any I've sold.

[Orange Guzzi]

I guess I've been very fortunate then. My motorcycle hobby (separate from the business) pretty much pays for itself, I've yet to take a loss on any I've sold.

I have kept a somewhat accurate journal of my "recreational investments".   I have came out ahead if I do not count my license fee's, insurance and fuel.  It all has been strictly a recreational expense for me. I have enjoyed it.  I don't hunt, fish, boat, play golf, shoot guns or involved in the many other ways to spend money on extra curricular activities.  I have spent the last 25 years married, raising a family and working.  Motorcycle repair, maintenance and restoration has kept me close to home, entertained and my mind busy.  Still enjoy it today and active with others with the same interest in my area. 

Change is slow, but continuous.  I am glad not to to own a horse and buggy, cut fire wood, hunt and fish for diner.  Who needs a buggy whip when you can have an electric motorcycle? 

[sdcr]

Any 14 year old tire is ready for the recycling pile, no matter what the sidewalls look like. Keeping these on to ride the bike would be like playing Russian Roulette.

OMFG, ....., and yeah, the tires may be 14 yrs old but the sidewalls look new...

[Arizona Wayne]

Right now the ad says this bike is SOLD.

I had a red `87 LM IV and sold it for about $4k with the same mileage in better shape about 9 years ago.  Buyer rode it back home from Yuba City, Ca. to Portland, Or. I sold it because I was going to get a nasty speeding ticket if I kept it any longer.