Author Topic: 1977 Le Mans running and on the road  (Read 116972 times)

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #360 on: January 15, 2018, 11:16:22 AM »
I showed the Le Mans I the travelling International Motorcycle Show at our local Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) display of 20 motorcycles on the weekend. We had an eclectic cross section of bikes from a 1938 BSA single to a Honda Transalp.



Most people who come buy have little or no knowledge of Moto Guzzi, typical of the crowd that is at least 50% into the 'Life Style brand"







Now to get back to getting the bike started and tuned. I am waiting on a batch of replacement molex connectors to finish the switch gear repairs.

Offline Groover

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #361 on: January 15, 2018, 11:30:05 AM »
Great job making the show deadline. The bike looks great! I do see one major problem with the venue though..... those bikes should all be on the red carpet!  :grin:

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1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, a
1987 Moto Guzzi LM1000SE, b
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Offline TRw1

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #362 on: January 15, 2018, 05:38:17 PM »
The bike looks outstanding!  Good luck with those switches.

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #363 on: January 18, 2018, 09:22:14 PM »
A bag of replacement molex pins and connectors arrived today, I got them on Ebay in the UK, pretty fast shipping

Pulling the switches apart over and over left the pins ragged and it was just easier to cut the ends off and re-crimp new pins and fit new connectors

I bought the removal and insertion tools as well



These are the crimpers that are used, they have a ridge in the recess that folds he pin tabs over the insulation and wire



New pins crimped on

Old connectors cut off, new ends fitted



These new connectors are just like the originals

All back in one piece, almost like Greg Bender assembled it in the first place





This supplier has all the Guzzi style connectors for the Tonti era, two pin, three pin, etc.

« Last Edit: January 20, 2018, 06:21:48 PM by canuck750 »

Wildguzzi.com

Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #363 on: January 18, 2018, 09:22:14 PM »

twowings

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #364 on: January 18, 2018, 09:27:04 PM »
Congratulations!  :bow:

Offline TRw1

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #365 on: January 19, 2018, 05:59:52 AM »
Nice work!http://wildguzzi.com/forum/Smileys/default/bow.gif

Offline Don G

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #366 on: January 19, 2018, 09:46:51 AM »
Jim: Next time try B&E Electronics for the Molex supplies, they have a Warehouse in Calgary and one in Saskatoon, way faster and cheaper as well.  DonG

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #367 on: January 19, 2018, 12:23:39 PM »
Jim: Next time try B&E Electronics for the Molex supplies, they have a Warehouse in Calgary and one in Saskatoon, way faster and cheaper as well.  DonG

Thanks for the lead Don, good to know.


Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #368 on: January 19, 2018, 12:40:43 PM »
I just buy mine from Greg Bender. <shrug>
Charlie

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #369 on: January 19, 2018, 03:20:54 PM »
I just buy mine from Greg Bender. <shrug>

Now why didn't I think of that!

I just never thought of looking for individual components from Greg. :thewife:

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #370 on: January 19, 2018, 04:15:10 PM »
Now why didn't I think of that!

I just never thought of looking for individual components from Greg. :thewife:

Greg probably tires of me bugging him about misc. bits and pieces.  :wink:
Charlie

Offline Huzo

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #371 on: January 20, 2018, 02:34:37 AM »
A bag of replacement molex pins and connectors arrived today, I got them on Ebay in the UK, pretty fast shipping



Pulling the switches apart over and over left the pins ragged and it was just easier to cut the ends off and re-crimp new pins and fit new connectors

I bought the removal and insertion tools as well



These are the crimpers that are used, they have a ridge in the recess that folds he pin tabs over the insulation and wire



New pins crimped on

Old connectors cut off, new ends fitted



These new connectors are just like the originals

All back in one piece, almost like Greg Bender assembled it in the first place





This supplier has all the Guzzi style connectors for the Tonti era, two pin, three pin, etc.
Jim Carey (Carrey)!!!
Well alllrrriggghhhttyyy y then !

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #372 on: January 22, 2018, 09:46:50 PM »
Starter working now thanks to Kiwi Roy, bypassed the press to start button and the starter does what it should!

I checked the compression (new rings and honed iron pistons) and its an even 150 psi per side, I am happy with that, should go up to 160 psi with running on of the rings.

I tried a separate ground wire to the handlebars where I scrapped the paint off for the switch ground tabs and ran the ground back to the frame, press to start still won't start, same for the horn, grounding is not a problem, its still in the damn switches.

I am going to strip the switches one more time before I replace them with modern universal switches, fingers crossed.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2018, 12:25:24 PM by canuck750 »

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #373 on: January 24, 2018, 09:37:03 PM »
FINALLY !!!! I have both the left and right hand switches working, reliably too (or so it seems).

For the right it was a poor ground from the switch ground tab making contact with the bare clip-on bar face, more paint scraping, tab bending and 'springing' of the push to start tab until contact was regular and strong. I was so relieved I wore the battery down pressing the starter button while checking for a good strong spark on both cylinders.

The left hand switch horn button was a bear to trace, same ground check, spring tab check, trace the power through the relay back to the fuse panel. Every wire showing continuity and then the penny dropped, the brown power lead into the fuse box had not made contact with the powered fuse box lug, duh!! Well at least I eventually found it and its so satisfying to have all the lights, brake light signals and horn working as they should.

With a good spark and compression its time to fill the tuning gas bottle and connect the fuel to the carbs, hold my breath, cross all digits and press start ..... stay tuned for the big bang :evil:

Offline TRw1

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #374 on: January 24, 2018, 10:55:54 PM »
Great news!  We all knew you would figure it out.  Look forward to the next chapter.

Offline Bucky

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #375 on: January 25, 2018, 08:31:59 AM »
 :thumb:s

Maybe video the initial start and post it...

And good work on solving the electrical gremlins!
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Offline Rick4003

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #376 on: January 26, 2018, 11:15:58 PM »
+1 for the start up video :grin:

As always good job with the problem solving and great that you got those pesky switches sorted out.

-Ulrik

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Moto Guzzi 850 T5 (850 sport) - 1985
Moto Guzzi Ambassador - 1967
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Offline Stephen Hill

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #377 on: January 28, 2018, 12:44:02 AM »
Jim, I noticed earlier in the thread that the headlight rim stuck out past the fairing about an inch or so.  In your final photos the headlight rim is about flush with the fairing.  The stock US sealed headlight sticks out.  The European non-sealed headlight sits flush.  What did you do to make it flush?

Stephen Hill
1977 Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1
1989 Honda NT650, 1999 Honda VFR
1956 BSA Gold Star, 1968 BSA Royal Star
1968 Triumph Bonneville, 1969 Triumph Daytona, 1973 Triumph Trident
1968 Norton Fastback, 1969 Norton 650SS, 1972 Norton Commando Combat, 1974 Norton Commando Interstate

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #378 on: January 28, 2018, 06:20:33 PM »
Jim, I noticed earlier in the thread that the headlight rim stuck out past the fairing about an inch or so.  In your final photos the headlight rim is about flush with the fairing.  The stock US sealed headlight sticks out.  The European non-sealed headlight sits flush.  What did you do to make it flush?

Stephen Hill

The European headlight is also smaller in diameter. MG Cycle sells a reproduction fiberglass faring with the smaller diameter headlight opening, this is what I mounted on the 77 Le Mans. I then found a matching diameter all black headlight on UK Ebay to fit the opening. In my opinion the US version with the headlight sticking out past the fairing looks like a Minion from the movie Despicable Me!

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #379 on: January 28, 2018, 06:54:58 PM »
 :1:
The European headlight is also smaller in diameter. MG Cycle sells a reproduction fiberglass faring with the smaller diameter headlight opening, this is what I mounted on the 77 Le Mans. I then found a matching diameter all black headlight on UK Ebay to fit the opening. In my opinion the US version with the headlight sticking out past the fairing looks like a Minion from the movie Despicable Me!
I agree 100 %!!
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canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #380 on: January 29, 2018, 03:00:00 PM »
I need to wait for some warmer weather to move the bike onto the driveway and start it up, I think that won't be for another month!

Offline Stephen Hill

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #381 on: January 30, 2018, 01:29:14 AM »
The previous owner of my 1976 LeMans modified the bracket that mounts the fairing, so the headlight does not stick out.  Looks fine, but it makes adjusting the headlight a bit tricky.  Is there another headlight rim and or reflector that fits into the stock bucket and uses the stock fairing?

Stephen Hill
1977 Moto Guzzi LeMans Mk1
1989 Honda NT650, 1999 Honda VFR
1956 BSA Gold Star, 1968 BSA Royal Star
1968 Triumph Bonneville, 1969 Triumph Daytona, 1973 Triumph Trident
1968 Norton Fastback, 1969 Norton 650SS, 1972 Norton Commando Combat, 1974 Norton Commando Interstate

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #382 on: January 30, 2018, 07:32:37 PM »
The previous owner of my 1976 LeMans modified the bracket that mounts the fairing, so the headlight does not stick out.  Looks fine, but it makes adjusting the headlight a bit tricky.  Is there another headlight rim and or reflector that fits into the stock bucket and uses the stock fairing?

Stephen Hill

Not that I know of, measure the diameter of the opening on the bikini fairing and check Ebay for a new universal headlight that may fit.

Offline swooshdave

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #383 on: January 31, 2018, 10:50:39 AM »
I intentionally put the lego switch on my 850-T so you know I have serious mental problems. It took a lot of work tracing wires and emails to Greg but I finally figured it out. It's oddly almost as satisfying to sort out Italian electrics as it is to get an engine running for the first time.
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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #384 on: January 31, 2018, 12:33:19 PM »
I intentionally put the lego switch on my 850-T so you know I have serious mental problems. It took a lot of work tracing wires and emails to Greg but I finally figured it out. It's oddly almost as satisfying to sort out Italian electrics as it is to get an engine running for the first time.

Legos are quite a bit better than what Jim's dealing with.
Charlie

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #385 on: January 31, 2018, 04:33:32 PM »
It's oddly almost as satisfying to sort out Italian electrics as it is to get an engine running for the first time.

True. But I think it’s easier to get an engine running for the 1st time than getting the Guzi electionics working !!
I do share your sense of satisfaction with beating a gremlin.

Offline 10doh

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #386 on: February 02, 2018, 01:46:46 PM »
Nice project looking good, doing a California to Cafe project and wanted to ask if you could help me out with a couple of measurements so I can get my ride height set... What is the fork length top to center of the axel and the rear shock length, if you could share those numbers it would be a huge help. Going to start posting a thread once I start getting things back together in the mock up phase. 

Offline swooshdave

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #387 on: February 02, 2018, 09:32:39 PM »
Legos are quite a bit better than what Jim's dealing with.

Quite a bit? We are still talking about degrees of horrible here.
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Offline Rick4003

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #388 on: February 03, 2018, 12:13:39 AM »
Nice project looking good, doing a California to Cafe project and wanted to ask if you could help me out with a couple of measurements so I can get my ride height set... What is the fork length top to center of the axel and the rear shock length, if you could share those numbers it would be a huge help. Going to start posting a thread once I start getting things back together in the mock up phase.

Hi 10doh, Your California doesn't have the same height of the steering head as the Lemans have, so the measurement will not be the same. For the California and most models after 1985 the steering head height on the BB tonti is 220mm vs the 170mm on the models up to 1985. You can check out my thread in the build sections also. I had the same issues when I changed the frame.

And Jim, wonderful work as always. I really enjoy following along in your progress :grin: Still looking forward to that video :grin:  :bike-037:

-Ulrik
Moto Guzzi 850 T5 (850 sport) - 1985
Moto Guzzi Ambassador - 1967
Yamaha FZR 600 - 1996 - SOLD

canuck750

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Re: 1977 Le Mans Rebuild almost done
« Reply #389 on: February 04, 2018, 09:52:10 AM »
The ‘start-up’ awaits Mother Nature’s cooperation, it has snowed at least 25cm (10”) in the past two days and daytime high temperatures around -20C. On top of not wanting to open the garage door and let the heat out I have been fighting a lousy flu for a week and shivering any harder is not in the cards. The LeMans is itching to show me what it’s got and I know it won’t disappoint. Let’s hope Spring comes in March!!

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