Handlebar convert for Le Mans 1

[hossegor]

due to an injury i am not able to ride my LM1 witht he clipsons anymore.  i would like to mount a normal handlebar, could someone tell what upper triple tree i could use ? i was thinking maybe a used upper tree from a Guzzi 850 T3 would be ok for installing the bar, but i am not sure.

thanks

[Arizona Wayne]

My CX100 & LM II came with a tripple clamp ready to take a handlebar and I put a superbike bar on my CX100 years ago.  I assume the LM II and CX had the same triple clamp as they use the same parts book except for the motor.  Just about any Jap. upper half of the handlebar clamp/bolts to attach the bar should work.  There is little frame wise difference between the LM I & II.  Maybe the forks are a little different width?  Guzziology should show all this.

According to my Guzziology the LM I fork widths are 180mm vs 195mm for my CX100.   But V65, SP & Custom, Monza II all have 35mm forks with 180 mm width, so maybe those top triple trees will fit/work.

[ritratto]

I would be interested in your top clamp and clip-ons if you care to sell.

[steven c]

 You will need a top triple from a LeMans lll which has the same fork spacing as the 850. Or some swan necks.

[Arizona Wayne]

On my CX100 the clip ons just go on the fork tubes below the triple tree and right now I left them on the bike so I have 2 sets of handlebars on it.     But the clip ons are behind the fairing so you don't even see them unless you look for them.

[Arizona Wayne]

You will need a top triple from a LeMans lll which has the same fork spacing as the 850. Or some swan necks.

Incorrect.  850 has 195mm for spacing like my CX100.  LM III has 180mm spacing like LM 1. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Incorrect.  850 has 195mm for spacing like my CX100.  LM III has 180mm spacing like LM 1. 

Per Guzziology: Both the Le Mans 850 ("Mk 1") and the Le Mans III have 180 mm fork widths. The 850-T, T3, Convert, G5, SP, etc. share the 195 mm spacing with your CX100 (and the Le Mans 850 II).

[Arizona Wayne]

Per Guzziology: Both the Le Mans 850 ("Mk 1") and the Le Mans III have 180 mm fork widths. The 850-T, T3, Convert, G5, SP, etc. share the 195 mm spacing with your CX100 (and the Le Mans 850 II).

That's what I meant.  When steven said 850 I thought he meant the T-3 variations, not a 850 LM variation.   

[mtiberio]

A Lemans III upper tripleclamp is your best bet, do not buy a Lemans II or CX100 or any of the touring upper triples... They are too wide.

[steven c]

 When I had my Lemans lll I put a set of KN super bike bars on it, not as cool or pure as clips but lot better for me, I just haven't gotten around to doing it on my 77 850 Lemans. Its my poser bike.

[jazzamoto]

due to an injury i am not able to ride my LM1 witht he clipsons anymore.  i would like to mount a normal handlebar, could someone tell what upper triple tree i could use ? i was thinking maybe a used upper tree from a Guzzi 850 T3 would be ok for installing the bar, but i am not sure.

thanks

Hoss,
Whatever bar set up you end up with be aware that you may have to replace brake lines and throttle cables with longer versions. There are many sources for custom brake lines but finding longer throttle cables with the correct Thomaselli fittings could be a problem. I have Telefix bars on my '78 Le Mans which are maybe 1 1/2" higher than stock and and my throttle cables are at their absolute limit. You might want to do a little homework to find out what throttle and cables the V7 Sport used since it had the swan neck bars which could be raised much higher than the stock '78 Le Mans clip ons. Good to hear that you're riding your Le Mans. That's what they're for. Museums are for mummies!

Cheers!

John

[Vince in Milwaukee]

When I had my Lemans lll I put a set of KN super bike bars on it, not as cool or pure as clips but lot better for me, I just haven't gotten around to doing it on my 77 850 Lemans. Its my poser bike.

I've gone a similar route with my LM3 years ago, but had a friend install the Bike Master Brand touring bars.  Lucky for me, he had about 4 or 5 different bars at his shop to make test fittings.  I do remember that some minor machine work was involved (drilling holes and cutting new threads?), but nothing a good mechanic couldn't handle.  My LeMans was transformed from being rather uncomfortable to not being half bad for riding a good distance.  I was lucky and was able to retain all the stock cables as the new handlebars pulled things slightly up and toward me. 

[Arizona Wayne]

Hoss,
Whatever bar set up you end up with be aware that you may have to replace brake lines and throttle cables with longer versions. There are many sources for custom brake lines but finding longer throttle cables with the correct Thomaselli fittings could be a problem. I have Telefix bars on my '78 Le Mans which are maybe 1 1/2" higher than stock and and my throttle cables are at their absolute limit. You might want to do a little homework to find out what throttle and cables the V7 Sport used since it had the swan neck bars which could be raised much higher than the stock '78 Le Mans clip ons. Good to hear that you're riding your Le Mans. That's what they're for. Museums are for mummies!

Cheers!

John

When I switched my CX100(LM II) from clip ons to 2 different handlebars I did not have to change any cable or brake lines. 

[Arizona Wayne]

I've gone a similar route with my LM3 years ago, but had a friend install the Bike Master Brand touring bars.  Lucky for me, he had about 4 or 5 different bars at his shop to make test fittings.  I do remember that some minor machine work was involved (drilling holes and cutting new threads?), but nothing a good mechanic couldn't handle.  My LeMans was transformed from being rather uncomfortable to not being half bad for riding a good distance.  I was lucky and was able to retain all the stock cables as the new handlebars pulled things slightly up and toward me.

BikeMaster bars are good and inexpensive.  Use them if I can.