Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on October 02, 2019, 07:56:01 PM
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A couple of weeks ago a 77 Lemans popped up on WG that was available. I contacted Dave and we came to agreement on a fair deal. Yesterday I made the 1000 mile drive to pick it up and back in 15 hours. The bike was represented very honestly by Dave and I am very pleased to finally have a Lemans 1 of my own.
(https://i.postimg.cc/WbZX3cMQ/IMG-5609-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/GHck7NgQ)
The bike has a cosmetic issue that involves the fairing, which the local painter guru will easily fix and damage to the clocks which I will send to Palo Alto Speedometer service. The brakes will need a complete sorting out. And of course, new rubber. I will probably go through the bike completely as I did with the 1000S I purchased last summer. The bike has been sitting for well over 10 years.
The bike has the factory Lafranconi exhaust option.
(https://i.postimg.cc/7PC7N1Q4/IMG-5637-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rzkKV4kZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/PxXpZYpg/IMG-5628-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CZ2xpZ47)
It also has Bitubo air adjustable rear shocks. Does anyone know if these Bitubos were a factory option?
(https://i.postimg.cc/W1ZkP2cH/IMG-5631-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FY9RyXRy)
(https://i.postimg.cc/9ftwrJMP/IMG-5632-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Ty13sjnh)
I am very happy with the bike and will start a thread in the Rebuild section documenting the bikes journey back to road service.
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Hot damn- looks great. Glad it went to a good home. I'll be watching your progress.
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Looks sweet!! Enjoy the referb!
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Dave, Looks like a nice project, I’m sure you will do a superb job.
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Good for you and CONGRATS! :thumb: :cool: :boozing: The 850 Le Mans is one of the most iconic Guzzi's around!
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Congrats, looks perfect!
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A nice purchase :thumb:
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Nice. :thumb:
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Congratulations, Dave! Best wishes.
I had a cosmetically raggedy '77 that came through Raceco Brooklyn, NY (Manfred Hecht, Amadeo Castelanni), back in the day. It felt quicker and lighter than the Daytona, on country roads. I don't name bikes or believe they have souls, but those 2 Guzzi's can make you yell in your helmet 24/7. Keep safe. R3~
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Congratulations, Dave! Best wishes.
I had a cosmetically raggedy '77 that came through Raceco Brooklyn, NY (Manfred Hecht, Amadeo Castelanni), back in the day. It felt quicker and lighter than the Daytona, on country roads. I don't name bikes or believe they have souls, but those 2 Guzzi's can make you yell in your helmet 24/7. Keep safe. R3~
Was the Brooklyn dealer known as the Ghost?
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Dave,
Ghost Cycles was/is in Main St. Port Washington, Long Is., NY. Sal DeFeo & Son? 516-883-5300. I'm not certain it still exists.
Raceco, 333 Kent Av. Brooklyn, NY (there are ~6 independent mc shops in the near area).
Manfred sans Amadeo moved to UK, perhaps 30 years ago. Until retiring 2-3 years ago he was still operating as www.raceco.com at Saxmundham, Sussex IP17 1BE UK.
Although still making specialty engine parts for Guzzi's he had a much larger business in Formula Ford performance equipment.
As long as we're here, Dave: Manfred Hecht sold his tooling & equipment for MG transmissions and final drives to Charley Cole. www.zydecoracing.co m Sag Harbor, Long Is., NY. Check out Charley's web site. A greatly talented MG racer and technician. Good fortune, R3~
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Raceco, 333 Kent Av. Brooklyn, NY (there are ~6 independent mc shops in the near area).
Road by there the other day. Back in the 80’s I ran a business out of a loft that looked over Manfred’s home/shop and I always wondered who the hell lived in that building as it was a bunker. A few years later I bought my first Guzzi and it was pretty cool for me to actually see the inside of that building. The Neighborhood was pretty bad back then and it always smelled like burnt sugar as the Domino sugar plant was the biggest factory in the neighborhood located on the East River where ships would offload the sugar cane and do whatever that do to create sugar. At night, Kent Ave would turn into a cruise strip for prostitutes.
I am guessing at this, but Manfred would not like that neighborhood now.
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:thumb:
Nice bike and you will turn it into a stunning beauty
I am enjoying the Italian roads it was designed for, riding the Amalfi coast today.
Jim
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Dave
Congratulations. You will have no regrets with that purchase.
I owned one back in the eighties and as it went off down the road, after I sold it, I realised my mistake and vowed to get another, which I did 25 years later. Big grins :grin: all round.
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Here's an update on what I found so far.
First a bit of history. I bought this bike from Dave who floated the bike out here on WG for sale. He was only a temporary owner. It had belonged to his long time buddy and fellow air traffic controller named Kyle.
Kyle bought the bike out of Arizona. It had belonged to Alan Trachtman (perhaps someone on the forum knows him). Kyle never transferred the title during his ownership from his time of purchase in 2009 to his recent, untimely death. What Kyle had done is taken it to Joe Eish (my best guess - no receipts) for a thorough going over after he purchased it. Other than being dirty from sitting for the last 10 years the bike has obviously been gone over thoroughly.
The engine/trans cases have all been thoroughly cleaned.
(https://i.postimg.cc/52wgy1dX/IMG-5652-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bZwkV7vP)
A Dyna III ignition has been installed.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Pr0VN2CR/IMG-5648-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zVSFcwSC)
With Dyna coils.
(https://i.postimg.cc/GmF0CZXQ/IMG-5646-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/zyG2wPZb)
After all of this work I don't believe anymore than very limited miles were put on the bike.
There was a tipover accident that damaged the fairing and clocks. I am sending Harmut at Palo Alto Speedometer Service pictures of them this weekend.
(https://i.postimg.cc/CMPQpFSY/IMG-5650-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3hjnYyP)
The local motorcycle painter guru already has the fairing to fix.
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Nice to learn Palo Alto is alive and well. Thanx, R3~
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Very cool! Watching with interest as I’m in the home stretch on my ‘78 resto/revival. I don’t think the Bitubos were stock. Great bike!!
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I received my LM 1.2 seat from Gutsibits. It is very nice!
(https://i.postimg.cc/W4TFzJms/IMG-5859-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXpTF8FZ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QMmBTxS1/IMG-5860-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jWWdVTpS)
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The seat looks great, what a unique seat design for sure on those.
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It's a great looking seat but you don't want to sit on it for long!
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I'll be watching. I'm sure you'll set a good benchmark for me to follow with my own '77.
I think for mine, I'll stray from the stock style seat to this one:
(https://www.gutsibits.co.uk/prod_img/lrg/IMG_1162.jpg)
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I ordered this seat from Gutsibits a few weeks ago. Probably won’t get it for about a month,but that is ok as the bike isn’t finished.
(https://i.ibb.co/MZ1Fp7F/9-D299123-E275-40-BC-AC13-45944-BB44-DBA.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/3sqVt8n/985-D5-CA6-6-A8-F-4-FB9-B090-DD29-D4-CEE40-B.jpg)
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I have those bitubo’s on my V7 sport - bought as aftermarket. Pretty sure they were not an option but look forward to someone disproving. My ‘78 long gone had koni’s from factory
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It's a great looking seat but you don't want to sit on it for long!
I’ve got just around 100K miles on my stock Le Mans seat of that type. I’ve always found it to be quite comfortable, the main thing on the Le Mans that makes the ergos work well for me is that I’m not sitting on the base of my spine, I’m instead resting on the flat seat with my thighs. It works for me, better than most of my other bikes
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I’ve got just around 100K miles on my stock Le Mans seat of that type. I’ve always found it to be quite comfortable, the main thing on the Le Mans that makes the ergos work well for me is that I’m not sitting on the base of my spine, I’m instead resting on the flat seat with my thighs. It works for me, better than most of my other bikes
My issue with the Le Mans ('77) stock ergos is that it needs rearsets to go with the clip-ons. I'm very comfortable with the forward lean, but, feel folded up with my knees in my chest.
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Good point, I have rear sets on mine.
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I have to agree with "Tusayan" , that stock saddle was near torture after an hour and a half . Got a Corbin remake and it was transformed to armchair comfort . A decade later, my wife replaced it with a brand new Corbin saddle . Painful present , foam had changed completely (looked great) , before the year was out we put the Le Mans aside , just no comfort
at all , 9 years later it looks as new :sad:. Before I had Corbin remake the original I went through two after market seats stocked by the Guzzi importer in Canada . Looked great , but by the time I got back to Ottawa from Montreal I realized they were all show and no go . But jeez they looked pretty . Peter
ps; the importer was a Franco Romanelli .
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I have put about 13,000 miles on my Le Mans since i have owned it and must say that the seat is a lot more comfortable than i was expecting. You are supported from your thighs ot your backside so pressure is over a larger area. I'm about 5ft 8' and 210lb..
(https://i.ibb.co/drrZVSQ/DSC-4358.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drrZVSQ)
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Before and after. Back from Palo Alto Speedometer Service. Hartmut does very nice work!
(https://i.postimg.cc/CMPQpFSY/IMG-5650-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3hjnYyP)
(https://i.postimg.cc/QC14pBDk/clocks.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Nice, what cost?
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A fair price for the high quality of work PAS performs in my opinion.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zfZbVVBF/Screenshot-2019-11-16-Mail-David-Swanson-Outlook.png) (https://postimages.org/)
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I received my Lemans stuff from the painter today. Craig did his usual excellent work. It was well worth the wait!
The tank had some cosmetic flaws. It had been resprayed at one time. The respray had a million micro cracks in the clear coat that could be seen in good light. There was also some touched up chipped areas and a shallow small dent in the top. The black satin had been sprayed gloss.
Before.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9M7xBmpF/thumbnail-IMG-5092.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wy9cqdZS)
(https://i.postimg.cc/RZgbSbh9/thumbnail-IMG-5102.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yDSTnj0r)
After
(https://i.postimg.cc/vHb4M0C0/thumbnail-IMG-6074.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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The fairing had taken a severe beating when another bike tipped over into it. I was worried about matching the dayglow orange, but House of Color had a perfect match.
Before
(https://i.postimg.cc/h4YwxY1G/thumbnail-IMG-5067-2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/0jKVc80y/thumbnail-IMG-5097.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jnK6jY1p)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8CK8YzMR/thumbnail-IMG-5098.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xkzFJYs8)
(https://i.postimg.cc/rwMvFr9G/thumbnail-IMG-5099.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BX7hmtkt)
After
(https://i.postimg.cc/SxKjYJS8/thumbnail-IMG-6075.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tYL9LRVC)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zGPvC8vQ/thumbnail-IMG-6076.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrvrnjQN/thumbnail-IMG-6077.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PLMhpmVP)
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The side covers had some bad touch up work done earlier.
Before.
(https://i.postimg.cc/Bb5Mdmkr/thumbnail-IMG-5093-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZ12Cjq6)
After
(https://i.postimg.cc/0jxykNXz/thumbnail-IMG-6078.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KvG8CRgV/thumbnail-IMG-6079.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8sYG6k4B)
The painter suggested I look closely at my fenders to see if there were any areas that needed attention, as he had some paint leftover.
I had thought the fenders were fine but my curiosity got the best of me. Under closer inspection this morning I realized they had a few issues and are now with Craig to fix.
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Looking gorgeous, look forward to seeing the bike done and ready for ice to thaw...
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who did the paint work?
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who did the paint work?
Paint Works in Loves Park, IL. Craig has been painting bikes for quite a few years. He is a perfectionist.
http://paintworks515.com/
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Wicks brought it to my attention at the same time I had noticed the fairing wasn't painted quite right. The upper part where the screen is mounted should be satin black, not red.
I returned the fairing and Craig will fix it ASAP.
(https://i.postimg.cc/zGPvC8vQ/thumbnail-IMG-6076.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Nice paint work. I should've sent all my bodywork out to you to have him do at the same time.
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Craig at Paintworks added the satin black. Looks perfect
(https://i.ibb.co/J26x3g3/thumbnail-IMG-6131.jpg) (https://ibb.co/J26x3g3)
Also he suggested since he had some paint leftover that I look over my fenders closely to see if they needed work. I thought they were OK until I looked them over closely. There was checking in the clear coat, a few chips, and a brake fluid stain. I am glad I brought them in!!
(https://i.ibb.co/HBSJzRK/thumbnail-IMG-6132.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HBSJzRK)
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Nice work!
A good painter is priceless, I am so fortunate to have Craig Cooksley in central ALberta, he is a master craftsman!
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Now that the V700 is done, let the fettling begin!
(https://i.postimg.cc/jSBnR9Ty/IMG-6858.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKq39tpP)
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The Lemans is now almost done. I just need to fire it up. Being just 2 weeks since my hip surgery it may have to wait a bit.
Here is a summary of what I did to the bike since I brought it home for those that haven't been following the build thread.
ENGINE
The engine was partially disassembled for inspection and found to be in very good condition.
Rear main seal replaced, and gave the exterior a detail.
CLUTCH
Replaced clutch and upgraded to the deep spline.
TRANSMISSION
Disassembled for inspection and found to be in good condition.
Rear and front main seals replaced. Front seal had been leaking.
DRIVELINE
U-Joint replaced and all spline drive shaft and couplings.
U-joint carrier bearing replaced. The bearing felt rough and upon removal found the inner race had 3 cracks.
Rear drive spline and mating drive spline on rear wheel replaced, along with new cush rubbers.
BRAKES
All 3 brake rotors were refinished by TrueDisk.
All brake pads replaced with "best" Brembo carbon ceramic pads.
New front master cylinder rebuild kit.
Brake lines replaced with black steel braided lines.
MISCELLANEOUS
Damaged instruments repaired by Palo Alto Speedometer Service
Damaged instrument cluster housings replaced
New wiring harness from Greg Bender. A thing of beauty!
Fresh paint by PaintWorks. Craig did his usual amazing work including the satin black finish on the fuel tank.
New exact reproduction seat from Guzzibits.
All rusty hardware was zinc plated at Manner Plating (local).
Fresh Avon AM 26 RoadRiders and converted to tubeless.
Fork seals and many other rubber bits replaced.
Whew! What was going to be kind of a quick go over turned into a bit more, but I am happy with the end result.
(https://i.postimg.cc/xCnffxD5/IMG-7529.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5HKdpmtQ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SRtkGmX1/IMG-7532.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hQxkDW1V)
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OK, I'll say it again...fantastic work Dave!
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:thumb:
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Bike is glorious, but I would expect nothing less from you, sir, having seen many photos of your other accomplishments!
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Great paint...the gloss day-glo should give up the bugs better, as well!
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:thumb:
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Dave, The bike looks great. Best of luck.
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Stunning work. I love the rake of the pipes. That would be a hard bike to take to the store in a drizzle.
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:drool:
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Dave, I feel like you were using a schrader valve from a pump or a water pressure expansion tank or something for your tubeless conversions? Can you post a link the the valve you use? Or is this something you source locally?
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Looks great!!!
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Dave, I feel like you were using a schrader valve from a pump or a water pressure expansion tank or something for your tubeless conversions? Can you post a link the the valve you use? Or is this something you source locally?
This is the stem I used. It is a Parts Unlimited unit available many places. MG Cycle has it. Works great. I installed them 6 months ago and have lost nary a pound of pressure once the RuGlide dried completely on the tire and rim.
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=218&products_id=4912
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That would be a hard bike to take to the store in a drizzle.
Right, the Lemans wont be my first choice for a ride with rain in the forecast. :grin:
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That looks fantastic. I bet it sounds just as good.
Nice work.
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This is the stem I used. It is a Parts Unlimited unit available many places. MG Cycle has it. Works great. I installed them 6 months ago and have lost nary a pound of pressure once the RuGlide dried completely on the tire and rim.
https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=218&products_id=4912
Thanks Dave, this looks great. It must have been another poster who cut threads thru the rim and screwed in the other valve I was thinking of.
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Vintage, legendary, Guzzi classic!! Beautiful job! Well done! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :cool: :smiley:
(https://i.ibb.co/6W1Lr7p/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-5-22-45-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/6W1Lr7p)
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That is gorgeous.
Sarah
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Thanks for all the nice comments. It was a fun bike to sort out as it was a pretty solid bike to start out. I thought my chance at having a nice early Lemans had passed me by years ago, but it all worked out.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8cpKgdqJ/IMG-7552.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7GRMgzPw)